Commutants!

By Jeff Brown

November 10, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

I don’t know how many times I have watched someone whip their vehicle to the right as they pass me on my bike. Invariably when I look up I see them grinning in the rear view mirror. The last woman that hit me destroying my bike as she crossed a double yellow line making an illegal left turn without yielding, yelled at me as I lay in agony on the ground for having the audacity of riding on the road. I hope that the insurance company went after her for the actual and punitive damages they awarded.

By Babs87

November 10, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

I am all for people using alternative ways to commute. But the bicyclists I have encountered routinely ignore the rules of the road: weave in and out of traffic, drive between vehicles, and basically ignore the rules of the road.

By Donnie

November 10, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

Bicyclists DO NOT obey traffic signals! They blow right through the stoplights on Dekalb Ave.

You have to give respect to get respect.

By Grandhusul

November 10, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

I agree. Motorists in Atlanta drive as if they own the road and they’re the only ones on it. People dont let you in bumper to bumper traffic. I have blocked one lane of traffic for a little over a whole minute trying to get over one time because no one would let me through. A minute does not seem like such a long time but when youre in the middle of rush hour traffic and people are blowing their horns behind you like they dont have any sense, it seems like an eternity.

Driving a bike or rollerblading in this city is horrible. there are no sidewalks and i fear for my life anytime im on the road.

By D

November 10, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

I agree with you. Atlanta is a very dangerous place to walk, ride a bike or jogg. I lost my son the day after Christmas he was crossing the street with friends on his way to a store to pick up a part for a video game. Eighteen months later my daughter was hit by a car walking on the sidewalk the day before her high school graduation cermonies. Atlanta is one of the worst for pedestrians accidents.

By Grandhusul

November 10, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this

D Im sorry you experienced that. It just aggravates me the number of ignorant non driving people in Atlanta. All these one way drivers and hit and runs are ridiculous.

At one time I used to take pride in living in this city but I am considering moving shortly.

By m

November 10, 2005 10:37 AM | Link to this

Same road, same rules. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been yelled at by a passing car to “get on the sidewalk.” Being that riding my bike on the sidewalk is actually illegal, it just goes to show how ignorant some people are. I also obey traffic signals and rules.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 10:38 AM | Link to this

Grandhusul, I’m trying to understand how you were blocking traffic? Were you trying to make a left across traffic? Please explain.

D, I am sorry for the loss of your son. I am not familiar with the incident, but how was your daughter hit while walking on the sidewalk? Did a driver lose control of their car?

I bike, walk, and drive through the city. I have seen numerous people walking in the roadways when there are sidewalks readily available (Midtown area). Why? People run in the roadways. Why? Piedmont Park is perfect for running as is the track at Grady. There are many alternatives to running in the road but people choose to not use them.

I’ve seen many bikers, too, who ignore the laws put in place for their safety. They weave in and out of traffic, ride up next to vehicles, between vehicles, ride in the middle of the road, and there was one woman who flat refused to use the bike lane that is provided on 5th St. She just rode in the middle of the road causing massive traffic backup. Did she care? Nope. She sent us all that signal when she flipped us off.

True, there are drivers who ignore pedestrian laws and such, but there are many, many pedestrians and bikers who also ignore the rules. Everyday I see pedestrians scurrying across traffic five feet from a crosswalk. Why? Too lazy to walk that five feet? It’s ridiculous.

By SuperDad

November 10, 2005 10:40 AM | Link to this

Cynthia has more courage than I do.
Although my pre-teen son has a short walk to school, to the store or the barber shop I see the daily insensitive nature of fellow drivers and I refuse to put my son at risk by letting him bike-it or walk.

By No longer biking

November 10, 2005 10:46 AM | Link to this

I gave up biking in Atlanta after a motorist intentionally ran me off the road and then got out of his car with a tire iron in his hand and threatened to “beat me f@#%$ing skull in” because he had to wait behind me while I made a legal left hand turn.

By Business Brain82

November 10, 2005 10:46 AM | Link to this

I live on Gordon Ave. off of Dekalb Ave. and I can’t tell you how many people whisk by you when you’re on a bike. Within my community people are pretty courteous, but once you take to Dekalb Ave. toward Decatur St. you’re on your own. I’ve been hit as a child by two cars and thankfully survived. Now, as an adult, I’m very cautious and ride my bike “for” the drivers of motor vehicles like I drive my car….With Caution and Alertness. Be careful Cynthia on that bike and definitely on Marta. Maybe tonight you can ride your bike to Five Points and catch the train to your stop and then bike the rest of the way home. People do it all the time. Just a Suggestion!

Brandee (BB82)

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this

The only people I yell at to get on the sidewalk are the morons walking and running in the roadways. Walking in the road is illegal when there is an adjacent sidewalk. Running, to me, is no different except there isn’t a law in Georgia against running in the road. I still can’t figure out why anyone would want to do it, though. Especially considering running isn’t the best form of exercise anyway as it’s rough on your joints.

I brought it to PED’s attention that people were walking in the roadways and I thought there needed to be mroe public awareness but I was told that cars must yield to pedestrians under any circumstances and that simply is not true. I went to their website and the only thing they stated was one of the Georgia codes that pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to vehicles upon the roadway. Why not mention Georgia Code 40-6-96 (a) which states when there is an adjacent sidewalk, pedestrians must use it.

I routinely yell at a woman who walks her baby stroller up 5th St. daily to get on the sidewalk. She usually just flips me off and talks about how bumpy the sidewalks are. I asked her, “What more bumpy the sidewalk or my car hitting you?” Yep, I sure did. How ridiculous. Plus, the sidwalks on 5th St. aren’t that bad. It’s amazing that I’ve had three children, never once walked them in any roadway, and they all survived the bumps on the sidewalks. With those all-terain strollers they make now I’d think it wouldn’t be a problem.

By E. Lewis

November 10, 2005 10:53 AM | Link to this

When I lived in Italy, the drivers and the cyclists coexisted with no real problems. I think the difference here is that we are too automobile-oriented. He with the biggest toy (i.e. car, truck, SUV) rules the road. We tend to drive with our agency only in mind. Evidently obeying the speed limit and yielding the right of way are mere inconveniences that are too often ignored. It doesn’t help that there are no bike lanes.

By Aubrey

November 10, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this

Having gone to school in a town with many cyclists, you have to realize that it isn’t always the cars fault. If you are going to cycle on the road, be safe and follow the laws. I see cyclist blast trhough red lights and stop signs all of the time down here. If you want to ride on the road you have to follow road rules.

By Brian

November 10, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this

Same road, same rules. When you ride in the road, you are allowed 2 feet from the edge of the road. You get more space if there is debris. If I give 1 tip, this is it - take those 2 feet. When you hug the curb, passing motorists think they can just squeeze through - but they end up squeezing you out. But, if you take those 2 feet, they will give you ample space and take some of the next lane when passing, as they should. Do this for your own safety. You are riding perfectly legal when you do this.

Don’t ride on sidewalks, they are slower and not as well maintained. People backing out of driveways aren’t mindful of bikes. More bike accidents happen on sidewalks than on streets and riding on the sidewalk isn’t legal.

Use front and rear lights when riding after dark.

Drivers can be jerks, yell obscenties, etc. I have had my share. But, their bad attitudes are their problems, not yours, dear rider. A lot of other drivers, though, are courteous and will give you your space and time if you ride according to the rules. Don’t forget to use hand signals!

By Tired of Cyclists

November 10, 2005 10:57 AM | Link to this

Here is what I consistently see by bicyclists on the road.

Cars are able to eventually able to make a DANGEROUS pass around the bicyclist only to come to a red light. Now there are a line of cars and guess on on the right hand shoulder between the cars and the curb is riding to the font of the pack. The byciclist.

Personally, I do not understand why this is even legal. Biclyclists rarely follow the rules of the road (at least in Cobb).

By Diana

November 10, 2005 11:00 AM | Link to this

To everyone: I am a driver and I have been a ped. Drivers need to use common sense and courtesy. Drivers should be aware and expect peds and bikers. I think drivers in Atl are shameful. It does not matter if there are sidewalks or not. You can’t remove a disability or take a life back.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:00 AM | Link to this

Tired of Cyclists - the only time a cyclists is permitted to ride beside a car up to a red light is if they are in the bike lane. Other than that, they aren’t supposed to, but some do anyway.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:02 AM | Link to this

Diana, it does matter if there are sidewalks and pedestrians are choosing to not use them. Then, they are the ones disobeying the laws put into place for their safety.

I think, too, some of the people who get the rudest are the out-of-towners/suburbanites because they aren’t used to bikers and they feel they are an inconvenience.

By John Tackett

November 10, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this

Welcome to the world of cycling. I ride my bike 2-3 times a week from East Point to the Bellsouth center at Lindbergh and have seen it all. Drivers who think that you should be on the sidewalk, even though Georgia law allows you to use the street, to getting objects tossed at me, drivers not looking for cyclist or pedestrians to just plain rude drivers. And MARTA does not make it any easier for cyclist. Thye have no special area on the trains for bikes. People give you dirty looks when you board a crowded train with a bike. And the lazy people who use the elevators rather than stairs making cyclist (and mothers with strollers) wait because they can’t get off thier fat asses and walk.

I have strated using a whistle when I come across intersections to alert drivers that I am there. If Atlanta is ever to become a world class city, it must start incorporating bike trails and bike lanes. Otherwise it will still be the second class city that it is. Got to San Francisco and see what I mean.

By Marie

November 10, 2005 11:04 AM | Link to this

Until the ATL comes up with some type of alternative vehicle trails for bicycles, scooters, or other slow-moving commuters you would be well advised to stay off the road.

And be honest Cynthia, how much patience do you have for some guy/girl peddling along on his or her bicycle when your’re trying to actually get somewhere in your car.

I have to be honest I view a bicyclist as someone out getting exercise and not really trying to get somewhere important. Me personally I park @Marta and take the train into downtown; I would never dream of biking to work (a Scooter sounds like fun though and I must admit I never learned to ride a bike).

By gttim

November 10, 2005 11:05 AM | Link to this

Bicyclists DO NOT obey traffic signals! They blow right through the stoplights on Dekalb Ave.

And drivers do in Atlanta? Put down the crack pipe and slowly back away.

Yes some cyclists are not the best citizens in the world, but many are. Chances are the ones you hit may be good person, a parent, a sibling, somebody who is loved. Brushing back a cyclist or yelling at them before you speed away is cowardly. What would Jesus do? He would say a prayer for the cyclist’s safety, take half a minute and safely pass the person. What a shame all these red staters don’t follow Jesus’ teachings or ideals.

I was cycling one Wednesday night, single file with another cyclist when I was brushed back, flipped off and yelled at by a car driver. He and the woman next to him sped off. I saw the telltale fish on the back of his car, and guessed he was going to Bible Study at the church ahead. I’ll be if he did not pull into that church parking lot. His wife was furious and was yelling at him. I made it into the parking lot as he was getting near the front steps where a bunch of people were talking. I peddled up and told him what a Christian thing he had just done. I do not think he caught the sarcasm, but other church members did, I believe.

And Jennifer, you yell at a mother with a baby carriage. Wow! Lovely. What a tremendous person you must be. With courage like that, why aren’t you in Iraq fighting?

The next time you are tempted to get real close to a cyclist, think about somebody else doing the same to a member of your family.

By Becca

November 10, 2005 11:06 AM | Link to this

As a child I rode my bike all over Atlanta. I never had motorists yell at me, nor did I ride on the sidewalk. People are just too self centered, ignorant and rude to co-exist with anyone anymore. Ride , drive, walk, and run at great risk. It sucks but that is how it is.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:09 AM | Link to this

Biking to work is a great alternative to driving. It’s obviously less costly and you can get exercise as well. Your view that people on bikes don’t have anywhere important is clearly wrong as I see people daily commuting to work on their bikes. If you live close enough, why not?

By Brian

November 10, 2005 11:10 AM | Link to this

Maria, bicyclists are trying to get somewhere. That is why they are often called “Bike commuters.” I sometimes ride mine to get to work. I save a gallon of gas each time I do. I cut down on pollution and I remove at least one car from a residential street. I don’t give off exhaust or noise pollution.

The thing drivers have to realize is that bike riders ride on the road and are allowed to by the law. Automobile drivers are obligated, by law, to ride with them. They have no right to endanger bike commuters.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:13 AM | Link to this

gttim, Yes, I certainly do yell at her. How ridiculous to walk your child in the road when there are sidewalks. I don’t care if you view it as cowardly. I’m trying to get the point across to her that she’s being neglegent and stupid before she gets hit by someone.

I don’t drive too close to cyclists, either. I am very careful when I see people biking in the roadways.

And for you to cast judgement, isn’t that against Jesus, too? Hmmmm! Do you have a fish on your car, too?

By Mark

November 10, 2005 11:15 AM | Link to this

Cynthia’s cute.

By Jeff

November 10, 2005 11:16 AM | Link to this

If you are going to ride a bike in Atlanta, please take an Effective Cycling class from the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign (http://www.atlantabike.org/). You’ll have a better chance out there in the mean streets of Atlanta.

Of course, obey the laws - drivers are more likely to respect cyclists who follow the rules of the road.

But with all of the distractions drivers have these days - cell phones, makeup/shaving sessions, laptops, etc., you need to be very vigilant.

Take the class.

By Marie

November 10, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this

Brian and Jennifer — I know that there are some people that actually use their bike to commute to work, school, or run errands.

I’m just simply stating a mindset that many commuters in a vehicle have when they see someone dressed like Lance Armstrong riding a bike. More than likely you’re in exercise-type clothing so I think this person is out exercising.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this

Ok, I have to giggle at the people dressed like Lance Armstrong. Most of the people I see biking to work have casual shorts/t-shirt attire with a backpack on that contains their work clothing.

