Pedestrians Stepping into Dearborn PBL

Most of us who use this PBL have probably experienced a pedestrian stepping in front of us against the light.  Now, there are a lot of words that might come out of your mouth in that situation.  The ones that I prefer to use now are, "Please look up! Please don't get hurt!"

After I said this a few nights ago, the woman who stepped in front of me actually smiled and confessed that she had perhaps had one too many drinks.  We then had a friendly conversation.

On some occasions, I've also said nothing, and just ridden up to the person standing in the PBL and stared at them silently.  Sometimes they've done nothing; other times they've realized that my light is green, theirs is red, and then jumped back on the sidewalk, sometimes smiling or apologizing.

Your strategies?  Your results?

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Permalink Reply by Sean Murray on June 21, 2013 at 5:23am

That was prob me. I love my AirZounds horn!

Julia C 7.5 mi said:

ahahahaha I might try that. I'm partial to "HEADS UP!" and ringing my bell. Saw a guy with an airzound a few weeks ago - he managed to get the attention of people crossing against the light on Lake St, as a train was going overhead.

bk (aka: Dr. Mambohead) said:

Yell:

"No Brakes!!!!"

Works every time!!!!
Permalink Reply by Ellie on June 21, 2013 at 5:51am

I use "coming up" in as nice a voice as possible- if more urgent I yell "watch!!"

Permalink Reply by Jeff K on June 21, 2013 at 6:09am
Get a bell. And share the street.

Stopping or slowing down won't kill you. Simmering resentment might.
Permalink Reply by Glenn Bradford on June 21, 2013 at 6:28am

I used "Heads Up!" as well, but then I also try to say "Thank You!" although in this area of Dearborn everything is moving so I haven't ever managed a conversation. I also give a yell to taxis and cars double parked in the bike lane: "You're in a bike lane!" I tend to yell that in a not-so-friendly tone since it forces cyclists into traffic.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on June 21, 2013 at 7:02am

Taxi drivers can't hear you yelling.

Glenn Bradford said:

I also give a yell to taxis and cars double parked in the bike lane: "You're in a bike lane!" I tend to yell that in a not-so-friendly tone since it forces cyclists into traffic.

Permalink Reply by Tony Adams on June 21, 2013 at 7:11am

I use a bell mostly, but I love your approach Ellie! Perhaps make up a happy sounding song to sing about hapless pedestrians narrowly avoiding an untimely doom?

Look both ways, look both ways it may be one of those days,

When your life it will be saved, look both ways...


Ellie said:

I use "coming up" in as nice a voice as possible- if more urgent I yell "watch!!"

Permalink Reply by Glenn Bradford on June 21, 2013 at 9:12am

...and they wouldn't care if they did hear, but, I feel like its my responsibility to stand up for the bike lane. :)

Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Taxi drivers can't hear you yelling.

Glenn Bradford said:

I also give a yell to taxis and cars double parked in the bike lane: "You're in a bike lane!" I tend to yell that in a not-so-friendly tone since it forces cyclists into traffic.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on June 21, 2013 at 9:46am

I've learned that it's best to just let it slide at the moment and report them via 311 later. I've had a few encounters with cabbies who cut me off and what ends up happening is they get pissed and try to run me over. It's not worth it.

Glenn Bradford said:

...and they wouldn't care if they did hear, but, I feel like its my responsibility to stand up for the bike lane. :)

Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Taxi drivers can't hear you yelling.

Glenn Bradford said:

I also give a yell to taxis and cars double parked in the bike lane: "You're in a bike lane!" I tend to yell that in a not-so-friendly tone since it forces cyclists into traffic.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on June 21, 2013 at 10:22am

You can report it all on line now and attaching photos is encouraged.

https://servicerequest.cityofchicago.org/web_intake_chic/Controller...
 
h' 1.0 said:

Pulling out your phone and taking pictures seems to get their attention, if not always a desired response...

What exactly happens to a 311 report of a taxi sitting in a bike lane?

I thought they sent you a physical form to fill out and send in?


Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

I've learned that it's best to just let it slide at the moment and report them via 311 later. I've had a few encounters with cabbies who cut me off and what ends up happening is they get pissed and try to run me over. It's not worth it.

Glenn Bradford said:

...and they wouldn't care if they did hear, but, I feel like its my responsibility to stand up for the bike lane. :)

Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Taxi drivers can't hear you yelling.

Glenn Bradford said:

I also give a yell to taxis and cars double parked in the bike lane: "You're in a bike lane!" I tend to yell that in a not-so-friendly tone since it forces cyclists into traffic.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 21, 2013 at 10:26am

Yeah!!!!

Lisa Curcio 6.5 mi said:

You can report it all on line now and attaching photos is encouraged.

https://servicerequest.cityofchicago.org/web_intake_chic/Controller...
 

Permalink Reply by Soel on June 21, 2013 at 6:14pm

As a bike messenger I deal with the Cellphone lane on Dearborn on a regular basis. First off i do not use this lane during rush periods. I find with high speeds biking with traffic is quicker and safer depending on your destination. I always carry a whistle to warn the groups of people stepping into the lane hastily j walking at intersections. Honestly i am a menace  when it comes to obeying traffic laws but when i really need to get the point of a bike lane across nothing is more effective than a good silent near miss. The gust of wind that follows a messenger will surely remind them to always look both ways when stepping off a curb. 

From the cars and trucks speeding out of alleys, pedestrians with their nose deep in cell phones, and bike commuters I leave this beautiful protected bike lane to them.

Permalink Reply by Soel on June 22, 2013 at 4:50am

When you're right you're right. . I wouldnt certainly not do such a thing with kids present.

Jeff Schneider said:

I would reconsider using that tactic.  You can never be completely sure what others will do.  Your planned "near miss" could turn into a collision.  And a collision that might not harm a healthy young adult could be pretty serious for the frail or small kids.


Sam Gaitán said:

Honestly i am a menace  when it comes to obeying traffic laws but when i really need to get the point of a bike lane across nothing is more effective than a good silent near miss. The gust of wind that follows a messenger will surely remind them to always look both ways when stepping off a curb.

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