I WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE!

Quoted message said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See, I don't want to leave the revolution
orphan (you don't want that either, right?), and a couple of close
calls yesterday just reminded me how dangerous is the jungle out
there.

Quoted message said:

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Quoted message said:

Nor do I want to feed the undertaker. The right decision, right?

If you were truly a follower of Don Quixote, you wouldn't let two random
incidents influence your desire to ride your bike. You'd realize that, every
single day, millions of people ride bikes, on their own, without incident.
Not everyone, of course... in the real world, people get hurt. But if you
let that stop you, then I hope you don't get into cars, or fly, or cross
busy streets on foot... there are things out there everywhere, waiting just
for you. Do you want fear to control your life?

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

"donquijote1954" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See, I don't want to leave the revolution
orphan (you don't want that either, right?), and a couple of close
calls yesterday just reminded me how dangerous is the jungle out
there.

In the first incident, even though I was riding the bike on the right
hand side of the road, a car blasted the horn at me demanding me to
move over some more! (after I cursed him/her, I remembered Jesus and
kept going...)

In the second one, at night, all lights, reflective vest on, riding
entirely outside the lane, a car, as if intentionally, came within
inches of me and then turned right. Real scary, even if I thought
there would be a heaven for cyclists who did the right thing. If it
was an act of intimidation, or just another driver chatting on the
phone, I wouldn't know. But I hope there's a hell for him/her.

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Nor do I want to feed the undertaker. The right decision, right?

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
http://webspawner.com/users/donquijote

BIKE FOR PEACE
http://webspawner.com/users/bikeforpeace

donquijote1954 said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See, I don't want to leave the revolution
orphan (you don't want that either, right?), and a couple of close
calls yesterday just reminded me how dangerous is the jungle out
there.

In the first incident, even though I was riding the bike on the right
hand side of the road, a car blasted the horn at me demanding me to
move over some more! (after I cursed him/her, I remembered Jesus and
kept going...)

In the second one, at night, all lights, reflective vest on, riding
entirely outside the lane, a car, as if intentionally, came within
inches of me and then turned right. Real scary, even if I thought
there would be a heaven for cyclists who did the right thing. If it
was an act of intimidation, or just another driver chatting on the
phone, I wouldn't know. But I hope there's a hell for him/her.

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Nor do I want to feed the undertaker. The right decision, right?

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLEhttp://webspawner.com/users/donquijote

BIKE FOR PEACEhttp://webspawner.com/users/bikeforpeace

If quitting the bike also means you will quit posting your silly
parables to RBM by all means, quit.

Regards,
Bob Hunt

donquijote1954 said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See, I don't want to leave the revolution
orphan (you don't want that either, right?), and a couple of close
calls yesterday just reminded me how dangerous is the jungle out
there.

In the first incident, even though I was riding the bike on the right
hand side of the road, a car blasted the horn at me demanding me to
move over some more! (after I cursed him/her, I remembered Jesus and
kept going...)

In the second one, at night, all lights, reflective vest on, riding
entirely outside the lane, a car, as if intentionally, came within
inches of me and then turned right. Real scary, even if I thought
there would be a heaven for cyclists who did the right thing. If it
was an act of intimidation, or just another driver chatting on the
phone, I wouldn't know. But I hope there's a hell for him/her.

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Nor do I want to feed the undertaker. The right decision, right?

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLEhttp://webspawner.com/users/donquijote

BIKE FOR PEACEhttp://webspawner.com/users/bikeforpeace

Get a motorcycle - a very large cruiser that will take up the entire
lane. It'll take the place of 10 bicycles on the road.

Greg

In article <[email hidden]>,

Mike Jacoubowsky said:

Quoted message said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See, I don't want to leave the revolution
orphan (you don't want that either, right?), and a couple of close
calls yesterday just reminded me how dangerous is the jungle out
there.

Quoted message said:

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Quoted message said:

Nor do I want to feed the undertaker. The right decision, right?

