#31
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#32
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Sent from my moto g(6) play using Tapatalk |
#34
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IMO a lot of the buzzing is because many motorists are ignorant of the fact that it's perfectly legal to cross the double yellow line to safely pass a cyclist, and/or they lack the common sense to do so. They act like the yellow is some inviolable force field patrolled by Orwellian drones that will instantly transport them to jail for straying across it. This is less of a problem out on rural roads where drivers are used to going around animals, tractors or whatever else, yellow line be damned.
I live in NoVA but work up towards Frederick MD, and I've started doing some weekday evening rides from my office before driving home. The back roads up there have nicer scenery and far less traffic. Even weekdays 5-7 pm there are portions of my routes where I might ride a couple miles without seeing a vehicle, and the roads that do have some traffic are mostly wide enough that I'm not getting regularly buzzed. It also helps that the roads are slightly curvy and hilly, so drivers are forced to pay at least some attention (can't have their heads buried in their phones without running into a ditch). There are a couple of short sections where the road narrows and I have to "take the lane" but thus far I have not sent any motorists into overt rage. For me, variety is important. I wouldn't be 100% happy with 100% road, or 100% MTB, or riding the same routes all the time and seeing the same stuff over and over. If you've reached your critical mass of getting buzzed, do MTB for a while, but I couldn't "switch" 100% one for the other. |
#35
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At least with narrow roads drivers are less likely to be looking at their phones, otherwise they end up in the trees. Long, straight roads are where I get nervous. That is where they think it is safe to check the phone. Not that safety is ever high on their priorities.
Tim |
#36
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best lights
I would (again) advocate for the best headlight and taillight you can afford and to wear high visibility colours on your self.
Having the Cyclic lights on top of my DiNotte lights ensures there is a digital record of any misadventures that come my way. I might get one of the back-looking radar units but am running out of room on my seat post to mount anything else. Having said that, there is always a way. Buy the best. And keep riding. |
#37
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If you watch those videos about cyclists on Facebook you can find the word "****ing cyclists" from almost every single comment under those videos. I think you are right about the part that the vehicles passed you were trying to push the limit and taunt you. Even tho drivers are operating a 2 ton + vehicle and all they have to do is spend a few minutes of their time, be patient before finding a chance to pass, they still find cyclists irritating and direct their anger from their life failure towards us.
I thought the same thing many many times about road cycling, why am I doing this when I have to risk all the cars passing by, plus cycling is one of the most expensive sports you can do. Maybe one day I will just sell everything I got and say bye bye to cycling because of all this. |
#38
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#39
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Last year GA passed a "Hands Free" law. You can't hold your phone or "any stand alone electronic device" This includes texting, holding a GPS unit or shooting video. They can be used if in a holder of some type..but not in your hands.
They gave everyone a 90 grace period and then started writing tickets. I could be wrong but it seems to have had some positive impact. I still see plenty of people preoccupied with their phones while driving...but I believe fewer than before. Or maybe it's just wishful thinking? I would hope all states would pass this law. People are dying daily by distracted cell phone users. I've added a second blinky light and now have one on my helmet and my bike. |
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#41
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Did the O.P. ever say where he or she lived?
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#42
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Last edited by charliedid; 05-16-2019 at 01:10 PM. |
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#45
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My regular 20 mile gravel loop (any longer gravel rides start the same way) requires about 5 miles on roads (2.5 each way) to get to where the pavement turns to dirt. It's about all I can take. I have a VERY nice road bike that I almost never ride. It's a mess out there.
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Friends don't let friends ride junk! |
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