Bicycles have the right of way?

[thorkyl]

According to the houston chronically stupid - nope

Bicyclist Hits Garbage Truck - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston

Wonder who will get the ticket

 

[DCortez]

I read some of the comments ... oh brother!

 

[TrailDust]

In my area bicyclists of all ages...whoever...act as though they can do anything they want on a bike and laws don't apply to them. To ride at full speed across an intersection while in the crosswalk is typical. I had some a**hole recently approach a 4-way stop (where I had already come to a complete stop and was starting out) and it was obvious he had no intention of stopping. I went ahead and pulled out knowing full well that if he hit me at speed the proof would be incontrovertible that he did not obey the law and stop at the intersection. Well, he slammed on his brakes and veered around me in a panic, then had the nerve to give me the finger. Big mistake. I pulled a U-turn and took off after him. He saw that and started peddling for his life. Lucky bastard was able to make a light (almost running it red) and got away. People on bikes are all too often such a**holes.

 

[MadMo44Mag]

In my area bicyclists of all ages...whoever...act as though they can do anything they want on a bike and laws don't apply to them. To ride at full speed across an intersection while in the crosswalk is typical. I had some a**hole recently approach a 4-way stop (where I had already come to a complete stop and was starting out) and it was obvious he had no intention of stopping. I went ahead and pulled out knowing full well that if he hit me at speed the proof would be incontrovertible that he did not obey the law and stop at the intersection. Well, he slammed on his brakes and veered around me in a panic, then had the nerve to give me the finger. Big mistake. I pulled a U-turn and took off after him. He saw that and started peddling for his life. Lucky bastard was able to make a light (almost running it red) and got away. People on bikes are all too often such a**holes.

Yep and God gives them way to many chances to get away - LOL!!!
I use to live on a 2 lane no shoulder black top road that was very busy and carried a lot of semi truck traffic.
I was behind a big rig and as we approached a curve I saw three guys on bikes riding single file. There was a cement truck coming the other way. The cement truck had no where to go and "Blew" them off the road into the ditch.
I honked and waved as I passed just to be polite.
I sure know what you're saying TD - I sure know!!!!!

 

[saltydog]

we will all be riding a bike soon enough. just waiting for the nudge from the federal gov to make it imposible to put fuel in our vehicles to get to and from work. they are just getting a head start on it. they will be at work hours before the rest of us manage to pedal our way there.

 

[308nato]

Maybe they need to get a license to ride a bike just like cars and have the
bicycle cops ride behind and give the test.

 

[TrailDust]

I honked and waved as I passed just to be polite.
I sure know what you're saying TD - I sure know!!!!!

Sounds like something I'd do too. That's my policy for anuses behind the wheel of a car too who drive recklessly down the freeways here. If they wind up as a bloody mess by the side of the road, don't look for me to stop and render aid. Only aid I'll give is a honk of the horn, wave, and laugh as I pass by.....

 

[txinvestigator]

I pulled a U-turn and took off after him. He saw that and started peddling for his life. Lucky bastard was able to make a light (almost running it red) and got away.

Wow, what were you gonna do? Beat him up? Shoot him? Give him a piece of your mind.

 

[Hawghauler]

I always try to give bicyclist as much slack as possible as they lose the GVW fight every time and seem to win the court fight every time. I cut motorcycles the same slack as your IQ doesn't necesarily go up if you add and internal combustion engine. In fact my IQ lowers in an inverse ratio to the rise horsepower. I can picture a violated TD chasing after his arch nemesis Lance Armstrong shouting, I'll cut off your nut!

 

[Big country]

I don't like the cyclists here in, around Austin, and throughout the hill country. They get on these little pewee roads and then ride on both sides of it. I pisses me off to no end. I have almost hit several of them that don't want to get single file on county roads. One time in particular I was pulling a goose neck with round bales on it with a "company" dually and the little jack ass kept swinging his bike out in to the road and wouldn't let me pass him. Well I just put the pedal down on a clear straight away and he tried it again when I was passing he flipped me off right as the trailer started to "walk" he got scared and put his hands back on the handlebars. LOL So I won but only after a long drawn out escapade at 3 mph.

 

[biglucky]

I for one think that story is a brilliant example of Darwinism... someone needs to teach these assholes on bikes the unwritten rules of the road.. he who has the most tonnage makes the rules....

 

[Charley]

I've had two extremely unpleasant close encounters with cyclists, far beyond the normal "ignore traffic signals and lane markings" mentality...


First was on Ranch Road 336, going south from State highway 41. Had my family with me, we cut off to drive down 336 on the way back to San Antonio from our property. As soon as I turned on 336, I saw a group of the San Antonio Wheelmen, a bicycle club. Of course, driving thru them drasticly slowed us down, nothing I couldn't live with, but irritating. Finally got clear of the groups, who were riding two abreast on the highway, a pretty clear violation of both the law and safety rules. Must have been 40 to 60 of them. Moved ahead a few miles, and the road cleared. Got up to speed, 55 MPH in those days. For those who've never driven 336, it is narrow, lots of hills, and very, very winding. Came down a hill and around a corner at 55, and the were three SOBs on bikes, strung across the damned road. I braked hard, cut my wheels, and by the grace of God didn't hit one of the stupid bastards or kill my family and myself by running off the road and into a boulder or oak tree. Self rightous SOB stood on his pedals and shot the finger at me. He never knew just how close he came to dying that day.

