The Chainlink

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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I usually just stop...

Jaik - 4.3mi said:

A friend and I were discussing this recently, well people and cars in the bike lanes, in general. It came down to the question of what happens if people just run into them? I was told a while ago that pedestrians have the right of way, no matter what. I never looked into that. If it's true, I think it's ridiculous.

Last year I was in an accident involving a PBL and pedestrians. I had the choice to hit the parked cars, curb, or people. I aimed for the people(they're squishy). I the people got out of the way and it was just me that tumbled around. 

I don't think I would ever try to hit a car, although, I do wonder who would be at fault for injuries, damages, etc. 

Jaik-

You and every other cyclist should know what the Rules of the Road are, if for no other reason than to make the flow of cars, bicycles and pedestrians around you somewhat more predictable.

Here's a link to the 2013 Rules on the Secretary of State's site.

Here's a link to the League of Illinois Bicyclists site.

Here's a link to the League of American Bicyclists site.


Jaik - 4.3mi said:

A friend and I were discussing this recently, well people and cars in the bike lanes, in general. It came down to the question of what happens if people just run into them? I was told a while ago that pedestrians have the right of way, no matter what. I never looked into that. If it's true, I think it's ridiculous.

I start yelling about 1/2 block out when i see someone standing in the bike lane. I'm travelling at rush hour so i'm not expected. But that doens't excuse stupidity. You, as a vehicle, are responsible for everything in front of you. Use ur brakes and let's try and not turn the Dearborn bike lane (as slow as it is) into the LFP which is just a train wreck.

+1

Gabe said:

You, as a vehicle, are responsible for everything in front of you. Use ur brakes and let's try and not turn the Dearborn bike lane (as slow as it is) into the LFP which is just a train wreck.

Thanks for the links.

Kevin C said:

Jaik-

You and every other cyclist should know what the Rules of the Road are, if for no other reason than to make the flow of cars, bicycles and pedestrians around you somewhat more predictable.

Here's a link to the 2013 Rules on the Secretary of State's site.

Here's a link to the League of Illinois Bicyclists site.

Here's a link to the League of American Bicyclists site.

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!!!!

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

Get a bell. And share the street.

Stopping or slowing down won't kill you. Simmering resentment might.

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.

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.

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!!"

...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.

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