I also have to giggle at the roller bladers who dress like Lance. Sometimes you just have to laugh.

By Dina

November 10, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this

I have great respect for those of you that get your daily excersise through biking or running, however, I really have a problem with those of you that do it after sundown. A lot of people are night blind and have no choice but to drive at night with the new time change. It gets dark on our way home from work. We can see the lines on the road well enough to drive, but can not see someone who is on a bike or walking on the side of the road. Please for your safety and our sanity…don’t be on the roads after dark unless your in a car. We don’t want to hit you but we can’t see you!!!

By Rob

November 10, 2005 11:26 AM | Link to this

it seems everyone rushes to get home, to the bar, or just out of the city as the end of the work day draws near. it seems that when holidays or when the weekend is here, the drivers get very careless. it seems that when none of those things are happening the drivers feel they own the road. I wonder who is actually reading these blogs. Because if I had it my way, I would break metro Atlanta down into grids and allow people to hit the highways at certain times based on their “grid”. that would ensure minimal traffic at certain times. If you miss your time on the highway, you just have to wait until all grids have had their turn before you can go. that’ll teach ‘em all. (Sinister laugh)

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:28 AM | Link to this

Dina, if there is that big of a problem driving at night, people may need to find an alternative form of transportation that is safer. Bikes do have the right to be on the roadways and most of the folks who are biking in the dark have reflective gear on so it’s easier to see them. If you can’t see that well, that tells me that you need to just be a little more careful.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this

lol, Rob.

I think a good deal of the people who have problems with bikers are suburbanites. People don’t ride their bikes in the burbs like they do here because it’s even less safe out there. There really aren’t bike lanes or anything like that for bikers. At least in Midtown they’re starting to get more.

By Juice

November 10, 2005 11:35 AM | Link to this

Rules of the road go both ways. Cyclists must follow them too. There are rude drivers, dangerous drivers, and drivers who are simply misinformed about bicycles on the road. But there are also plenty of idiot cyclists too who follow the rules only when they suit them. If the rules are inconvenient, then they’ll ride along the curb and creep up beside you, ignore stop signs and run red lights. And when they do that, they lose respect in the eyes of other rule-aware and rule-abiding drivers who do share the road with cyclists. Done often enough, one of these rule-aware and abiding drivers might go over to the “dark side” of those ignorant drivers. I doubt they’ll intentionally go looking to run over cyclists, but they’ll be deaf to any “share the road” cries.

Before painting the drivers in one broad stroke, cyclists should look at themselves and acknowledge that some cyclists contribute just as much to the dangerous conditions, and prepare to do something about it.

By Dina

November 10, 2005 11:35 AM | Link to this

Jennifer, do you have any idea how many people are night blinded by the car lights they are meeting? The reflectors on your bike have no comparison to the glare of a SUV’s lights heading straight toward you. In my town we don’t have Marta (thank goodness)or any other alternative way of getting home from work. A good friend of mine is a police officer who works the night shift and is also night blind. Should he take Marta to your house when your being robbed? Night blindness is very common among most of us. If you want to take that chance then it’s your life.

By Rob

November 10, 2005 11:36 AM | Link to this

I hear ya, Jennifer! And I agree. I guess my contempt comes when I ride my bike, because I have to assume that the drivers are “intentionally” trying to hit me. Why, you ask? Not because I’m black and I feel “Da Man” is out to get me. But because one couldn’t mistake me for anything else. At 6’5” and 260, I know my a$$ is seen a block away. Some drivers are past the definition of rude. More like criminal intent to run bikers off the road.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this

Dina, I, too, am night blind but I make very certain I’m careful and mindful of people using the roads.

And if my house is being robbed there need only be one phone call to make: to the coroner because the robber is shot dead.

No other forms of transportation near you, huh? That’s too bad.

By Shannon

November 10, 2005 11:42 AM | Link to this

I remember the bumper stickers that read “Same Rules, same road”. Perhaps if more cyclists subsribed to that policy (signaling when turning, stopping at signs and lights, staying in order instead of passing all the cars at intersections) perhaps more people would give you some respect.

By rob

November 10, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this

Point for Jen!

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this

Rob, I encountered ignorant drivers last night while the family was riding. One guy didn’t yield the right-of-way at a stop light but we are prepared for those kinds of things and we were able to stop. We’re teaching our children how to bike as safely as possible, too, so they have a better knowledge of the rules and regulations. Plus, it will teach them to ride defensively.

By m

November 10, 2005 11:46 AM | Link to this

I’ve ended up in the hospital twice riding here. To be absolutely clear - there is absolutely no comparison between having to drive around a bike and getting hit by a car. “Respect” and vehicular homicide do not equate. ATL drivers lack any acceptance of bikes as part of a city, on the road, a fact of life you deal with. Go to Chicago or Denver for tangible examples of alternatives to angry driving.

By Saxman

November 10, 2005 11:46 AM | Link to this

You have got to be nuts to ride a bike, motorcycle, or jog on the streets of Atlanta; that, or have a serious death wish!

As an accident-free driver for over 35yrs, and experienced in big city driving (Chicago, LA, SF, Boston, Denver, Honolulu, etc.), THIS IS THE WORST & MOST DANGEROUS PLACE TO DRIVE, WALK, BIKE, RUN, or in general, MOVE AROUND, in the ENTIRE COUNTRY!

People drive too fast, too aggressively, too ineptly, & too distractedly! The simple solution, which goes ignored year after year, is POLICE ON THE ROADWAYS, and actually ENFORCING TRAFFIC LAWS!

We here, are driving in the land of NO CONSEQUENCES. And when there is little to no chance of ever getting a ticket, people are going to do whatever they want!

The revenue to be gained from fines would more than pay for hundred of cops & their cars, yet no action is taken to put this into play. Not to mention the HUNDREDS OF LIVES LOST, INJURED, and MILLIONS OF WORK-HOURS LOST BECAUSE OF THE MANY ACCIDENTS & TIE-UPS……..

Oh well……

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this

Rob, with that description of yourself I’ve probably seen you. Do you bike around Midtown/Downtown?

By Kevin

November 10, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this

One reason why runners often run on the street is because sidewalks are frequently worse (in more ways than one). Sidewalks are made of concrete while roads are asphalt; asphalt is easier on your joints. Often when running, the condition of the sidewalks aren’t good and can cause you to trip or constantly dodge objects and makes running less enjoyable. I ran on the roads often in Atlanta when I lived right off North Ave. I would ONLY run on side streets that usually have very little traffic. If I ran near a main road, I used the sidewalks. Running on a heavily traveled road is just dumb. Even when running on the sidewalks I often had to dodge car. The most important thing is to make eye contact with a driver BEFORE crossing in front of a car. If I couldn’t make eye contact, I waited.

By Mark

November 10, 2005 11:50 AM | Link to this

Have I seen cyclists blow off the traffic rules? Of course. Have I seen those in cars do the same? What a 1,000 times a day?! Today’s traffic skills (or lack thereof) is the fruit borne from doing away with drivers ed. Common courtesy is no longer common: it’s rare.

By Robb

November 10, 2005 11:51 AM | Link to this

Riding a bike in atlanta traffic should be listed as a extreme sport,extremly dangerous. Didnt know Cynthia was into the X-games…lol. Be careful Cyn and take the car tomorrow. MARTA after dark, hell I’m fearful of Marta during the day…..

By Stacy

November 10, 2005 11:51 AM | Link to this

Jennifer & Rob…get a room

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:51 AM | Link to this

Kevin, too bad there aren’t more runners like you. I see people running in the roads with heavy traffic. I also get upset when Wednesday night rolls around and the Hashers are running around the VA-HI area with their self-entitlement issues. They block roads and run abreast so they cause more traffic issues then if they simply ran on the sidewalks.

Running isn’t good for your joints no matter where you run. However, being hit is even more detrimental to your health. I would think if someone wants to run they would do it at the park or somewhere safer.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

Gosh, Stacy, I didn’t realize you would be so offended by my asking him if he bikes in the Midtown/Downtown area. I guess I didn’t realize that was going to be deemed as sexual.

Or maybe you’re ticked because you are one of the people I yell at for walking in the road.

By toml

November 10, 2005 11:54 AM | Link to this

Way to go on your commute, Cynthia. You have overgeneralized that all drivers lack the ability to coexist with pedestrians and cyclists, but that’s not surprising.

I ride on the streets and in the country. Both are good. Atlanta does have the advantage of many multi-lane streets. Cyclists know that they’re safer on these streets since they can safely “take the lane” (as they’re entitled-to) without causing traffic to back up.

On downhills most cyclists will take the lane (fast rate of travel). Smart cyclists move to the right when climbing (slow rate).

Lights front and rear are required at night. If you can’t see cyclists’ lights you shouldn’t be driving at night.

And spandex rules. My cycling friends are cute and sexy in their tights!

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:54 AM | Link to this

Btw, read my previous posts. I said I bike with my family. Family meaning I’m married with three children.

Maybe you need to get the room. A well-padded one.

By rob

November 10, 2005 11:55 AM | Link to this

To Jen. Yes…I do ride in that area. I ride from Decatur into town and back.

By Mark G.

November 10, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

I am a cyclist, I am also a car driver. I previously lived in NYC, so I have seen both sides of the issue in more than one city. For all of us suffering from a bit of driver/cyclist road rage, get a grip.! Cyclists by law have as much right to use the roads as cars do. As drivers you have no right to harass or cause them harm with brushbacks or angry responses. Would a cyclist heaving a brick through your windshield equal a brushback? At the same token, when I am riding I make sure to obey the rules of the road, they ARE there for safety. It is a three-fold issue: cyclists should and must obey the rules of the road and be mindful that there is a LARGE difference between 2 tons and 200 lbs. Two: motorists must understand that cyclists have rights to the road also. Third, yes, the city and municipalities must improve their cyclist and pedestrian offerings to make less, not more interaction between the two. My rule of thumb is to be aware whether cycling or driving when I encounter someone who is doing the opposite of what I am. If I am driving, I expect the most erratic behavior from cyclists and prepare for them possibly getting in my path, or even falling down. When they do not,(and most do NOT fall or behave “badly”) I am pleased and both sides are ok. When cycling, I expect the same and am thankful to see that most people are decent drivers, if only for their insurances’ sake. Drivers’- try to remember, that person on the bike is not responsible for what just happened to you in the office, or at work or whereever you are coming from/going to at the time of encounter. Cyclists - you need to be aware each driver is not focused on where YOU and your little bike are going in relation to their vehicle, let alone while they are on the phone or otherwise distracted. I assume that no driver sees me or cares until or unless we make eye or signal contact and we BOTH are in as much right-of-way for us as possible. And if either side feels they cannot co-exist, then there are Interstates for cars (with no bikes) and bike paths (with no cars)!! Beyond that, safety first, for both sides.

By Stacy

November 10, 2005 11:56 AM | Link to this

Im not ticked. You just act like this is an aol chatroom or something and if you yell at me be prepared to get your a* kicked!

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 11:57 AM | Link to this

LOL, Tom. I’m sorry, but I have never seen anyone in spandex that I’ve thought was cute or hot. Ok, except for the big hair 80’s bands.

By Karama Neal

November 10, 2005 11:58 AM | Link to this

Yeah, you’re brave Cynthia. Thankfully, there are folks working to make the situation for bike commuters better. Try Atlanta Bike Commuter and the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign. The nice thing is that when you bike or walk to work, you get to spend less time (and money!) at the gym.

By JamesS

November 10, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this

I agree that motorists do not give the bikers and walkers respect, but the bikers do not respect the laws themselves as most run right through the traffic lights and traffic signs. I have yet to see one yield or stop, they just jet right through. Respect starts at home and should be shown at all times, not when it’s conenvient. Regartding Runners should run off and away from the main streets, particularly places like Executive Parkway. This is too dangerous!!

By rob

November 10, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

To Stacey:

Darn Stacey. Jen and I don’t know each other from Adam. But since you’ve determined her question was ulterior, what do you deem marriage to be? The platform to sneak around on your spouse? Heck! Isn’t it easier to stay single? Jen even mentioned her marriage and family. YOU obviously are used to and welcome that type of lifestyle since it was the first thing that came to your mind.

By Jim

November 10, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

Atlanta and it’s suburbs are poorly designed for pedestrians and bike riders. I would pay additional taxes to have some nice bike paths and sidewalks in my neighborhood.

By Roslynn

November 10, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this

I think that it goes both ways — drivers and pedestrians, cyclists, etc. don’t have respect for each other. After witnessing an accident yesterday involving a pedestrian where the pedestrian decided he wanted to jaywalk and totally ignoring oncoming traffic and unfortunately was struck by a car. I will admit there are some drivers who don’t respect those who choose alternative forms of transportation, but it goes both ways —- i have seen some riders who weave dangerously in and out of traffic, etc. I think we all, no matter what form of transportation we use, need to respect each other and obey the rules of the road.

By Ted

November 10, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

Glad you have experienced what many in this town have experienced for over twenty-five years - rednecks with cars. Since the area is not policed very well, belligerents, such as rednecks (their look is no longer obvious) feel entitled to the road where the horsepower you have the more one OWNS the road. To correct this problem, like most of society’s problems, is law enforcement, not more laws.

Please ride the side streets where is view/safety is usually better. Still risky given the Hot-rod-ers. Life is a journey — don’t let the “speed bumps” discourage you. So pedal on and live a fuller life as you ride on the big roads to nowhere…

By Grandhusul

November 10, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

@Cynthia…You look alot like Angelina Jolie in your picture by the way. definitely a compliment.

