The Chainlink

Not about pedestrians, not about motorists, just about our fellow cyclists. We are all so different that stuff is bound to frustrate when we approach riding in such different ways, explain to those we think are less experienced, etc. Ok, tell us your stories, tell us your pet peeves, we're all friends! 

I'll start out with a pet peeve of mine... The cyclist that blows past me so close to me I felt the wind of their SWOOOOOSH as they fly past me but they say nothing to warn me. We're in tight quarters in the bike lane. Buy a bell and/or tell me you are there! 

p.s. sure, your pet peeve may be the forum post that's been done before but I kinda feel like this tucks into other topics so this time I'm giving the pedal pet peeve front and center.

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a couple of cyclists yelled at me. It's random. There's this one guy on the North side that loves to yell at other cyclists and shame them for their sins. 

Who is this guy? I want him to yell at me so I can yell back at him all Dumb and Dumber style in van the most annoying sound, etc. 

They're just upset that they can't do a track stand.

hehehe

David Henri ^ THIS! I think putting my foot down is the equivalent of unbuckling the seat belt and opening the door. Give me a break!

Is there some rule on the N.Branch Trail that says you can only pass a fellow biker when there are no curves ahead and no oncoming traffic?  Twice I’ve been yelled at recently for passing with a runner or biker approaching in other lane.  I dinged my bell at least twice and said “on your left” both times far enough in advance. 1st time I’m called an a-hole.  2nd time, today, guy moves left toward the center line as I’m passing him and we rub shoulders.  He was all kitted up and on a nice bike and apparently I put the 2 ladies who were riding single file in front of him in danger or some such.  Couldn’t quite catch all the gist of his argument with his accent.  These guys need to ride on the lakefront trail sometime!

And this is exactly why i avoid MUPs...

Pros and cons I guess.  I did see 3 deer today and no worries about multi-ton traffic for most of ride.

Similar experience along the Fox River Trail awhile back. i encountered two guys who were lollygagging and riding abreast on either side of the centre line, so i waited for a passing opportunity and was about to ring my bell. The fellow on the left happened to look over his shoulder and spotted me about 10 feet behind him and did a panicky swerve, nearly taking down his companion. He snarled at me "ON YOUR LEFT!" and finally filed in behind the other guy. i refrained from replying, "No, you're on my right" as i passed. Pffft.

 

people are typically defensive especially when they have been embarrassed. I wouldn't take it personally.

Would be great if we all remember to look behind us every couple of seconds or get rear view mirrors.

Actually, if someone is approaching in the other lane (oncoming traffic), it's bad form and dangerous to pass.  I always wait until the oncoming lane is clear, on the LFT and other paths.  I can't stand it when someone is too impatient to wait when I'm the oncoming traffic, and they pull out in front of me in my lane to pass someone.  

Agreed it's safer with fewer participants, few variables. But there's plenty of room to pass on, or a few inches over, the centerline of path without freaking anyone out.  But this assumes people stay toward the right part of their lane and proceed straight or move right, not left, when they hear "on your left" or a bell.  And yes, I know what happens when one assumes... :(

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