Tag Archives: Traffic

Baffled by Drivers, an Unapologetic Homage to Driving Safely

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I’ve mentioned before that riding my bike to work every day for a year taught me more about driving than driving for 20 years did. I may have even mentioned that I’ve mentioned it before, though I can’t find where now.

I recently read a post by Dave wherein he basically says he’s going to drive the speed limit and if you don’t like it, then that’s just tough.

I read another post by rainycamp over at Bike Noob wherein he marvels at the general looniness of drivers.

I’m right there on board with Dave. I drive the speed limit, give (or even take) a couple mph. Sometimes, when I’m passing I even drive the speed limit in the passing lane (note it’s called the “passing lane” and not the “speeding lane”). Yes. I’m that guy. *gasp* The horror! The aggravation obvious in the wild gesticulations, disgusted shaking of heads and clearly mouthed epithets of those behind me wishing to push the limits of officer tolerance do nothing to sway me. Believe me, you’ll get where you’re going, and not only will you do it with less risk of catastrophe, but you’re likely shaving more seconds off the end of your life from the stress of raging at me, than you’re losing due to my abhorrent adherence to the speed limit. So calm down, relax, and enjoy your extra life.

I also understand where rainycamp is coming from. There have been precious few trips I’ve made in my car where I didn’t witness someone doing something either remarkably stupid, or utterly ineffectual and inefficient.

We’ve all seen drivers peel away at stop lights only to have to stop at the next one a block or two away. What a sad waste of gas and increased wear & tear.

We’ve all seen drivers jockey for position with sudden and rapid repeated lane changes, only to find themselves stopped at the same light as we are, having gained all of a single car length advantage.

We’ve all seen drivers swerve across three lanes of 65+mph traffic to make the exit they weren’t paying attention to.

We’ve all seen drivers reading while they drive. Or putting on make-up. Or eating with both hands. Or texting. Or fully turned around to smack a kid up in the backseat.

We’ve all seen the driver pass us at +20mph on the highway, only to end up alongside us after an exit ramp, or the stop light when we reach town, or better yet, on the side of the road being ticketed for speeding, thus losing all their speed advantage, and some of their money to boot.

Witnessing those, and other completely pointless acts of idiocy never fails to completely baffle me. I know it shouldn’t. I know I should be cynical and jaded enough that such things no longer surprise me, but I can’t help it. I’m constantly amazed at what seems to be such criminally willful stupidity and a complete lack of situational and consequential awareness.

Furthermore, riding a bike makes obvious through my own physical efforts the physics of movement, momentum and speed, and the cost of acceleration. I carry those lessons over to my driving, and have, as a consequence, made conscious and concerted efforts to eliminate idiocy from my own driving. I’m sure there are a few things (more than a few, likely) that I still do that I’ll eventually correct… my education isn’t finished, but it’s on its way.

Some of the things I do in an attempt to create a safe, effective and efficient trip for myself (because all I can control is my own actions) include, but are not exclusive to:

  • Plan well ahead to minimize lane changes, thus reducing the risk of collision.
  • Use my turn signal. Yes. I really do. In fact, I take it one step further and use my turn signal to alert other drivers of my intention. That’s right. I use it to tell other drivers what I want to do, not what I am doing. Note the difference there. It’s subtle, I know, but it’s critical. I like to think people appreciate it, but I doubt it.
  • If I miss my turn, I don’t scream across three lanes to make it at the last possible second… I skip it, take the next turn, and back track. No big deal. I lose a few minutes, but I don’t present an undue threat, compound the already significant risks involved, or increase natural stress level inherent to the speeds at which we travel (no one gets road ragey with me when I make relaxed, gradual and advertised lane changes).
  • Set the cruise control at the speed limit to eliminate the risk of a ticket, and to remove the additional distraction of having to worry about my speed. Yes, I do this everywhere and at all times save inclement weather.
    • I’ve not found any documentation to say it increases wear on modern transmissions and engines at lower speeds as it used to.
    • I maintain my foot in position in case of the need to suddenly brake (which I’m more able to observe, given that I’m not worried about my speed).
    • I refuse to be intimidated by tailgating. If someone chooses to tailgate me, that’s their choice. I won’t speed for them, nor will I change lanes out of their way any faster or slower than were they not tailgating. This includes periods of time during which I’m passing other drivers in the passing lane. Folk are free to tailgate, but it’s not on me if there’s a collision and I’m behaving in an otherwise safe and law-abiding manner. Besides, I’m due for a new car anyway. I won’t make special arrangements for tailgaters one way or the other. Tailgating me increases the risk of collision without introducing a corresponding benefit. Were that more people opted not to capitulate to highway intimidation tactics (aka, bullying).
    • Driving the speed limit everywhere may give rise to the opinion that I’m an “Old Fogey”, or even an “A$$hole.” That’s fine. It’s just an opinion, and that particular one is meaningless to me.
  • Generally speaking, I’ve made attempts to start thinking of myself as part of a system, rather than an individual. Sure, I, like everyone else, have my own agenda and destination, but until I reach it, I’m just one small, relatively insignificant part of a much larger and incomprehensibly complex whole.

