The Chainlink

Direction etiquette or lost cause?

As is the cliche, long-time lurker, first-time caller.

 

Recently, lots of people are riding bikes which is you know, mostly great and exciting and there's so much to talk about with your bike work buddies who commute in and compliment you on your bike!

 

There are, however, quite a few one-ways and summer detours with construction and other things that cleave up this grid in the Loop. Maybe I'm a nerd who gets excited about finding new ways to commute in, but I generally try to, you know, stick to riding the right direction on a one-way (with traffic).

 

I do understand its a pain to have to circle back, but I feel like there's been a mad spike on people just flying the wrong way down these streets. Is there any sort of courteous or humorous way to try and, essentially, point out they're biking the wrong way? I got so annoyed at a guy flying out at me the other day that I perhaps, peevishly, hollered he could head east on Madison, just a block over.

 

Thoughts? Also, in my experience this seems to be a Loop thing, although not restricted to one demographic.

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on June 11, 2011 at 12:35pm

It's clearly not mandatory that one be a bike advocate to express an opinion here (in fact it seems to be bordering on eradication)-- but consider:


The beauty of the bicycle is that you can just get on it and use it as a tool to get to a place you otherwise might not be able to reach with the strength and time available.


Aren't you excited to see people doing exactly that?  Do you really believe they don't care about their own safety or well-being?

 

Maybe there's a way to help them understand the potential consequences of riding on the "wrong" side that doesn't put them on the defensive?

 

 

Barry Niel Stuart said:

Most "bike salmon" don't wear a helmet and don't care if they end up in either the hospital or the morgue.  Too many take offense if some stranger warns them of the consequences.  I see "bike salmon" on Farwell Ave. and Prospect Ave. here on Milwaukee's East Side. 
Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on June 23, 2011 at 8:03am

Salmon at Grand/Wells.  AM Rush hour.

Seriously?

 

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on June 23, 2011 at 8:21am

Lately I just smile and sing "Salmon, Salmon!" to Rebecca Black's Friday song.  They probably don't get it but it makes me feel better.  Sometimes I crouch down and pretend to hold a jousting pole.  It's silly but it makes me feel better.    I ride a massive tank bike that's all shiny and chrome and people don't tend to get in my way.  I guess it would be different if I were riding one of those gossamer 14lb track bikes on skinny tires.  The Skull & Crossbones tends to make a statement too!  The salmon tend to get out of my way.

 

 

 


in it to win it said:

Salmon at Grand/Wells.  AM Rush hour.

Seriously?

 

Permalink Reply by in it to win it 8.0 mi on June 23, 2011 at 9:47pm
JB,
I think you need more lights! Other than that, good looking ride.


James Baum said:

Lately I just smile and sing "Salmon, Salmon!" to Rebecca Black's Friday song.  They probably don't get it but it makes me feel better.  Sometimes I crouch down and pretend to hold a jousting pole.  It's silly but it makes me feel better.    I ride a massive tank bike that's all shiny and chrome and people don't tend to get in my way.  I guess it would be different if I were riding one of those gossamer 14lb track bikes on skinny tires.  The Skull & Crossbones tends to make a statement too!  The salmon tend to get out of my way.

 

 

 


in it to win it said:

Salmon at Grand/Wells.  AM Rush hour.

Seriously?

 

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on June 23, 2011 at 9:49pm

I was thinking of adding another lumotech on the other side.  

 

BLIND the salmon!!

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