Need some advice, what is your favorite and least favorite about KC (Overland: school, restaurant)

[RjRobb2]

Originally Posted by cp1969

If there were NO bicycles on the streets, it would suit me fine.

This morning I had to poke along at 10mph behind two spandex-clad JACKASSES riding side by side on a hilly, well-traveled county road. No attempt to get into single file, despite the fact that I'm 10 feet behind them and don't really want to risk some oncoming driver's life by trying to pass them on a hill.

Cyclists have just as much right to the road as you do. The problem is that a lot of cyclist do not know the rules of the road.

[Samantha S]

Originally Posted by RjRobb2

Cyclists have just as much right to the road as you do. The problem is that a lot of cyclist do not know the rules of the road.

I don't disagree with that in theory.

But the reality is that a great many cyclists around here are a danger to themselves and others on the road.

Maybe this goes back to the cultural thing. KC has always been a pretty pedestrian-friendly city. By that I mean that car drivers tend to give pedestrians the right of way, even if they aren't on corners or crosswalks. Unlike Chicago or DC where most won't stop for you even at a flashing crosswalk when you're halfway across a lane.

So maybe people expect the same "right of way" on their bikes, and maybe many drivers are caught off guard. I don't know.

I did notice in Chicago that issues between cyclists and cars were more likely to be the car diver's fault. Around here, it seems to be the opposite. Maybe that will change over time if/as cycling becomes more popular here.

[cp1969]

Originally Posted by RjRobb2

Cyclists have just as much right to the road as you do. The problem is that a lot of cyclist do not know the rules of the road.

Then they should stay the hell off of it until they do.

I saw the same two ridiculous-looking, inconsiderate clowns this morning. This time they were side by side going the opposite direction, with a line of cars behind them.

[kcmo]

Well, those people bug me just as much as they bug you. Roadies can be downright arrogant and rude, especially in rural/suburban roads where cars can't get around them.

But I’m talking about urban biking though. When you go to cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Portland etc, there is an actual bicycle infrastructure with extensive dedicated bike lanes, trails, lockers, etc. Most transit buses will have bikes on the bike racks etc. Bikers are simply a part of the fabric of the city. It's no secret that KC is not exactly a bicycle friendly city.

[CrownVic95]

Originally Posted by cp1969

Then they should stay the hell off of it until they do.

I saw the same two ridiculous-looking, inconsiderate clowns this morning. This time they were side by side going the opposite direction, with a line of cars behind them.

I just noticed this thread and this series of posts goes right to one of my pet peeves.

I couldn't agree with you more about cyclists and they are the same problem here as they are there. And inconsiderate is putting it politely. Many - I dare say most - of these "ridiculous looking" (and I agree with that) clowns have a big time attitude about controlling the road and ride with utter defiance of even the most fundamental rules of the road. I mean like stop signs and red lights.

They ride looking for trouble and should count their lucky stars that most motor vehicle drivers have a lot more courtesy, common sense, and maturity than they do. That they get away with what they do is just one more offshoot of political correctness that shields these idiots from the wrath they deserve.

[OneKC]

The Myth of the Scofflaw Cyclist

TheWashCycle: The Myth of the Scofflaw Cyclist

Fact is, there are far more reckless and bad drivers than reckless and bad cyclists, and bad drivers are FAR more dangerous than bad cyclists.

[cp1969]

Well that's great to know, but it only takes two jackasses to inconvenience dozens or more of people who are just trying to get to work.

These a-holes are simply using the roads for their look-at-me exercise rooms. What the hell? Can I set up a Bow-flex in the middle of a road and make everybody dodge me? What's the difference?

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by cp1969

well that's great to know, but it only takes two jackasses to inconvenience dozens or more of people who are just trying to get to work.

These a-holes are simply using the roads for their look-at-me exercise rooms. What the hell? Can i set up a bow-flex in the middle of a road and make everybody dodge me? What's the difference?

lol

[OneKC]

Originally Posted by cp1969

Well that's great to know, but it only takes two jackasses to inconvenience dozens or more of people who are just trying to get to work.

Just like drivers. I'm not saying 100% of all cyclists are wonderful considerate people. But its silly to say that because one bicyclists you saw was rude once, all of them are. I've ridden quite a bit, and I can tell you the vast majority of cyclists are very considerate and obey all traffic signals. Its the drivers I've noticed who are far more idiotic and inconsiderate - and I've noticed that as both a rider and a cyclist. And while cyclists may put you through a mild inconvenience, drivers are KILLING people.

The roads are for cars and bikes. We really need separated bike paths, but until any of our cities get their act together and put some paint down, you're obligated to share the road, no matter how mad it gets you.

[CrownVic95]

Originally Posted by OneKC

Just like drivers. I'm not saying 100% of all cyclists are wonderful considerate people. But its silly to say that because one bicyclists you saw was rude once, all of them are. I've ridden quite a bit, and I can tell you the vast majority of cyclists are very considerate and obey all traffic signals. Its the drivers I've noticed who are far more idiotic and inconsiderate - and I've noticed that as both a rider and a cyclist. And while cyclists may put you through a mild inconvenience, drivers are KILLING people.

The roads are for cars and bikes. We really need separated bike paths, but until any of our cities get their act together and put some paint down, you're obligated to share the road, no matter how mad it gets you.

What is silly is to post a link to an opinion piece on a clearly biased web page and assume that any experienced adult is going to take it seriously. Or that it establishes fact.

You know what establishes fact for me? 43 years experience as a licensed daily driver, including a couple hours a day as part of my current job. That's tens of thousands of hours in the thick of traffic observing motorist and cyclist behavior. I'd suggest you stop embarrassing yourself with talk of "one bicyclists you saw was rude once". You're talking to grownups here. We know what is going on today on the roads with cyclists.

I say again that they

ride looking for trouble and should count their lucky stars that most motor vehicle drivers have a lot more courtesy, common sense, and maturity than they do. That they get away with what they do is just one more offshoot of political correctness that shields these idiots from the wrath they deserve.

I see this every day. Don't attempt to tell me or any other very seasoned driver "how it is".