As flowers begin to carpet the landscape, it’s apparent that spring is finally here.
It was pleasing to see the many colors and hues of native wildflowers as I went to visit my parents last weekend. I also enjoyed, initially, seeing cyclists out for a ride enjoying the cool sunny weather.
That joy soon turned to aggravation, however, once I became trapped on a small two-lane road behind a sea of riders.
Cycling is a great way to exercise while soaking in nature and the roads are for everyone, regardless of one’s mode of transportation. All people should be respectful to others while on the road.
Initially, the cyclists formed a neat single-file line and passing them was not an issue. But it didn’t take long before a select few decided that this particular road was theirs and they did not need to share.
As several cars and trucks lined up to pass the group, these few riders refused to yield, going as far as swerving out into the other lane to block anyone from passing.
Unfortunately, this sort of behavior is not uncommon with cyclers. It’s aggravating to think that these riders who are out to enjoy the surroundings have failed to recognize that the people who live on those roads have matters more pressing than waiting behind a group of leisurely bike riders.
There is a sign on FM 105 that says “share the road,” in an obvious reference to drivers sharing with cyclists. The tables have turned, however, and cyclists should exercise good manners by sharing the road with drivers, especially on smaller back roads. They need to recognize that there are other people in the world.
These few cyclists must realize this is what they fail to do when they refuse to share the road. Stopping people from getting to their own house or from leaving in some circumstances are not the actions of respectable people.
Cyclists should enjoy the country, take in the scenery and ride to their hearts’ content. They should be applauded for their perseverance, but it only takes a few rotten apples to spoil the entire group’s reputation.
Furthermore, it doesn’t make sense to use a 15-pound, $1,000 bicycle to challenge a three-ton dually. Anyone can predict who will win that battle.
Joel Yelton is an English senior and may be reached at [email protected]
“They should be applauded for their perseverance, but it only takes a few rotten apples to spoil the entire group’s reputation.”
Or you can simply be a reasonable person and not judge an entire group by the actions of a few. Also, people who cycle often do so as their major method of transportation. Under Texas law they are vehicles allowed to use the road, and in most states they are prohibited from using the side walk.
You mention that cyclists should “enjoy the country” and that it is a great way to exercise, but this misses the point entirely. For many, cycling is their primary mode of transportation, not just some leisure machine they play chicken with.
“For many, cycling is their primary mode of transportation”… in an inner city, yes. I think as far as “missing the point entirely”, is that this article is referring to the “sea of riders”, on “$1000 bikes”, and from the sounds of it, they are miles away from any road that would be considered a “primary mode of transportation” route.
I would say a good follow-up clarification article to this one would be entitled “If you hang out with a-holes, don’t be surprised if you get pooped on”, and would go something like this. Dear bicyclists, motorcyclists, tricyclists, and in some countries unicyclists… If you ride in groups with people who act like asses, you are endangering your own life. When they show no regard for common courtesy, it makes other people show no regard for your common courtesy. The latter group of “other people” are wearing 3000lb’s of armor, have fueled acceleration and actually have the ability to follow speed limit signs. If you ride in a group, and one person is being an ass, the entire group is now endangered. If everyone in your group respects the fact that they are low on the totem pole, everyone would get along fine.
Sharks swim in the sea with those little sucker fish attached to them, but i guarantee if one of those sucker fish started acting like an idiot, the sharks gonna eat him.