Too Close for Comfort
If you’re lucky enough to have a bike lane, you’re still probably not lucky enough to have a comfortably wide luxurious bike lane. And even with the words “Bikes Only” coupled with cute little stick figure cyclists, you’re probably spending a good deal of time avoiding things in your lane that are not bikes. Space is precious.
So I’m surprised that sometimes when I’m in the bike lane there is always a cyclist who decides to pass me within the narrow bike lane.
Sometimes on the left, or worse, on the right. And even in intersections when the light turns green where cyclists are most unstable as they start moving. They silently sneak up on me without a word of warning. Just once I wish they would yell–
Or if that’s too long, maybe just shout–
And sometimes when they pass so close that I can feel their arm hair I want to say–
Fortunately, where i live most bike lanes are not so narrow. But your right, passing too close or on the right side pisses me off too. But most annoying when people (mostly students and school kids) ride with 4 of 5 besides each other. leaving no space for others.
You’ve got a great site b.t.w.!
I rarely pass/am passed by another cyclist going in the same bike lane here (of which there are very few…and mere after-thoughts in the design),but I definately feel what you’re saying about passing/being passed (from rail trail rides). Space IS very precious,especially one’s “personal space”…not enough people now-a-days seem to appreciate or respect that fact…
The DC
Can’t wait for your take on bicyclists going the WRONG WAY on the street or in a bicycle lane. Having another bicycle coming straight toward me on a busy street is one of the scariest things I’ve experienced bicycling in Boston that I’ve never seen in any other city. What can we do to get people to ride with traffic rather than against it?
Yeah…me too 🙂
The DC
“Buy me dinner first!” Ha! I will be so proud of myself if I’m ever sharp enough to use that line in the future. 🙂
Cyclists pass me on the right way too often in Chicago. That is so unsafe for the reasons you show here, plus because the passing cyclist is putting him or herself in the door zone, which I’m always trying so hard to avoid, and if a door opens in the path, I’m going down, too. I posted about this once and was disheartened by the many comments supporting the idea of passing on the right. *forehead smack*