Cyclists- Where are your mirrors? (Tampa: insurance, live, price)

[mcharas]

Shout out to all the cyclists... It's a sport I admire, especially since the most I use a bike is indoors in spin class...

Since we moved to FL, the only place we ever saw cyclists with mirrors was the occasional rider in SE FL. Whether in New Tampa or the long trail that goes from TP to St. Pete, we haven't seen anybody in this area with mirrors.

Are cyclists used to pedestrians and autos giving them more consideration in this area of FL (which would be a great thing), that they don't feel the need for mirrors?

[BucFan]

I'm seeing them.

[Midpack]

Mine is on my helmet too. I had a mirror on the end of my drop handlebars, but it shook a lot (vibration) so I like the helmet mounted mirror better. Just one opinion.

It's been many years, but I've lived in four states, and FL was the least friendly to cycles IME. IOW, a mirror is a good idea there.

[GoodBeer]

I've been riding for years on the roads here and the one consistent thing I've observed is the complete lack of consideration on both the sides of the cyclists and the motorists. The drivers think they own the road and the cyclists shouldn't be there and the cyclists think they have some sort of holy right to do whatever they want. There are very specific laws here that favor the cyclists as long as they fall in line with them, but unfortunately, most of them don't. It's an ongoing power struggle that leads to a very dangerous situation with a ton of vehicle/bike crashes every year. I got hit a few years back by a driver who told me it was "no big deal" because she "only hit me with her mirror." The fact that she was closer than 3' was irrelevant to her because I "shouldn't have been in the road." I've also witnessed cyclists block traffic and edge drivers off the road while riding outside what the law allows. Laws and regulations don't matter when no one follows them.

[BucFan]

Was out at Ft DeSoto Saturday and 9 out of 10 cars were sailing probably 40 mph+ on roads with speed limits 25-35 mph. Some with jet ski trailers and no 3-ft space. Kind of unnerving at times as I try to keep to the most righthand side of the road for their benefit. Some drivers were moving completely over to the left lane to pass, which I always try to do when I'm passing a biker. I have a feeling some of the drivers were probably texting but didn't look over to see as I was focusing on my own riding.

Would be bad to be out there trying to get fit and stay healthy by biking only to be incapacitated by a careless driver who didn't go the speed limit and didn't see me because he was texting.

When riding in a State Park you feel like you have some protection versus the idiots. Didn't see any enforcement of the speed limits out there. Would like to see something like this at least.....

[WinterK]

I hate those stupid flashing signs. I ignore them for the most part. I hate speed limits for that matter. Most people can judge the safest speed they can drive at on a particular road without endangering others. Too many rules in this nanny state. I usually flip them off as I go by, traffic cameras too. And I never try to text and drive, though I know others do. If they are looking at their phone, they aren't going to see the little flashing sign anyway!

[mcharas]

Originally Posted by WinterK

I hate those stupid flashing signs. I ignore them for the most part. I hate speed limits for that matter. Most people can judge the safest speed they can drive at on a particular road without endangering others. Too many rules in this nanny state. I usually flip them off as I go by, traffic cameras too. And I never try to text and drive, though I know others do. If they are looking at their phone, they aren't going to see the little flashing sign anyway!

So, you admit to being part of the problem on roads here in FL?

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Originally Posted by WinterK

I hate those stupid flashing signs. I ignore them for the most part. I hate speed limits for that matter. Most people can judge the safest speed they can drive at on a particular road without endangering others. Too many rules in this nanny state. I usually flip them off as I go by, traffic cameras too. And I never try to text and drive, though I know others do. If they are looking at their phone, they aren't going to see the little flashing sign anyway!

Your insurance, if you have any, must be pricey.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by WinterK

I hate those stupid flashing signs. I ignore them for the most part. I hate speed limits for that matter. Most people can judge the safest speed they can drive at on a particular road without endangering others. Too many rules in this nanny state. I usually flip them off as I go by, traffic cameras too. And I never try to text and drive, though I know others do. If they are looking at their phone, they aren't going to see the little flashing sign anyway!

They're called "laws" and all states have them. Perhaps you'd be better off in someplace like Somalia if you find them too confining..

[mcharas]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

They're called "laws"

Exactly!