Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on June 19, 2018 at 5:05am

When I can afford to buy a carbon road bike with Ultegra, I will jump at the chance. Riding a carbon bike is super fun. Climbing is even better. The Chainlink leads a weekly ride and we go over the rules with the riders every single week. We insist on lights and careful, respectful riding behavior. Zach runs a tight ship to help people just starting out and making it fun for those that have loads of experience. I'm more of a dirt, limestone, and MTB rider at heart but I'd be proud to consider myself a roadie. 

How about we refrain from the name-calling labels and focus on the actions that need to be changed? One way to do that IMO is to be an example, lead rides that get people thinking about laws and rules and safety (see Tuesday CL rides!), and be friendly to our fellow cyclists. My friends taught me how to behave and they did it with kindness and compassion. That goes a long way.

I used to lead a weekly fun ride to help get people used to riding streets, navigating cars, experiencing the love of cycling, eat tacos, and learning about signaling in groups. I wish I had a replacement leader when I needed to move. Again, this helps people learn so much about the best way to ride. 

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Permalink Reply by Matt Talbert on June 19, 2018 at 5:15am

If I may plug another ride, the Chicago Cycling Club is going to reboot their Monday night instructional rides soon: https://chicagocyclingclub.org/Home/ViewEvent/3160

These are great for any roadies interested in training rides. They go over proper pace lining and safety etiquette.

It seems like a new theme here is that the best way to curb this behavior is to encourage group riding and gathering as a community. If that is the path we are headed I would be ecstatic. Plays into the whole "lead by example" philosophy.

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on June 19, 2018 at 6:37am

The MNR is a really good ride as an entry point into group riding too. Thanks for mentioning!

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on June 19, 2018 at 11:23am

I dunno with like a decade as a transportive cyclist, like 4 of them car-free, I would say my style of riding is VERY compatible with life in the city.  EVERY incident of conflict I have EVER had with  a motorist has been due to them either not following the law, or more often, straight up not seeing me.

The laws are written to move CARS through the city.

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Permalink Reply by Carter O'Brien on June 19, 2018 at 3:16pm

As a rule of thumb, whenever people say things like "It's always everybody's fault but mine," that's a pretty good sign it's the opposite.

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Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on June 19, 2018 at 11:20pm

So doorings, cars running red lights, making left turns in front of me, right hooks and merging over me in the past are my fault?

Interesting...

But hey, I am sure you know more about my history biking than I do.

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Permalink Reply by Maurice on June 24, 2018 at 8:18am

Thought about posting this in "Missed Connections," but I know that you heard me.

 

You: "Blond" on a Divvy staring at your phone while rolling full speed through a red light, nearly t-boning me.

Me: Commuter proceeding through a green light saying, "Watch where you're going."

You said: "I know, I know!" But obviously you don't.

 

If I hadn't been there to stop you, you probably would've rolled right into a car travelling at 30+ MPH.

 

You're welcome.

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Permalink Reply by Filka Bean on June 24, 2018 at 5:01pm

Hey i just read through the comments above re: kit and frame material... I don’t get why it’s significant that the dude was blonde?

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Permalink Reply by BikeScnhook on June 25, 2018 at 7:50am

Ernesto, man, you and I are on the same page. And every. single. time. I end up catching up with the violators. "Lotta good it did ya, huh?"

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