Around Sandy Springs

By casy

May 12, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

Thank you for this small bit of sanity in this ridicules city. I routinely cycle for my enjoyment and health and I am appalled at the rudeness of Atlanta drivers. So much for southern manners, or gentleman for that matter. I have been yelled at and brushed by large vehicles, ie a HUGE dump truck pulling a HUGE bulldozer. I never ride 2 by 2 and I always obey the traffic rules. Do you really want the life of someone on your conscience? Is it such a problem for you to move over a few feet? What if I were a child? Perhaps your child?

By Funny

May 12, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Funny how drivers in metro ATL complain about cyclists, when for every cyclist on the road there are a few thousdand cars, cars running red lights and stop signs, flying 25 miles over the speed limit, crossing over two lanes at the last second to make a turn, etc. Drivers in metro ATL are among the most ignorant anywhere.

If we want bike lanes, bike trails, etc., we have to start getting in the ear of elected officials, the State Transportation Board, GDOT, ARC, etc. Guess what elected officials? Every person bicycling means one less car on the road, causing more traffic and pollution. It’s not even safe for a middle schooler or high schooler to walk or bike to school anymore.

By gttim

May 12, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Wow, a nice, fairly balanced article on cycling on the road. Thanks.

I am always amused by people who say they hate cyclists on the road because they do not follow the rules. When I cycle, or drive my car, I am amazed at how many drivers refuse to follow the rules, ignore all signs and lights, cannot show common sense, and insist upon trying to talk on their cellphone while driving. This morning I saw several drivers almost causing wrecks by swerving from lane to lane and by being inattentive because they were more interested in their cellphone conversations than they were in driving.

I always handle myself on the road trying to remember that one should always yield to the smaller/lessor. When in my car, I always yield to bikes and pedestrians- no matter who may be right. When on my bike I always yield to pedestrians. When I run or walk my dog on the trails or sidewalks, I always yield to other joggers or families/children. It takes a second and everybody gets to live or emerge uninjured. I try to treat everybody like I would like my grandmother treated.

However, I am also the cyclist who will confront you if you are driving unsafely and endanger me or other cyclists/pedestrians. If you are a driver and some cyclist is flipping you off or yelling at you, it is not happening in a vacuum. You did something that was unsafe, uncalled for’ or aggressive. Think if you would like somebody driving that way around your family members.

By CBL

May 12, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

Simple as this: choose your battles wisely. I would not choose to bike to work or anywhere else during normal rush hours in this city unless I had a death wish. Besides, the roads downtown are in the same condition as a dry riverbed or gully- you’d need a mountain bike or dirt-bike to commute to downtown offices. There are much better places to ride in the mountains, in rural suburban counties, etc.

By Runner

May 12, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Love how bikers get indignant over drivers as if that somehow will help them in their collision with an SUV. Hahaha…you were right but you’re still in a body cast.

And bikers (and I bike) are the most arrogant group of exercisers out there today. For every one or two that claim how they follow the rules and are polite; there are easily 10 being total jerks, blowing through stop signs and lights, riding 2 across for no reason, refusing to go to the side on a steep uphill casuing traffic to back up b/c they are biking 5 mph., etc. There’s really NO wonder at all as to why bikers get treated badly by drivers.

By Harold

May 12, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I bike commute out in Marietta. I have ridden with the kids who live in Atlanta. All I can say about them is it’s no wonder drivers generally hate cyclists. I’ve witnesses these goobers zip through red lights with no regard to the cross traffic even though their bike handling skills were too inferior to hop their bike over a curb. Bicyclers should stop for red lights, period! However, if you can go safely, get your butt moving! Otherwise the bicycler makes the intersection run more slowly for everybody in the cars. Stop signs are yield signs when you’re on a bike. It’s not as easy as mashing the pedal to the floor. Try it someday and you’ll see why the bicyclers dont’ stop when there’s no car or ped. If there is a car or ped then of course you should stop and take your turn like anybody else. What gets me is on multilane roads when the cars honk if I am stuck in the right lane with them . Helloooo, there’s another lane YOU can use. I cant use the other lane unless I am turnign left, so if you cant deal with me, how about you just use the other lane? It’s easy! Also, just pass me. The longer you stay behind me the more YOU clog up the road, not me, and then there’s a whole line of annoyed drivers thinking the bicycler caused an issue when really it’s just an incompetent driver. Ugh. But anyway y’all enjoy your $4 gasoline and I will enjoy my free commutes and lack of obesity until one of you kills me but I will die happy at least.

