# 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:** 19\ **Page:** 14
**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 18, 2014, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/261 "2014-04-18T01:49:01Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > The odd thing is: paved roads were first demanded by cyclists. Cars came after. Cite? ---
**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 18, 2014, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/262 "2014-04-18T02:08:44Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > Cite? If you had read the article you linked to in post 203, you would have followed the link in that article [to this.](http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html) > [@](#): > > Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers > > ``` > 1) Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner. > > 2) Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting. > > 3) Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400). > > ``` > > \*\* 4) Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517).\*\* > > ``` > 5) Never drive while distracted. > > 6) You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by > > Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning > Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic > Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency > > ``` [CVC 22517](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc22517.htm) > [@](#): > > V C Section 22517 Opening and Closing Doors > Opening and Closing Doors > > 1. No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open upon the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. ---
**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 18, 2014, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/263 "2014-04-18T02:14:10Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > Cite? > **[Roads Were Not Built For Cars | The petition that paved America](https://roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/the-petition-that-paved-america/)** > > Cyclists were 1st to push for good roads & were pioneers of motoring > **[Good Roads Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Roads_Movement)** > > The Good Roads Movement occurred in the United States between the late 1870s and the 1920s. It was the rural dimension of the Progressive movement. The movement started as a coalition between farmers' organizations groups and bicyclists' organizations, such as the League of American Wheelmen. Advocates for improved roads turned local agitation into a national political movement. The goal was state and federal spending to improve rural roads. By 1910, automobile lobbies such as the American Automo... ---
**Author:** ![UTejas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/977dab/32.png) [@UTejas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UTejas)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2014, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/264 "2014-04-18T02:26:04Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > [Roads Were Not Built For Cars | The petition that paved America](http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/the-petition-that-paved-america/) > > [Good Roads Movement - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Roads_Movement) Also [http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/historian-uncovers-the-forgotten-protected-bike-lane-boom-of-1905](http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/historian-uncovers-the-forgotten-protected-bike-lane-boom-of-1905) ---
**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 18, 2014, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/265 "2014-04-18T02:57:58Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > If you had read the article you linked to in post 203, you would have followed the link in that article [to this.](http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html) > > [CVC 22517](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc22517.htm) All well and good but I wanted to see the cite backing up your statement, “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.” I know this happens because a driver exiting their vehicle fails to check their driver side mirror, or fails to turn and glance out the back window, but I can’t recall reading/hearing someone doing this on purpose. ---
**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 18, 2014, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/266 "2014-04-18T03:04:35Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > All well and good but I wanted to see the cite backing up your statement, “\*\*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.” > \*\* > I know this happens because a driver exiting their vehicle fails to check their driver side mirror, or fails to turn and glance out the back window, but I can’t recall reading/hearing someone doing this on purpose. That was **Mr. Miskatonic** who said that. And I provided the cite which you eliminated from the quoted post. ---
**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 18, 2014, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/267 "2014-04-18T03:05:17Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > [Roads Were Not Built For Cars | The petition that paved America](http://www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com/the-petition-that-paved-america/) > > [Good Roads Movement - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Roads_Movement) “…the League of American Wheelmen started to push for better roads.” - Clearly a league of extraordinary gentlemen. “Buffalo-Springfield enabled America to embark on a truly national highway construction campaign that continued into the 1920s.” - So that’s were that band got its name! Very informative! Thank You. ---
**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 18, 2014, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/268 "2014-04-18T03:09:46Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > That was **Mr. Miskatonic** who said that. And I provided the cite which you eliminated from the quoted post. I went back but must be missing something. What is the direct link to the page which sites, " “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:** ![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 18, 2014, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/269 "2014-04-18T03:22:26Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > I went back but must be missing something. What is the direct link to the page which sites, " “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.” ? Mr. Miskatonic said that in post 213. Which you quoted. I didn’t say it though I provided a cite that it’s 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 18, 2014, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/270 "2014-04-18T03:38:17Z")
Here’s a survey/study. 