# Cyclists.. evil bastards? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 9, 2014, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732 "2014-04-09T17:03:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2014, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/201 "2014-04-15T20:13:34Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > I guess we won’t be hearing Melchior’s explanation as to why he thinks bikes should not be on the roads. > > Now we just have to wait until Little Pig comes down off of whatever he’s been snorting. Hey guys, I just like pulling your chain 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![oft\_wears\_hats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7993a0/32.png) [@oft\_wears\_hats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/oft_wears_hats)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2014, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/202 "2014-04-15T20:58:18Z")
nm ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/203 "2014-04-16T04:00:08Z")
You know what really burns my ass about motorcyclists? [Lane Splitting.](http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Motorcycle-lane-splitting-rules-unveiled-4270272.php) Talk about throwing caution to the wind :smack: ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/204 "2014-04-16T04:54:44Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > You know what really burns my ass about motorcyclists? [Lane Splitting.](http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Motorcycle-lane-splitting-rules-unveiled-4270272.php) Talk about throwing caution to the wind :smack: Bicycles too slow, piss you off. Motorcycles can get there faster than you, piss you off. Got it. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/205 "2014-04-16T05:04:41Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > I guess we won’t be hearing Melchior’s explanation as to why he thinks bikes should not be on the roads. > > Now we just have to wait until Little Pig comes down off of whatever he’s been snorting. Melchior got banned 2-day. Banned because: [I guess he was being A Dick.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=720758&page=2) Post number 64. - Little\_Pig ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/206 "2014-04-16T05:10:15Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Bicycles too slow, piss you off. > Motorcycles can get there faster than you, piss you off. > Got it. My experience at red lights is that they can come up on you from either side while you’re stopped. How often do you constantly monitor both of your side view mirrors while stopped? From an insurance perspective I’ve _heard_ from a biker that if an accident occurs with a motorcyclist while the motorcyclist is lane-splitting, that by default, they are at fault. Anyone hear the same of differently? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/207 "2014-04-16T05:14:46Z")
Good drivers monitor the overall traffic constantly. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/208 "2014-04-16T05:20:26Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Bicycles too slow, piss you off. > Motorcycles can get there faster than you, piss you off. > Got it. Neither pisses me off. I just hate having to pay to get my car washed. And those annoying dents that have to be pulled out. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/209 "2014-04-16T05:24:23Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Good drivers monitor the overall traffic constantly. Right. I just can’t wait for Google Glass to be released to the general public later this year. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/210 "2014-04-16T05:32:41Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > Let’s hire some married gay couples to take turns riding a tandem bicycle ahead of Melchior’s car. Can only do in certain states. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Namkcalb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c89c15/32.png) [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/211 "2014-04-16T08:24:57Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > I would estimate a ridiculously huge percentage of drivers are talking into the cell phones, texting, or doing something else distracting with their technological toys. Sometimes they browse the 'dope in traffic too Exhibit A, note the present tense. > [@Little\_Pig](#): > > I’m driving home from work today and there is some widget-head, some dingle-ball, some half-baked cretin, bicyling in the [_center_ of the right hand lane.](https://www.google.com/maps/@37.425851,-122.14004,3a,75y,352.46h,72.14t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sp1bl2uqEylWuHTUe5E3Ntg!2e0?hl=en) Traffic was backed up behind him, swerving to the left lane to avoid him, and this bufoon, this self-centered little twit in his fashionable spandex tights and matching colored helmut, keeps peddling down the road as if nothing was happening. I would have paid American Dollars to see him get creamed, and additional dollars to see him get run over, yet again. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 8:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/212 "2014-04-16T08:51:42Z")
> [@Namkcalb](#): > > Sometimes they browse the 'dope in traffic too > > Exhibit A, note the present tense. Ah, no, I was not browsing the 'dope in traffic. Nice try though. Again, I’ve _heard_ from a biker that if an accident occurs with a motorcyclist while the motorcyclist is lane-splitting, that by default, they are at fault. Anyone hear the same or differently? ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/213 "2014-04-16T12:18:06Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > Ah, no, I was not browsing the 'dope in traffic. Nice try though. > > Again, I’ve _heard_ from a biker that if an accident occurs with a motorcyclist while the motorcyclist is lane-splitting, that by default, they are at fault. Anyone hear the same or differently? You don’t have [wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting) on your internet? > [@](#): > > Another consideration is that lane splitting in the United States, even where legal, can possibly leave the rider legally responsible. In California, it is legal only if done safely: “‘Safely’ is always very much a judgment call. The mere fact that an accident happened while a rider was lane splitting is very strong evidence that on that occasion it wasn’t safe to do so…If you’ve been involved in an accident you will have a hard job convincing an insurance adjuster that the accident was not completely your fault.” Conversely, however, if said lane splitting is ‘required’ by state law for bicycles (which is pretty much all the states) then a driver taking actions that causes an accident will be just as liable as if there was no lane splitting taking place. So if you drift into a cyclist on your right it is the same as if you changed lanes into another car. If you left hook a cyclist riding in a bike lane because you didn’t see them behind another car it is still your fault. Furthermore, with motorcycles in stopped traffic the driver is not scott-free to do anything. Many is the driver in CA who thought it would be fun to fling open a door in front of a motorcyclist only to face charges. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/214 "2014-04-16T12:32:42Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > Ah, no, I was not browsing the 'dope in traffic. Nice try though. We are still waiting for an explanation from you as to what exactly that cyclist was doing that was so illegal. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/215 "2014-04-16T12:49:58Z")