If you were truly a follower of Don Quixote, you wouldn't let two random
incidents influence your desire to ride your bike. You'd realize that, every
single day, millions of people ride bikes, on their own, without incident.
Not everyone, of course... in the real world, people get hurt. But if you
let that stop you, then I hope you don't get into cars, or fly, or cross
busy streets on foot... there are things out there everywhere, waiting just
for you. Do you want fear to control your life?

I think his bad experiences (if they really happened)
are the result of self-fulfilling expectations.

cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

In article said:

Get a motorcycle - a very large cruiser that will take up the entire
lane. It'll take the place of 10 bicycles on the road.

I've seen some big motorcycles... even one ridden by someone so fat it
had out-rigger wheels on it that were well kinda like big training
wheels... but none that took up the space of ten bicycles. Not even
trikes. Or were you refering to more an effective force 'presence'? Guess
the later makes more sense.

donquijote1954 said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See,...

Quoted message said:

a car blasted the horn at me demanding me to
move over some more! ...

Quoted message said:

In the second one, at night, all lights, reflective vest on, riding
entirely outside the lane, a car, as if intentionally, came within
inches of me and then turned right...

It takes a certain amount of knowledge and a certain amount of courage
to ride a bike in traffic.

Regarding the first incident: If you're low enough on courage that a
horn honking can make you give up cycling, there's little that can be
done. When drivers honk at me, I don't get rattled. In fact, I make
a point of either not reacting, or reacting as a person more mature
and in control than they are. It's not hard. You could try
developing that composed state of mind.

Regarding the second incident: There's a very good chance you were
being too meek, riding too far right, not taking enough of the lane,
encouraging the motorist to squeeze by when he shouldn't have. You
need to learn when it's legal and appropriate to take the lane, and
(again) develop the courage to do it. It's generally safer than
skulking in the gutter.

But if all this is beyond you, don't ride your bike in traffic.

- Frank Krygowski

Quoted message said:

Regarding the first incident: If you're low enough on courage that a
horn honking can make you give up cycling, there's little that can be
done. When drivers honk at me, I don't get rattled. In fact, I make
a point of either not reacting, or reacting as a person more mature
and in control than they are. It's not hard. You could try
developing that composed state of mind.

My first reaction when I hear a car horn behind me is to take the lane
immediately. The last time I failed to do that, I was brush-passed and
nearly hit. As Brent put it, a driver using the horn tells the cyclist
that he needs more space because the driver is incompetent.

When I'm driving, I make it a point to give a cyclist as much space as
possible when I pass them. I expect the same from drivers when I'm cycling.

Arif Khokar said:

Quoted message said:

Regarding the first incident: If you're low enough on courage that a
horn honking can make you give up cycling, there's little that can be
done. When drivers honk at me, I don't get rattled. In fact, I make
a point of either not reacting, or reacting as a person more mature
and in control than they are. It's not hard. You could try
developing that composed state of mind.

My first reaction when I hear a car horn behind me is to take the lane
immediately. The last time I failed to do that, I was brush-passed and
nearly hit. As Brent put it, a driver using the horn tells the cyclist
that he needs more space because the driver is incompetent.

Some drivers use the horn as a warning device when something is going
wrong. Can you tell if it's someone out of control warning you of
impending danger, or an incompetent driver wanting more room just from
the tone of the horn?....either way, moving in front of either is a bad
move.

Quoted message said:

When I'm driving, I make it a point to give a cyclist as much space as
possible when I pass them. I expect the same from drivers when I'm
cycling.

Same here, unless the cyclist does something stupid........

BrianNZ said:

Arif Khokar wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My first reaction when I hear a car horn behind me is to take the lane
immediately. The last time I failed to do that, I was brush-passed
and nearly hit. As Brent put it, a driver using the horn tells the
cyclist that he needs more space because the driver is incompetent.

