Cycling in the USA

[Girona40 0]

The nearest gym to my house is at least an hour's drive. We live in a rural part of WV. The town has a population of only 250 people - although it is growing.

I used to work-out every day when I lived in England and since moving here have gained a few pounds....................okay 15. I thought it was time to do something, so I asked for a bicycle, for my birthday, which was yesterday. It is only 2 miles from my house to the local SevenEleven and Dollar Store, so I thought that my daughter and I could ride there and back - just to get us started. It's been a while.

We get about 1.5 miles down the road and some "lard #######" woman in her car slows down and shouts at my daughter "Get out of the fuc*ing road!!". Well, that's nice! My daughter was riding perfectly safely, she was tucked into the side of the road, and not causing a problem to anyone.

It was all the women that were honking their horns and driving past way too close, when there was plenty of room and it was a dead-straight country road. The guys in their trucks were very polite and slowed down, pulled to the other side of the road, as they passed.

What is the matter with these women? I really felt like making up a sign to put on my back saying something like "Get your fat ####### out of your car and onto a bike of your own!"

[Dixie_Peach 1]

i'm sorry that you experienced that!!! not all places are like that...

i say keep on cycling!!! and as for the sign... yep, sounds like a good idea to me!!!

[Jenn! 918]

Those ladies sound like they were out of line.

But I must admit that I get extremely frustrated with cyclists that seem to think that the rules of the road don't apply to them. Running red lights when you have a green, so you almost hit them and then they yell at you. They seem to think that they always have the right of way because they're being environementally conscious or something.

But I'm sure you're nothing like them!

[Not Available 0]

What is the matter with these women? I really felt like making up a sign to put on my back saying something like "Get your fat ####### out of your car and onto a bike of your own!"

Oooo I like that! Good one!

Keep on cycling!

[UmmSqueakster 54]

We Americans love our cars and for some of us, the thought of doing anything with our own two legs is abhorent.

I run and have experienced similar situations. From my discussions with other runners, most of us have. The most recent experience was on Wednesday. I always start my run going up the same street, and then branch out from there, and nearly every time, I run by the same two rather large women sitting on the stoop of their apartment building smoking. Well, on my way back home after a good 45 minute workout, I pass by them and the woman yells from her stoop, "hey, who the h*ll are you runnin from?"

I'll also get a "Run Forrest Run" occasionally. People, if you see a runner, don't say this. We've heard it a million times before, and after the million and first time, it just isn't funny anymore

[Canuck Carrie 1]

I don't get it either. I come from a very bike friendly city, Toronto, where we had bike lanes and paths all over the city. I move to the country and it's like they've never seen a bicycle before! Hubby and I have limited it to early weekend morning rides, when all the people that want to use us as target practice are still sleeping

Are you riding towards traffic?, I believe that is a bike 'rule'.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I don't think this is an American thing, I used ot get shouted at by motorists all the time! (I am a very considerate, rules of the road abiding cyclist -- there are many cyclists that give us a bad name).

Though now I am in Los Angeles and I cycle to work (which is 4 miles from my house) -- my co-workers regard me as something of an eccentric aunt

[UmmSqueakster 54]

If you want to make a statement, bumperstickers are a good way to go.

[Carol&Marc 0]

I'll also get a "Run Forrest Run" occasionally. People, if you see a runner, don't say this. We've heard it a million times before, and after the million and first time, it just isn't funny anymore

Sorry! I did that b4... Not that I scream out of my car, but always see ppl running and I automatically think: "Run Forrest, Run!!!"

Carol

[gwenneh 7]

Not everywhere is like that, but the vast majority of roads in the US seem to be not designed for walking on/cycling on-it was something my husband remarked on when he moved to the US.

[yabasta 0]

My wife and i honeymooned in Jekyll Island GA. It was so great. There were cars but not many and we rented bikes and cycled around which was so much fun. I love riding a bike but i don`t like riding around cars. It is o.k. if there are a few but when it is a busy road i simply would not be enjoying myself. Maybe i will be brave when i eventually move there. GA, or at least my little piece of it, doesn`t seem big on cycles or pedestrians which is not cool.

[Girona40 0]

I don't get it either. I come from a very bike friendly city, Toronto, where we had bike lanes and paths all over the city. I move to the country and it's like they've never seen a bicycle before! Hubby and I have limited it to early weekend morning rides, when all the people that want to use us as target practice are still sleeping

Are you riding towards traffic?, I believe that is a bike 'rule'.

No we are not riding towards the traffic. The Uniform Vehicle Code states "Cyclists riding their bicycles on the roadway, shoulder, or driveway are considered drivers of vehicles and must operate according to the laws for drivers of vehicles." This means they ride on the same side of the road a car would.

I have ridden a bicycle for 30+ years and follow the road rules - I haven't ever jumped a light or gone up on the sidewalk on a bicycle. One thing that really irks me when I am driving a car is when a cyclist rides up on the inside of your vehicle at traffic lights etc. It is so dangerous and something we were taught never to do when we took our Cycling Proficiency Test in England.

I just thought it would be a nice way to get some exercise and we got a real hard time from some people out there. Still, it won't stop us. We'll be out there tomorrow.

[jen&darcy 0]

But I must admit that I get extremely frustrated with cyclists that seem to think that the rules of the road don't apply to them. Running red lights when you have a green, so you almost hit them and then they yell at you. They seem to think that they always have the right of way because they're being environementally conscious or something.

I agree totally. I am in a community that has bike paths everywhere but do they use them 'No'. It gets very aggravating. They may be out for a leisurely stroll but I am trying to get to work.

I don't have anything against cyclists. Just be polite and know the rules of the road. If there are bike paths for you to use, then use them!!!

Ok done ranting.

[Girona40 0]

But I must admit that I get extremely frustrated with cyclists that seem to think that the rules of the road don't apply to them. Running red lights when you have a green, so you almost hit them and then they yell at you. They seem to think that they always have the right of way because they're being environementally conscious or something.

I agree totally. I am in a community that has bike paths everywhere but do they use them 'No'. It gets very aggravating. They may be out for a leisurely stroll but I am trying to get to work.

I don't have anything against cyclists. Just be polite and know the rules of the road. If there are bike paths for you to use, then use them!!!

Ok done ranting.

I agree - if there are bike paths then they are the safest place for a cyclist to be. But the "know the rules of the road" thing works both ways. Drivers do not own the road and cyclists are legally to be considered "traffic" too. Just bear in mind that if a car hits you in your car there is a good chance you will survive - you hit a cyclist with a car and it's unlikely the cyclist will walk away.

[Canuck Carrie 1]

No we are not riding towards the traffic. The Uniform Vehicle Code states "Cyclists riding their bicycles on the roadway, shoulder, or driveway are considered drivers of vehicles and must operate according to the laws for drivers of vehicles." This means they ride on the same side of the road a car would.

Oops, I was thinking about walking, I remember a Public Service Announcement saying 'towards traffic' and confused them.

How about a really loud horn and a big wave and smile, that should catch them off guard.