By tina

November 10, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this

my boyfriend has been hit 6 times on his bike, and all of them occurred while he was following the rules of the road. luckily he was never hurt too badly, especially as the drivers who hit him did not stop. not a single one of the 6 even paused to see if he was okay.

i’ve had numerous motorists yell at me to watch out, even though i was in control of what i was doing, making sure not to get in the way of any cars.

here is the thing to remember: if i hit your car with my bike, it might suffer a few scratches, maybe even a dent. if a car hits me while on my bike, i will most likely end up in the hospital, if not dead. you can kill me with your car. i cannot personally injure you with my bike.

oftentimes, cyclists ride in the way they need to in order to survive. we are extremely aware of our surroundings—we have to be. if the drivers around us were just as aware, many accidents would never happen.

By Tim

November 10, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this

I would not ride my bike in traffic for all of Bill Gates’, Warren Buffett’s and the Sam Walton’s family money combined. I am nervous enough in my car with the rude and thoughtless dirvers as it is.

By MME

November 10, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

When bicyclists go through a stoplight, it is after they have checked out the traffic coming through. Most bicyclists have shoes that clip in, and to undo their shoes, wait and then RE-CLIP when the light changes green would REALLY cause a delay. Also, they have momentum coming into the light, but starting from a dead stop would take awhile. I’m sure the motorists behind them would be tolerant.[sarcasm]

Also, people wear bike clothes because they are the most appropriate for that activity. Bike shorts are MUCH better than wearing suit pants. My husband bikes to work (in his L. Armstrong-like apparel) and changes into business attire there. Who wants to walk around work all day in the clothes they wore biking to work?

By toml

November 10, 2005 12:45 PM | Link to this

Note to Jennifer: You’re riding with the wrong crowd.

By Neal

November 10, 2005 12:47 PM | Link to this

I think that some people that have commented on this board are a little lacking in understanding the number of people that use cycling as a form of communting. One post in particular commented on the belief that a person on a bicycle is exercising and therefore not going anywhere important. This assumption, although completely irrelevant, cannot be farther from the truth. Myself and many of my friends use cycling as a form of transportation for many reason(environmental, lifestyle, political or financial to name a few).

I also think that it is important to understand that people who are willing to commute to/from work/play typically live within a very close proximity of the frequented destinations. These commuters typically care very much about the community in which they live and that should not go unnoticed. Many of the negative encouners between cyclist and motorist take place between someone who chooses to live close enough to work to use alternate forms of transportation and those that choose to commute long distances to Atlanta for work/play. I personally feel that the motorists should respect the community that they are visiting by understanding that in and around downtown Atlanta many residents choose to use alternate forms of transportation and respond with patients and respect for the local community. I certainly never visit the divided highways of the subburbs on my bike and would expect hostility if I did so, but I should in no way feel uncormfortable on the city streets of/near downtown Atlanta where I live.

That said, neither the cyclist, walker, runner or motorist have the right to break the law as it pertains to the use of the roadways. The city desperately needs address this issue with increased bicycle access.

By Business Brain82

November 10, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this

I don’t know Tim, forget Bill Gates, for just the Waltons money I’d (at least try to) bike ride across “Spaghetti Junction” LoL!

By Keon Johnson

November 10, 2005 12:49 PM | Link to this

I used to ride my bike from Avondale Estates to Midtown all the time.. It was cool but, that was the summer on the weekends. I tried to avoid time when there would be a lot of traffic. I’m not an expert but there are certain streets you want o avoid. 1. Avoid Ponce De Leon…at least the part in Dekalb by Scott Blvd till you get to Moreland. There too many hills, curves and short shoulders. You know how be Atlantan drive when we’re on our way to work…if you HAVE TO use that route stay on the side walk at least till you get pas Moreland where there are less curves. Dekalb Ave isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. There good Visibility it a designated bike path and not there are actual paths so you can avoid the street all together. ON top of that…if you ever get tired you can stop and get on the MARTA. Now that Grady Homes has been set to be become mixxed you… You’re about to see some MOVER DEVELOPEMENT THAT WILL COMPLIMENT THAT ROUTE.

By Bobb

November 10, 2005 12:49 PM | Link to this

There is a little know rule of physics stating that a moron on a bicycle is not equal to a motorized vehicle despite what the “rules of the road” might say. Anyone who thinks the reverse is true rides at their own risk.

By D

November 10, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this

Response to Grandhusul My daughter was walking on the sidewalk when a car turning hit another car moving the both lost controll of the cars. Resulting in the accident. Thanks for the concern.

By gttim

November 10, 2005 01:02 PM | Link to this

Cynthia is cute, as somebody noted. And she has a great smile.

Jennifer is nuts, and probably bored. And since the religious (not)right and family values types feel free to compare any actions to what Jesus would do, I will as well. Again, maybe you should look in the mirror? Would Jesus yell at a mother struggling to push a child, or offer a ride. I think you need to read the part in the Bible about Jesus and a mule? Would he yell, or attempt to reason in a polite manner? Are you cowardly and rude?

Do not blame this problem on “rednecks.” I for years have been riding roads in Atlanta and way outside the perimeter. Most country folk are very polite to cyclists. Yes there are a few exceptions, like teenagers, but most folk in the country are very nice. Now as subdivisions have been built, and the countryside has been invaded by self absorbed yuppies in SUVs, the roads out there have gotten much more dangerous. Most confrontations that have been happening include suburbanites, not “rednecks.”

By David

November 10, 2005 01:06 PM | Link to this

I’m a cyclist and a driver so I understand drivers’ consternation at cyclists who ignore the rules of the road. I do it too. I’m not proud of it. But frankly, I feel safer running red lights and scooting around traffic than I do trying to behave like a car when I’m on my bike. By creating my own rules of the road, I don’t have to rely on ignored, unenforced laws to protect me. When I run a red light, I check the light in all four directions as well as the oncoming traffic. I’m not justifying my actions, but I wan’t drivers to know that cyclists don’t run lights because they’re being ignorrant or inattentive.

Until such time as police departments in the atlanta metro area start adequately enforcing laws for motorists and cyclists alike, I won’t feel safe acting like a car on my bike. I know that enough motorists will ignore the laws to make it unsafe for cyclists.

And to those of you who cheer for MARTA not being in your neighborhood, shame on you. Your ignorance, xenophobia and (let’s face it) racism are deplorable. I blame your attitude for the poor state MARTA finds itself in today.

By Ron Ridgeway

November 10, 2005 01:07 PM | Link to this

When the speed limit sign says 30mph that is not a suggestion. That is the recommended maximum speed. If you can’t maintain it you are impeeding traffic. You are not that important on your bike that 20 cars are supposed to patiently follow behind you and tie up traffic even further while you get your excercise for the day.

By ron ridgeway

November 10, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

Vehicles pay taxes to use and maintain those roads/road devises. And your contribution with your bike is?

By Bill

November 10, 2005 01:15 PM | Link to this

An open letter to Georgia drivers:

— You do not have an automatic right to pass a bicycle that is in front of you in the same lane, even though the “bicyclist� may not be breaking the speed limit, as you are, and may even be going much more slowly than the speed limit. In “progressive� places, most “bicyclists� and drivers have a tacit understanding that the “bicyclist� will stay far over to the right, whenever possible, allowing the driver to pass when there is “assured clear distance.� A driver determines there is “assured clear distance� by using his or her “eyes� — the optical organs on the front of the head — and “brain� — an organ inside the head that can be used to “think� — to scan the road ahead and determine there are no obstacles to safe passing, such as “pedestrians� or oncoming cars. If, using his or her “eyes� and “brain,� the driver determines there is not “assured clear distance,� he or she must use his or her “brake� to remain behind the “bicyclist� until there is. This is a “law.� It is actually against the “law� to run the “bicyclist� off the road or threaten him or her, though this is customary to do so in Georgia. — You may not turn directly in front of a “bicyclist� who is riding on the right, cutting him or her off. Even though it may be inconvenient for you, the law requires that you use your “brake� to slow down and wait to make your turn until the bicyclist, who has the right of way, is safely past the intersection. Also, when making a turn or changing lanes, you are required to give a “turn signal.� Most cars (except, notably, Mercedes-Benz models), come equipped with a “turn signal� activated by a stalk on the right side of the steering column. Push it down to signal a move to the right. Push it up to signal a turn to the left. — If you strike a bicycle with your car, and injure or kill a “bicyclist,� you may go to jail — not the “bicyclist.� It is against the “law� to operate your car in such a way as to endanger a “bicyclist� or a “pedestrian.� — The road on which you drive was not built expressly for the purpose of getting you to wherever you want to go whenever you want to get there. It was built for all traffic, including “bicyclists,� many of whom pay taxes just like you for that purpose. Sometimes, in the course of travel, you may actually have to yield to other vehicles, whether it’s convenient for you or not.
— And here’s the thing that is going to be the most difficult to understand, but please bear with me: The universe does not revolve around you. There are other people out there, and no matter how they choose to move about, they have rights equivalent to yours, and you have a responsibility under the “law� to respect those rights. — When you completely disregard the rights of a “bicyclist,� and put him or her in danger, he or she is permitted to take down your license number and report you to the police. There is no “law� against this. — Finally, it is against the “law� for the “bicyclist� to kick a big ol’ dent in the door of your car. But don’t think the “bicyclist� doesn’t consider it — often.

By Jason

November 10, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this

Why is it legal to ride bicycles in the road while cars are traveling on that same road at substancially faster speeds???? That’s like saying, “Kids should be able to ride their Big Wheels in the road! “

By David

November 10, 2005 01:19 PM | Link to this

Ron, as you say, speed limits are maximums, not minimums. Slow down and share the road so I don’t have to break the law to avoid your recklessness.

Vehicles do not pay taxes to use and maintain roads. (Last time a checked, vehicles were not elligible for american citizenship and therefore don’t pay any taxes at all.) Every american man and woman pays for the roads out of their federal and state INCOME TAXES. My contribution on my bike is helping keep the air YOU have to breathe clean and not driving up the price of gasoline by using less of it. And your contributions with your ignorance and selfishness are?

By mr man

November 10, 2005 01:24 PM | Link to this

jeeze ron, you are such a jerk. do you think that cyclists don’t pay taxes? cyclists have a right to be on public roads. only on interstates does a minimum speed apply. “duh, i’m gunna use ma real name so everybody knows how dense my head is…”

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 01:32 PM | Link to this

Jesus would tell her to get out of the road before she gets killed.

Why would I offer her a ride when she is doing it for the exercise? She isn’t doing it because she is stranded. That would be different and I would offer her a ride.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this

The contributions to the roadways by riding a bike are fewer vehicles on the roads, less pollution, less gas being used, etc.

Vehicles tear the roads up whereas bikes don’t.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 01:36 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but most suburbanites are rednecks because of the way they act and their closed-mindedness.

Redneck doesn’t mean country folk.

By Marc

November 10, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this

For the record, to all you who keep on touting other cities such as Denver as more bike friendly, either lived in a bubble while you were there or don’t know what you are talking about. As a former resident, Denver has one of the worst traffic/aggressive driver problems in the country, just as bad as the Atl, if not worse in the winter months. And for all those who say Atlanta is the worst city to drive in, try driving in LA for a day.

By Lee

November 10, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this

The best part of this blog was seeing the pic of Cynthia wearing a bike helment and smiling. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a smile on her face. Did someone tell her that “W” resigned?

By Nikita

November 10, 2005 01:45 PM | Link to this

Hey, there. I walk, bike, and drive around Athens and Atlanta, and I wanted to address a few statements made earlier.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 01:45 PM | Link to this

LOL, Lee. Thanks for the laugh. It lightened my afternoon.

By chris

November 10, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this

I usually bike commute from downtown Marietta to my job in the Cumberland area, both of which are in Cobb County… The suburbs!

I rarely have any problems with cars. Most people around here are very accommodating. I love bike commuting!

The key is to do your best stick to the same schedule every time you ride.

That will usually put you in the same spots on the roads with the same drivers on their daily schedules. After a few weeks, they start expecting you and even watching out for you.

The more you bike commute, the safer it gets for you!

By Greg

November 10, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this

While in Australia last year, I was amazed at the amount of people who biked and walked to work. The Aussies didn’t see any reason to drive if they could walk or bike and be there within 30 minutes. As I took all of this in it made me ashamed of how here in America we are undetermined to give up our F-250’s and Suburbans to: 1) Get some exercise and 2) Help the environment. Have any of you heard that radio commercial advertising if you don’t own a big truck you’re not a real man???? Typical American propaganda! At any rate, I salute all of you who get out and ride your bikes or walk or take other means of transportation. I would encourage others to travel outside of the US and see just how selfish we really are. To get to the point, I believe 90% of drivers have no respect for cyclists. Some of this is indeed brought on by the cyclists disobeying the rules, but for you impatient drivers who are in gridlock, don’t fault the cyclists who have the luxury of weaving between cars as they continue to inch closer to their families and homes as you stress yourselves out in those BMW’s and Yukons!

By Larry

November 10, 2005 01:50 PM | Link to this

We have plenty of sidewalks where we live, and bike riders still insist on riding on the side of the road. Get on the sidewalks!!

By Nikita

November 10, 2005 01:51 PM | Link to this

Agreed, whoever noted that people get to know you on a bike. Every morning I see the same folks jogging, or driving, or biking along my route. I don’t know any of them, but I enjoy the wave and smile that I don’t generally get when I’m in my big steel and glass bubble.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 01:52 PM | Link to this

Greg, I’m not sure about that. If I were driving a BMW I probably wouldn’t be stressed out lol

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 01:53 PM | Link to this

Hey, Larry, it’s illegal ti ride bikes on the sidewalks.

