three ways to stay out of Rolling Idiots Club
With my cyclist “hat” on, I’ve noted things drivers do, usually from ignorance (possibly, at times, with malice), that leave me jiggling my head or in a cold sweat. Putting on my motoring “hat,” there is a laundry list of deeds and errors from folks on bikes that make me roll my eyes or clench my teeth. Gratefully, my dentist assures me my clenching is only in my mind.
But it’s not indeed a matter of “hats.” When I’m out on my bike, it’s often the foolishness of some fellow cyclists that raise my hackles as much as the intolerance and aggression of a little percentage of motorists. Brainy or stupid, responsible or irresponsible: these adjectives can only apply only to individuals, not their machinery.
For motorists, the list of major no-no’s is pretty ordinary and visible: driving while intoxicated or dispersed (texting!), speeding, running crimson lights. For cyclists, the most dangerous/problematic deeds aren’t as demonstrable or generally agreed upon; they may not be the very first thing coming to mind in the general public. After looking at studies from Missoula-size towns in the Pacific Northwest and input from those locally connected to bicycling safety and regulations, here’s my “top three” list for avoiding disparagement and disaster.
1. You don’t have scales or fins; don’t act like a salmon. Railing against traffic (“swimming upstream”) is an all-too-common cyclist behavior. And, unluckily, many parents encourage ”salmon” behavior in their kids, believing it will help them avoid danger because they can see it coming at them. But upstream railing is as dangerous as it is illegal, and a leading cause of motor vehicle–bicycle collisions in Missoula. Drivers looking to make a right turn will, fairly reasonably, be checking only to their left for conflicting traffic. Cyclists approaching from the right (against traffic) are virtually ensured to be unnoticed until they are smooching a fender or the ground. I would implore parents to reconsider their gut feeling regarding “against-traffic” railing and always model safe and legal behaviors.
Two. Sidewalk railing, however legal, is seldom advisable. Very first, half of sidewalk railing is done against traffic (see No. One above). Again, the rule of thumb being “if you’re not where drivers tend to be looking, you don’t exist.” The extra issue with sidewalk railing is that it’s often at speeds well above that of the typical pedestrian. Drivers will check for about twenty feet each direction down a sidewalk before advancing from an alley, driveway or cross street. If you, as a cyclist (skateboarder, scooter rider, etc.) are cruising at speeds above “power walk” setting, your chances of metallic intimity become significant.
Trio. Just like you aren’t a salmon, neither are you a bunny rabbit. Stop hopping! “Hoppers” are those on bikes who “hop” from sidewalk to street and back to sidewalk with apparent abandon. Or rail in a parking lane (gotta stay far to the right, don’t ya know!) only to “hop” into the travel lane when they reach a parked car. Or “hop” from one lane to another without checking and signaling. If you see your child/teenage in bunny (or salmon) mode, please understand that they are rivaling for a Darwin Award. When this is an adult behavior (too late for Darwin’s theory to activate), well, the Rolling Idiots Club is always taking applications.
All this, of course, falls under the heading of being relevant/visible, respectful and responsible, communicating and cooperating with fellow travelers. It’s not brain surgery. It just sometimes feels that way.
Gene Schmitz is a retired engineer, individual trainer, small-business proprietor and science teacher. For the past 10-plus years he has been involved with traffic safety committees, in Hawaii and now Montana, especially regarding bicycle safety issues. However he is presently on the mayor’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, his opinions in this series are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or advice of the board.
Trio ways to stay out of Rolling Idiots Club, Columnists
three ways to stay out of Rolling Idiots Club
With my cyclist “hat” on, I’ve noted things drivers do, usually from ignorance (possibly, at times, with malice), that leave me wiggling my head or in a cold sweat. Putting on my motoring “hat,” there is a laundry list of deeds and errors from folks on bikes that make me roll my eyes or clench my teeth. Gratefully, my dentist assures me my clenching is only in my mind.
But it’s not indeed a matter of “hats.” When I’m out on my bike, it’s often the foolishness of some fellow cyclists that raise my hackles as much as the intolerance and aggression of a lil’ percentage of motorists. Wise or stupid, responsible or irresponsible: these adjectives can only apply only to individuals, not their machinery.
For motorists, the list of major no-no’s is pretty plain and visible: driving while intoxicated or dispelled (texting!), speeding, running crimson lights. For cyclists, the most dangerous/problematic deeds aren’t as demonstrable or generally agreed upon; they may not be the very first thing coming to mind in the general public. After looking at studies from Missoula-size towns in the Pacific Northwest and input from those locally connected to bicycling safety and regulations, here’s my “top three” list for avoiding disparagement and disaster.
