Pet Peeves Among the Pedals

Not about pedestrians, not about motorists, just about our fellow cyclists. We are all so different that stuff is bound to frustrate when we approach riding in such different ways, explain to those we think are less experienced, etc. Ok, tell us your stories, tell us your pet peeves, we're all friends! 

I'll start out with a pet peeve of mine... The cyclist that blows past me so close to me I felt the wind of their SWOOOOOSH as they fly past me but they say nothing to warn me. We're in tight quarters in the bike lane. Buy a bell and/or tell me you are there! 

p.s. sure, your pet peeve may be the forum post that's been done before but I kinda feel like this tucks into other topics so this time I'm giving the pedal pet peeve front and center.

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Permalink Reply by Irvin Steinert on July 2, 2017 at 7:15am

Redundancy for the purpose of clarity is laudable. 

The act is called shoaling. Nobody likes it when it is done to them. I have yet to fully understand the mind of the Shoaler. Perhaps it like the folks who fight for a "close" parking spot when there are plenty within a short walking distance.

Permalink Reply by Joseph Beemster on June 30, 2017 at 4:35am

You are not alone on close passing Cyclists. When this happens I always yell "Call Out" A simple "On Your Left" is much appreciated. Also new riders following in a line go to pass you and cut right in mis-judging how close the are to you.

Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 30, 2017 at 5:39am

Bikers that complain about other bikers but don't offer any ideas or suggestions on how to improve behavior. 

I'll start. Try having a conversation with the person who did what you don't like. I would love to have caught up to the Cat 6'er that complained about my riding in the left side of the bike lane yesterday. He rode in the door zone after passing me so this is a hazard he's probably not aware of. 

Permalink Reply by Matt Talbert on June 30, 2017 at 5:53am

To put this kindly as possible, I am discouraged to do that. I used to tell fellow cyclists that it is in our best interests to stop at red lights, only to get snarky response or have them tell me they don't give a F. You may also get a hostile person, which sadly has happened to me before. Unfortunately it's best to just keep things to yourself, do things right, and those who truly care will follow your good example. I one time had a cyclist pull up next to me and say "you inspire me to stop at reds." 

Permalink Reply by Cheryl on June 30, 2017 at 6:02am

Agree. I have politely said to silent close passers, "Please say something when you pass." In return I've gotten sworn at and snark. 

Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 30, 2017 at 6:06am

I hear you on that. I was certainly not going to take criticism from dude I ran into yesterday since he was giving me bad advice and riding poorly himself. But that's not the only way to reach out to bikers and I prefer to keep my whining to a minimum if I'm not going to also offer something on how to improve whatever it is I don't like. 

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on June 30, 2017 at 6:11am

This thread may be "venting" but also allows people to see what's frustrating to other cyclists. 

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on June 30, 2017 at 6:25am

Yes, and it's been interesting to see!

Permalink Reply by Kat on July 1, 2017 at 10:00am

I mentioned to a fellow biker "an on your left might be nice" and he literally tried to run me off the road for about 5 blocks. 

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on June 30, 2017 at 6:13am

NINJAS. Please buy some lights - USB lights are awesome. Charge them. Use them. I want everyone to live. Plus, can be super startling from car, bike, or on foot to come across a cyclist invisible in the dark.

Permalink Reply by BikeScnhook on June 30, 2017 at 6:25am

I just plain don't understand how people can freakin' ride a bike at night without 'em. I have a hard enough time seeing with lights attached to my bike!

Permalink Reply by Eric Pounder on June 30, 2017 at 9:15am

If it looks like someone doesn't know what they are doing, I'll pass as quickly as possible without saying a thing.  If my judgement sees them as competent, I'll give a polite "on your left".  Children and Swervy McDivyton will turn left if you say "on your left".

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