By fredo

November 10, 2005 01:54 PM | Link to this

I am a cyclist commuter of Atlanta… I have been hit by a car, run off the road, trash thrown at me, honked at, cursed at… and I still continue to ride through the city.

I do have to say that some drivers have gotten better over the years, but we still have a long way to go. I invite all cyclist of Atlanta to join in Critical Mass at the end of every month on Friday.

Critical Mass is a group bicycle ride held after work the last friday of every month. The goal is to raise bicycle awareness and celebrate/improve rider solidarity. The message is simple - “Bikes don’t interfere with traffic, bikes ARE traffic”. It is by no means a difficult ride and riders of all skill/experience levels are encouraged to join. We ride slowly to maximize our density and impact. Past rides have been high in energy and enthusiasm with positive vibes flowing like crazy.

We meet in Woodruff Park at 6.07PM. There is talk that it may be moved earlier because of daylight savings time.If you wish for any further information… google Critical Mass.

By William

November 10, 2005 01:55 PM | Link to this

“Vehicles pay taxes to use and maintain those roads/road devises. And your contribution with your bike is?”

Interesting thought Ron. So, does the fellow in the Lexus who pays more tax have more of a right to the road then the fellow in the Civic? And what is a “road devise” Ron?

I bike to work on back country roads. I am not on the interstate. I have been yelled at, flipped off, and (my favorite) honked at just as the car is passing.

It takes me 15 minutes to get to work by car. It takes 25 minutes by bike. Assuming you begin following me at my driveway, you are only delayed 10 minutes by my presence on the road, auuming you don’t simply pass me. Poor bugger! Would you rather have ten bicycles to pass, or 10 idiots in minivans that you can’t get around?

Remember, a speed limit is a maximum, not a minimum. Surprised you didn’t know that Ron. Then again, perhaps I’m not.

Ron, its sad that you assume bicyclists are all on the road for pointless exercise. I would never assume that you were just out joyriding in your carjacked Camry.

Do us both a favor Ron. Wake up 10 minutes earlier, put on some relaxing music, and don’t get worked up to the point that you feel such rage against a fellow human being. It’s not healthy. But then, I’m not sure there’s much about you that is.

By Atlanta Bike Commuter

November 10, 2005 01:57 PM | Link to this

Sounds like a lot of back and forth going on between the cyclist and motorist with this blog. How about a happy medium that could make both parties happy? Check out my recent article on connecting disconnected neighborhoods. It’s on the front page of my website at http://www.atlbike.net. This is something that could actually work if both motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists were behind it.

Sincerely, Atlanta Bike Commuter www.atlbike.net “Get out of traffic and ride!”

By Greg

November 10, 2005 01:59 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, that might be true…I see your point:)! At any rate, I live in NE GA AWAY from the Atlanta ratrace, so when I go to ATL, I must drive. But after seeing how it’s done elsewhere and realizing how laid back some cultures are and how high-strung we can be, I decided to bike around my little town and have made quite a few friends doing it! Have a nice day!

By Atlanta Bike Commuter

November 10, 2005 02:07 PM | Link to this

Update to a previous post…… Check out my article on Connecting Disconnected Neighborhoods. This might be a happy medium for everyone. Sorry for the double post, just wanted to make the link clear for those not so web savvy. Sincerely, Atlanta Bike Commuter

By G

November 10, 2005 02:08 PM | Link to this

What Metro- Atlanta needs is to have MARTA go through all Metro Atl Counties. Dekalb, Gwinnett, Cobb all need to get MARTA to alleviate traffic. This will allow for alternative ways of commuting ie..biking, walking, rollerblading become safer.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 02:09 PM | Link to this

Greg, I find Atlanta to be a ratrace only when people are commuting to and from work or if there is a game of some sort going on. Honestly, traffic Downtown is nearly non-existant on the weekends but Midtown is a different story. Biking Downtown on a Sunday is great, though.

I’ve also ridden my bike from Midtown to Lenox Mall. When I make that treck I do ride on the sidewalks a great portion of the way because I don’t dare get onto Peachtree or Piedmont on my bike. Sometimes you have to take your safety into account. For the most part, though, I ride on the roads.

I told Larry earlier that it’s illegal to ride on the sidewalks, and it is, but I also won’t jeapardize my safety. However, it seemed to me at the time that Larry was of the mindset that you should ride on the sidewalks all of the time.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 02:11 PM | Link to this

G, all of the places you named didn’t want MARTA because they’re afraid ‘undesirables’ will find their way into their neighborhoods.

There was a blog all about that yesterday and the day before but it got pretty ugly because people wouldn’t stop posting their racial hatred.

By Bill

November 10, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this

Making another try at this, since posting from a Word document apparently doesn’t work:

An open letter to Georgia drivers:

After years of bicycle communting in Atlanta, it has come to my attention that there are some things you need to know — and that most of you clearly don’t. First and most important, is that driving is a privliege, not a right. In fact, you are required before getting behind the wheel of a car to have a document known as a “license” that you earn by demonstrating you have the physical and mental capabilities to control a large and powerful machine and possess a bare minimum of knowledge about the laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle. If you consistently disregard these laws, endangering others, your “license” — and your driving privilege — may be revoked. What are these “laws”? They are common-sense rules intended to allow you to safely operate your motor vehicle without killing other people (which, by the way, is against the law). One of the first “laws” you learn about when you prepare to get a “license” is that pedestrians have the right of way. Now, I realize it’s a difficult concept to get your minds around, but there are indeed people — these “pedestrians” — who get from one place to another by “walking,” a process of standing upright and putting one foot in front of the other in a consistent and repetitive manner. In fact, there are some people who choose to “walk” from one place to another instead of driving. When you see one of those “pedestrians” committing this strange act on a roadway, you are required by the “laws” to slow down or even stop your car. This may require using the “brake,” a pedal just to the left of the one where you place your right foot. You may not realize it, but all cars have them, even yours. While it is customary in Georgia to blow your horn, shout obscenities and throw things at these “pedestrians,” it is not required and it may in some cases actually be prohibited. An offshoot of “walking” is bicycling.” A “byciclist” is someone who uses muscle power to turn the wheels propelling his or her vehicle. And here’s another shocker: a bicycle is a vehicle — just like a car, but smaller. Under the things know as “laws,” you can’t drive your car on the sidewalk (though you often do) and a “bicyclist” can’t ride there, either. Sidewalks are for “pedestrians.” So bicycles must be operated on the street, just like cars. In some parts of the country (places that are known as “progressive,” none of which is anywhere near Georgia), there are actually usable, well-designed lanes on the streets designated for “bicyclists.” In fact, in some of these “progressive” places, the “laws” require that bicycle lanes be included when roads are built. This will never happen in Georgia, of course, so lacking such “bike lanes,” “bicyclists” here must share the street with you — and you with them. Now, get a good grip on your steering wheel, because the next part is going to get really bumpy. Believe it or not: — You do not have an automatic right to pass a bicycle that is in front of you in the same lane, even though the “bicyclist” may not be breaking the speed limit, as you are, and may even be going much more slowly. In “progressive” places, most “bicyclists” and drivers have a tacit understanding that the “bicyclist” will stay far over to the right, whenever possible, allowing the driver to pass when there is “assured clear distance.” A diver determines there is “assured clear distance” by using his ir her “eyes” — the optical organs on the front of the head — and “brain” — an organ inside the head that can be used to “think” — to scan the road ahead and determine there are no obstacles to safe passing, such as “pedestrians” or oncoming cars. If, using his or her “eyes” and “brain,” the driver determines there is not “assured clear distance,” he or she must use his or her “brake” to slow down and remain behind the “bicyclist” until there is, then pass the “bicyclist” giving him or her a wide berth. This is a “law.” It is actually against the “law” to run the “bicyclist” off the road or to threaten him or her, though it is customary to do so in Georgia. — You may not turn directly in front of a “bicyclist” who is riding on the right, cutting him or her off. Even though it may be inconvenient for you, the law requires that you use your “brake” to slow down and wait to make your turn until the “bicyclist,” who has the right of way, is safely past the intersection. Also, when making a turn or changing lanes, you are required to give a “turn signal.” Most cars (except, notably, Mercedes-Benz models), come equipped with a set of “turn signals” activated by a stalk on the side of the steering column. Push it down to signal a right turn. Push it up to signal a move to the left. — If you strike a bicycle with your car, damaging it and injuring or killing a “bicyclist,” you may go to jail — not the “bicyclist.” It is actually against the “law” to operate your car in such as way as to endanger a “bicyclist” or a “pedestrian.” — The road on which you drive was not built expressly for the purpose of getting you to wherever you want to go as fast as you want to get there. It was built for all traffic, including “bicyclists,” many of whom pay taxes just like you. Sometimes, in the course of travel, you will actually have to yield to them, whether it’s convenient for you or not. — And here’s the thing that is going to be the most difficult for you to understand, so please bear with me: The universe does not revolve around you. There are other people out there, and no matter how they choose to move about, they have rights equivalent to your, and you have a responsibility under the “law” to respect those rights. — When you completely disregard the rights of a “bicyclist,” putting him or her in danger, he or she is permitted to take down your license number and report it to the police. There is no “law” against this. — Finally, it may be against the “law” for the “bicyclist” to kick a big, ol’ dent in your car door, but don’t think he or she doesn’t consider it — often.

By BUSHWACKER

November 10, 2005 02:17 PM | Link to this

As far as people jogging, iking or whatever getting hit by vehicles, isn’t generally because someone just dosen’t look first because they have the right of way? You may have the right of way, but you still need to look because their are bad drivers out there. I don’t mean to be insensitive but I don’t want my headstone to read, yes I died,but I had the right of way!

By Russell Mondy

November 10, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this

I live in Oakland and regularly ride in San Francisco. I’m from Los Angeles and have lived in New York City. I lived in Atlanta from ‘92 to ‘98. It’s easier to ride a bike in Manhattan than it is in Atlanta. It’s not that the city is so hostile to bikers, it’s that the roads are built to accomodate anything other than cars. I lived in Midtown (Monroe, north of Ponce) and I defy anyone to just ride to downtown Decatur on Ponce. You take your life in your own hands. There were only a few ways to ride to Buckhead. Up Peachtree (deadly), up Northside Dr. (deadly), Piedmont to Peachtree (better) or up Cheshire Bridge (better). I did it anyway. Cars parked along curbs create a natural buffer for bikers (beware open doors). Not a lot of that in Atlanta. Good for you Cynthia for your alternative commutes. You all should come ride with us in the Bay Area.

By Greg

November 10, 2005 02:21 PM | Link to this

Bill…very well said! I’m one of those guys that calls 911 when some idiot blows by me on the interstate when I’m running 65 and they’re doing close to 100. I pay taxes, so I’m going to see those coppers do something other than sleep on the side of the road, which I have witnessed first hand! I get a lot of pleasure seeing a speeding moron pulled over by a county-mounty or state patrolman…heck, I’ve even been known to slow up a bit and wave! At the very least, they have a tag number and when he/she does get caught maybe it’ll still be on the tag number will ring a bell and the speed demon will get a ticket and not a warning!

By Greg

November 10, 2005 02:22 PM | Link to this

Bill…very well said! I’m one of those guys that calls 911 when some idiot blows by me on the interstate when I’m running 65 and they’re doing close to 100. I pay taxes, so I’m going to see those coppers do something other than sleep on the side of the road, which I have witnessed first hand! I get a lot of pleasure seeing a speeding moron pulled over by a county-mounty or state patrolman…heck, I’ve even been known to slow up a bit and wave! At the very least, they have a tag number and when he/she does get caught maybe it’ll still be on the officers mind and will ring a bell and the speed demon will get a ticket and not a warning!

By Nikita

November 10, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this

That’s true, bushwhacker, but I wouldn’t want my tombstone to read “died fat and sedentary because too afraid to bike.” The statistical likelihood of getting killed on a bike aren’t too high and in my opinion are an acceptable risk in return for all that I get out of biking. And the chances of being killed in your car aren’t too shabby, either.

By Chris

November 10, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this

Every time I hear of a motorist complain about a cyclist not obeying traffic laws (laws that are with little exception designed only with cars in mind), I wonder if they obey the speed limit all the times, check their blind spots every time and signal every time they change lanes &tc. (Just because a driver stops at RED light does not mean they obey all traffic laws). Until motorist obey all traffic laws I will continue to disobey these “traffic” laws that do not recognized cyclists as transportation or even as traffic. It is in my best interest to do so to secure my safety while surrounded by ignorant drivers and traffic law violators.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 02:25 PM | Link to this

Bill, I got a kick out of your post. However, I have to ask, who installed your turn signal “stalk?” because it sounds like yours is on backwards.

It’s not just Mercedes-Benz that did not come equipped with turn signals. Most SUV’s didn’t, either. Neither did some early model Corvettes. You would think installing those things would be mandatory by now!

By Traci

November 10, 2005 02:26 PM | Link to this

There is a time and a place for everything. Atlanta & the burbs are filled with bike paths, parks and endless subdivisions where you can ride your bike safely and not interfere with traffic flow. Not everyone lives 2 miles from work, so our cars typically make our living by getting us to our destination. In the meantime we not only have to watch out for all the jerks talking on cell phones & weaving in & out of traffic, but we also have to watch out for the bike riders that think they own the roads.

By Bill

November 10, 2005 02:26 PM | Link to this

Bushwacker, you better believe I look. I learned a long time ago that even making eye contact with a driver doesn’t ensure he or she won’t do something utterly stupid. I watch the right front tire instead — an old motorcyclists’ trick. And I have a mirror on my handlebars. But it doesn’t do much good when drivers aggressively disregard the rules of the road, as when they pull around a cyclist and cut a sudden right turn or back out of a driveway without looking. My hands are always, always on my brake levers.