Quoted message said:

Some drivers use the horn as a warning device when something is going
wrong. Can you tell if it's someone out of control warning you of
impending danger, or an incompetent driver wanting more room just from
the tone of the horn?

I don't need to assess the "tone" of the horn. A mirror gives me enough
information to make an accurate determination. If I see one car behind
me, no oncoming traffic and plenty of visibility ahead, then a driver
using his horn is incompetent by definition.

In article said:

Arif Khokar wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My first reaction when I hear a car horn behind me is to take the lane
immediately. The last time I failed to do that, I was brush-passed and
nearly hit. As Brent put it, a driver using the horn tells the cyclist
that he needs more space because the driver is incompetent.

Quoted message said:

Some drivers use the horn as a warning device when something is going
wrong. Can you tell if it's someone out of control warning you of
impending danger, or an incompetent driver wanting more room just from
the tone of the horn?....either way, moving in front of either is a bad
move.

I look over my shoulder first most of the time. That said, one can tell
by the approach sounds and how the driver uses the horn what is going on
as well. I also don't go right for the center, but I do move left, even
if it is only a couple inches. If I am caught by surprise, I may just
stay put. I will not move right. When I was less experienced I did that
and the results well... they hurt. Being assertive with regards to my
right to the road at worst, has resulted in making a quick move back to
the right. A move which would not have been safely possible had I not
reserved the space in the first place.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

When I'm driving, I make it a point to give a cyclist as much space as
possible when I pass them. I expect the same from drivers when I'm
cycling.

Quoted message said:

Same here, unless the cyclist does something stupid........

Yep. I don't change lanes for wrong-ways.

"donquijote1954" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See, I don't want to leave the revolution
orphan (you don't want that either, right?), and a couple of close
calls yesterday just reminded me how dangerous is the jungle out
there.

In the first incident, even though I was riding the bike on the right
hand side of the road, a car blasted the horn at me demanding me to
move over some more! (after I cursed him/her, I remembered Jesus and
kept going...)

In the second one, at night, all lights, reflective vest on, riding
entirely outside the lane, a car, as if intentionally, came within
inches of me and then turned right. Real scary, even if I thought
there would be a heaven for cyclists who did the right thing. If it
was an act of intimidation, or just another driver chatting on the
phone, I wouldn't know. But I hope there's a hell for him/her.

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Nor do I want to feed the undertaker. The right decision, right?

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
http://webspawner.com/users/donquijote

BIKE FOR PEACE
http://webspawner.com/users/bikeforpeace

Quit riding motorcycles and stick to bicycles. You'll not be as scared
because you'll get killed much quicker.

humper

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Or you could keep your bicycle out of the roadway and ride on bike
paths.

Larry Bud said:

Quoted message said:

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Or you could keep your bicycle out of the roadway and ride on bike
paths.

Hmm. And, for the perfect parallel, motorists could keep off the
streets and stay on the freeways!

That _would_ pretty much cure our traffic problems!

- Frank Krygowski.

donquijote1954 said:

In the first incident, even though I was riding the bike on the right
hand side of the road, a car blasted the horn at me demanding me to
move over some more! (after I cursed him/her, I remembered Jesus and
kept going...)

I never do that. I've been stuck behind bikers on winding roads many
times and i just wait till i get a clearing to pass. But most people
don't and it's just insane that society allows such driving.

Bob said:

Quoted message said:

Nor do I want to feed the undertaker. The right decision, right?

Quoted message said:

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLEhttp://webspawner.com/users/donquijote

Quoted message said:

BIKE FOR PEACEhttp://webspawner.com/users/bikeforpeace

If quitting the bike also means you will quit posting your silly
parables to RBM by all means, quit.

No, it means I'll have MORE time for these forums.

oasysco said:

Get a motorcycle - a very large cruiser that will take up the entire
lane. It'll take the place of 10 bicycles on the road.

Oh, I saw a low power enduro (200cc) that's a real beauty. Trying to
get it. At least I'll be riding with traffic. I had one before, and
was the center of attention everywhere.