The other day I came up behind a minivan with a few odds and ends on the back that amused me. First, near the top was an obviously home printed sign taped to the inside of the rear window that read “What is the speed limit?”. Below that, and above the license plate was another sign that read “I’m retired.” Below the license plate was another that read “Go around me.” Finally, attached to the hitch was a hand held palm out and all fingers extended as if to say “Hold” or “Back off.”

It amused me. I laughed. And I followed at the speed limit at a safe distance.

Octoginta 2010

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I finished the Octoginta 2010 this past Sunday. I hadn’t ridden more than ~40 miles at one time, and only four rides over 30 miles since the ’09 Triple Bypass – over a year ago. Look for yourself. What I’m trying to say is I’ve been a right slacker when it comes to cycling. So it was with some trepidation that I attempted the 80+ mile Octoginta.

I needn’t have worried. My flat-inducing friend (who didn’t induce a flat) and I did just fine.

Here are my thoughts on the ride, in order of least favorite to most. I find it’s always a good idea to start with the bad news and end on a good note, so here ’tis.

The Ugly

Some of the worst group ride cyclist behavior in traffic I can remember witnessing. I hate to foster stereotypes, but the vast majority of cycling miscreancy was committed by our friends in full racing kit. Last week, Eric over at KCBike.info, himself via Ride Lawrence, let us in on the fact that a new Lawrence Bike Rideability Map [PDF] was released. I wish the scofflaws on the ride Sunday would have taken to heart the advice on the 2nd page of that flyer… primarily the “ride predictably” and “don’t pass cars on the right” bits. I don’t blame the folk what put together the Octoginta for this, though. It’s not their fault. However, I would have liked to hear something about playing nice with each other and cars at the starting line. Not that it would have mattered, but still…

The Bad

Gravel/chip roads. Can’t say I love them. There was only one, and it only stretched a couple of miles, but with a perfectly serviceable paved road with very wide shoulders as an alternate route, I’m having a hard time fathoming the choice. Maybe it was the 21% grade hill on that little jaunt that brought out the gleeful sadist in the route planners. Or maybe it was the steep downhill right afterwards that couldn’t be enjoyed because it culminated in a sharp gravel turn, forcing us to ride our brakes the whole time. Either way, I’m pretty sure The Devil had something to do with it.

No end of ride dinner. The last time I rode an Octoginta in 2007 (wow… was it really that long ago?!), there was a fantastic minestrone soup at the end. They seem to have ditched that in favor of soup at lunch. I’m not complaining, mind you. The sammiches and soup really hit the spot at 52 miles in, but the utter lack of a finish line was rather anti-climatic.

The Good

Group Riding. It wouldn’t be fair to mention the horrible behavior of some cyclists without mentioning the very friendly and communal behavior of others. For the first 30 miles or so of the ride, and before it spread out too thin, my friend and I found ourselves (mostly through his efforts) part of one decent sized two column peleton or another. It’s amazing how much difference that makes in terms of effort and energy expenditure. It’s significantly reduced. Riding 30 solo miles takes a lot more energy than riding 30 group miles, when that group knows what it’s doing. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy being part of something like that.

Energy level. Though I wouldn’t rate my fitness, and resultant post-ride energy at the same level as the ’07 Octoginta, I was better than I expected. Especially having run a 5K Saturday morning. My legs were really feeling that run, but once I hit the pedals on Sunday, I forgot about the pain, and enjoyed the ride. Around mile 30, I was starting to feel the effort, but the well-placed SAG stops and our judicious use of them allowed for a strong second wind at mile 52 after lunch, and continuing through the rest of the ride. The group riding definitely helped with that.

