Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Renee Patten on August 29, 2013 at 3:52am

http://tinyfixbikegang.com/dont-bike-like-a-dickweed-10-rules-for-n...

"Don’t Bike Like A Dickweed: 10 Rules for New Cyclists"

5. Don't Shoal.

When you reach a red light, you should wait behind the cyclist who is already there. If you don’t, you’re shoaling. As Bike Snob NYC explains it: “No rider, no matter how slow or diminutive, will ever come to a stop behind another rider at a red light. Instead, it is standard practice to pass that rider and stop in front of him, even if this involves doing so in the middle of the crosswalk or in the actual intersection, well ahead of the traffic signal. ‘Shoaling’ is an incredibly rude practice, and it’s tantamount to cutting in front of someone at an ATM, supermarket checkout, or urinal line.”

Dummies, for the love of god, cut this shit out right the fuck now. If people are out there in front of you, obviously faster than you, what do you hope to accomplish by cutting ahead of them at a light? THEY’RE FASTER THAN YOU. You’re just going to get passed again. And if you ARE faster than them, there’s plenty of time to safely pass them after the light has changed.

I used to do this but won't anymore!

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Permalink Reply by Carter O'Brien on August 29, 2013 at 7:17am

Yep.

The cyclist who for whatever reason decides they need to weave their way through a dozen cyclists on Milwaukee waiting at a red is like that person who doesn't grasp the finer nuances of bellying up to the bar.  If you're bumping into people, spilling drinks, etc., you're a jerk.  I don't care what your excuse is.  I don't care if you left late, I don't care if you're wearing fancy spandex or panniers, you're just a jerk.  That person is almost certainly a jerk when behind a wheel, or when waltzing into a crosswalk and ignoring a left turn arrow.

You pass another cyclist on the street when you can do so safely, that's the vehicular approach.  If to pass someone you need to hop on the sidewalk, blow a red light, etc., then don't do it. Doesn't seem hard to me.  I really don't mind the faster folks getting in front of me, I think everyone is talking about the same problem,  the pokey riders who still insist on scooting to the "front of the line" at a red.

Those folks would be better off if they learned to time their riding with the stoplights so they weren't rushing just to get to a red.  If you have a steady route, memorizing the number of times the light flashes Don't Walk at the busier intersections (it varies considerably) and expending your efforts accordingly is a very efficient way to travel.

Renee Patten said:

http://tinyfixbikegang.com/dont-bike-like-a-dickweed-10-rules-for-n...

"Don’t Bike Like A Dickweed: 10 Rules for New Cyclists"

5. Don't Shoal.

When you reach a red light, you should wait behind the cyclist who is already there. If you don’t, you’re shoaling. As Bike Snob NYC explains it: “No rider, no matter how slow or diminutive, will ever come to a stop behind another rider at a red light. Instead, it is standard practice to pass that rider and stop in front of him, even if this involves doing so in the middle of the crosswalk or in the actual intersection, well ahead of the traffic signal. ‘Shoaling’ is an incredibly rude practice, and it’s tantamount to cutting in front of someone at an ATM, supermarket checkout, or urinal line.”

Dummies, for the love of god, cut this shit out right the fuck now. If people are out there in front of you, obviously faster than you, what do you hope to accomplish by cutting ahead of them at a light? THEY’RE FASTER THAN YOU. You’re just going to get passed again. And if you ARE faster than them, there’s plenty of time to safely pass them after the light has changed.

I used to do this but won't anymore!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Minh on August 29, 2013 at 9:59am

When it's warmer there's always more cyclists on the road. And with more people you have more newbies and rude self-righteous jerks. We can complain about them all day, but they are never going to stop being assholes unless they are newbies and eventually figure it out. It was the same way when I used to drive. One can either ignore them and stew in anger and maybe bitch about them on the internet, ignore them and just let it go, or confront them and say/do something. Considerate sharing of the road in Chicago? haha that is just wishful thinking.

Maybe we can shame them? Pfft maybe not... most people in our society have no shame.

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Permalink Reply by Barry Niel Stuart on August 29, 2013 at 10:08am

Another big no-no is trying to pass a bus in order to make a right turn in front of the bus.  Since this is a very dangerous maneuver, it's also illegal.  Let the bus go, then make your right turn.

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