Biker Foul

I've seen this more than I care this Winter. Today encountered it twice and almost got hit by one biker.

Why do some bikers ride the wrong way in the bike lanes? Not always novices either; this one dude today had all the gear (goggles, face mask, etc.).

I mean WTF? There are even monstrous arrows showing us the way!?!?! When I've got traffic on my left and you're coming at me there aren't many options . . .

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Permalink Reply by igz on January 28, 2011 at 8:40am

sounds like the 'self righteous biker' syndrome to me

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Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 28, 2011 at 8:46am

Play chicken with him. Put your hands on your brake levers and be prepared to come to a full stop. Continue riding in a straight line. Make sure that the salmon cannot pass between you and the parked cars. And never, ever, let yourself get pushed into traffic.

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on January 28, 2011 at 8:46am

self preservation

iggi said:

sounds like the 'self righteous biker' syndrome to me

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Permalink Reply by Moc Artsy on January 28, 2011 at 9:42am

U-lock jousting.

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Permalink Reply by Davo on January 28, 2011 at 10:13am

NIce I'd like to see this. The winner gets the others bike.

Moc Artsy said:

U-lock jousting.

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Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on January 28, 2011 at 10:22am

Impossible. There is no such thing!

iggi said:

sounds like the 'self righteous biker' syndrome to me

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Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on January 28, 2011 at 10:28am

Mad Max style bikes?

Davo said:

NIce I'd like to see this. The winner gets the others bike.

Moc Artsy said:
U-lock jousting.

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Permalink Reply by Melanie K on January 28, 2011 at 10:49am

I encounter the wrong way riders all the time along with the "silent passers" (those cyclists that sneak up from behind and pass within 1/4" of my left side or even right side with nary a word of warning). I admit I am a slow rider and usually can avoid the "wrong way" bikers. Sadly, I noticed that a lot of cyclists, at least on my commute, do not have much in the way of cycling manners, be it warning when passing or going the wrong way down one-way streets. My favorite is the angry stare I get like I am in the wrong for cycling the correct way in the bicycle lane and not wanting to yield the lane to those going the incorrect way.

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Permalink Reply by Liz on January 28, 2011 at 11:54am

The one nice thing about winter cyclist is a drastic reduction in the number of silent passers. While nearly getting clipped by an unannounced cyclist on my right was a common occurance in the summer, it seems to have subsided with the cold weather. I am not looking forward to the spring when those jerks get back on their bikes.

Melanie said:

I encounter the wrong way riders all the time along with the "silent passers" (those cyclists that sneak up from behind and pass within 1/4" of my left side or even right side with nary a word of warning). I admit I am a slow rider and usually can avoid the "wrong way" bikers. Sadly, I noticed that a lot of cyclists, at least on my commute, do not have much in the way of cycling manners, be it warning when passing or going the wrong way down one-way streets. My favorite is the angry stare I get like I am in the wrong for cycling the correct way in the bicycle lane and not wanting to yield the lane to those going the incorrect way.