Well placed SAG stops. As with the ’07 ride, the SAGs were well placed. More space between them along stretches requiring less effort, and less space along stretches with leg busting hills or nasty surfaces. No evidence of sadism here.

Breakfast. The breakfast of eggs, french toast, and plenty of fluids may not have been quite as noteworthy as ’07 (if there was coffee and OJ, I missed it), but it was still pretty fantastic. I wasn’t hungry, having stuffed my face with pasta that morning, which may have colored my perception, but it was still pretty nice.

Lunch. The lunch stop with ham or turkey sammiches, bananas, their signature soup, and water was spot on target at 52 miles in, at the Vinland Airport.

Route choice included some familiar roads, as well as some new ones. This year, they took us northwest initially, then back around south of Lawrence to Clinton Lake Dam, and then up north before pulling us back into downtown. I know many of the roads we were on, but there were a few that I hadn’t tried yet. When next I pull my Shawnee to Lawrence and Back rides, I’ll have more choices, and I’ll use them.

Surprise visit by my wife! Though there was no dinner after the ride, and though there was no official finish line with screaming friends and family welcoming you in after a long day of riding (the Triple Bypass certainly spoiled me there), my gorgeous wife surprised me by being there in the parking lot waiting for me. I wasn’t expecting her at all, and she was a beautiful site to behold after pushing myself hard those last 10 miles.

All the photos and more, with captions, are available here.

Hills, Now with A Heavier Rider!

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Today, I thought I’d try my hill training route I rode when at the height of my Triple Bypass training. Now, I’m not saying it was a mistake. No, I’m not saying that. But I’m not saying it was my most brilliant move, either.

First, Matt, yes, we do have hills in Kansas. Anyone who has ever said Kansas was flat didn’t ride a bike through it.

Second, I did it. I rode the whole route. I also barely made it up some of those last hills on Johnson Drive. I didn’t get off and walk the bike up, but it was a close call a couple of times. Knowing that i’d done this before, and simple stubborn pride were really all that kept me in the saddle. Having climbed so many hills in the previous two hours, I’d say I did OK. I’m pretty proud of myself for tackling the task, and getting it done.

Hills I Conquered* Today:

Even with the inclusion of the nasty (if short) hill on 91st off Woodland Drive, I still made it to the halfway mark in good time. When I’m in somewhat lack-luster shape (today, for example), I’ll take this opportunity to take a break, take a snack, and take stock. I’ll decide here if I want to tackle Johnson Drive or not. It’s not a final decision, as the point of no return is still a mile or so out. My thoughts here today were along the lines of “Sure, why not?”

Having made that decision, I came across road construction. Damn. I’d forgotten about this. It only adds a couple miles to the route, but given that the goal is to climb hills today, I would have rather done without. Oh well… it did add some rolling hills I wouldn’t have seen today, and at least they’re putting in a roundabout. We really need more of those.

Speaking of intersections, I don’t think I came across a single lighted intersection through which a driver didn’t plow through against the red. I realize I’m preaching primarily to the choir here, but for all those a-hat drivers that complain about cyclists “never” obeying the rules of the road, I say tend they own garden first before thee looks to the weeds in another’s.

But that’s beside the point. The point is that I finished the route, even if with slightly less exuberance than in previous rides. That’s pretty cool. Now that I know I can, I’ll probably back off a little and cut a corner or two while I climb slowly back into shape again.

* Word is a gross exaggeration

Side Effects of Cycling to Work

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Though I be in Texas, far away from home and the bike that awaits me, new and unridden, with virgin saddle, as it were, my thoughts stray now and again, all the same, to the subject of cycling. I think on how nice it will be to once again sit astride the saddle, my arms outstretched holding brake levers and handlebars. I think on how nice it will be to see my waistline diminish once again, rather than continue it’s current trend of slow expansion. I think on how nice it will be to once again stride out the front doors with pride, knowing that I will be making it home on my own power, while at the same time clowning around like a fool for the cadre of lustful (though unfortunately married) women who have come to be a sort of 4:30pm Fan Club for yours truly (I take the ego boosts where I can get them). But lately, one thought presses forward as I spend minute after empty minute in the cabin of an automobile instead of the saddle of a bicycle… that thought is what I will share with you now.

