What does everyone do or say to 'bad' cyclists?? Anything?

People do all kinds of ridiculous stuff on the road - we all know it.

It stinks that, as cyclists, we often pay the price no matter who is really at fault.

I feel very strongly that motorists should be held to a higher level of liability, given that cars kill so many people every day and cyclists are the most vulnerable to this. So, it makes sense that we can 'get away' with stuff that cars cant.

I also have zero issues about pointing out awful motorist behavior directly to their faces - yelling, kicking, and even sometimes spitting all fall within the realm of acceptable behavior from my own prospective when it comes to people who choose to drive their cars in a way that hugely risks my safety (and life!).

No one likes to be told that their behavior is wrong - even when it clearly is. People don't learn this way. It's only natural to become defensive and angry.

When it comes to motorists - I don't care. Let them get angry. Maybe they'll think about it again later and perhaps not do that again.

so... here's the huge BUT....

What about cyclists?? I believe that it's totally okay to treat stop signs like yields and red lights like stop signs. I'll even do a bit of slow, cautious sidewalk or wrong way riding to save myself a trip around the block every now and then.

But I'm talking about those who dart through intersections, wrong way riders in all black with no lights or helmets, cyclists who zip past us within inches and don't announce it, bad attempts at track stands at intersections confusing motorists... Sometimes, it's also just an FYI - like locking only the front wheel, wearing a helmet backwards, untied shoelaces, dying blinkies...

This stuff does no benefit to city cycling whatsoever. In fact, I often worry that I now have to pass all those motorists that the 'bad cyclist' who darted in front of me has just pissed off. I cringe nearly every day at how many bike-hating motorists are created by us.

Let's not give them a reason to hate us, huh?!?

Even when it's just a backwards helmet or bikes locked with only a front wheel, etc... That person won't be a cyclist for long. Their bad experience is clearly just around the corner, and they'll be back in a car before the fall, telling all their friends that they tried bicycling... and it was awful.

SO...

While it's still early in the season, this is the time of year that all this stuff is at it's peak.

How do you call out 'bad' cyclists?? It's just as important that we say something to them as it is that we do it to motorists... if not more so.

Sometimes, I just call out, "Please ride safely!", but that's a bit silly. Like I said, no one likes to be told that what they're doing is wrong - people get angry and defensive.

What's the proper way to encourage folks to make the right decisions?? What does everyone here do or say?

Thanks!!

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Permalink Reply by Gary Fredericks on June 13, 2014 at 10:13am

+1

David Altenburg said:

Please stop. Their behavior is annoying, I get it. But we were all newbies once, and I for one, hope all those noobs trying out biking now keep at it and get more experienced - in which case, most will learn to ride straight and even buy their own all-important magic hat. Cycling in the city is scary for those not used to it - it really doesn't take much to scare off a lot of people.

Roger said:

it isn't the Divvy Bikers without helmets, in the middle of the trail, swerving and meandering at 4mph, though I moderately verbally abusive to them;  

Permalink Reply by Chitown_Mike on June 18, 2014 at 3:56am

I gave up saying anything to anyone else on a bike unless it directly involves my safety, then they get treated like a car.  After being told that because someone commutes year round the laws don't apply to them, I'd rather there be more hood ornaments because people want to ride unsafely and take their well-being into their hands then get chewed out.

I'll still stop and help someone who needs it, answer questions for people that have them, but beyond that I won't "police" other cyclists.  They don't seem to care, I have seen cops that don't care, so therefore I shouldn't care.

Permalink Reply by Joe Schmoe on June 18, 2014 at 4:35am

If someone puts my life at risk, they get an earful.  The same earful that cars get when they endanger peds. I usually won't yell at cars if I'm on a bike, and if they're in a position to be able to harm me, though I've chased down one or two for egregious behavior (U-turn that would have taken me out if I didn't act on a hunch that they were going to U-turn). For cyclists, the silent pass on the left as I'm stopped at a light that's about to turn green is the worst. Particularly when I'm going to pass them 20 seconds later. Second to blowing through a stop sign without slowing down or looking for cars, or other cyclists.  Third being salmoning on busy streets (I could care less about side streets, really); for salmoners, I take the inside, even if it involves coming to a complete stop. And they get the stare of death.  4th being people who don't stay on their side of the path (riding 4 wide, etc.). 

Permalink Reply by Charles_T_Duck on June 18, 2014 at 5:39am

+1, bratty or not.

Jody said:

Sometimes, as silently passing cyclists nearly brush my left shoulder, I'll blurt out, '...on your RIGHT!'.

Probably bratty of me, huh?


Barbra Mann said:
My greatest pet peeve...bicyclists passing a few inches from me with no word up...they are so antisocial or self-absorbed they cant make a sound??? A bell, an "on your left". I love telling people I appreciate their word for the FEW who do let me know they are gaining on me and about to pass. I wish people would be happier, too. A lot are oblivious...in their own world. People with scowls on their faces...shit in their ears...how can you be aware with music blasting in your ears or deep in thought about a scowl-inducing thought? Be in the moment for heaven's sake it will do wonders for your mind. Making eye contact is good. No more is even necessary in most situations but it can go a looong way. I also fear a bike hitting me as it flies through an intersection. Watch out because I watch out for you!!! In a good way!
The hard thing...as a bike whizzes inches by me...there isn't even enough time to tell them they should've given an "on your left"...maybe WE should just say it for them..."on your left!" ya that's what I think I will do! Model it for them.
Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on June 18, 2014 at 2:07pm

This thread reminds me of Bikeyface: Unwanted Advice

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