1. You don’t have scales or fins; don’t act like a salmon. Railing against traffic (“swimming upstream”) is an all-too-common cyclist behavior. And, unluckily, many parents encourage ”salmon” behavior in their kids, believing it will help them avoid danger because they can see it coming at them. But upstream railing is as dangerous as it is illegal, and a leading cause of motor vehicle–bicycle collisions in Missoula. Drivers looking to make a right turn will, fairly reasonably, be checking only to their left for conflicting traffic. Cyclists approaching from the right (against traffic) are virtually ensured to be unnoticed until they are smooching a fender or the ground. I would implore parents to reconsider their gut feeling regarding “against-traffic” railing and always model safe and legal behaviors.
Two. Sidewalk railing, tho’ legal, is seldom advisable. Very first, half of sidewalk railing is done against traffic (see No. One above). Again, the rule of thumb being “if you’re not where drivers tend to be looking, you don’t exist.” The extra issue with sidewalk railing is that it’s often at speeds well above that of the typical pedestrian. Drivers will check for about twenty feet each direction down a sidewalk before advancing from an alley, driveway or cross street. If you, as a cyclist (skateboarder, scooter rider, etc.) are cruising at speeds above “power walk” setting, your chances of metallic proximity become significant.
Trio. Just like you aren’t a salmon, neither are you a bunny rabbit. Stop hopping! “Hoppers” are those on bikes who “hop” from sidewalk to street and back to sidewalk with apparent abandon. Or rail in a parking lane (gotta stay far to the right, don’t ya know!) only to “hop” into the travel lane when they reach a parked car. Or “hop” from one lane to another without checking and signaling. If you see your child/teenage in bunny (or salmon) mode, please understand that they are contesting for a Darwin Award. When this is an adult behavior (too late for Darwin’s theory to activate), well, the Rolling Idiots Club is always taking applications.
All this, of course, falls under the heading of being relevant/visible, respectful and responsible, communicating and cooperating with fellow travelers. It’s not brain surgery. It just sometimes feels that way.
Gene Schmitz is a retired engineer, individual trainer, small-business holder and science teacher. For the past 10-plus years he has been involved with traffic safety committees, in Hawaii and now Montana, especially regarding bicycle safety issues. However he is presently on the mayor’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, his opinions in this series are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or advice of the board.
Three ways to stay out of Rolling Idiots Club, Columnists
three ways to stay out of Rolling Idiots Club
With my cyclist “hat” on, I’ve noted things drivers do, usually from ignorance (possibly, at times, with malice), that leave me wiggling my head or in a cold sweat. Putting on my motoring “hat,” there is a laundry list of deeds and errors from folks on bikes that make me roll my eyes or clench my teeth. Gratefully, my dentist assures me my clenching is only in my mind.
But it’s not indeed a matter of “hats.” When I’m out on my bike, it’s often the foolishness of some fellow cyclists that raise my hackles as much as the intolerance and aggression of a little percentage of motorists. Wise or stupid, responsible or irresponsible: these adjectives can only apply only to individuals, not their machinery.
For motorists, the list of major no-no’s is pretty ordinary and evident: driving while intoxicated or dispersed (texting!), speeding, running crimson lights. For cyclists, the most dangerous/problematic deeds aren’t as evident or generally agreed upon; they may not be the very first thing coming to mind in the general public. After looking at studies from Missoula-size towns in the Pacific Northwest and input from those locally connected to bicycling safety and regulations, here’s my “top three” list for avoiding disparagement and disaster.
1. You don’t have scales or fins; don’t act like a salmon. Railing against traffic (“swimming upstream”) is an all-too-common cyclist behavior. And, unluckily, many parents encourage ”salmon” behavior in their kids, believing it will help them avoid danger because they can see it coming at them. But upstream railing is as dangerous as it is illegal, and a leading cause of motor vehicle–bicycle collisions in Missoula. Drivers looking to make a right turn will, fairly reasonably, be checking only to their left for conflicting traffic. Cyclists approaching from the right (against traffic) are virtually ensured to be unnoticed until they are smooching a fender or the ground. I would implore parents to reconsider their gut feeling regarding “against-traffic” railing and always model safe and legal behaviors.
Two. Sidewalk railing, however legal, is seldom advisable. Very first, half of sidewalk railing is done against traffic (see No. One above). Again, the rule of thumb being “if you’re not where drivers tend to be looking, you don’t exist.” The extra issue with sidewalk railing is that it’s often at speeds well above that of the typical pedestrian. Drivers will check for about twenty feet each direction down a sidewalk before advancing from an alley, driveway or cross street. If you, as a cyclist (skateboarder, scooter rider, etc.) are cruising at speeds above “power walk” setting, your chances of metallic proximity become significant.