And here it is, then.

That thought is patience.

More than a healthier body (and the unabashed admiration of womenfolk all across the lands), more than all those things I mentioned above, cycling has given me patience.

I tool about in my car, making my way steadily and surely to my destination, watching in bemused awe as drivers around me scream about (literally and figuratively both), forcibly changing lanes at the last minute, riding bumpers in unabashed displays of apparent superiority, verily burning valuable rubber off at stop signs and stop lights in a desperate attempt to get to the next stop sign or stop light that much sooner, and generally behaving like a group of angry baboons… all in the name of shaving valuable seconds off their commutes.

I used to be one of them. I used to scream at others who behaved in ways not to my liking. I used to drive as aggressively as defensively. I used to speed everywhere I went. I used to strain the engine and the brakes both starting and stopping. I used to be one of them. But I’ve spent a lot of time on the roads in a saddle this year. I’ve learned first hand the energy it takes to go uphill, to start from a stop and to increase to a higher speed. I’ve gained a sense of what my car must be experiencing when I demand of it the same. I’ve learned how it feels to be truly vulnerable on the roads, though my vulnerability has not (as of yet, thankfully) been tested. I no longer consider myself one of them.

I’ve also gained what I believe is a relatively rare sense of time as it relates to distance and traversing said distance.

And this is my point.

It takes a lot longer to get from point A to B on a bike than a car (assuming a distance of any significance and without a maze of stop lights). I’m used to taking that extra time, so now as I’ve found myself behind a wheel more than on a saddle lately, I’m far more patient being behind the wheel, knowing that I’ll get there if I relax, take my time, pay attention, and avoid daredevil behavior. I know what it’s like to take a long time to get home. Driving a car home takes no time at all.

A side benefit, in addition to the lower blood pressure and overall better demeanor is that the learned patience cycling has taught me gives me a better chance of getting where I’m going safely. Not bad as far as side benefits go.

Bikes Beat Cars Through Town… Safely?

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Good for them, but I have to wonder if they did so safely.

The first thing that comes to mind is how terribly unsafe (and aggravating) it is when cyclists pull up to the front of the line at red lights to the right of the cars there. I’ve always considered it the same as waiting until the very last minute to merge when a lane ends because of construction or other hazards.

I do know it can be done, however, and it’s not that hard.

Sidewalk Warriors, Why I’ll Never Be One

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I originally posted this as part of a debate about riding on the sidewalk vs. riding on the street. It evolved into something decent (to my mind, anyway), so I’m putting it up here as well with a few minor tweaks.

In short, riding on the sidewalk is often illegal, takes you out of the field of view of motorists, forces you to pay attention to more than you already have to, adds noticeable time to your trips, and takes more energy.

Read on for more in depth discussion if this interests you… Continue reading →

Situational Awareness

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This is making the rounds, and for good reason.

Do the Test @ http://www.dothetest.co.uk/

Transport for London is ramping up their cycling safety campaign. More info available here.

I’m not going to preach (much) about paying attention to what you’re doing while you drive. I will say that I believe cell phone conversations should be made illegal with stiff penalties. I believe people zone out enough and pay too little attention as it is without the added distraction of a phone conversation that pulls them that much farther away from what their doing.

From here:

This phenomenon is known as “change blindness” – only a tiny fraction of all the information going into your brain enters your consciousness. People often fail to see a change in their surroundings because their attention is elsewhere.

Even stranger, if you are concentrating on something, you can become blind to other events that you would normally notice. This “inattention blindness” is possibly the reason why motorists collide with cyclists.

Inattention blindness is possibly the reason why motorists collide with anything at all. The problem is, each new generation of drivers has to learn this lesson for themselves. There certainly isn’t any real societal pressure encouraging people to pay attention while they drive – it’s a right after all, not a privilege, right? Unfortunately, everyone, even those who *have* learned the lesson are still at risk for it.

I wonder if they make any safety vests with “Please Pay Attention While You Drive” printed on the back in large letters.

Near Mishap on this Morning’s Commute

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I had a pretty decent shot of adrenaline this morning. About a quarter mile from my home, I cut through a parking lot to avoid a stoplight and take a break from the road. At 06:00, it’s all but vacant, and pretty much mine to ride through how I see fit. Mostly, that means, well… riding through it. When it’s cold the way it’s been, my goal is to get where I’m going, not dilly or dally about. I don’t do anything crazy, in other words.

