# 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:** 12
**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, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/221 "2014-04-16T15:06:24Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > 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? When there is a car in my lane, it is either in front of me, or in back of me. Just an FYI, two cars cannot drive in the same lane side by side. However, a cyclist can drive up right beside you. At least this is the case in Boston. :rolleyes: ---
**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, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/222 "2014-04-16T15:10:30Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > When there is a car in my lane, it is either in front of me, or in back of me. Just an FYI, two cars cannot drive in the same lane side by side. However, a cyclist can drive up right beside you. At least this is the case in Boston. :rolleyes: If a cyclist is coming up right beside you then you are obviously not going 55mph and should get off the road by your own standards. If they are coming up beside you in slow traffic then I am sorry they actually had to make you pay attention to your surroundings when operating a motor vehicle. Given the fact that far too many drivers cannot even stay in their own lane while driving the issue is not cyclists. ---
**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, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/223 "2014-04-16T15:10:36Z")
Mistatonic: My post is merely my opinion. I currently do not have the “stats” of ratio of cyclists riding on sidewalks, compared to cyclists in the street. However, I have never heard of someone dying in a cyclist accident on a side walk. I honestly do not understand your name calling and cussing. If this matter is so dear to your heart, than I shall take leave of this thread. Peace Out. ---
**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, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/224 "2014-04-16T15:16:33Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > Mistatonic: My post is merely my opinion. I currently do not have the “stats” of ratio of cyclists riding on sidewalks, compared to cyclists in the street. **However, I have never heard of someone dying in a cyclist accident on a side walk.** > > I honestly do not understand your name calling and cussing. If this matter is so dear to your heart, than I shall take leave of this thread. Peace Out. [Here’s a article](http://www.sfbg.com/politics/2012/04/05/was-cyclist-who-killed-pedestrian-reckless) that references two incidents. In California(and other states) it’s illegal for adults to ride on the sidewalk. The Vehicle Code(Ca.) considers bicycle vehicles and allows their use on all but freeways. ETA:You do need to read the thread, all this was already addressed. ---
**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, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/225 "2014-04-16T15:17:20Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > Mistatonic: My post is merely my opinion. It is a stupid, rancid, hateful, and spiteful opinion based totally on your prejudices and bigotry towards cyclists. > [@](#): > > I currently do not have the “stats” of ratio of cyclists riding on sidewalks, compared to cyclists in the street. However, I have never heard of someone dying in a cyclist accident on a side walk. Because cyclists don’t die on the sidewalk if they are riding on the sidewalk - they get creamed at intersections because cars don’t see them on the sidewalk. Also, while few pedestrians get killed, plenty get hurt in sidewalk pedestrian-bike collisions. > [@](#): > > I honestly do not understand your name calling and cussing. You made some very ignorant statements and said some very bigoted things about cyclsts - really? the worst thing in the world is to be stuck behind a cyclist? Delivery trucks or drivers looking for a parking space go slower than cyclists but they don’t count? Don’t be surprised at this reaction. > [@](#): > > If this matter is so dear to your heart, than I shall take leave of this thread. Peace Out. You can stick around and learn something. Or you can maintain your demonstrated level of ignorance. We love that attitude here. ---
**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, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/226 "2014-04-16T15:24:57Z")
http://gothamist.com/2011/09/19/pedestrians\_are\_hit\_by\_more\_bicycli.php"]This article cites a report that estimates that about 1,000 pedestrians are hit by bikes and treated for injuries in a year. > [@](#): > > This present study, based on every hospital in New York State, has found that in New York State alone, there were approximately 1000 pedestrians struck by cyclists each year necessitating medical treatment at a hospital. However, note this. > [@](#): > > Further, TA notes that it is important “to put this in context. Motor vehicles are responsible for over 70,000 injuries every year in New York City, and hundreds of annual deaths. We can ignore that number and bash bikes, or we can get serious about safety and work to stop all traffic casualties.” And that’s just in New York City. ---
**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, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/227 "2014-04-16T15:48:09Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > It is a stupid, rancid, hateful, and spiteful opinion based totally on your prejudices and bigotry towards cyclists. > > Because cyclists don’t die on the sidewalk if they are riding on the sidewalk - they get creamed at intersections because cars don’t see them on the sidewalk. > > Also, while few pedestrians get killed, plenty get hurt in sidewalk pedestrian-bike collisions. > > You made some very ignorant statements and said some very bigoted things about cyclsts - really? the worst thing in the world is to be stuck behind a cyclist? Delivery trucks or drivers looking for a parking space go slower than cyclists but they don’t count? > > Don’t be surprised at this reaction. > > You can stick around and learn something. > > Or you can maintain your demonstrated level of ignorance. We love that attitude here. Why you gotta be so mean? Bully much? I was simply stating my opinion, you do not need to insult me. And worse things in life there are, like assholes on a web site board taking everyhing you write literally. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![LinusK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/228 "2014-04-16T15:48:31Z")
> [@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: Legal in California. Also, helps traffic move faster. But yeah, I was blown away when I first saw it. It looks dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![LinusK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/258eb7/32.png) [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/229 "2014-04-16T15:52:59Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > 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. Not to mention it’s illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk. And dangerous, too. ---
