Passing other cyclists

Is there a reason that no one ever says "on your left" anymore? I was actually called out for not doing so by a messenger about 3 weeks ago passing him on his left over the brigde heading southbound on Milwaukee, just before Grand/Halsted. I was embarassed but realized that no matter how close or far (I thought I left plenty of room for him to swerve) you are to someone it helps/doesn't hurt to let them know you're there. It's just courtesy. In the weeks since I have been keeping a mental inventory of how many people (generally) actually say anything when passing. So here is my unofficial count from three weeks of rush hour commuting:

-1-

Do cyclists not like doing it? Do they think it is rude itself? I decided to post this today finally after being passed in the rain this morning (9.27.11) on my RIGHT by about a foot, with no warning. 

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Adam Sterling on October 4, 2011 at 5:03am

I always pass on the left. If I want to pass another rider, I should put myself out in the potentially dangerous traffic lane, as opposed to having the other rider move further to the right. I don't usually call it out, but I also give at least 3 feet of room.

 

My usual knee jerk thought response to "On your left" is "If you want to pass me pass me, don't tell me about it, just do it."

Permalink Reply by BikeBoy5 on October 6, 2011 at 2:59am

I try to use it when passing, which isn't often.  I'll sometimes slow down and ride in someone's wind shadow for a while, but will announce when I pass.  And if I pass, I make sure I keep riding faster than the bike I just passed...few things ruder than someone flying past and then poking along so I have to pass them back to maintain my (not very fast) pace.

I also think that an acknowledgement to the passer is good form...of course, if they have earbuds in and music cranked, they won't hear me (or anything else) anyway.

Earbuds = Natural Selection.

 

BikeBoy5

Permalink Reply by Jeremy on October 6, 2011 at 4:00am
And please, PLEASE do not pass someone when you're riding side-by-side.  Single file is always better.  I understand the appeal of engaging conversation on a morning commute, but nothing says you can't pick it back up after passing one at a time.  And yes, I'm talking to you two, red jersey & yellow jersey.  I seriously thought you were going to crash multiple times this morning.
Permalink Reply by Rhea Butcher on October 6, 2011 at 4:16am

I think riding side-by-side during rush hour should be banned. As well as earbuds. Very frustrating on a commute.

I'll be the person shouting "on your left" all the time. Say hi if you see me. ;)



Jeremy said:

And please, PLEASE do not pass someone when you're riding side-by-side.  Single file is always better.  I understand the appeal of engaging conversation on a morning commute, but nothing says you can't pick it back up after passing one at a time.  And yes, I'm talking to you two, red jersey & yellow jersey.  I seriously thought you were going to crash multiple times this morning.
Permalink Reply by Carter O'Brien on October 6, 2011 at 6:37am

I won't bother posting, but there are loads and loads of studies I've seen demonstrating that driving with hands-free phones is absolutely no safer than driving with "standard" ones, so I'd think the same principle applies. 

 

I'm a musician & can definitely understand the appeal of listening to music while biking, but I firmly believe that a complete immersion in the urban soundscape is critical. The sound of the City *IS* music in its purist, most organic form - mp3s are overly compressed and suck anyway.  : )


kiltedcelt said:

 One could also argue that giving attention to music or whatever provides a distraction and lessens ones attention to what they should be paying attention to, namely riding in a safe manner.
Permalink Reply by Holly H on October 6, 2011 at 9:05am

As a somewhat slow rider, I get passed a lot (on the left, on the right and in the middle of intersections) and it is rare that anyone says anything.  I wish they did as it can be rather startling to suddenly have someone on your side.  I tend to swerve and dodge potholes and debris and I hope it never happens at a time I'm being passed unannounced.

It is hard to know what the cyclist you are about to pass is going to do, but it's very easy to call out, say hello, or ring a bell and to me, letting someone know you are passing is a matter of being that much more safe and courteous to other cyclists.  We deal with enough stress from cars, it'd be delightful if cyclists didn't create more stress for one another.   

Permalink Reply by Joe Sak on January 2, 2012 at 7:32am

Someone passed me very close on the left a couple of months ago and I yelled "I guess you were on my left!" and the guy turned to me, made a snotty face and uttered some swears or something at me. Wicker Park is full of the rudest cyclists. Most without helmets or lights (you're so cool, and I bet you go brakeless too you cool asshole), and they never wave or smile when I ring my bell.

Permalink Reply by Noah Weiss 1.2 km on January 3, 2012 at 3:54am
I almost always announce when I am passing with "(Passing/Coming up/Approaching) on your left!" unless I can get way over safely. I also use my hand signals when passing, just as a car is supposed to. I also thank the passed person after passing them.

Of course, as others have mentioned, sometimes that is challenging if the person you are passing doesn't speak English.
Permalink Reply by Craig S. on January 3, 2012 at 4:48am

For 2012, I'm going against my nature and from now on, whenever I pass another rider on the road, I'm going to bellow out a loud, friendly, obnoxious "GOOD (insert whatever time of day)" and make some inane comment about something, probably about my imaginary Aunt Bettie.  

Yeah, I hate these people that do this...I better get a larger flask.

Permalink Reply by Melanie K on January 3, 2012 at 5:07am

I don't mind so much when someone passes me on the left, as I am looking out for people to do that since I am a slower rider, although sometimes it's nice to hear a bell or someone say "on the left" to verify they are passing, especially if there is other traffic.  I don't find it is really that necessary since I have an expectation of left lane passing. It's when people pass me on the right, without a word of warning, that it ticks me off. I have had several instances where someone has decided to pass on the right (most likely due to road traffic on the left) which has forced me into the traffic lane so that the right hand passer would have enough room without colliding into me. Since I am not always watching behind me on the right (I am usually looking for doors opening ahead), this is a huge pet peeve of mine.  

Permalink Reply by Finch on January 3, 2012 at 5:13am

I'm one of those people that wear earbuds - but only on the LSP for my work commute, and they are always on low. I can hear what's going on around me perfectly well. However, I accept that other bikers/drivers who see me after I get off at Ardmore and still have my buds in (I leave them in, but turn them off at that point. I don't want any music - even very low music - when cycling on the streets) assume I'm probably  blasting them. How can they know, either way?

Permalink Reply by Joe Schmoe on January 3, 2012 at 8:01am

I used to be anti-earbud. But I found the music keeps me calm when traffic is a bit hairy. Always on low. Always try to say "on your left".  Well before I get to the rider. 

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