Comments on: Psssst… behave yourself this weekend http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/ Creating a better community through bicycling, throughout Seattle, King County and Washington state. Mon, 20 May 2013 20:54:18 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Dolly http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-54487 Dolly Mon, 11 Jun 2012 06:02:55 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-54487 Hi Lamar, Thanks for your informative response. You've made some good points, especially regarding the danger to cyclists riding far to the right. I'm not sure exactly what the answer is. I can certainly understand why folks would want to ride here, it's beautiful. I've just had a few too many close calls and was extremely frustrated during the big event last year due to what appeared to be a complete lack of consideration for the impact to local residents. Another concern was that when riders were crossing the highway to go into the park some (not all by any means) where not using the crossing that was flagged and instead were randomly turning left right in front of cars (mine included) travelling in the right lane. I almost hit a few since there was no way to predict who was going to zip in front of me. I didn't notice any hand signals and really started watching after the first bike crossed. I was only going about 3, but I'd still have hated to hit someone...would have ruined their day and mine. Anyway, thanks again for the information and hopefully riders and drivers will be more considerate. Dolly Hi Lamar,
Thanks for your informative response. You’ve made some good points, especially regarding the danger to cyclists riding far to the right. I’m not sure exactly what the answer is. I can certainly understand why folks would want to ride here, it’s beautiful. I’ve just had a few too many close calls and was extremely frustrated during the big event last year due to what appeared to be a complete lack of consideration for the impact to local residents. Another concern was that when riders were crossing the highway to go into the park some (not all by any means) where not using the crossing that was flagged and instead were randomly turning left right in front of cars (mine included) travelling in the right lane. I almost hit a few since there was no way to predict who was going to zip in front of me. I didn’t notice any hand signals and really started watching after the first bike crossed. I was only going about 3, but I’d still have hated to hit someone…would have ruined their day and mine. Anyway, thanks again for the information and hopefully riders and drivers will be more considerate.
Dolly

]]> By: Lamar Bass http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-54285 Lamar Bass Sat, 09 Jun 2012 17:50:41 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-54285 Dolly, i fully understand your concerns. the key problem is that most vehicle operators (be they cyclist, automobile drivers, small and rental truck driver, RV drivers or logging truck drivers) are not considerate of the needs of other operators. (note that i excluded "semi-truck drivers" - and i've never been a semi-driver - by and large my experience is that they are the most considerate of others needs.) that said, you are also guilty of the statement above: you say "as close to the right as you safely can", yet are not aware that on some narrow curving roads it is actually safer for cyclists to ride in the center of the lane to avoid being run off the road by an impatient driver "squeezing by" within inches of the cyclist on the fog line, or worse, swinging a few feet into the oncoming lane only to be faced with unexpected oncoming traffic. and faster cyclists who wish (or, sometimes, even "need") to pass slower cyclists should only do so when it is possible to do so without moving into the oncoming lane, which is entirely legal (state law actually addresses the legality of riding more than two abreast when passing slower riders.) as for Cascade events: registered riders are bombarded with "Single file is safer" from the time they first visit the website or look at a registration form; there are numerous designated "Ride Refs" on the course reminding riders to ride safely and considerately of all road users; on event days signs are posted on the busier roads informing drivers to expect bicycle traffic -- for most events it's only a few hours one day a year. Dolly, i fully understand your concerns. the key problem is that most vehicle operators (be they cyclist, automobile drivers, small and rental truck driver, RV drivers or logging truck drivers) are not considerate of the needs of other operators. (note that i excluded “semi-truck drivers” – and i’ve never been a semi-driver – by and large my experience is that they are the most considerate of others needs.)

that said, you are also guilty of the statement above: you say “as close to the right as you safely can”, yet are not aware that on some narrow curving roads it is actually safer for cyclists to ride in the center of the lane to avoid being run off the road by an impatient driver “squeezing by” within inches of the cyclist on the fog line, or worse, swinging a few feet into the oncoming lane only to be faced with unexpected oncoming traffic. and faster cyclists who wish (or, sometimes, even “need”) to pass slower cyclists should only do so when it is possible to do so without moving into the oncoming lane, which is entirely legal (state law actually addresses the legality of riding more than two abreast when passing slower riders.)

as for Cascade events: registered riders are bombarded with “Single file is safer” from the time they first visit the website or look at a registration form; there are numerous designated “Ride Refs” on the course reminding riders to ride safely and considerately of all road users; on event days signs are posted on the busier roads informing drivers to expect bicycle traffic — for most events it’s only a few hours one day a year.

