Glamanate

My favorite online discussions are those from cyclist right freaks and people who hate them, especially on Fark. Some people are right, some people are just ridiculous.

Kenosha sucks for cyclists. Seventh Avenue has a bike lane stretching from roughly Washington Road until you hit about 50th Street. There is a bike path in Kenosha that takes you to Racine, and there is a supposed trail down to Illinois. Hell, out in Sturtevant there are bike path signs on Highway H; but, hardly a shoulder. I ride my bike about 50% of the time work on 30th Avenue from home to Subway, a good four days round trip.

I try to ride my bike in the street, but that hardly goes well. I’ve had a cheeseburger thrown at me when passing the strip of 30th Avenue near McDonald’s. I’ve had cars run me near off the road and force me onto the sidewalk. I’ve had people curse at me to get on the sidewalk. Sorry, but cyclists are supposed to ride on the street, you dumb asses. However, there are a lot of stupid cyclists, too. I hate the people who cannot understand to ride in a single file line. Those who do not use hand signals, or those who just go where ever the hell they please.

Just a note for car drivers: the law tells you to stop BEFORE the sidewalk. Do it. I try, I’m not perfect. I’ve almost been hit plenty of times. People driving card are more concerned with not hitting an incoming car on the street – as they should be. But a lot of parents and kids ride their bikes on the sidewalk because it is safer for the kids.

Bicyclists, ride on the street so you’re more visible. I know it sucks some times, but it is better to be occasionally cursed at, forced on the sidewalk for a second, versus being slammed into and thrown into traffic.

Both need to understand rules of the road. Cyclists do not have any special rights, neither do cars. Just be smart, for my safety and others.