Second time was after dropping a friend and his son off after a day of dove hunting. I was northbound on Perrin-Beitel road at 10:00 PM, and as I crossed Thousand Oaks, two unlighted, non street legal bicycles ran the red light and entered my lane. I hit one, and knocked him 60 feet. God held his hand over him, he wasn't killed, although he should have been. Two hours of SAPD statements and investigations,$1200 worth of damage to my truck, no charges, not my fault. Two weeks later, we're served, of course momma is seeing dollar signs. Never went to trial, depositions are fun. I beat the pants off thier attorney, he was one stupid JO for having a law degree. I turned almost every question around on him, and he and his client were looking worse and worse. We deposed him and his mom, who was dumb enough to admit she had a conviction for welfare fraud! My insurance company finally gave them "go away and hump someone else's leg" money. Not much, Mr. attorney lost his butt on what he got!

I have almost nothing good to say about cyclists, including the idiot couple who were killed on HIghway 16 just north of SA a few months back. If you don't want to die, don't ride on major highways, and don't try to blame vehicles and drivers for your own stupidity.

 

[android]

I for one think that story is a brilliant example of Darwinism... someone needs to teach these assholes on bikes the unwritten rules of the road.. he who has the most tonnage makes the rules....

So listen to youself. That means that whoever is bigger than you has the right to kick your butt? Why are you on a gun discussion board if you think the world is a free for all? That's the whole point of the right to self defense, the weak being made equal to those with more tonnage that want to do them harm. Yet you say it applies on the road?

 

[android]

Came down a hill and around a corner at 55, and the were three SOBs on bikes, strung across the damned road. I braked hard, cut my wheels, and by the grace of God didn't hit one of the stupid bastards or kill my family and myself by running off the road and into a boulder or oak tree.

So basically you were driving faster than your sight allowed and came upon something unexpected on the road. It was those damn cyclist fault. But what if it had been a cow or a horse or a broken down car. Would that have made it OK?

and don't try to blame vehicles and drivers for your own stupidity.

Pot... Kettle... Black.

 

[Dawico]

Wow android, you must be a bike rider. Personally, I don't care either way. To each their own.

I think the point trying to be made is that if a biker gets in a wreck with a SmartCar, the biker loses. That gets way worse for them if the vehicle is a Ranch Hand equipped one ton. It doesn't matter if you had the right of way if you are DEAD. Bikers may have the right of way in some situations, but they must be alot more aware of their surroundings.

On the other hand, I am a firm believer in "might makes right".

 

[Libertarian_Longhorn]

So listen to youself. That means that whoever is bigger than you has the right to kick your butt? Why are you on a gun discussion board if you think the world is a free for all? That's the whole point of the right to self defense, the weak being made equal to those with more tonnage that want to do them harm. Yet you say it applies on the road?

I understand all the opinions regarding cycylists, but I do disagree in a small number of cases. My junior year at UT, I stopped at a 4-way stop sign before anybody. As I started to pedal, a man in a black sedan floored it to prove a point. He cussed me out, gave the finger, and asked if I wanted to fight him after I gave him a "dirty look. I told him sure, why not. Now, the only person I've ever met on this forum is TX1911, and he can vouch I am 250 6'4". I got off the bike and asked him what the deal was. He then got out and swung at me, which I don't take litely to. I shattered his nose and popped his jaw, I'll never know if it was broke, but his jaw and I felt breakage into pieces. I'm not a chest beater or anything, but if you come through austin raising hell with bikers, just remember, I'm armed and loaded.

If you're a biker and inch-worming through the backwoods of Boerne, Texas, then you're a new breed and watch out.

 

[Charley]

So basically you were driving faster than your sight allowed and came upon something unexpected on the road. It was those damn cyclist fault. But what if it had been a cow or a horse or a broken down car. Would that have made it OK?



Pot... Kettle... Black.

It wasn't a cow, wasn't a horse, wasn't a broken down vehicle. It WAS three cyclists riding in an illegal manner, including blocking the opposite traffic lane.

I also stand by the not blaming drivers for the cyclist's ignorance/stupidity. I'm much less likely to die in an accident in a vehicle than they are on a bicycle, but, what ever. Everyone has the right to go to Hell in thier own fashion...

 

[TimberWolf7.62]

In my area bicyclists of all ages...whoever...act as though they can do anything they want on a bike and laws don't apply to them. To ride at full speed across an intersection while in the crosswalk is typical. I had some a**hole recently approach a 4-way stop (where I had already come to a complete stop and was starting out) and it was obvious he had no intention of stopping. I went ahead and pulled out knowing full well that if he hit me at speed the proof would be incontrovertible that he did not obey the law and stop at the intersection.

I had the exact same situation a few years ago but the timing was a little different. The bicyclist slammed on his brakes, came up off the seat (possibly racking his balls on the bar), and went down in a tangle with his bike. I kept going (laughing like hell) since *I* hadn't caused any accident.

 

[sean_bart1]

Plano is the worst for the "Road Wienies". Makes me put the Ol' Ranch hand to work.

 

[ehs]

People in cars or Trucks are not any better. Yes they have the weight advantage (that is why a smart rider rides defensively). I rather be alive than right!!! It seems people have more important things to do than drive (talk on phone, send messages and run red lights) Heck look how many accidents in Houston are caused by the "disinterested drivers", let's not even start about he booze hounds driving down the road. Heck last week a lady in my neighborhood was jogging one early morning on the sidewalk and was run down by a drunk and left for dead. Nobody is perfect! Some of these posts are real brave talking about how big and bad they are against a bicycle. I agree some of riders are jerks, heck I used to ride with a few of them "used to". I love my BIG old land cruiser, motorcycle and my bicycle that is just they way it is. Simply put, try to treat someone the same way you want to be treated and things would be a lot better. But it always seems everybody these days are VIPs. Sorry had to vent.