]]> By: Dolly http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-54267 Dolly Sat, 09 Jun 2012 14:51:09 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-54267 Could cyclists also ride single file on roads, especially around blind corners or on narrow roads? It's scary to be driving the speed limit and suddenly coming up on 2 to 3 cyclists side by side in your lane of travel with a car following behind you. You hope the person behind you is paying attention and has good brakes. Scarier yet is coming around that blind corner when a log truck is passing multiple cyclists in his lane and he's now in your lane headed straight for you. I need to share the road with cyclists who want to enjoy the lovely scenic drive we live on, that's fine, but I'd appreciate it if other folks would consider my safety and that of my family. It's a 35-40 mile per hour road and if you're going uphill at 5 or less you can't expect motorists to follow behind you up the entire hill. Please ride single file and as close to the right as you safely can, then when the log truck passes you, I might have a chance to move over in my lane and avoid an accident. Remember, if he has to chose between hitting a car head on or pulling back into his lane, he's probably going to pull into his lane. This should also go for the Seattle to Portland event. You do not have to pass each other going uphill on narrow two lane roads with no shoulder while going around corners. Could cyclists also ride single file on roads, especially around blind corners or on narrow roads? It’s scary to be driving the speed limit and suddenly coming up on 2 to 3 cyclists side by side in your lane of travel with a car following behind you. You hope the person behind you is paying attention and has good brakes. Scarier yet is coming around that blind corner when a log truck is passing multiple cyclists in his lane and he’s now in your lane headed straight for you. I need to share the road with cyclists who want to enjoy the lovely scenic drive we live on, that’s fine, but I’d appreciate it if other folks would consider my safety and that of my family. It’s a 35-40 mile per hour road and if you’re going uphill at 5 or less you can’t expect motorists to follow behind you up the entire hill. Please ride single file and as close to the right as you safely can, then when the log truck passes you, I might have a chance to move over in my lane and avoid an accident. Remember, if he has to chose between hitting a car head on or pulling back into his lane, he’s probably going to pull into his lane. This should also go for the Seattle to Portland event. You do not have to pass each other going uphill on narrow two lane roads with no shoulder while going around corners.

]]> By: TypeOne http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-53261 TypeOne Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:20:57 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-53261 This is kind of a corollary to "audible signals" and "overtaking trail users," and mostly directed at the pedestrians - If you wear ear buds, be extra cautious. I have fallen out of the habit of calling out passes or ringing a bell because everyone is hooked up to an ipod and can't hear a thing anyway. So long as they obey rule #1 (stay right) there is not a problem. But that's not always the case. There are always the oblivious folks out there, making it unsafe to pass. I don't recommend wearing ear buds while riding, but if you must I think a fair compromise is to have one in the right ear only. This is kind of a corollary to “audible signals” and “overtaking trail users,” and mostly directed at the pedestrians –

If you wear ear buds, be extra cautious.

I have fallen out of the habit of calling out passes or ringing a bell because everyone is hooked up to an ipod and can’t hear a thing anyway. So long as they obey rule #1 (stay right) there is not a problem. But that’s not always the case. There are always the oblivious folks out there, making it unsafe to pass. I don’t recommend wearing ear buds while riding, but if you must I think a fair compromise is to have one in the right ear only.

]]> By: Tom http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-53252 Tom Sat, 02 Jun 2012 18:36:51 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-53252 Psssst .... Behave yourselves EVERY day, not just this weekend. Psssst …. Behave yourselves EVERY day, not just this weekend.

]]> By: Kris http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-53225 Kris Sat, 02 Jun 2012 13:09:11 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-53225 It's only illegal if you get caught! More seriously, everyone should read the King County Code 7.12.295, specifically section H, even if it's just to be aware of what is considered good behavior on the trails (paraphrased, because it's too long and wordy): H. Model Trail User Code of Conduct 1. USING A TRAIL. Stay right, unless you have to overtake. 2. REGARD FOR OTHER TRAIL USERS. Be predictable, and don't be a dick. 3. GROUPS ON TRAIL. Keep to the right of the center line if you're riding in a group. 4. AUDIBLE SIGNAL WHEN PASSING. Ninja riders not welcome. Say hi before you pass. Flirt, get their number if appropriate. 5. OVERTAKING TRAIL USERS ON THE LEFT. Do it safely yo. 6. ENTERING AND CROSSING TRAIL. Give way to people already in the trail. 7. LIGHTS ON TRAIL USERS. Front & Rear lights are awesome (note: it specifically says lights, not reflectors). 8. REGARD FOR EQUESTRIAN USERS ON TRAIL. Horsies are awesome! So don't be all scary like. 9. REGARD FOR ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS. How would you like it if someone was stealing YOUR petunas and stomping all over Gary the Gnome? It’s only illegal if you get caught! More seriously, everyone should read the King County Code 7.12.295, specifically section H, even if it’s just to be aware of what is considered good behavior on the trails (paraphrased, because it’s too long and wordy):

H. Model Trail User Code of Conduct
1. USING A TRAIL. Stay right, unless you have to overtake.
2. REGARD FOR OTHER TRAIL USERS. Be predictable, and don’t be a dick.
3. GROUPS ON TRAIL. Keep to the right of the center line if you’re riding in a group.
4. AUDIBLE SIGNAL WHEN PASSING. Ninja riders not welcome. Say hi before you pass. Flirt, get their number if appropriate.
5. OVERTAKING TRAIL USERS ON THE LEFT. Do it safely yo.
6. ENTERING AND CROSSING TRAIL. Give way to people already in the trail.
7. LIGHTS ON TRAIL USERS. Front & Rear lights are awesome (note: it specifically says lights, not reflectors).
8. REGARD FOR EQUESTRIAN USERS ON TRAIL. Horsies are awesome! So don’t be all scary like.
9. REGARD FOR ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS. How would you like it if someone was stealing YOUR petunas and stomping all over Gary the Gnome?

]]> By: Cathy http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-53179 Cathy Sat, 02 Jun 2012 02:13:43 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-53179 I wish many more folks would behave themselves all year round!! I wish many more folks would behave themselves all year round!!

]]> By: Kevin in Ballard http://blog.cascade.org/2012/06/this-just-in-just-in-ticket-alert/comment-page-1/#comment-53177 Kevin in Ballard Sat, 02 Jun 2012 01:49:17 +0000 http://blog.cascade.org/?p=13261#comment-53177 You got it right Serena! Thanks You got it right Serena! Thanks

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