[Liability while lane splitting.](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/motorcycle-accidents-lane-splitting-29730.html) > [@](#): > > If an accident happens while a motorcycle is lane splitting, there’s a good chance that fault for the accident will be attributed to the motorcycle rider. If the insurance adjuster or court finds that the motorcyclist’s carelessness was a substantial cause of the accident, the rider is out of luck when it comes to recovering damages. > > However, if the motorcycle rider can show that the other driver (presumably of a car or truck) contributed to the accident, the rider may be partially or fully compensated for her injuries and property damage. This may occur if the car that hit them was changing lanes or weaving, or if the driver was talking on the phone or otherwise not paying attention. Since in California, it’s legal(not a grey area like before), it seems like it’s treated just like any other accident. [http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html](http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html) > **[California releases new rules for motorcycle lane-splitting](https://laist.com/shows/airtalk/california-releases-new-rules-for-motorcycle-lane-splitting)** > > Are you a motorcyclist? How do you feel about these rules? Have you ever had any encounters with lane-splitting as a driver? Should motorists be more aware of cyclists when they’re driving, or is the road no place for such risky behavior? ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/216 "2014-04-16T14:46:19Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > [Liability while lane splitting.](http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/motorcycle-accidents-lane-splitting-29730.html) > Since in California, it’s legal(not a grey area like before), it seems like it’s treated just like any other accident. > > [http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html](http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html) > [California releases new rules for motorcycle lane-splitting](http://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2013/02/12/30486/new-rules-for-motorcycle-lane-splitting/) I wish lane splitting were legal in more states. I’ve ridden on the California “freeway” which is really a huge parking lot named I5. If it weren’t for lane-splitting I would have roasted to death at 5MPH. At first I was hesitant to lane split until I saw it could be done safer than I imagined and it gave cagers and trucks more room to squeeze into. YOU’RE WELCOME!!! ---
**Author:** ![delsina363](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a6a055/32.png) [@delsina363](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/delsina363)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/217 "2014-04-16T14:55:18Z")
I have not read the follow up questions to the OP’s question, I do not think I need to. Just recently, another bike rider was killed in Boston. My opinion: Unless you can do 55 miles per hour, stay off the street. There is nothing worse in life then getting stuck behind someone riding a bike on the street. If you wish to ride your bike, it is much safer to do it on sidewalks. Then when you see someone riding a bike in your lane, you have to literally watch them in case they are beside you when you are making a turn, etc. If you cannot do 55 do not drive. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/218 "2014-04-16T15:02:17Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > Then when you see someone riding a bike in your lane, you have to literally watch them in case they are beside you when you are making a turn, etc. > > . If you notice a car in your lane, don’t you also “literally” watch them? Or can you safely ignore the cars and other vehicles? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/219 "2014-04-16T15:02:35Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > I have not read the follow up questions to the OP’s question, I do not think I need to. Just recently, another bike rider was killed in Boston. My opinion: Unless you can do 55 miles per hour, stay off the street. There is nothing worse in life then getting stuck behind someone riding a bike on the street. If you wish to ride your bike, it is much safer to do it on sidewalks. Then when you see someone riding a bike in your lane, you have to literally watch them in case they are beside you when you are making a turn, etc. > > If you cannot do 55 do not drive. You drive 55 everywhere you go?? Some streets have a much lower speed limit. And why are you making a turn when you know they’re beside you? And it’s awful you have to watch other traffic. You do realize that a bike and pedestrians don’t mix on a sidewalk and a bike is less visible to drivers when he reaches a crossing. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/220 "2014-04-16T15:05:33Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > I have not read the follow up questions to the OP’s question, I do not think I need to. Just recently, another bike rider was killed in Boston. Tens of thousands of drivers are killed every day. > [@](#): > > My opinion: Unless you can do 55 miles per hour, stay off the street. The speed limits on the streets around here are 25 and 35 mph. If you are driving 55 on them you are the problem. Furthermore, the Boston cyclist you reference was killed by a Sanitation truck, not a vehicle known for getting up to speed. > [@](#): > > There is nothing worse in life then getting stuck behind someone riding a bike on the street. Nothing worse? You need to get your priorities in order. > [@](#): > > If you wish to ride your bike, it is much safer to do it on sidewalks. The fuck it is. Cycling on the sidewalk is far more dangerous for both pedestrians and cyclists. > [@](#): > > Then when you see someone riding a bike in your lane, you have to literally watch them in case they are beside you when you are making a turn, etc. Oh, I’m so sorry, are we cyclist forcing you to pay attention to your driving? Are you losing valuable texting time in the drivers seat when there is a cyclist around? > [@](#): > > If you cannot do 55 do not drive. How about you learn how to drive, then you can tell others what to do. It is apparent from your writings that you have no clue how to safely operate a motor vehicle. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732.md?page=12)