Why!!!

woodigassto

I'm not a cyclist, so this will most likely be the only post of mine in here. The question I have is why? why? do cyclists ride on the street when a sidewalk is right Freaking next to them??? Saw someone die today because of this- What is the benefit? Is it just to piss off drivers?
I've wondered this for a long time, and I might even be that guy that drove by you and yelled out some profanity- but because of what happened today, I guess I was in the right!!

Thanks

Eden

Well gotta say troll though you appear be I will attempt a reasoned answer - no you are not in the right. Check your own state law, but here bicycles are vehicles with all of the same rights and restrictions as any other vehicle pertaining to use of the road. You screaming profanities at a cyclist for exercising their legal right to use the road may actually be assault - especially if you threaten the person with physical harm, so alas sorry to say dude you are the one in the wrong.
In fact there are places in this state where it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.
I'm sorry you had to see a tragedy today, but blaming cylists and trying to force them off of the streets is not the answer. Misuse of cars kills their own and other drivers and pedestrians too. To remove the likelyhood of deaths it would reason out better to remove cars rather than bicycles from the streets. Bicycles and pedestrians are much safer to themselves and to one another. Since we can't get rid of cars how about a compromise - more attention given to driving, the realization by drivers that a car is a deadly weapon and a better following of the traffic laws by everyone.

rwinthenorth

Eden, let me add to it:
+1 on all of the above. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, roads are for bikes, cars, motorcycles, etc... The guy that died today probably was using the road the way it was intended. I get buzzed by all sorts of a--holes who seem to think roads were made just for them. They too will probably die early if evolution is accurate. This kind of behavior is congruent with other stupid behavior and a disregard for other human beings. Think about this: unless you are on a trip of 5 hours or more, driving agressively either behind a bike or another vehicle will get you there about 2 minutes sooner. Plan ahead and give bikers a break. A vast majority of states don't have a dedicated paved trail systems. The ones that do, are more suited for weekend warriors and the cruisin' set. Most road bikers prefer quieter country roads to stay away from people like you and enjoy the view while we churn away a few thousand calories.
Assuming you don't ride a bike, I'd suggest you try one out; on the road, and get a feel for the the sense of accomplishment that can only be felt when you push yourself farther than the beer on your recliner cup holder or the pump handle at the gas station.

Bailsibub

That troll post is just whining, placed in the form of a rhetorical question.

You guys did answer his question in a logical fashion, and I'm right there with you.

But a person like that doesn't understand logic. They only understand their own type of behavior (probably fueled by a low emotional quotient).

Look at the post, they are not looking for an explanation. They are just lashing out like a village idiot to unknown strangers.

daveryanwyoming

Agreed, that's gotta be a troll. But it works in the sense that it sure pisses me off by reminding me of all the motorists that have honked, rolled down the windows and cursed, tried to drive me off the road or even thrown things at me for exercising my right to ride on public roads. I've had drivers shout about riding on the sidewalk, obviously oblivious to the fact that it's illegal and ridiculously dangerous to ride a road bike at 20+ mph on a sidewalk. Then they're gone and you're left fuming wishing you had the chance to corner them and explain cyclist's rights and the law. Well this troll has just done the same thing, a hit and run posting displaying incredible ignorance of prevailing laws. Doubt we'll ever hear from them again.

ilmooz

Are you the same guy that yells out profanity at cyclists riding on the sidewalk who come close to clipping you when you're out walking or do you vent your anger only when you're driving?

If you don't know why cyclists aren't riding on sidewalks then you obviously don't know why they do ride on streets. If so, you're ignorant of the law. If you believe the objective of cyclists is to piss off drivers then you're just ignorant.