By cyclists need a liscense

November 10, 2005 02:27 PM | Link to this

I find it rather humerous you have the same 3 or 4 bicycling nuts on this thread posting over and over again. You might even begin to think that the populace of Atlanta is evenly split on this issue.

Take an informal poll in your office and you will see wide spread support for banning cyclists on the road. Come to think of it, what a great issue for a local politician to run for office on (banning cyclist from roads).

I am a bit curious as to why cyclists do not have a liscense to be on the road. If they want to play with the big boys, make them accountable. Because right now they consistenly and fragrantly violate the laws of the road.

By Bill

November 10, 2005 02:31 PM | Link to this

“Fragrantly.” Yeah, man, that stinks.

By Greg

November 10, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this

Cyclists need a license…WHAT???? No offense to you, but you can’t really be serious! I’m not a cycling nut, but there is something that makes sense about riding a bike when a person lives close enough to do so! I mean, you’re probably listening to some radio trash packing in a doughnut or two while the cyclists are saving $$$, preserving the air YOU breathe, and listening to the sounds of the world…which unfortunately, is the sound of cars, trucks and all that come with it! Just think of how relaxing it would be if you could hear the birds instead of The Regular Guys! For some reason I picture a middle-age office company man devouring his 5th cup of coffee…

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this

It seems to me I remember that someone proposed a plan for cyclists to have a license but it was sharply turned down. Sorry.

It also seems to me that the majority of the people who are anti-bike on here are living in the suburbs. Am I wrong? Anyone who actually lives intown against bikes?

By Rob

November 10, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

Grandhusul- Those people behind you honking for one minute were doing so because it is illegal to impede traffic while changing lanes, pulling out onto a street, etc.

By Traci

November 10, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this

LOL…Bill seems to know everything except how to use his blinkers.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 02:40 PM | Link to this

I had asked Grandhusul the situation but I never saw a response but I might have missed it.

I picture it being a situation where they wanted to make a left turn out of somewhere and thought it was ok to block traffic as they did so. Then again, I’m probably way off base on that. I just see it happen all of the time. My husband his a woman in her brand new Saturn because some guy in a big truck waved her across. Then, after my husband hit her the guy in the truck drove on and didn’t even stay. The woman was obviously at fault but I bet she doesn’t make that stupid move again. No one was hurt, thank goodness. Just her car.

By TG

November 10, 2005 02:40 PM | Link to this

Yes Cynthia is Cute. I just do not understand her politics!

By craig

November 10, 2005 02:40 PM | Link to this

It really seems to me that we all need a lot more of the LOVE that Jesus talked about! It kinda seems like too many around/outside ATL area have gotten too rude, edgy, impatient and angry with our fellow Atlantans. Regardless of time of day or night, how about the ones in the bigger, heavier, & harder vehicle just being reminded that every walker, runner/jogger or cyclist is also on the road for a good reason. We ALL would like to arrive at home, at the end of the trip, ride or run…ALIVE. Remember Jesus’ words, the phrase called the Golden Rule? “DO to OTHERS as you would have them DO to YOU.” Others over the ages have probably shared similar words of Wisdom but it would be great if we could remember it is not about “judging” the person in your way.Just simply give them a few moments to get out of the way. Since it will really save a lot of lives and help others to have a better day. Yeah, when I’m out biking/running I may run a red light or stop sign, but it’s only after slowin down and looking good. I am usually out there because I am training to race (Go Leukemia TEAM, TNT Rocks!) We truly will miss Patty and May God bless her family. Let’s teach our kids that other lives do matter in this often-cruel city environment. So when I get out of your way, remember it was becauase of Jesus’ Love!

By Susan

November 10, 2005 02:41 PM | Link to this

This city makes me sick. I am moving as fast as I can. I had enjoyed cycling in my former home, and largely have given it up here. Usually, you can bicycle safely near universities and in the inner city, but not here. Face it, the infrastructure for Atlanta is virtually nonexistent. There are not enough roads for cars, not enough sidewalks for people, few parks to visit, and no respect for cyclists.

By Bill

November 10, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this

Yeah. Shows you how infrequently I drive my 4-wheeler. BTW, the city that tried to force bike licensing was Berkeley Lake. They ran into some farily foreseeable problems involving a document know as the “Constitution.”

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 02:49 PM | Link to this

Susan, not sure where in Atlanta you are living now, but there are plenty of sidewalks in the Midtown/Downtown area. Not enough roads for cars? Where do you propose we put more? I get a kick out of the people in the burbs griping about not having enough roads or enough ways to access them. Look at the people living in Lawrenceville who have the choices of traveling 85 or 78. Both of those roads suck because of the congestion. Parks? There are quite a few parks, actually. Piedmont being the best (I think) but that’s just my opinion.

Just curious, where are you moving that has all of the things you want?

By BJ

November 10, 2005 02:50 PM | Link to this

MME, I really felt heartbroken for you and your Husband in the fact that it is so hard to un-clip and re-clip you pedals and can see that is a great reason to break a standing traffic law of Not running a Red Light. I would like to ask that if a Police car was sitting across the light from you would you still use that for an excuse to get out of a ticket or is that what the spandex shorts are for? Face Facts, I know it is the law for cyclists to be able to use the road the same as cars but they also must adhere to the same rules and laws.

By Greg

November 10, 2005 02:55 PM | Link to this

Susan and Jennifer…I agree with ya Susan. I’ve been to nearly all the cities up and down the east coast, from Boston to Miami and to the major ones between here and LA and I believe ATL is one of the less green cities I’ve seen! I believe the population boom here over the last 10 years has been a major problem contributing to this. My fiancee flew over from Australia a few months back and the first thing she said was, “well, it’s still Atlanta” and it wasn’t meant as a compliment. Now, I’m by no means bashing my fellow Georgians or our capital, but first impressions go a long way with tourists and visitors.

By Tam

November 10, 2005 02:59 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, your correct about those of us in the suburbs not understanding biking in the big city. Personally, I would not even attempt to ride a bike in or anywhere near Atlanta. My quite suburban town would be a much safer place for biking or walking. And for all of you that love to bike (for exercise)take your bike to Stone Mountain or somewhere safe. I’m sorry but cars & bicycles do not need to be on the same road together. It’s that simple.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 03:00 PM | Link to this

Greg, I’m sorry, but I don’t think Atlanta is that bad for green space. I don’t have a ‘pave the planet’ attitude that a lot of fellow Atlantans have, but I also don’t see trees lacking. There are several tree-lined streets and parks. Quite honestly, when I moved here I was surprised at how many trees there were in the neighborhoods. True, we don’t have an area large enough to build Central Park, but I don’t think Atlanta has done that badly. They’re still a relatively new city so they’re still building and learning.

By Kay Dubya

November 10, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

Blah, blah, blah. Bicyclers, motorists, trains, cars. Who cares? You people need to switch back to de-caf.

Let’s see more pics of Cynthia!

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this

Tam, just as you don’t understand people biking in the city, I don’t understand living in the suburbs. I’ve ridden my bike in suburbs and people don’t watch out for bikers anymore than they do here.

Other countries have no problems with bikes and cars being on the same roadways. It just seems to be here in the good ol’ USA.

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this

Don’t our gasoline taxes, license fees, tag fees and the like pay for the roads and their upkeep? What do bicyclists pay? I’m just asking … I think it’s well within our means to be courteous to each other and share the road without giving into angry fits, on either side. But biking to work simply isn’t an option for most of us.

Be careful, Cynthia. We don’t want to lose you out there.

By Susan

November 10, 2005 03:06 PM | Link to this

Jennifer,

Think outside the realm of midtown but not as far as the suburbs.

Do you really think that there are enough sidewalks and that motorists respect cyclists? Do you always see sidewalks or do they seem to be missing?

I did appreciate your comment on Piedmont park, and I would love a list of parks inside the city.

By mgibbons19

November 10, 2005 03:08 PM | Link to this

You guys are just a walking advertisement for Atlanta.

That’s one city I’ll never move to. There are good jobs elsewhere too.

By scott

November 10, 2005 03:09 PM | Link to this

I guess the rude behavior and bad drivers were part of a right wing / ronald reagan / george bush / karl rove effort to get rid of you because of your trmendous intellect.

By william

November 10, 2005 03:10 PM | Link to this

A bicyclist may not use a sidewalk. Cars pull out in front of sidewalks without looking. Sorry, but I’m not going to trust you to look first and not send me vaulting over your hood at 30 MPH.

It seems those who think nothing of exceeding the speed limit are just enraged at the thought of a bicyclist going through a red light. When a bicycle is not in motion, the driver cannot balance and thus may weave into the side of your vehcile while trying to build up enough speed to attach the bike clips. It is much safer for a bicyclist to slow down and go through a red light than it is to take his attention off the road in order to focus on getting his balance and his bike clips in place.

If a bicycle is defined as a vehicle, it has every right to the road as a car. If I must stop at a red light, I should thus stop in the middle of the lane. This will ensure that I am not struck by a vehicle while I am attaching my clips and building up speed when the light changes. This will irritate motorists.

If a bicycle is not defined as a vehicle, it may negotiate a red light as pedestrians do. This also appears to irritate motorists.

So which is it? vehicle or no?

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 03:12 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, living in the suburbs is, on its surface, about wanting to get away from the city hubub. Granted, a lot of it began as “white flight,” and granted, a lot of the congestion has followed folks out to the ‘burbs as well. For many, the idea of living in a crowded dwelling with little space of their own isn’t appealing (just as, to you, the idea of living in a gated neighborhood in Duluth probably isn’t so great). Some if it stems from our agrarian past and the desire for a plot of land to grow things and be left alone. City life is best suited for those who prefer constant social interaction as opposed to relative solitude, which is why one size doesn’t fit all. Choices are what make America great.

By Tam

November 10, 2005 03:13 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, you asked the question “how many of us live in the suburbs” and I put my vote in. I live in a beautiful small town with lakefront property. If I’m not driving to work, i’m out riding my pontoon or sitting on my deck watching the sunset over the lake. We do have to put up with the jet skis, which I guess could compare to bikers but all in all though I would rather have my country/lake living and still making the Atlanta salary over your hassle with traffic (bikes or cars) and smog any day. If riding a bike makes everyone so stress free why is there so many of you that need to take your daily valium?

By william

November 10, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this

Funny, this is the same argument horse owners had against cars.

By NH

November 10, 2005 03:17 PM | Link to this

I would say that most cyclist pay the same tag, title, gas taxes as motorists do because most bicycle commuters own a car. They just choose not to drive it absolutely everywhere they go.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 03:20 PM | Link to this

Yes, William, bikes are supposed to be treated as vehicles and they are to adhere to the same rules of the road.

Susan, the link is a little large but you can find a lot of the parks listed here: http://atlanta.citysearch.com/search?topicid=1192&context=attractions&pseudoconstrain=sec&started=1

You can also Google and see what you come up with.

I have to admit that outside of Midtown/Downtown there probably aren’t enough sidewalks in the city. The ‘poorer’ areas seem to be affected the worst. I’m not being mean, it’s just an observation.

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 03:22 PM | Link to this

Fair enough. I didn’t make the point to say bikes shouldn’t be allowed. But car owners do bear most of the financial burden for our roadways, which is why it’s only natural that they feel some sense of entitlement, right or not. While they should be more accommodating to bikers, those on two-wheels should concede that the majority rules, to a certain extent, when it comes to roadway laws, written and otherwise. We’d get along better if both sides would keep that in mind.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 03:26 PM | Link to this

Tam, just as you prefer your lake front property I enjoy looking out my front door and seeing the Bank of America tower lit up at night. To me, that is a very pretty sight.

The traffic clutter in Atlanta is because of people driving here to work. They leave behind their emissions from their oversized, overpriced vehicles while the folks who live in Atlanta have to foot the bill everytime we’re fined for not having clean air. Personally, I would love to see a tax imposed for those who live outside the city but work in the city. There are many places that do that and it seems to work for them.

It’s not the bikers who are on that valium. It’s the people stuck in traffic for 2 hours one way. Oh, and the Paxiled up stay-at-home moms who think “everything is beautiful.” Sorry, mostly just joking, sort of.

By xdice

November 10, 2005 03:26 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but the unclip/reclip into your pedals at a light just doesn’t hold water. The instructions that come with the pedals generally state to “get used to using your new pedals away from road hazards, such as traffic.”.

If you are that unsure at using them, then don’t use them while riding on the road until you are more comfortable with using them. That’s just common sense.

Banning bicycles from the roadways will never happen - the fact that it’s even mentined is laughable.

By buck

November 10, 2005 03:27 PM | Link to this

But don’t bicyclists also drive cars and therefore pay for the roads too?

By chris

November 10, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

It is amazing to me how many people in the South are Right to Lifers unless that life is riding a bicycle.

By William

November 10, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

Tam,

Actually, I think a canoe is rather more akin to the silent, slow moving bicycle rather than the raucus wake generating Jet Ski. You do not have to live in fear of being struck by a canoe on the lake. Pontoon boats however….

That’s actually a rather good analogy. Speed boats must share the lake with canoists don’t they? You don’t think it’s appropriate to zip by a canoe, honk the horn, and douse it in your wake do ye?

Do you need a license to canoe? Is there such a thing as vehicular canoicide?

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 03:28 PM | Link to this

Yep, our family has two cars but if we can bike we do.

By David

November 10, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

By Ron Ridgeway When the speed limit sign says 30mph that is not a suggestion. That is the recommended maximum speed. If you can’t maintain it you are impeeding traffic. You are not that important on your bike that 20 cars are supposed to patiently follow behind you and tie up traffic even further while you get your excercise for the day.