This morning as I was leaving the parking lot, I look up just in time to see the grill of a large pickup truck bearing down on me. There are three lanes in the west facing exit: an incoming on one side, a right turn on the other, and a left turn lane in the middle. I was in the middle, left turn lane. The pickup truck, turning into the parking lot from across the street cut *way* into the middle lane. In other words, I was completely in the right, and the driver completely in the wrong.

He was very nice about it, rolling down the window and sincerely apologizing saying he didn’t see me. Being nice about it goes a *long* way towards eliminating any harsh feelings about it. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but as I was nearly at a standstill, had he not seen me there would have been nothing I could do but wait for the impact. It just goes to show you that no matter how careful you are, no matter how many lights you have, you can always be caught by someone being less careful.

Or worse…

What Right Have I?

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Whenever I witness (or become involved in) a debate regarding the cyclist’s right to be on the road, one of the inevitable arguments I face is that cyclists don’t pay for the roads. The basic argument is that because we don’t contribute to the building and repair of roadways, we don’t deserve to use them.

There are so many holes in that argument I don’t even know where to begin.

How about here [pdf].

Whose Roads?
Defining Bicyclists’ and Pedestrians’ Right to Use Public Roadways
by
Todd Litman
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
30 November, 2004

ABSTRACT
Many people believe that nonmotorized modes (walking, cycling, and their
variations) have an inferior right to use public roads compared with motor
vehicles. This reflects the belief that motor vehicles are more important to society
than nonmotorized modes, and that roads are funded by motorists. This paper
investigates these assumptions. It finds that nonmotorized modes have the legal
right to use public roads, that nonmotorized modes provide significant
transportation benefits, and pedestrians and cyclists pay a significant share of
roadway costs. Although motorist user fees (fuel taxes and vehicle registration
fees) fund most highway expenses, funding for local roads (the roads
pedestrians and cyclists use most) originates mainly from general taxes. Since
bicycling and walking impose lower roadway costs than motorized modes,
people who rely primarily on nonmotorized modes tend to overpay their fair
share of roadway costs and subsidize motorists.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. I didn’t. That’s why I quoted it.

I haven’t had a chance to properly read it yet, so I wonder if he made the point that most cyclists are motorists as well, and as such, contribute additionally to the cost of roadways in that regard…

Also, this paper is from 2004. Are there any more recent cost studies?

Wherein Complaints are Filed and Self Contradiction Abounds

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Did I say I don’t like riding in the cold? That I was bored of it? That I couldn’t wait for warmer weather? I think I did. So imagine my surprise when, on the way to work this morning, I found myself really enjoying the sub freezing air. I wasn’t *cold* at any time, but I was just this side of chilly. And I have to say I thought a lot of it.

The clothing choices this morning were perfect, and the slight breeze from the east just enough to keep the fingers pleasantly cool.

Temperature: 28°F, -2°C
Head: Helmet and ear covers
Hands: Toastada Lobster gloves
Feet: Wool socks, plastic bag wind breakers, shoes, toe covers and neoprene booties
Torso: Wicking base layer, windbreaker
Legs: Winter leggings, mesh sweats

I remember a moment on Lamar heading through the cross-breeze when I thought to myself “Wow, my fingers aren’t warm, but they’re not cold either… just a touch of chilly and they’re perfect.”

I don’t know. Maybe you had to be there.

In conclusion, I guess I just live for the moment. Sometimes I’ll enjoy the cold, sometimes I won’t. Does that make me a bad person?

Speaking of bad people… Quivira yesterday afternoon was a mad house. I arrived at 87th and Quivira right as rush hour was hitting full steam, and the drivers I shared the road with were total puking hell-hated odoriferous flap-dragons. In spite of the many lights, reflective surfaces, and blinding neon windbreaker, I’m pretty sure I was invisible. I can think of no other reason so many cars would pass so close to me… we’re talking inches on a couple of occasions. I’m surprised I wasn’t caught by a mirror or two.

I’m really going to have to find a good way off Quivira as soon as possible in the future. That was harrowing!

We’re looking at about a 30% 100% chance of snow today. Just in time for a long ride tomorrow.

And now for the numbers:
This Morning.
Last Night.