The Left Is Just Plain Stupid

Published on June 12, 2005 By MasonM In Misc

This is for those who ride bicycles. DO NOT RIDE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD!!!

You're on a vehicle. You are required by law to follow the traffic laws. That includes riding with traffic, not against it.

I just took a short 6 mile ride, and saw three different cyclists riding against traffic. Not only is it illegal, it's just plain stupid. Anyone turning onto the roadway or crossing the roadway is looking for approaching traffic in the correct lane. Riding on the wrong side of the road is an excellent way to get yourself killed.

If you are one of these people, please read up on the cycling laws, safety information, and consider taking a cycling safety course before you get yourself injured or killed.

And if you don't wear a helmet, get one. Roughly 9,000 cyclists a year die from head injuries that could have been prevented/reduced by simply wearing a helmet. (They keep your head cooler too) About half of those killed are children under the age of 14.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Jun 12, 2005

There are other things to think about as well. I was turning left unto a one way street, so I was looking right to check for traffic. A cyclist came up on my left, and I was fortunate to only twist his wheel!

Cyclist, remember the blind side!

MasonM

on Jun 12, 2005

You're right Guy. While I see more motorists pulling danergous stunts around cyclists, I see my share of bone-headed cyclists too. Assuming you were using your turn signal, that should have been a clue for him.

Ionolast

on Jun 12, 2005

Unless I'm missing something, I think it was a mistake for the government to give into cyclists who want to ride on the right side. It's easier for them to see cars coming toward them. It's kind of hard to keep a bicycle in a straight line, especially if it's going slowly, so cyclists can easily drift out into traffic if they're on the right with their backs to the cars.

MasonM

on Jun 12, 2005

Actually it wasn't the government giving in to cyclists. Cyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as any other vehicle. If riding on the wrong side of the road, you greatly increase the chances of being hit by a car at an intersection. It also makes turns very dangerous as you are turning against traffic.

It isn't hard at all to keep a bicycle in a straight line. As for the cars coming up from behind, we can hear them very easily, and most of us also have mirrors.

Bicycles are vehicles and should be operated as such.

JillUser

on Jun 12, 2005

Good points MasonM. I want to add that bicycles with no reflectors and riders wearing black at night are suicidal but worse. I almost hit one going through an intersection that turns from a regular traffic light to a blinking red at 11PM. This tard is in all black and has absolutely nothing on himself or his bike that reflected any light. If I would have hit him it probably would have done more mental damage to me than him since he apparently had no brain to begin with.

BTW, I really liked your comment for top 10 Americans and thanks for naming me as a good blog to read.

MasonM

on Jun 12, 2005

Jill, yes that is an example of stupidity in all it's glory. In most states reflectors and lights are required for riding after dark. While I don't ride at night very often, when I do my headlight and flashing red taillight are turned on. A reflectorized vest is also a very good idea. Thanks, and you're welcome.

latour999

on Jun 12, 2005

I hate left side of the road idiots. Yesterday was the second time in like 2 weeks that I was turning right (at the same intersection, no less) and some idiot cyclist was turning left at the same time. I hate it when that happens, cause I have to go into the other lane cause of them.

MasonM

on Jun 12, 2005

Just good that you saw the left side loonie instead of hitting him.

Dr Guy

on Jun 13, 2005

Just good that you saw the left side loonie instead of hitting him.

Truthfully? NOt until I had already cut him off. But I did not hit him thank god!

MasonM

on Jun 13, 2005

Well Guy it could have been a lot worse. Sadly, the guy probably still hasn't figured out why it happened and is still stupidly riding on the wrong side of the road.

Hopefully some cop will nail him and educate him before he gets killed.

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