Quoted message said:

donquijote1954 said:

You may say I'm a quitter, but the decision it's entirely practical. I
WILL STOP RIDING THE BIKE! See,...
a car blasted the horn at me demanding me to
move over some more! ...
In the second one, at night, all lights, reflective vest on, riding
entirely outside the lane, a car, as if intentionally, came within
inches of me and then turned right...

It takes a certain amount of knowledge and a certain amount of courage
to ride a bike in traffic.

Regarding the first incident: If you're low enough on courage that a
horn honking can make you give up cycling, there's little that can be
done. When drivers honk at me, I don't get rattled. In fact, I make
a point of either not reacting, or reacting as a person more mature
and in control than they are. It's not hard. You could try
developing that composed state of mind.

It's the feeling of IMPOTENCE that you want to get back and still you
know the smart thing to do is ignore them. But then I squarely put the
blame on the indifferent system that allows that to happen without
punishment or without even acknowledging there's a problem. But, YES,
THERE'S A BIG F*** PROBLEM!

Quoted message said:

Regarding the second incident: There's a very good chance you were
being too meek, riding too far right, not taking enough of the lane,
encouraging the motorist to squeeze by when he shouldn't have. You
need to learn when it's legal and appropriate to take the lane, and
(again) develop the courage to do it. It's generally safer than
skulking in the gutter.

No, the guy wasn't squeezing at all, maybe drunk, maybe sleep, which
is another BIG F*** PROBLEM we got... 😉

(The reason I blame the system here, not the driver, is that too many
people are forced to drive even when they shouldn't)

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Maggie's Law: National Drowsy Driving
Act of 2003'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) A 1995 Federal study conservatively estimated that each year--

(A) 100,000 police-reported motor vehicle crashes are caused by the
drowsiness or fatigue of the operator;

(B) 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries are the direct result of a driver
falling asleep at the wheel of a motor vehicle; and

(C) these crashes represent at least $12,500,000,000 in diminished
productivity and property loss.

(2) Scientific research further demonstrates that--

(A) 1,000,000 crashes are caused by driver inattention each year; and

(B) sleep deprivation and fatigue make such attention lapses more
likely to occur.

(3) An insufficient amount of statistical data and documentation
concerning fatigue-related motor vehicle crashes is available. Federal
statistics significantly under-report the problem of driver fatigue
because the statistics are derived primarily from police accident
reports, and studies indicate that less than one-half of all crashes
are reported to the police.

http://www.theorator.com/bills108/hr968.html

Arif Khokar said:

Quoted message said:

Regarding the first incident: If you're low enough on courage that a
horn honking can make you give up cycling, there's little that can be
done. When drivers honk at me, I don't get rattled. In fact, I make
a point of either not reacting, or reacting as a person more mature
and in control than they are. It's not hard. You could try
developing that composed state of mind.

My first reaction when I hear a car horn behind me is to take the lane
immediately. The last time I failed to do that, I was brush-passed and
nearly hit. As Brent put it, a driver using the horn tells the cyclist
that he needs more space because the driver is incompetent.

When I'm driving, I make it a point to give a cyclist as much space as
possible when I pass them. I expect the same from drivers when I'm cycling.

I thought about that, and you are right. The ultimate solution though
would be to take the lane all the time. And then, of course, you go to
jail, right?

Quoted message said:

Larry Bud said:

Quoted message said:

But don't get me wrong, I will keep riding my bike, but only in groups
("strength lies in numbers," right?). And, of course, I would look for
another way to keep me in shape (probably walking) since I don't want
to feed the medical/pharmaceutical leeches.

Quoted message said:

Or you could keep your bicycle out of the roadway and ride on bike
paths.

Hmm. And, for the perfect parallel, motorists could keep off the
streets and stay on the freeways!

That _would_ pretty much cure our traffic problems!

It makes a lot of sense! No bikes on freeways, and no cars on streets!