Ron you are an idiot. How many times does someone ridding a bike hold you up? There is more than enough room for you to safely pass a biker on the road. If you are delayed it can’t be more than 5-10 seconds. Most vehicles ride behind me when they have plenty of room to pass. I waive them by, but they still ride behind me holding up traffic. Just because someone in front of you is cautious, don’t blame the cyclist on the road. Since only two addresses for Ron Ridgeway appeared, it will make it easier for me to delay your commute when I’m in your area.

By Nikita

November 10, 2005 03:36 PM | Link to this

R, they also create the need for those facilities.

I have a farm to which I commute b car. I also have a house in town — because I used to commute to Atlanta and value my sanity. I couldn’t do the suburban to downtown commute any longer.

For those who say “I’m sorry, but…” — you have no proof and saying it doesn’t make it so.

By Mike

November 10, 2005 03:37 PM | Link to this

I wish Atlanta was a more bike friendly city, like Austin Texas. With that siad, good luck Cynthia we have some crazy drivers on the road. You’ll look good on that bike !!!!

By sarah

November 10, 2005 03:37 PM | Link to this

ummm…a speed limit is the maximum speed you can go. not a recommendation or a minimum. hello?!?!?

By Jeff

November 10, 2005 03:38 PM | Link to this

http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=10210

Stacey, This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on the internet. Shame on you for making such an idiotic statement.

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this

Commuters pretty much pay that “tax” you cite already, in the form of the previous fees and outlays I mentioned. Traffic, gas, car upkeep and taxes, it’s a pretty heavy burden, no doubt. Some days I’d love to park the thing and not bother with it. But we don’t all work and live in areas where biking, MARTA or merely hoofing it are options, so we pay the price for the choices we make. And frankly, some of us are getting a bit old for that much exertion (yeah, if we’d been doing it all along we’d be in better shape, I know …)

By William

November 10, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this

I concede that a motorist pays a greater share of the road than a bicyclist, but then, they take up a greater share of the road. It balances.

By Tam

November 10, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this

William, if you want to take a canoe out on the lake then you are taking the same risks as a biker in Atlanta. Yes that’s a good analogy. I would no more go out on the lake in a canoe than I would ride a bike in Atlanta. It’s simply not safe. On the water I’m alway courtious to other boaters (of any kind) and follow all the boating laws, but take a canoe out there and let the fishing tournament begin & oh well…you know the rest. Splash Splash!!

By Jeff

November 10, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this

Oops. I’m kinda stupid, too, apparently (not sure where that link came from). I was referring to you’re comment about kicking someone’s a**.

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this

Wow, a farm and a house in town. Wish I had your job (or at least your paycheck). It’s nice to have those options, and I congratulate you for them. You obviously worked hard and achieved much to earn them. The rest of us have to work where they’ll have us and live where we can afford. But again, that’s the life we choose and we’ll pay the price for it.

By Stacy

November 10, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this

Jeff, you obviously did not read Jennifers earlier statements about yelling at babies etc. Go back, read & comment again.

By Jason

November 10, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this

Nobody ever seems to mention that the metro ATL area has no, I repeat NO interest in making biking safer. Our side streets have no bike lanes or sidewalks. Our main streets are too clogged. All I hear from the Atlanta City Council and Fulton County Commission is how to increase taxes on “rich whitie” and transfer that to the south side (kudos to Sandy Springs). Until people start yammering about funding for the city/metro area for more bike-friendly roads, I don’t want to hear any b!tching from bike enthusiasts.

By David Ingram

November 10, 2005 03:53 PM | Link to this

Accusations by drivers that cyclists disobey traffic rules and accusations by cyclists that it just isn’t safe to drive because drivers are too aggressive indicate the real problem: Atlanta roads have very few bike lanes and suitable roads on which to commute on a bike. I rode the Cross-Atanta bike trail from Stone Mountain to 5 Points a few years ago and I am thankful that I lived to tell about it. Try riding a bicycle down Ponce de Leon! It’s gonna cost some money to fix the roads. It’s that simple. Otherwise, both sides will continue to compete for limited road space. Compare our roads to California, Oregon, Washington or even Nebraska. David

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 03:54 PM | Link to this

Jeff, Stacey said something about this isn’t an aol chatroom so if she’s yelled at we should be prepared to have our butts kicked. If this isn’t an aol chatroom, then why is Stacey treating it like one by acting so childish?

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 03:56 PM | Link to this

I never said I yelled at babies, Stacey. I said I yell at their stupid mothers for walking them in the roadways when there are perfectly good sidewalks.

Do your parents know you are on the Internet?

By David

November 10, 2005 04:00 PM | Link to this

By cyclists need a liscense I am a bit curious as to why cyclists do not have a liscense to be on the road. If they want to play with the big boys, make them accountable. Because right now they consistenly and fragrantly violate the laws of the road.

**Are you in Midtown? I don’t want to play with big boys, but maybe you do. How many times do drivers violate the laws of the road? I guess you run other drivers off the road as well for not obeying the laws. Why don’t you respect everyone on the road?

I used to work downtown and rode my bike to Lilburn at least 3 times a week. The other days I wanted to ride I rode around Stone Mountain, but it was still 20 miles on the road to Stone Mt & back. If you feel a bike rider is not obeying the traffic laws it is out of necessity (not including running lights). Cyclists have to go around cars stopped at lights, because drivers don’t leave any room for bikers to pass. We have to move away from the shoulder, because there isn’t any room or a pothole is in the way. Even if you have noticed cyclist not obeying traffic laws that does not give you the right to honk, swerve, throw something at them or speed up while passing as close by the rider or any other rider as possible.

Remember it does not take much for you to seriously injure or kill someone on a bike. I don’t want my kids to not have a father and I’m sure you don’t want to spend time in jail.**

By bill

November 10, 2005 04:02 PM | Link to this

On the matter of who pays for what: It’s important to remember that traditional suburban development, where cars are necessary to get around and roads (and other infrastructure) has to be extended longer distances to link fewer residences, is quite inefficient. We all subsidize such development through a myriad of fees and taxes — even moreso in Georgia, where the state gas tax is set articially low. It burns me up when I hear people saying mass transit doesn’t pay for itself. Well, drivers don’t pay all of the cost of roads, either, especially winding roads built to link up far-flung subdivisions. Sprawl is expensive — just ask any suburban government official who’s had to consider a growth moratorium. Now, I didn’t choose to live in a neighborhood where I could bike and walk because I had such high-minded ideals. But now that I do, I don’t refuse to pay my share of taxes to keep building state highways in places like Gwinnett and Cherokee and Forsyth. So don’t tell me that cyclists don’t contribute to the construction and upkeep of the transporation system. In fact, I pay a disproportionate amount.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 04:03 PM | Link to this

Rob, that’s a pretty decent bike ride traveling from Decatur into town and back. What route do you take? Do you take death-defying Ponce? I’ve ridden down Ponce before but I’ve never ventured to do it on the road. It’s too crowded and there isn’t enough room; but, that’s just my opinion.

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 04:05 PM | Link to this

NO WAY I would ride a bike on a road or anywhere near cars in Atlanta because Atlanta is like the WILD, WILD, WILD WEST of driving. I don’t trust these psychotic motorist when I’m in a car, no way I would trust them not to wig out while I’m on a bike and their speeding by at 60 m.p.h. in 35 m.p.h. zone.

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 04:06 PM | Link to this

The problem we have here, which goes way beyond just the issue of commuting, is a lack of respect for the lifestyles of others. Drivers cuss at bikers for getting in the way, etc.; bikers cuss at drivers for hogging the road, fouling the air, living in the suburbs, etc. As with other divisions among us, the answer is to respect that other people may have different priorities and are free to make choices we may not make ourselves. Once we do that, it’s easier to be courteous to others who act (and commute) differently than you.

Yeah, I’m not any fun, I know. Don’t let me spoil your angst-filled party.

By Stacy

November 10, 2005 04:06 PM | Link to this

Stacy, first of all I don’t use any kind of chat room. In fact, I just came back to check the comments on here for the 2nd time today. How much time have you spent on here? There’s only about 50 comments from you. Looks like your one of those stay at home moms on paxil to me. Go back outside & yell at that woman taking her baby for an evening stroll. I believe you also asked me if I was one of the people you yelled at and I simply told you the reprocussions of your doing so.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

Dr R, I think you might have mistaken my saying to Tam (I think that’s who it was) that just as she did not understand biking in the city, I do not understand living in the suburbs. I do feel people have the right to live where they want (obviously). Just wanted to clarify.

By HarshRealist

November 10, 2005 04:08 PM | Link to this

ATL roads are everyman for him or herself. The cops are mostly incompetent, corrupt or asleep waiting on their night job making twice as much to provide any level of traffic enforcement whatsoever. Nobody follows the traffic laws in ATL. Corrupt racist politicians bickering among themselves have wasted too much of our tax dollars to fund adequate social services of any sort or direct growth in any way that does not line their pockets. I’m an avid cyclist and runner who also owns a sport car. The key to safety for every one is to PAY ATTENTION. That means when you’re driving; 2 hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, not talking on your damn cell phone, not beating your kids in the back seat, not eating dinner or fixing your hair or makeup. When you run; run on the sidewalk or in the park if you must run in the road pay attention to what’s going on around you. When bicycling the same thing applies, pay attention but don’t follow the rules of the road, ride on the sidewalk, make sure it’s clear at stop signs and lights then ride on thru. Expect the unexpected. As for rude aggressive people, your staying alive is a privilege not a right. I am bigger stronger and better armed than you, even when on my bike or running. There is no god. God is Santa Clause for adults and Jesus isn’t going to come down from heaven and save your sorry butt so you better wise up and not start fights if you’re not prepared to pay the consequences.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this

Umm, nope, not a stay-at-home mom, sorry. I think the woman who walked her kid in the middle of the road might have gotten the point. At least I haven’t seen her on my street. Even if she moved one street over, I don’t have to drive around her or watch other cars wiz by her and the stroller.

I’m sorry, I’ll just sit here and laugh at your comment about kicking anyone’s butt for yelling at you for being in the road (wrongfully). That’s just hiliarious you would even post something like that.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this

HarshRealist, I think I will print off and frame your post.

By bill

November 10, 2005 04:15 PM | Link to this

Fine ideas, harshrealist, with one exception: the bit about riding on the sidewalk. Most bike-car accidents occur when a bicyclist riding on the sidewalk is hit by a car pulling out of a driveway, because drivers don’t expect something moving at that kind of clip to be coming at them until they reach the street. They don’t look for it on the sidewalk. That’s one reason why it was made illegal to ride on sidewalks in the first place.

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 04:17 PM | Link to this

Jen, understood and agreed. Others in have been far more intolerant than you, on both sides, which is too bad. You’re a fine American. Hope you continue to enjoy living in my hometown (I’m a lifer, born here and haven’t left). We used to be known for our friendliness. Maybe outside of the blogs we still are …

By Rob Bennett

November 10, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this

Sorry I have little compasion for this situation. I have lived in midtown, Virginia Highlands and now Candler Park and have habitually encountered bike riders blowing through lights, weaving in and out of traffic the whole time screaming same road same rules…well they need to follow them. The eratic unpredictible behavior of most cyclist puts themselves in harms way…also of all the routes they can take many of them choose roads that are already too narrow or too busy such as DeKalb Avenue. and my final comment is for Grandhusul…sorry dude I am one of the drivers who will not let anyone in my lane. I know what lane I need to be in and make sure I get in it…you should do the same…I can not stand it when someoone blows past a line of traffic and then expects to be let in twards the front..no SIR

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 04:19 PM | Link to this

Hey HarshRealist, I agree, once you start messing with other people your life is a privledge and not a right unless of course you like .50 caliber rounds from a cannon being launched directly at you. Atlanta is like the WILD, WILD, WILD WEST in more ways than one you know, but leave other people alone and there won’t be any complications.

By MME

November 10, 2005 04:20 PM | Link to this

BJ, I’m sure you’re a poster-child for traffic law adherence.

Xdice, william’s point was right on. The motorists are annoyed if you stop at a red light, because re-clipping, and getting back up to speed slows the motorists down, but if you go through the red light, the motorists at the front of the line get annoyed.

If all the drivers would take a deep breath, have a little patience, courtesy and respect, the ride would be a lot better for everyone. Imagine that’s your brother/sister/husband/wife on the bike.

By amy

November 10, 2005 04:22 PM | Link to this

the law is: bikes ride on the road, with the traffic. i know it’s hard for some of you southern folks to grasp, but the word “sidewalk” includes the word “WALK” for a reason.

By Tanya

November 10, 2005 04:23 PM | Link to this

Your right. Drivers aren’t friendly to non-drivers and non-drivers don’t always follow the rules or have common sense. It isn’t always the driver who is at fault. Drivers should take a moment to slowly get around PEDS and pay more attention. Non-drivers, if it’s dark, morning or evening we can’t see you until we are right on you, even with headlights. Please wear lights AND reflective gear on yourself and bike. There isn’t enough room on most roads for cars and non-drivers. There really aren’t any street lights to help you see people. Try Rockbridge road by Stone Mt. there are always people walking there in the dark with dark clothing and no lights or reflective gear. At Hairston they walk in the turning lane and across 3 lanes of traffic, not at the crosswalk.

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 04:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Rob Bennett, I agree, it annoys me to no end when drivers try to cut in at the front of a long line of other drivers who have been waiting fairly and patiently. As for bike riders who ignore traffic laws, I guess they ride their bike just like they drive only they don’t have two tons of steel around them to protect them when they make the wrong decision on the roads and sometimes it costs them.

By Nikita

November 10, 2005 04:28 PM | Link to this

Unfair assumption, Dr. R — I make a very modest salary and own a very modest house. I, too, live where I can and within a limited budget. and I choose to live where I don’t have to drive every day to work, making myself and others less than happy.

