This week’s issue of the Chattanooga Pulse has a feature article on the state of bicycling in the Scenic City. One person being interviewed recalls being told to “get off the effing road!” I have never ever *cough* been told that before. A small inset from a driver says that our roads are not meant for bikes. Perhaps someday the drivers will come around? *cough* In the meantime, read the rules of the road for bicycles and do your part to point the criticism back where it belongs. Don’t be an idiot cyclist.
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I don’t like how people park in the bike lanes. That really defeats the purpose of the bike lane.
On Saturday, from 10-1 the BCBST sponsored Walk the Walk event is regarding bicycle safety.
“Bring your child and his bike for this free event to promote bike safety. Participants will learn about traffic rules, street crossings, and the importance of safety equipment. Children will also have the opportunity to sharpen their skills in a closed course area with instruction. Free bike helmets will be given away to participants who complete the bike rodeo while supplies last. Refreshments will be served. Chattanooga OutVenture will provide bicycles free of charge for parents so that they may bike the Riverwalk with their children after the rodeo. Bikes are limited – come early!”
Oh, that really bugs me, too. I’m ashamed to admit it, but in the past I was so frustrated by it that I have been known to expectorate on vehicles parked in the bike lane.
Then there’s also people who pile debris in the bike lane (like brush, sofas, etc.). Both situations make it dangerous for the cyclist … as few approaching drivers pay attention to what’s beyond the bike. I often have to move out into traffic and wave my left arm and slow them down to avoid being sandwiched between the car and the obstruction.
Also, on the curve down by the St. Elmo Grocery Store I’ve almost been thrown into the telephone pole on the corner, because the bike lane practically disappears right there. People actually try to hurry up and pass me knowing that they’re cutting it pretty damn close.
What also kills me about the “roads are for cars only” mentality is that the same attitude toward cyclists is then applied to pedestrians. Back when I lived on Florida Ave. it was amazing to see how many people flew down the street (15 - 20 mph over the limit) while children and dogs were playing on the sidewalk just feet from the road. HELLO! Children and dogs are UNPREDICTABLE!
The more I ride my bike the more I think that it is just a matter of time before I get hit by a car.
Rednecks in trucks are unpredictable too. It doesn’t matter where you are. I was down at my parents one time. We went out to eat and there was this fool driving a big truck with a hemi. He was weaving in and out, going between lanes, tailgating, revving his engine whenever he was stopped behind traffic, etc… I don’t know of a good way to approach stuff like this. You just have to anticipate it somehow, be patient and sensible. These idiots are everywhere. Every cyclist (or runner) has to deal with them.
Didn’t someone throw some porno at you one time while on Nickajack Road? Seems you told me that once.
I have always thought there were a really high number of cyclists in this area compared to other places I have lived and visited. Not sure if that contributes to the redneck attitude or not. Suppose some of it could just be ignorance of cyclist’s position and right to the road.
There are definitely more cyclists here, too, than other places I’ve lived. But at the same time I think that over the last five years there’s been a resurgence in cycling … credit Lance for that I guess. Either way, drivers and cyclists I think are both at fault. That is, to an extent, some cyclists don’t follow traffic rules. We all need to follow the laws.
However, the car drivers (IMHO) are the ones with the greater responsibility. Anytime you get behind the wheel of a 1-2 ton vehicle and propel it down the road at high speeds you have to be cautious of the weaker elements around you. It’s not intended to be a weapon, but it can easily kill. It’s one thing to hit another car, but totally another to hit a bike.
Oh, and about the porno. It was just something I saw on the side of the road that appeared to have been thrown out of a car window … but not at me. It was a “sexual positions” instructional type video. I was climbing up the mountain and there’s this VCR tape lying there on the berm. Then about fifteen feet later I saw the jacket and booklet.
I did have a couple incidents on Nickajack. One time I was told to get off the effing road and was practically sideswiped by the pickup truck. The other time a guy thought I flipped him off. I hadn’t — I just waved my arms in astonishment when he tried to play chicken with me — but he needed to prove his manhood and defend the honor of his girlfriend (who was sitting practically on his lap in the pickup). He actually turned around and pulled up next to me at the intersection of Nickajack and Hwy 193. He got out of his pickup and started swearing obsceneties and was making “I’m gonna kick your ass” kind of gestures. It was the closest I ever came to having to defend myself from physical attack. It was a code red situation. I don’t do this, but I know of a guy in Atlanta who packs heat when he cycles (for reasons such as I have described).
Something happened today and I had to write a comment (again). I was coming back from NorthShore, driving up Frazier towards Red Bank. I was right near the tunnel (near Tubby’s). A bicyclist was up ahead on the shoulder of the road, going in the same direction as me. I assumed he would take that little path in the tunnel that is separated from the road by a railing. But the closer I got, I realized he was going to stay on the road. I couldn’t see if another car was coming at that point and I freaked for a split second. I would have had to veer into the other lane if he kept going due to the lack of space in my lane. But…fortunately he slowed down and let me pass.
So, the moral of the story is that it’s a 2-way street…