Trio. Just like you aren’t a salmon, neither are you a bunny rabbit. Stop hopping! “Hoppers” are those on bikes who “hop” from sidewalk to street and back to sidewalk with apparent abandon. Or rail in a parking lane (gotta stay far to the right, don’t ya know!) only to “hop” into the travel lane when they reach a parked car. Or “hop” from one lane to another without checking and signaling. If you see your child/teenage in bunny (or salmon) mode, please understand that they are rivaling for a Darwin Award. When this is an adult behavior (too late for Darwin’s theory to activate), well, the Rolling Idiots Club is always taking applications.
All this, of course, falls under the heading of being relevant/visible, respectful and responsible, communicating and cooperating with fellow travelers. It’s not brain surgery. It just sometimes feels that way.
Gene Schmitz is a retired engineer, private trainer, small-business proprietor and science teacher. For the past 10-plus years he has been involved with traffic safety committees, in Hawaii and now Montana, especially regarding bicycle safety issues. Tho’ he is presently on the mayor’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, his opinions in this series are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or advice of the board.
Three ways to stay out of Rolling Idiots Club, Columnists
three ways to stay out of Rolling Idiots Club
With my cyclist “hat” on, I’ve noted things drivers do, usually from ignorance (possibly, at times, with malice), that leave me wiggling my head or in a cold sweat. Putting on my motoring “hat,” there is a laundry list of deeds and errors from folks on bikes that make me roll my eyes or clench my teeth. Gratefully, my dentist assures me my clenching is only in my mind.
But it’s not indeed a matter of “hats.” When I’m out on my bike, it’s often the foolishness of some fellow cyclists that raise my hackles as much as the intolerance and aggression of a lil’ percentage of motorists. Brainy or stupid, responsible or irresponsible: these adjectives can only apply only to individuals, not their machinery.
For motorists, the list of major no-no’s is pretty plain and evident: driving while intoxicated or dissipated (texting!), speeding, running crimson lights. For cyclists, the most dangerous/problematic deeds aren’t as evident or generally agreed upon; they may not be the very first thing coming to mind in the general public. After looking at studies from Missoula-size towns in the Pacific Northwest and input from those locally connected to bicycling safety and regulations, here’s my “top three” list for avoiding disparagement and disaster.
1. You don’t have scales or fins; don’t act like a salmon. Railing against traffic (“swimming upstream”) is an all-too-common cyclist behavior. And, unluckily, many parents encourage ”salmon” behavior in their kids, believing it will help them avoid danger because they can see it coming at them. But upstream railing is as dangerous as it is illegal, and a leading cause of motor vehicle–bicycle collisions in Missoula. Drivers looking to make a right turn will, fairly reasonably, be checking only to their left for conflicting traffic. Cyclists approaching from the right (against traffic) are virtually ensured to be unnoticed until they are smooching a fender or the ground. I would implore parents to reconsider their gut feeling regarding “against-traffic” railing and always model safe and legal behaviors.
Two. Sidewalk railing, however legal, is seldom advisable. Very first, half of sidewalk railing is done against traffic (see No. One above). Again, the rule of thumb being “if you’re not where drivers tend to be looking, you don’t exist.” The extra issue with sidewalk railing is that it’s often at speeds well above that of the typical pedestrian. Drivers will check for about twenty feet each direction down a sidewalk before advancing from an alley, driveway or cross street. If you, as a cyclist (skateboarder, scooter rider, etc.) are cruising at speeds above “power walk” setting, your chances of metallic intimity become significant.
Trio. Just like you aren’t a salmon, neither are you a bunny rabbit. Stop hopping! “Hoppers” are those on bikes who “hop” from sidewalk to street and back to sidewalk with apparent abandon. Or rail in a parking lane (gotta stay far to the right, don’t ya know!) only to “hop” into the travel lane when they reach a parked car. Or “hop” from one lane to another without checking and signaling. If you see your child/teenage in bunny (or salmon) mode, please understand that they are rivaling for a Darwin Award. When this is an adult behavior (too late for Darwin’s theory to activate), well, the Rolling Idiots Club is always taking applications.
All this, of course, falls under the heading of being relevant/visible, respectful and responsible, communicating and cooperating with fellow travelers. It’s not brain surgery. It just sometimes feels that way.
Gene Schmitz is a retired engineer, individual trainer, small-business holder and science teacher. For the past 10-plus years he has been involved with traffic safety committees, in Hawaii and now Montana, especially regarding bicycle safety issues. However he is presently on the mayor’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, his opinions in this series are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or advice of the board.