By Stacey D

November 10, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this

Dear Lord! I wonder if Cynthia realized the stir she would create. Anyway, I have biked for over 25 years in NYC, here in ATL - OTP & ITP, and have even done a century in Lake Tahoe where some idiot (in a car, of course)tailgated my coach on a steep, twisting descent, leaning on his horn the whole time. I’m recuperating from a broken wrist,(sustained while riding on the sidewalk, by the way and my first ever bike injury) due to the renovation of a park path that was re-routed which led to a sidewalk instead of the street. All I can say is that I will never stop riding, that cyclists are allowed on the road and deserve to be there as long as we obey traffic rules and that drivers are just going to have to get over it. If you hit me you better know that even if you kill me, your house,your car, the kids’ tuition $ and your retirement savings will become mine or my heirs!
As an occasional runner, I’d also like to point out that the number one Road Runner’s Club rule is to always run against traffic when no sidewalks or paths are available. Never turn your back to traffic when on foot on the roads, especially if you’re pushing a stroller. And anytime I’m behind the wheel I always give the right of way to a pedestrian or cyclist. What’s funny is sometimes I actually have to convince some of them that I’m really not going to run them over as soon as they get in front of my car. Heck, I never have to do that in NYC.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 04:32 PM | Link to this

Susan, this is off-topic but related to the parks issue we had previously talked about: “Just Monday, the City Council overwhelmingly endorsed the Beltline project she championed, a $2 billion proposal to add parks, trails and transit in a ring around the central city.”

Tanya, I see it all the time, too. Pedestrians not crossing at crosswalks or even thinking they have the right-of-way on a turn arrow when they don’t. I’m not sure if some of them just don’t know or if they just don’t care. Maybe a little of both.

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 04:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Tanya, I don’t know about always wearing bright colors when walking at night because in some places wearing bright colors makes you more visible to drivers but they also make you more visible to people who like to shoot at pedustrians after dark for sick fun, that’s why so many people are afraid to wear brights and reflective clothes if walking at night.

By Tanya

November 10, 2005 04:37 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, that’s not actually true. Serious bikers and runners will normally where all the protective and reflective gear. But most of the bikers on the road and not and the other PEDS just walking to or from home or the bus stop aren’t wearing any reflective gear at all. No matter how good your site you can’t see a guy or mother and her child walking, running or riding on the side of the road at Rockbridge and Stephenson but there they are. You would think these people would have a flashlight to help people see them. Some times I wonder if people think the insurance money is worth never walking again. Maybe they don’t know that even going 45 Mph you can still be killed or hurt badly by a car. If you have to be out in the dark, one word FLASHLIGHT.

By toml

November 10, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

If bike riders didn’t pass drivers who have just passed them when they approach intersections we probably wouldn’t be having this discussion. (I know. I’m a rider and understand how much drivers hate to re-pass a bike. I’m working to break this habit.)

Cynthia, try group rides. They’re enjoyable and an enjoyable way to learn how to ride safely on city streets.

By Dr R

November 10, 2005 04:40 PM | Link to this

My final thoughts (just like Jerry): If everybody lived in the suburbs and commuted into town, we couldn’t build enough roads. If everyone lived in towns and the suburbs were empty, you’d have 4.5 million on top of each other. Maybe the way we have it is OK, provided we find a way to tolerate each other. (hey, that does sound like Jerry …)

See you guys tomorrow at the Luckovich cartoon blog.

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 04:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Stacey D, I don’t know about how NYC drivers are but you know that Atlanta roads are notoriously wild. Its not the fault of drivers its the fault of government(s) down here which haven’t managed the growth of traffic very well and are kind of run wildly themselves in some places.

By Tanya

November 10, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this

Stacy D.

That kind of think is what gets people hurt. Take for instance the poor woman who was killed today. The woman who hit her hasn’t been charged. There is even a question about if she was crossing the road at the cross walk. I don’t think you can just sue a person if you were in the wrong by not crossing or riding where you were supposed to or not having any reflective gear on. More important, I think her children and family and most people would rather have their loved ones then the insurance or house money. Drivers need to be aware and careful of peds BUT peds need to understand that being out there after dark puts you in a lot more danger especially without the reflective gear. Everyone knows how dark Atlanta roads are, with 20/20 you can’t see people after dark until your right on top of them.

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 04:53 PM | Link to this

Dr R: but darn near everybody does live in the suburbs in Atlanta and there, they have built more than enough roads (they havent necessarily built them correctly) and there are 4.5 million people almost literally on top of each other at rush hour on the roads. I agree that we tolerate each other, for the most part.

By Nikita

November 10, 2005 04:54 PM | Link to this

Tom, gonna disagree here. I pass cars on the right because otherwise in the stop & go traffic that I navigate I will NEVER get to work. Literally, people pass me at 25 mph or so as i’m going 15 and then stop 100 feet away — 500 feet from the next intersection that i’ll be crossing. we sit there for a long time before the light changes and if i sit 500 feet back i won’t make the next light.

i don’t really have that many problems riding with cars. and i don’t really like bike lanes, either. i think courtesy and awareness pretty much solve most of the issues.

By william

November 10, 2005 04:59 PM | Link to this

“The eratic unpredictible behavior of most cyclist puts themselves in harms way…also of all the routes they can take many of them choose roads that are already too narrow or too busy such as DeKalb Avenue.”

I-575 is the widest road near me, but by law, I cannot bicycle on it’s wide shoulder. I bike. I take the same route everyday. I stay on the side of the road. I take the shortest route available, as I’m sure do motorists. I cannot control how narrow or busy the road is from my house to my office any more than the motorist can. If the road is busy it is likely due to vehicle not bicycle traffic.

Another thing: I do not endanger anyone by talking on a cel phone, applying makeup, shaving, fiddling with the radio, or wrangling with backseat kids. How is my behavior more erratic than yours?

By D2

November 10, 2005 05:04 PM | Link to this

Speaking of room for cyclists, has anyone noticed the road NARROWING projects going on around town? Mclendone Ave, Lindburgh Ave to name two. I cannot understand how this is going to help anything.

By jennifer

November 10, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this

Nikita, just curious, what’s wrong with bike lanes? They were built for bikes and I haven’t had a problem with them.

By SuebeeQ

November 10, 2005 05:12 PM | Link to this

It has been interesting reading everyone’s comments today. I live only 5 miles from work, but it still take me about 20 minutes to get to work. I’ve thought about biking to work many times, more often when gas prices went above $3. I even bought a large gym bag so I can carry clothes to change into once I get to work. But after observing the traffic on the road that I travel everyday, I thought my life is worth much more. Not to mention it will be an up hill battle back home which I’m not prepared to tackle at the end of a work day. Ironically, I drive 30 miles to Stone Mountain so I can safely bike. I do wish there are more bike lanes everywhere, but cars will just think of them as extra spaces for them to drive on.

By Bill

November 10, 2005 05:20 PM | Link to this

Jennifer: Nothing’s wrong with well-engineered bike lanes. To see them in action, visit Eugene, Ore., Ann Arbor, Mich., Boulder, Colo.,or any of a dozen other bike-friendly towns. But here, the idea of bike trails seems to be nothing more than to get bikes off the road — not to make riding safer or more efficient. A superb example is the Stone Mountain bike trail. Directly across from miles of uninterrupted verge bordering railroad right-of-way, where a trail could hav been built with minimal road crossings, they built a sidewalk-like bike path that crosses something like 100 driveways. It’s a death trap, as has been proven again and again. And even where there are brief stretches of real bike lanes, such as on Edgewood Avenue between Boulevard and DeKalb Ave., large stretches of it were built without any provision for cars parked along the curb. The result is that the lane is perpetually blocked by parked cars, rendering it useless. And then there are travesties like what happened on McClendon Avenue. A designated bike route, it was drastically narrowed by an ill-conceived (and utterly ineffective) traffic-calming scheme, the only effect of which is to create bottlenecks where bikers have no choice but to either take the lane, holding up cars, or get run over.

By Chris

November 10, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

My take on this is that cyclist and motorist are both to blame for this issue. I’m a cyclist and try to obey all laws and such. If I get passed by a car, I don’t pass it at a red light and make it pass me again. I’m a minority though, I have friends I don’t like to ride with anymore because they break laws left and right. In the end though, it’s a cyclist life that at stake - they choose to break laws and endanger theirselves. I see motorist break the law all the time - like on Dekalb Ave. The speed limit on that road is 35 mph… people average about 50 mph… it’s insane. When I see this stuff, I don’t try to endanger the motorist… and motorist should not try to endanger a cyclist who’s slowing them down or running red lights. In the end, the aggrevations both cause are not worth the death or injury of anyone.

By Curtis Rivers

November 10, 2005 05:37 PM | Link to this

I think the worst hurt I have been on a bike is when a man hit me in the back with a cane fishing pole…that really left a mark. The second was the kid who stood in the back of a pickup truck and hit me with an aluminum softball bat. I still bike, though. Nihli corborundum illegitimi. Curtis

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 05:38 PM | Link to this

Come on, cycling on the road in Atlanta? Isn’t driving here dangerous enough? Atlanta is world infamous for being a car-dominated town with some of the wildest roads in a country that’s car dominated. Now that’s saying something about where this city’s heart is at. I’ve got to give to the cyclists for it takes a brave enough soul to battle the roads in a car not to mention on a bike.

By Charlotte

November 10, 2005 06:41 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, you covered all the bases. Very well said. Actually, after reading your post I saw no need to read any more.

By Mike

November 10, 2005 06:43 PM | Link to this

Bicyclists should stay of the road. They are just arrogant non-comformists looking for attention. Either get on the bus or stay home. The fewer the better. That’s my motto!!

By DB

November 10, 2005 06:43 PM | Link to this

Heh. You guys should try getting around in a wheelchair. Oftentimes there is no sidewalk, or it’s so broken I -cannot- get over it with my chair. (It is much easier to push a stroller over broken sidewalk than it is to propel yourself in a wheelchair.) I end up with no choice but to use part of the street, and YES it’s rather scary. >_< I wear a shiney headband or hat with something reflective, I’ve added stuff to the back and sides of the chair to make it more visible.. but still. Agh. I’ve been nearly hit, or had to make sudden wrenching stops to avoid doing so, multiple times, from drivers not paying attention when they go to pull out, and pedestrians who think it’s funny to jump in front of me when I’m going downhill and doing my dang best not to pick up too much speed.

By Bob

November 10, 2005 06:54 PM | Link to this

I’m with Mike, let’s just run em of the road.

By Mad As Zell

November 10, 2005 07:08 PM | Link to this

Come on Bob, run ‘em off the road? That’s a little harsh isn’t it? Besides that’s vehicular homicide. I may get a little impatient when a cyclist or slow or inattentive driver gets in my way, but it’s not that deep is it? I’d just say to em that’s it’s probably not the best idea to get your exercise on a bike on a road filled with mad, angry, distracted drivers. If you like getting exercise on a bike on a busy street you’ll get exercise all right, cycling and running for your life!

By Greg

November 10, 2005 07:26 PM | Link to this

Definitely some interesting responses! Once a friend of mine asked me how he could justify buying a $500 bike to commute around here in my local, small town. Well, other than it would pay itself off in the years to come due to the savings on petrol and give him some much needed exercise, I explained I rode a $125 Wal-Mart special that does just as good as any Trek or Giant!

By Ben

November 10, 2005 08:52 PM | Link to this

Explanation from a biker:

I rode 5 miles down north avenue today to the Georgia Tech campus obeying every traffic law as best I could tell. Two motorists at two different intersections were forced to slam on brakes and screech their tires during that time because they were turning left and did not see me until the last second.

I ride all over the place and attempt to be as polite to cars as possible, but bikers, myself included, often take preemptive action to avoid problems. We dive and weave to get out of your way. We are forced to ride as if cars can’t see us because often they don’t see us, don’t know what to do about us, or just don’t care. No offence drivers, but we don’t trust you. We are just trying to get as far away from you as possible.

Yes riding is fun, riding fast is more fun, riding fast with the risk of death is super-fun, but most of us are not after super-fun. We are just trying to get around.

By Fisher

November 10, 2005 10:07 PM | Link to this

drivers always seem to whine about cyclists riding up the side of the road past cars to a light/stop sign etc. would you rather i stay in the lane, inline with traffic, and then cause you to miss the greenlight and wait longer because im in the way? thought not. get over it and start seeing cyclists and sharing the road.

one less car.

By daily-biker

November 10, 2005 10:49 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading this with some amusement. I think a fair conclusion would be that the people that are against bikes on the road, the ones with the serious venting, never had to rely on one as their sole means of transportation. Another thing I have found interesting is that there has been no mention of the road debris that normally occupies the space that bikes are supposed to ride. I’m talking about trash, rocks, gravel, acorns, branches, fallen trees, pieces of metal, missing road, etc. Mailboxes become real interesting too. Had a car brush me off the road into one when I was a kid. The other thing is why bikes pass cars that are stopped at red lights versus stopping at our ‘place’. If a bike path was in place, we wouldn’t be passing you, we would be in our lane. For those of you who still feel we should stop at our ‘place’, go out & bike somewhere on a busy road and see how stupid & suicidal that is. FYI, I do stop at red lights & stop signs even when I pass you. I won’t even mention how much fun it is to make a left hand turn at a major intersection. I do go on sidewalks occasionally, usually when I avoiding busses or really big trucks on roads like Peachtree or Piedmont. I make sure there are no pedestrians first. If there are then I pull into parking lots, which can become real interesting, but not as interesting as a Marta bus whizzing by you. I bend the rules sometimes, not because I like to break the law or that I think I’m someone special. It is because if I obeyed them 100% of the time, I’d be putting my life, health, & the use of all my limbs in serious jeopardy. Bottom line is most roads are not designed with bikes in mind. The one major exception is 141 up by State Bridge Rd heading up to Alpharetta. Funny thing is I have never seen a bike using it.