6.4% of drivers have attempted to prevent a motorcycle from lane-splitting. [Cite.](http://lanesplittingislegal.com/lane-splitting-news/2013-california-lane-sharing-survey-released-by-ots) > [@](#): > > s for why this small percentage of drivers do this, the “it’s unfair!” complaint shows up, with 11.6% of blocking drivers giving this as the reason they block lane splitters. 14.5% of blockers say they engage in this aggressive, dangerous behavior because lane splitting is unsafe. That’s right – these drivers think they should block riders with their car because lane splitting is unsafe. Similarly, 17.4% of blocking drivers said they try to prevent riders from lane splitting because lane splitting may cause them to have an accident. Cue head explosions 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 18, 2014, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/271 "2014-04-18T03:40:40Z")
And lookie here. [A video.](http://www.dpccars.com/motorcycle-12/06-01-12page-Driver-opens-door-on-motorcycleh.htm) ---
**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 18, 2014, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/272 "2014-04-18T03:41:42Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Mr. Miskatonic said that in post 213. Which you quoted. I didn’t say it though I provided a cite that it’s illegal. Ok, I went back to that link (thanks) and found this: "Potentially, lane splitting can lead to road rage on the part of drivers, who feel frustrated that the motorcyclists are able to filter through the traffic jam.[22][35][38] However, the Hurt Report indicates that, “Deliberate hostile action by a motorist against a motorcycle rider is a rare accident cause.” " - I did _not_ find a direct link to the page which sites, “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.” - Note too that I do not feel frustrated that motorcyclists are able to filter through a traffic jam. - Skimmed the [Hurt Report Summary](http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~john/vfr/hurt.html) but found nothing there either. Will have to wait for Mr. Miskatonic to provide the link. ---
**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 18, 2014, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/273 "2014-04-18T03:49:22Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Here’s a survey/study. 6.4% of drivers have attempted to prevent a motorcycle from lane-splitting. > [Cite.](http://lanesplittingislegal.com/lane-splitting-news/2013-california-lane-sharing-survey-released-by-ots) Well that’s just plain nutz. Why go looking for trouble? Well, I guess if you’re nutz … :smack: I have never seen a driver do that. Probably because I’ve never seen said driver see the motorcyclist coming in the first place! (Looks like we’ve come full circle 😃 ) ---
**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 18, 2014, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/274 "2014-04-18T03:52:04Z")
So explain why he abruptly opened the door at the exact time the motorcycle was about to pass. Cut the smiley shit, you’re not fooling anyone. ---
**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 18, 2014, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/275 "2014-04-18T03:57:02Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > So explain why he abruptly opened the door at the exact time the motorcycle was about to pass. > > Cut the smiley shit, you’re not fooling anyone. Well the driver is just plain nuts. Another reason not to split lanes. ---
**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 18, 2014, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/276 "2014-04-18T04:47:53Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Cut the smiley shit, you’re not fooling anyone. Ok, I agree, I agree. But, if we are going to let motorcyclists split lanes then [we should let everyone.](http://www.fosilfueled.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/sidewall_skiing_car_saudi_arabia_002_11142013.jpg) What could possibly go wrong? ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2014, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/277 "2014-04-18T05:38:24Z")
Presented without comment > **[Texting Driver Who Slammed Cyclist: I, Like, 'Just Don't Care'](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/texting-driver-hits-bicyclist-i-dont-care_n_5158966?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592)** > > Texting Driver Who Slammed Cyclist: I, Like, 'Just Don't Care' ---
**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 18, 2014, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/278 "2014-04-18T06:38:14Z")
> [@Rick](#): > > Presented without comment > [Texting Driver Who Slammed Cyclist: I, Like, 'Just Don't Care' | HuffPost Latest News](http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5158966?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592) Reminds me of the billboard suggesting that auto drivers slow down which read, “Sorry I ran over you grandmother but I didn’t want to spill my Latte.” Oh… yeah… This too … [http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Bicyclist-sentenced-for-fatal-S-F-crash-4736312.php](http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Bicyclist-sentenced-for-fatal-S-F-crash-4736312.php) ---
**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 18, 2014, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732/279 "2014-04-18T11:35:52Z")
> [@Little\_Pig](#): > > Reminds me of the billboard suggesting that auto drivers slow down which read, “Sorry I ran over you grandmother but I didn’t want to spill my Latte.” > > Oh… yeah… This too … [http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Bicyclist-sentenced-for-fatal-S-F-crash-4736312.php](http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Bicyclist-sentenced-for-fatal-S-F-crash-4736312.php) Oh look, you found the one recent case where a cyclist killed a pedestrian. Meanwhile drivers kill about 2 cyclists a month in NYC and about a dozen+ pedestrians. But hey! You would pay to see a legally riding driver get murdered so perhaps you enjoyed the pedestrian getting killed by a lawbreaking one. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cyclists-evil-bastards/685732.md?page=13)