By Jake

May 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

casy, you are in the minority: the vast majority of us bikers do violate the rules of the road, and in doing so give all of us a bad name. My advice to both sides: bikers: don’t run stop signs, ride single file, and presume that most drivers will not see / recognize your turn signals (problem I’ve had since 8 years old). Drivers: pass with as much clearance as possible and know that showing respect for the rider / being cautions will only add about 5 seconds to your trip.

By grapeape

May 12, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Interesting topic.

With all the smog in this city I would like to see a friendlier environment for cycling to and from work like bike lanes or trails. Meanwhile, motorists need to throttle back on the aggressive driving like running red lights for 3 or four cars, and etc.

I realize as a cyclist we do sometimes roll through stop signs when there is not traffic. It is not right but hardly a reason to expect cyclists to stay off the road.

Share the road people!

By Robert

May 12, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

We need seriously to rethink the allocation of our highway infra-structure. There should be more than just the occasional bike trail that goes no where working people need to go M-F. Bikers should have about a half lane barrier from four and more wheelers. If I didn’t have to fear drivers who think they own the road and truckers who know, I would consider 12 miles bike ride to and from the job. We could start with re-education of motorists.

By leah

May 12, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

If it were mandatory that everyone had to “retake” their drivers license written and road test upon renewal, most would remember the rules of the road. It should also be mandatory for every new resident in Ga (as it is with most states) to retake all test. Most states cover pedestrians and cyclist in their exams. What amazes me is most drivers don’t even know what “yield” means..or which side you go on in the median to cross over. We can all co-exist if people would just remember a little courtesy along the way…and in the end we all just want to get to where we are going..however that may be (bike, car, walking, etc).

By Meg

May 12, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

casy, there are no Southerners in the Atlanta metro area. For good manners head South to Cordele or Columbus or any other Georgia town. Don’t blame Southerners for Atlanta driving. I obey all traffic laws and get honked at and tailgated and nearly run off the road for doing it. It doesn’t matter, I’m responsible for my actions, and I won’t compromise that for people who break laws.

By DB

May 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Both my husband and my son are avid cyclists, and so I am probably a little more aware of bikers on the road than the average driver (heck, it might actually BE my son I’m running over!) I don’t mind waiting a moment on a turn to avoid cutting off a biker going straight at full speed. I don’t mind giving the biker a little extra room or following them for a few hundred yards until its safe to pass, and I try not to open my door when parking on the street without a quick check in the mirror to see if I’m going to be wacking some poor cyclist when I do so.

On the other hand, I get so tired of bikers who weave in and out of traffic and run through stop signs and red lights. Make up your mind: If you want to be treated like a vehicle, act like a vehicle! The thing I have tried to impress on my kids about driving is to BE PREDICTABLE — other cars should be able to predict what you are going to do. I think the same philosophy should be followed by bikers — cars need to be able to PREDICT what you are going to do. And for heaven’s sake, WEAR SOMETHING TO MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE!!! I don’t care if you feel like a Christmas tree — twilight is a miserable time for a bike-ride, if you want me to keep from hitting you, make sure I can SEE you! Chic black is NOT visible.

By casey

May 12, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

You would think that as a woman some of the male drivers might be more curteous, but usually not. I crashed once after looking both ways, nothing coming, started to go and was almost run over by a BMW going 25 over the speed limit. I had to slam on my brakes and kissed the pavement hard. The driver just roared past me. Still have the knee scar…Just think every one… I could be your sister, wife, mother, duaghter. Is it really such a big deal to be a little more careful and respectful of each other?