FYI, I bike because I do not have a car. I do it in combination with riding Marta.

By Robin

November 10, 2005 11:16 PM | Link to this

I have to admit that when the gas prices rose so high, and people had to start looking for alternate ways to get to work, around town etc., I felt vendicated! I have been commuting by bike for the past 7 years. Logging approximately 75-80 miles a week. I am sure you all have seen me pedaling down N. Highland on my bike I foundly refer to as ‘the green frog’ I don’t own or drive a car, and I must tell you the freedom I feel. It is good for my body, soul and I don’t feel that I am adding to the problem. Lance Armstrong has this saying “The bicycle is the long-sought means of transportation for all of us who have runaway hearts.” So Atlanta, feel like you are 12 years old again, jump on your bike! Feel the freedom…and remember as you zoom past me, honking your horns, we are both just trying to get to our destination, some of us just choose an alternate form of transportation. We are not low life’s, too poor to have a car, some of us, most of us just know that it makes sense. And it is a hell of a lot of fun!

By BJ

November 10, 2005 11:54 PM | Link to this

MME, oooh, that was a good comeback. Almost as lame as your earlier post. For your infomation I have not had a ticket in the past 23+ years thank you very much and yes, I do try to adhere to common rules of the road like Red means stop and Green means go. Apparently that does not apply to you. I just hope you dont miss seeing the car comming through the intersection the next time you dont want to un-clip your feet.

By JS

November 11, 2005 12:35 AM | Link to this

mike and bob - you have to be two of the most ignorant people that i have ever read on these blogs. “run them off the road”?? are you two even listening to yourselves? we bike for a number of reasons - because it is LEGAL on OUR roadways, because we enjoy the exercise, and because we are attempting to save both money and the environment with our actions. you both symbolize so many things that our wrong with this city and people in general - why don’t you try and actually live with those around you that are not of your like mind. the 14 seconds that you may lose by being stuck behind a cyclist can’t really be all that important in the long run - try and learn to share the roadway with everyone who has a legal right to use it.

By wayne

November 11, 2005 02:57 AM | Link to this

All you people that hate cyclists need to either take an enema or go out and get some, b/c you have way too much hate going on. Don’t hate us for rolling through red lights—get off of your lazy fat butts and join us.

By Twotom

November 11, 2005 09:22 AM | Link to this

Bicycling provides great pleasure for me, and I ride daily both for transportation and for pleasure. Sometimes, conditions on the street get hazardous, but I feel no more imperiled than I do moving at much greater speeds in an auto. To anyone who would like to bicycle more but is afraid to: please do not let fear rule your life; do what pleases you and what you know is right. To those who remain dependent on your automobiles: you have my sympathy. It will be a good time for you to reconsider your choices when the price of gasoline reaches $4.00 a gallon. Meanwhile, it’s a beautiful day to ride!

By bravesdude

November 11, 2005 02:11 PM | Link to this

I cannot stand having to slow down to pass a cyclist who is sticking out in the road too far. This can be very dangerous for motorists who are trying to avoid your suicidal selves. It does not bother me that you dont value your own life….when you put other lives at risk, I do have an issue. I have seen accidents caused in this exact manner. I think it should be illegal and cyclists should be forced to either ride in parks or designated venues….just like all other sports or hobbies. When your fun infringes on my safety then it becomes an issue. Get off the dang roads!!!!!

By bravessuckdude

November 11, 2005 03:27 PM | Link to this

Bravesdude, you must be one miserable insecure “dude” if you consider a bicycle to be putting your life in danger. thats about the most ridiculous remark on this blog, and there has been some asanine ones! but oh well, just keep on hating bicycles and one day you may even be lucky enough to hit one of us. good luck with that. “get off the dang roads’. that makes me laugh!

By bill

November 11, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this

Bicyclists endanger drivers? That settles it. As soon as I can afford it, I’m moving somewhere where up is up and down is down. I’ve had enough of Wonderland.

By spincycle

November 13, 2005 08:17 AM | Link to this

I drive as much as I must, bike as much as I can, and take MARTA when it is the most sensible thing to do. My safety in all three circumstances depends in part on my skill, attention, and regard, and in part on that of others. I do the best I can; all I ask of others is that they do the same. Here in Atlanta, though, I am disappointed by the ill-will and incompetence of drivers more than I have ever been in any other city I’ve lived in or visited. In ten years of riding MARTA, I have never felt threatened by other passengers. I have never met a cyclist intent on hurting anyone with their bike. But whether I’m in my car or on my bike, a day never passes when I have not encountered a hostile, careless, aggressive, incompetent Atlanta driver. What is it about driving culture in this town that brings out the worst in people? How can it be that so many people here drive so badly and yet feel no shame? It isn’t like this anywhere else I’ve been.

By ElSupreme

November 13, 2005 09:28 AM | Link to this

Hey here is the reason that bikes can’t ride on the sidewalk. I lived 13 miles from school, and 8 miles from work. I was WAY to poor to afford a car, insurance, gas tires, whatever. So I got a free bike (a ratted out old Wal-Mart bike that had been abandoned and made it rideable) and started to use that as my transportation. I lived in Cobb and worked in DeKalb and went to school at GT in Fulton. Now public transportation would have taken me 1:20 to get to school (never tried it because it would have cost more that riding) and about 2:00 to get to work(CCT to Arts Center, then MARTA back to Dunwoody). When I could ride to work in 35 minutes, and to school in 1:00. Granted I did select a slightly longer route to school about 1.5 miles (a good 6 minutes or so) to ride on SLIGHTLY less traveled roads. And there was no way I could get there on sidewalks, (80+%) of my commute had no sidewalk on either side.

How was I supposed to get to school and work without the funds to get a car. I couldn’t move closer, Dunwoody is EXPENSIVE, and the stuff close to Tech (read within 3 miles) was more expensive for a two bedroom, than my 3 bedroom (with to roommates).

Just remember that not everybody can afford a car (I know, wow) and most of them don’t have computers to respond to this blog. Roads have existed long LONG before cars, so they don’t belong to cars. Roads are for travel. And yes I have been known to ignore some traffic signals, mostly because when it is 11pm and I want to get home and the light I am at doesn’t register that there is a vehicle ready to cross will NEVER turn. I will stop look both ways and Cross.

By mike hunt

November 13, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this

workers on the side of the road are a “danger” to drivers too, so go ahead, hit them too.

By bobby freedom

November 13, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this

workers on the side of the road are a “danger” to drivers too, so go ahead, hit them too.

By Mad As Zell

November 13, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Spincycle, I agree that it is like the WILD, WILD, WEST on the roads in Atlanta. One big reason could be the lack of other options for getting around which makes us have to drive everywhere which has forced way too many cars out on to a road system that as a whole can’t handle them. While I agree that the driving culture in the ATL isn’t exactly good for human health and well-being, I feel right at home out on the roads and have become an excellent defensive driver (because my life depends on it, particularly in Atlanta). Now when I go to visit in other cities it seems like everyone drives so slow. At least in the ATL you can get to where you’re going a little faster (if you can make it there in one piece or if no one else has wiped-out trying to get there too fast and caused a back-up and delays of epic proportions).

By spincycle

November 13, 2005 07:35 PM | Link to this

Mad as Zell, you make some good points there. Yes, you’re right, the alternatives to driving are not as good as they need to be. I’m alive, and happy for it, in large part because I have learned the same lesson as you, having become quite adept at defensive driving, but also defensive cycling. And I must agree that it is convenient to go 75 on 75 when it is possible to go at all. From what you’ve said in your posts, I don’t guess you’re the sort of Atlanta driver that troubles me, though. You don’t sound like the type to throw trash at a cyclist or pedestrian as you drive by; but Atlanta has shown me more of those than any place else. Are the inconveniences of taking public transportation in an underserved city a cause for that sort of hostility? You may drive fast…everyone here does…but I’m confident you don’t weave at 100 mph through car-length openings in 80 mph traffic. On the other hand, I’ll bet you’ve seen it happen fairly often. I’m sure you would not cross two lanes of traffic to hit a cyclist going in the opposite direction on the far shoulder, but that has happened here. You and I can make allowances for the wildness of most Atlanta drivers; but how can we even account for the cruelty, stupidity, and arrogance of so many Atlantans? There are posts in this blog that, if sincere, are the sort of thoughts a person is supposed to be ashamed of thinking, let alone publically proclaiming. “Run them off the road” “I cannot stand having to slow down” “They are just arrogant nonconformists looking for attention” “I view a bicyclist as someone out getting exercise and not really trying to get somewhere important” Who are these people? Who raised them? How did they come to see themselves as the entitled center of the universe? Who taught them that whatever they are doing is important, but whatever someone else is doing is not? An idea held so widely in Atlanta that it cannot be dismissed as an aberation of a few faulty individuals, but must be regarded as a part of at least a large subculture, is the notion that with greater force comes greater right. If you drive an SUV, then let the nobodies in coupes fear and avoid your mighty behemoth. If you drive a car, then any cyclist who dares to ride in the road, beware! But there are many in Atlanta, and more elsewhere, who get it right; with greater force comes greater responsibility, greater obligation. Whoever poses the most danger must take the greatest care. If everyone understood that, and acted on it, then everyone would be safer…as well as more worthy.

By toml

November 14, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this

Follow up to these comments please, Cynthia.

By Mad As Zell

November 14, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this

Spincycle, I agree that it makes absolutely no sense for motorists to try and go after cyclists. That bicycle is no match for a two-ton (or more) automobile and I don’t think that drivers realize what they are doing when they try to run other people off the road (a lot of those same drivers, in blind fits of road rage, who go after cyclists also go after joggers and other vehicles). That’s the problem though, people aren’t thinking about the consequences of their actions and don’t realize that when you talk about running others off the road you are talking about possibly inflicting serious bodily harm, severe injury or even death.

I myself would not want to be imprisoned for life or on death row, or worse be permanently maimed, hospitalized or disabled just because of impatience over not being able to wait a few seconds. I also wouldn’t want to live with the memory of doing serious bodily harm to someone over something so trivial and have to live the rest of my life having to explain my poor judgement and bad actions in that instance while being remorseful (and I’M THE ONE WITH “MAD” IN MY NAME, what irony huh? go figure).

Any cyclist who rides on the WILD roads of Atlanta has a lot of guts and intestinal fortitude because I sure as hell wouldn’t ride my bike on any main roads in this town. If I ever ride my bike here I would try go to a bike/pedustrian-only trail where I could minimize my interaction with cars as much as humanly possible. It seems at times a tale of “Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hyde” as many Atlanta motorists seem to turn completely psychotic when they get behind the wheel and I trust most drivers when I am in a car, much less on a bike.

I think that there is a culture of extreme competition in Atlanta that has culminated in few transportation options outside of single-passenger cars and hap-hazardous driving conditions out on the roads. I think that most people have overlooked that Atlanta is an extremely competitive and fast-paced city. Compared to most other American cities outside of LA and NY, Atlanta is a very wealthy and industrial-minded place to live, people even come here from other parts of the country to compete for jobs and (sometimes perceived) easier-to-get wealth.

The metro area added one-million people between 1990 and 2000 (up from three-million to four-million people), but added the same amount between 2000 and 2005 (up from four-million to five million people). The metro population went up by 25% in five years but the capacity on the road system was basically unchanged (went up 0%) in the same period. That added amount of automobiles on the roads means more difficulty driving during peak times and more competition between people for space and time.

Because of so many more cars on the roads in a short time people have gotten more rude and impatient because there’s more people to get in each others way all at once (literally 25% longer commute time to go same distance). If there are delays because of crashes or construction, other options for getting around (by bus, train, bike, or foot) are almost non-existant which forces drivers to deal with stressful conditions because there’s no other way to go. In addition to space on the roads all this increased amount of people have to compete against each other for jobs, goods, services and SANITY which just adds to the stress of driving. Add to the mix the state, county and city governments who have a history of sometimes fierce and extreme competition against each other (mostly over money from development interests and taxes and political) instead of cooperation with each other and you get what sometimes seems to be a state of near-anarchy, not only on the roads, but within some government agencies (MARTA and Fulton County being two of the most notable, but by no means only, examples)

By larry english

November 15, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

cynthia looks pretty cute in her helmet

wle.

By yanktank

November 17, 2005 03:39 AM | Link to this

Cyclists - the current state of affairs is just not good enough, and there is only one way to change things - get together. Join your local BUG (bicycle user group), or advocacy group, form a community group, join your club rides - get the word out there! Fighting with car drivers is a waste of time. We need to work with politicians who understand that cycling is worth supporting.

Any form of transport that combines health benefits with environmentally friendly mode of transport is worth putting the weight of government behind. All but the most ignorant politicians know this - so lets work with them to change the wicked ways of the road gang! More dedicated paths for non-motorized transport please!

By George Hall

November 22, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this

Cynthia you and the AJC have failed the journalism test! I have listened with interest to comments by you taking the Governor to task, and all of your denials when it was revealed that the AJC got its’ own “Corporate Welfare”. It’s not the error, but the automatic cover up that got you. By carelessness you didn’t realize that your own employer was a recipiant. Ok so far? you were challenged and just a little correction and an apology would have cleared it up. But you also ignored the Governors response, and fell back on a lame claim that “what you printed was accurate”. That may be true, but it’s what was left out that counts. The result of the fiasco was that you demonstrated that the AJC news and commentary need to be vetted by the reader for accuracy. The reader also needs to visit the Internet to find out what is left out by you and the AJC news writers. G.B. Hall, Marietta, Ga.