Cyclist hit by car today (most dangerous, moving, bike)

[stevo75]

Originally Posted by BucFan

The mayors of both cities is trying to make the streets safe for bicyclists......the poster above appears to question the bicyclists' right to be on the streets, I could be mistaken. Bicyclists have the right to be riding on a lot of the streets and drivers fail to give them proper distance when passing and often take away their right-of-way. You don't have to be in California to ride your bike.

You are correct.

Alternate 19 has a bicycle lane on the edge of the street.

Most cyclist follow the rules but I have seen many who don't. For example the cyclist who are road racers have no problem crossing a 4 way stop intersection off the Pinellas trail. Numerous times I am stopped and the cyclist bombs through at high speed.

[BucFan]

true statements - best to use identified paths, trails instead of the roadways if you can - guess that was the other poster's POV.

[BucFan]

Sad story in today's paper - sickening. I can't imagine the family members, the witnesses, or the driver......what a sad story. It's a wonder that most of us make it through our lives unscathed. Parent's worst nightmare.



Neighbor recalls shock of boy, 20 months old, being struck in Clearwater | Tampa Bay Times

[The Chap]

Originally Posted by stevo75

I witnessed a terrible accident in Dunedin. Was at a redlight and first in line waiting. To my left (adjacent) a few cyclist crossed the road and the last one was hit by a car doing 35-40 mph. I wish I can unsee this. I pray for the cyclist and his family.

Perhaps I'm interpreting your post wrong, but... if the cyclist was to your left, adjacent, and you were sitting at a red light, then they too, as a vehicle, should have been sitting at the red light. Why were they trying to cross the road on a red light? If they're in the road, they're a vehicle, and should obey the rules of the road. Based on what I've observed, many of them don't.

If you ask me, bicycles should always be ridden on the sidewalk and never on the road (except when crossing the street via the crosswalk). In today's society, there aren't many pedestrians on the sidewalk anymore (especially compared to the number of vehicles on the roadways). Not to mention, if an accident happens...

- Bicycle versus pedestrian: worst case, pedestrian gets a few bumps and bruises, maybe a concussion.

- Bicycle versus motor vehicle: bicyclist death or life-threatening injury.

Who came up with the brilliant idea that bicycles belong in our roadways in the first place?

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by The Chap

Who came up with the brilliant idea that bicycles belong in our roadways in the first place?

I think a lot of people would disagree with your comment. Bicycles us no gas, are a clean, non-polluting form of transporation, give the rider very good exercise, and most likely the rider pays his share of taxes for the same road that you drive your automobile on.

[Joey Falcon]

Damn. What is Florida turning into?

[The Chap]

Originally Posted by BucFan

I think a lot of people would disagree with your comment. Bicycles us no gas, are a clean, non-polluting form of transporation, give the rider very good exercise, and most likely the rider pays his share of taxes for the same road that you drive your automobile on.

I like riding my bike too, and would be OK with everyone riding bicycles instead of driving cars. All I'm saying is, having bikes on the same roadways as heavier, faster moving cars is a recipe for disaster. You wouldn't let your kids ride their tricycle on a go cart track with a fleet of go carts circling the track. It's basically the same principle.

[stevo75]

Originally Posted by The Chap

Perhaps I'm interpreting your post wrong, but... if the cyclist was to your left, adjacent, and you were sitting at a red light, then they too, as a vehicle, should have been sitting at the red light. Why were they trying to cross the road on a red light? If they're in the road, they're a vehicle, and should obey the rules of the road. Based on what I've observed, many of them don't.

If you ask me, bicycles should always be ridden on the sidewalk and never on the road (except when crossing the street via the crosswalk). In today's society, there aren't many pedestrians on the sidewalk anymore (especially compared to the number of vehicles on the roadways). Not to mention, if an accident happens...

- Bicycle versus pedestrian: worst case, pedestrian gets a few bumps and bruises, maybe a concussion.

- Bicycle versus motor vehicle: bicyclist death or life-threatening injury.

Who came up with the brilliant idea that bicycles belong in our roadways in the first place?

No, he was at a crosswalk with an OK to cross sign, a few had crossed already along with joggers. It was a 4 way intersection.

I should have explained it better but I was a little shaken up at the time. Sorry.

I disagree on cyclist riding on sidewalk since it's called a sidewalk for a reason. What they should do is start enforcing texting and keeping drivers in check more often.

[EngGirl]

FDOT is supporting bicyclists by providing bike lanes where possible. I see no reason for them to be killed. There are some dangerous areas line shared lanes, but most bicyclists will avoid them at all costs. With bike lanes there should be no accidents. Very sad story

[1AngryTaxPayer]

In most Cities it's illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk. Mostly because it endangers pedestrians.