By grapeape

May 12, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

In response to DB. I agree with you on cyclists should were something to make themselves visible, and cycling at night is dangerous.

I would like to defend the weaving in and out of traffic though. Many times in a long line of cars on the way to a red light motorists do not adhere to the 3 foot rule for cyclists so in order to continue down the road we are forced to pass on the left.

Also, I appreciate your courtesy when driving. Thank you!

By Cody

May 12, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

You think there are problems with cyclists in Sandy Springs????? Come to the Northeast Georgia mountains! The area around the Richard Russell Scenic Highway (Hwys: 180, 19, 129, 75) always has cyclists now….with NO regard for rules of the road….especially mountain roads. I couldn’t tell you how many times I come up on cyclists riding side-by-side (and don’t care) or they’re waving me to go around….ON A BLIND CURVE!

I look forward to the winter season…no motorcycles or cyclists!

By Paul Palmer

May 12, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

This is Atlanta, not Europe, and the car is the major means of transportation. Roads were built for the benefit of cars. When cyclist adhere to the rules of the road, like stoping at red lights and maintaining a lane, come on out. Until then, stay in the park or on the sidewalk !

By michael

May 12, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

they should stop talking about obesity and pollution on tv and telling us to buy a bike when there is no where to ride it. atlante ranks dead last or major cities in the u.s.

By 1 Luckee Guy

May 12, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

I was bammed off of my bicycle recently. By a Suburban. The driver was very nice about it and I was very, very lucky. My accident with minimal injuries cost $4500.00 and this is only the cash cost. My performance at work was affected and my time at work was interrupted by appointments, paperwork and court time. A few months ago, a driver tried to run me off of the road. He nicked my handlebars but I was able to stay up. He said that I should stay on the sidewalk when we caught him at the light. My friend told me that sometimes (once a month or more) he will be squeezed off of the road intentionally by drivers. My friend rides everywhere and much more than I do. So I believe his stories. Drivers have a problem around here. I have retired from road riding because it’s too dangerous. On trails the hazards are stationary and not malignant. Trees aren’t out to get you. The problem with Atlanta is not enough riders. When riders get to a critical mass, thinking will change. Also, poor drivers should get a bicycle instead of a ticket. Take the vehicle for 180 days or so.

By Matt

May 12, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Why can’t bikers just ride on the friggin sidewalk? Yes, there are people on the sidewalk, but I think they will move out of your way when they see you coming at them on a bike. Common sense.

By gttim

May 12, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Paul Palmer: It is illegal for a cyclist to ride on the sidewalk. Riding on the roads is what is required by the law. Also, the roads were built for people. All people have a right to use the roads. It is only a privileged to drive, which can be revoked. If drivers want cyclists to adhere to all the rules of the road, they should set an example and do so themselves. I see a much higher percentage of drivers break the rules then cyclists. Perhaps all cars should be banned if they can’t follow the law?

By harold

May 12, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Paul Palmer does not know history! Roads were built for horses and made smooth for bicycles. Cars came along and ruined everything a while later.

By Ohyeah

May 12, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

I agree with those that say cyclist are arrogant Lance Armstrong wanna be a**holes. I ride but refuse to call myself a cyclist for this reason. I saw a group of jerks twice at Stone Mountian park. The speed limit in the park is 25 or less mph. If you feel the need to go faster than that ride in the bike only lanes you bunch of loser mofos… You loser people should be banned from the park.

By Clay

May 12, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I’m not in Sandy Springs, but I encounter “bikers” on Old Peachtree Rd between Suwanee and Duluth (near Peachtree Ridge High School) a couple of times a week. They give all of you bad names. They ride down the middle of the lane and they don’t even think about getting out of the way of traffic. You can spout out the “Road Rules” all you want—wearing funky multi-colored outfits does not give you the right to hold up traffic! Move over and let us pass safely and your problems with cars would go down in a hurry.

