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Mailbag: VeloNews.com readers debate way to curtail future road-rage incidents.
Do you want to contribute to Mailbag, a regular feature of VeloNews.com? Here's how:
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Cyclists: Keep fingers and mouths where they belong
Editor,
I’ve had my share of run-ins with crazy motorists on the road, who are driven nuts by being held up for thirty seconds by a cyclist or two. However, I’ve had it happen to me in reverse. I’ve been in my car and I’ve come upon cyclists blocking country roads by pack riding, where there is no room to pass safely.
One an occasion that sticks in my mind, I decided to wait and then give a light “toot” on the horn and drive by. Well, I was serenaded with obscenities and “the shaft,” women included. I actually slowed to say, “hey I ride too, I was just trying to let you know I was behind and passing.” But no, I was shouted down, called this and that and I drove away.
I’m in my 50’s and started cycling as a mountain biker. Age took me more to the road, which I love. But some of the behavior I’ve witnessed on group rides has made me cringe. Roadies need to know they are at a severe disadvantage on the road. Not only are cars big, fast and dangerous, the drivers can be as well. Keep the fingers in check, and your mouths as well. It will lead to no good, no good at all.
Regards,
Mark Crosby
Two-sides
Editor,
Re: the road-rage trial
Not to be the devil's advocate, but let us all not forget that there are two sides to every story. While I am certainly not taking sides with Mr. Thompson or think that he is completely innocent in all this, I do know (and have observed) that there are cyclists out there who ride two-, sometimes three-abreast.
Even when "CAR BACK" is yelled from the back of the pack, some continue to ignore that call and ride in an unsafe manner by not filing back into single file. When we don't obey the laws or pay attention to our surroundings, people will eventually get hurt. If cars have to stop at a red light, then why do some cyclists think it does not apply to them and ride through?
We need to remember that we share the road with cars just as much as they share the road with us.
Obeying the traffic laws, being polite and setting the example for others to follow are things that we should all do because in the end it makes it easier for all of us that enjoy riding.
Samantha Newman,
Raymond, New Hampshire
Appreciates coverage
Editor,
Having been struck from behind and dragged for over 100 feet by a hit and run driver, I applaud your coverage of the road rage trial.
As cycling becomes an ever more prudent answer to transportation in our cities, we need to inform an already stressed driving public that the roads are to be shared and violence on any level will not be tolerated. Colorado is leading the way with the recently passed 3-2-1 law that should become the national standard.
John Rubano,
Durango, Colorado
Editor's Note: Mr. Rubano's letter was one of many we received in favor of our continued coverage of the trial. We have received just one letter asking that we lay off on the coverage.
Ride like a bike
Editor,
I’m compelled for my own safety to strongly disagree with Patrick Harrington’s October 26 letter, "Ride Like You Drive." Behaving like an automobile – i.e. obeying traffic laws - is certainly the safest way to ride. However, using the whole lane as he advocates is just not necessary, and will serve no purpose but to surprise and anger drivers who want to pass. Three feet of the road plus the shoulder is enough for cyclists that can handle their bikes to be safe. We should all think twice about riding roads that don’t have an adequate shoulder. Find another route that does have a safe shoulder.
Your assertion that it’s erroneous and illogical that one cyclist’s behavior will give other cyclists a bad name is wrong. Road behavior like yours is illogical, not expected, and will certainly negatively impact a driver’s perception of all bicyclists. I don’t want to be the next cyclist an angry driver encounters after you’ve just taken the whole lane from him. You make them angry, and then they take it out on me. Share the road, don’t take it.
Thanks for your consideration,
Jeff Senich,
Barrington, Rhode Island
Impressive stopping
Editor,
Specialized should expect a burst in sales of the Tarmac, following the expert testimony in the LA road-rage trial, stating that the bike can come to a full stop in 2 seconds from a descending speed of 30 mph.
I know I could sure use a bike with this amazing stopping power.
Craig Petersen,
El Dorado Hills, California