**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, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/230 "2014-04-16T15:59:14Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > Why you gotta be so mean? Because you are stating flat our that you don’t want people on the road who come up to a standard you set. > [@](#): > > Bully much? I admit it - I can be a really bully to anti-bike bigots who say I have no right to ride on the streets. > [@](#): > > I was simply stating my opinion, Your opinion is based on zero facts, complete misunderstandings, suggests unfair restrictions, fails to address real problems and is based entirely on a mindless prejudice. It might just be your opinion but that doesn’t mean I have to respect it. > [@](#): > > you do not need to insult me. You are saying some very stupid and very wrong things about the situation. > [@](#): > > And worse things in life there are, like assholes on a web site board taking everyhing you write literally. 😛 Stop playing the wounded fawn. You made a comment that, if taken at face value, would cause cyclists to be forbidden from riding on roads (my primary method of transportation and commuting) and cause drivers to driver wrong. If you don’t want to be taken to task, stop saying thoughtless things that insult people’s chosen lifestyles. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/231 "2014-04-16T16:00:04Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > I was simply stating my opinion, you do not need to insult me. Everyone is entitled to an informed opinion. ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/232 "2014-04-16T16:05:08Z")
The main risk between cars and bicycles is not being rear ended, that is actually one of the least common types of accidents. The main risk is interactions between cars at intersections and driveways. As stated above riding on the sidewalk is MORE dangerous for a bicyclist because car drivers are more likely to not notice the bicycle. The risk of cycling is way over blown in non-cyclists minds. The health benefits of cycling outweigh the increased risk of injury in an accident. For those of you who think that roads, which happen to be the majority of PUBLIC land in an urban area “belong” to motor traffic…well you just have a overdeveloped sense of entitlement. ---
**Author:** ![UTejas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UTejas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UTejas)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/233 "2014-04-16T16:06:20Z")
> [@delsina363](#): > > Why you gotta be so mean? Bully much? I was simply stating my opinion, you do not need to insult me. And worse things in life there are, like assholes on a web site board taking everyhing you write literally. 😛 Bullying? Good lord. You’re the person who’s upset that about having to pay attention to surroundings when in control of 3000 pounds of metal moving at high speeds. Drivers who get bent out of shape about a delay on the road measured in seconds are the bullies here. Also, “I was simply stating my opinion” isn’t a free pass to say whatever you want, especially if you’re going to openly admit total ignorance on the subject. You’re unaware of both the safety statistics and the law, mad about having to look before turning, mad about having to slow down to pass a slower-moving vehicle, and crafting situations that are essentially impossible (moving at 55mph in a car and having a cyclist come up in your blind spot while turning). That’s not a good look. ---
**Author:** ![rat\_avatar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rat_avatar/32/255_2.png) [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/234 "2014-04-16T16:14:17Z")
Cite: That biking is more beneficial than it is dangerous. Warning PDF [http://www.ubcmj.com/pdf/ubcmj\_3\_2\_2012\_6-11.pdf](http://www.ubcmj.com/pdf/ubcmj_3_2_2012_6-11.pdf) ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/235 "2014-04-16T16:25:00Z")
April must be “Noobs who hate cyclists month.” ---
**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, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/236 "2014-04-16T16:27:35Z")
> [@rat\_avatar](#): > > Cite: > > That biking is more beneficial than it is dangerous. > > Warning PDF > > [http://www.ubcmj.com/pdf/ubcmj\_3\_2\_2012\_6-11.pdf](http://www.ubcmj.com/pdf/ubcmj_3_2_2012_6-11.pdf) Heh, that reminds me of an anti-bike guy who tried to ‘prove’ via a ‘study’ that cycling was actually environmentally disastrous compared to cars. The assumptions he made were laughable - such as human lungs being 100% efficient in converting O2 into CO2, every bicycle forged in a smelter the size of mount doom, calorie consumption figures based on the idea that cyclists never stop riding or sleep. It was classic. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/237 "2014-04-16T17:09:05Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > Heh, that reminds me of an anti-bike guy who tried to ‘prove’ via a ‘study’ that cycling was actually environmentally disastrous compared to cars. The assumptions he made were laughable - such as human lungs being 100% efficient in converting O2 into CO2, every bicycle forged in a smelter the size of mount doom, calorie consumption figures based on the idea that cyclists never stop riding or sleep. > > It was classic. Link? ---
**Author:** ![cmosdes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/238 "2014-04-16T17:43:04Z")
This thread was really supposed to be about cyclists stopping/slowing down at stop signs and not about all the other crap that goes on with cyclists vs. motorists. I knew it would reach this point eventually, but early on I tried to keep it on track because I was genuinely interested to know how people viewed cyclists that don’t come to a complete stop an empty or nearly empty 4 way stop intersection. If you have an opinion on that topic specifically, please share it. I would like to know if you think badly of cyclists that don’t come to a full but are okay with cars that don’t in the exact same situation. However, it is clear this thread is now firmly in the bike vs. car realm, with all the standard “bikes are hazards and belong on the sidewalk” and “bikes aren’t allowed on the sidewalk and are fully entitled to be on the road” topics. We need a new law like Godwin’s that describes these threads. Since this is essentially a lost cause, can a mod please move this to the pit so the real fun can begin? ---
**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, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/239 "2014-04-16T17:48:23Z")
> [@Rick](#): > > Link? Unfortunately, I cannot find it. The search I found it last time now just turns up multiple articles of that Washington state rep who claimed bikes were bad for the environment last year. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2014, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/240 "2014-04-16T19:15:40Z")
Well, **cmosdes** , it honestly doesn’t bother me, car or bike, as long as there aren’t other vehicles (2 or 4 wheels) close enough to the intersection that there could be any confusion. Minor speeding doesn’t bother me either as long as people aren’t being jerks about it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732.md?page=11) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732.md?page=13)