By GirlsMom

May 12, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

If I had a dollar for every time a car broke the law and a dollar for every time a bike broke the law, I’d get rich about 100 times quicker with the cars.

Yes, on my bike I do occasionally go though stop signs (NEVER red lights), but only if I can be absolutely sure that there are no cars coming from either side or from the opposite direction that might be turning (because of course, cars always use their turn indicators, right?) But trust me, if you are following me at said stop sign, you’d be held up a whole long longer if I came to a full stop, un-clipped from my pedals, looked both ways, and then got started again. It’s a lot safer, as long as I can clearly see the intersection, for me NOT to stop in front of your 6000lb SUV.

But I am still waiting for a good explanation why, on a quiet residential street, when I am riding alone, as close to the side of the road as possible, a car has to pass me at the exact instant that another car is coming in the opposite direction, coming within about 3 inches of me with his rear view mirror. Can it possibly hurt to wait an extra 20 seconds at the most to safely pass?

And drivers, please explain why when I am going down a hill on my bike, going the speed limit on a 35 MPH road, you still feel the need to pass me on the left in an unsafe manner, going 20 MPH over the speed limit, just because you can’t follow a bike down a hill?

I am on my bike either trying to stay healthy and exercise, or trying to get somewhere in a more energy efficient manner. None of these objectives deserves the downright hostility I encounter from cars on a regular basis. And my children don’t deserve to be orphaned just because you feel the need to get somewhere 20 seconds quicker.

Yes, there are bad cyclists, but there are more bad drivers. Feeling you have the right to harm me on behalf of ‘bad’ cyclists is akin to me carrying a gun on my bike and shooting random cars because of the poor driving habits of some cars.

By rip & read

May 12, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Bottom line: Same road, Same rules. If cyclists adhere to the same rules that motorists abide by then we can all get along. My observation is that the silly looking posers in their tight shorts and Euro cycling shirts don’t follow ANY of the rules of the road. In Va/Hi the bikers are out of control. I will not yield to you if you are disregarding basic traffic rules. You are taking your chances when you come up against me. I am heavily insured and when it comes to traffic etiquette I am a sweetheart, but don’t expect me to yield to you because you are on a bike. Follow the rules of the road and you will have a better biking experience. If you are an arrogant, smug jack*ss beware.

By Lisa

May 12, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

Why am I fairly certain that all of the people that insist upon describing cyclists that wear appropriate cycling clothing as “posers” are probably so overweight that they couldn’t/wouldn’t wear shorts at all, and are probably so out of shape from stuffing their faces and smoking that the mere thought of exercise gets them out of breath?

Cycling shorts serve a very important purpose, primarily to prevent chaffing against the seat when riding, and cycling jerseys are tight fitting to keep from blowing in the wind when riding, and are brightly colored so that you might notice me on the road ahead of you when you look up from your cell phone and big gulp when driving.

When you take your overweight self out on the golf course on the weekend, can I call you a poser because you wear golf shoes even thought you are much further from a professional athlete than I am?

You get so uptight about cyclist being arrogant, but I sense a bit of jealousy in your posts…I think maybe you resent my good health, knowing that it took everything you had to even climb up into the seat of your SUV?

By Relax, take a breath

May 13, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Hey “Rip & Read” -

A message from a cyclist who knows from experience…..

Be careful with these cyclists. If you takeout & injure a cyclist, you will DEFINITELY need your heavy insurance b/c you will lose in the courts.

Bicycles lose every encounted with automobiles, and it will blow your mind how many “eye witnessess” see your accident in favor of the cyclist.

By robo

May 13, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

Most cyclists are arrogant tools that routinely break laws. Then they cry about respecting bicyclists on the roads.

I will treat you like a vehicle, because that is what you are under law.

If you pass me on the right at a stop sign, like ALL OF THEM DO, I might run over your dumba$$ when I make a turn. Sorry, get in line like a vehicle is supposed to do, and death/maiming most likely won’t happen. Same thing goes for red lights. When a vehicle approaches a red light, a vehicle is prohibited from passing everyone on the right hand side. Just because you are an arrogant dullard on a little bicycle, does not give you a right to do this, CREEP. YOU ARE A VEHICLE, NIMROD, SO FOLLOW VEHICLE LAWS!

Not to mention the kamakaze cycle idiots that ride facing traffic. Who taught you the rules that vehicles/bicycles are supposed to follow? Blowbo the Clown? Get Blowbo to pay your hospital bills, JERKWAD!

By casey

May 13, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Robo, YOU are the A@^&Hole.

By leeboat

May 13, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Robo, You need to chill out! Jail time might help!

Drivers need to slow down and allow room for cyclist PERIOD. There are not enough cyclist on the Atlanta roads anywhere that will make you late for any appointment or Pampers run to the grocery store. Respect is all we cyclist ask.

Peace!

By David

May 13, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

First, I am not a cyclist.

robo - The problem isn’t that the bikes are going up to the front of the line at a red light. The problem is that you - like many Atlanta drivers - think getting from Point A to Point B is a competition. You are so insecure it eats you up to know someone is ahead of you! I know you think you’re a NASCAR phenom, but your ‘99 Chevy pickup is the SAME CAR thousands of others have. Get over it and slow the f* down

What the Atlanta area needs is a massive increase in the number of traffic cops and red light cameras. It would help on multiple fronts: city budget, traffic safety, and fuel consumption.

I also agree with the poster above saying we should take the written driving test when renewing our licenses. In fact, we should do it every year and it should include a driving test. There also should be more vehicle classifications (small cars, regular cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, etc.) that include a separate written test and driving test for each. Many people have no idea how to handle their Expeditions.

Having said all that, cyclists need to use common sense. I do have a bicycle, and technically could bike to work, but I would have to navigate narrow 2 lane roads. Not smart. Legally, I could, but I might end up legally dead.

By leeboat

May 13, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Ohyeah, give me a break. You are in a park, enjoy the recreation. You are the winner of the dumb comment award today!

By Fixed

May 13, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

ATTN: Rip & Read

Do you mind offering up what kind of car you drive and what color it is?

How about where you live in the Va/Hi?

By PedalMan

May 13, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Sounds like Rip&Read is one angry little man.

By Jim Osterman

May 14, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Dear Readers:

This “Comments” section belongs to you — but does the discourse need to collapse into name calling and personal attacks?

Can’t we discuss this — or anything — with a little more civility?

By Jimbo

May 14, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I ridden a bike to work and I’ve driven a car to work. I’ve kicked in a few car doors when they got too close and I’ve nearly hit a few cyclists that wandered into my lane without paying attention. I’ve come to understand that regardless of which side of the argument you’re on both parties are represented by a majority of jerks. Think of the bicycle as a VEHICLE first and foremost. If you were in a car and you ran a stop sign you would get a ticket. If you were driving behind a slow driver (and you’re a decent person) you would complain maybe, but you wouldn’t think to crowd them off the road. Bicycles are VEHICLES. They should be treated as such by both drivers and cyclists.

Cyclists: I’ve stopped at stop signs and lights and I’m sorry it’s hard to get going again, get over it. I know you it’s hard to wait your turn in traffic and it’s so much easier to cut down between the lanes.. don’t do it. Stay off the sidewalks, they aren’t for you. I almost collided with a stupid college kid riding his bike through the crosswalk illegally as I was making a legal left hand turn ON MY BICYCLE.. Oh man.. and cyclists, you’re allowed to ride two by two.. there is no reason to form a giant gaggle that blocks all lanes.. that’s just being rude, I’m talking to you “weekend Tour De Buckhead” crowd.

Drivers: Don’t crowd me or I’ll kick your car…It’s not that hard to make your way around me and going slow will help your gas mileage anyway. You people don’t need to be doing 60mph on Peachtree, that’s right, I ride on Peachtree.

SO be nice to each other and remember, bicycles are vehicles and they belong on the road. It takes a little patience to deal to live with each other, but it’s not honestly that hard.

By casy

May 14, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Spandex and Cycle Hating Drivers! Check out today’s Living section. Once Fatty now half his old body weight from cycling. Quit trying to run us over and come out and enjoy yourself. We will even forgive your past, better than a priest.

By casey

May 14, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Sorry Jim, Your right as usual. I did call robo a name and that was childish and rude. Sorry to robo too.

By RoadUser

May 14, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

I am a cyclist and a driver and I grew up in and now live in the North Atlanta suburbs/cities. It would be fantastic if all of the angry frustrated cyclists and all of the angry frustrated drivers got together and petitioned the Legislature, GDOT, the State Transportation Board, the ARC and local city governments to make the busy roads safe for dual use by cyclists and motorvehicles. All we need is a little more pavement and/or road striping that takes this into account. For instance, the majority of the roads in N Fulton have the white line on the right painted all the way to the edge of the blacktop; whereas in Cherokee Cy a lot of the roads are striped with 1-2 feet of asphalt to the right of the white line. The roads are pretty much the same width. I do not know why this occurs but I do know that that a foot or so of pavement is all I need to retreat right to let a motorvehicle pass safely with out crossing the yellow or double yellow center line. and Vice versa when driving, it is lot easier to split the difference and pass a cyclist with the lines for a guide. Bike routes could be charted with the busy connector roads that we all have to use with these bikeways along the side. As a cyclist I would stick to these routes for safety and As a driver I would appreciate not having to be delayed by cyclists. Stop whining and “Start a Movement ” like a popular talk radio host used to say. BTW I spend a lot more time on my mountain bike these days because I would like to see my kids grow up and not be orphaned or burdened with taking care of a quadraplegic.

By RoadUser

May 14, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I am a cyclist and a driver and I grew up in and now live in the North Atlanta suburbs/cities. It would be fantastic if all of the angry frustrated cyclists and all of the angry frustrated drivers got together and petitioned the Legislature, GDOT, the State Transportation Board, the ARC and local city governments to make the busy roads safe for dual use by cyclists and motorvehicles. All we need is a little more pavement and/or road striping that takes this into account. For instance, the majority of the roads in N Fulton have the white line on the right painted all the way to the edge of the blacktop; whereas in Cherokee Cy a lot of the roads are striped with 1-2 feet of asphalt to the right of the white line. The roads are pretty much the same width. I do not know why this occurs but I do know that that a foot or so of pavement is all I need to retreat right to let a motorvehicle pass safely with out crossing the yellow or double yellow center line. and Vice versa when driving, it is lot easier to split the difference and pass a cyclist with the lines for a guide. Bike routes could be charted with the busy connector roads that we all have to use with these bikeways along the side. As a cyclist I would stick to these routes for safety and As a driver I would appreciate not having to be delayed by cyclists. Stop whining and “Start a Movement ” like a popular talk radio host used to say. BTW I spend a lot more time on my mountain bike these days because I would like to see my kids grow up and not be orphaned or burdened with taking care of a quadraplegic.

By Mike

October 10, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

I was hit this past June, lost some teeth and my bike. Worse yet, I am out close to $6,000 in bills and the cost of the bike. I was passing traffic, on the right, commuting home from work. I was struck by a motorist turning right without a blinker. GA law states that it’s allowable to pass standing traffic on the right, but if a cyclist is hit, we are considered a “vehicle”, and potentially at fault. The double standard exists on the road between cyclists and motorists because there is a clear double standard in our traffic laws. I am not afraid to ride on the road, but due to the laws of this state, I am afraid that I can’t afford being hit again. I am out $6,000 because I would lose more money if this were to go to trial. So the question now becomes, for starters, where do we really focus our attention to fix this?