"Bicyclists think they own the road!"
 

Ever heard anybody say that one? No doubt yes. I've really only heard it once since I started commuting by bicycle nearly full time and my response was that of a fellow driver, acknowledging that there are certainly a number of idiot cyclists out there who really don't even attempt to follow the rules. Lately however, the idea that bicyclists do not own the road strikes me in a more offensive manner. Not because I've had any real run-ins with rude or mean drivers, but because of the simple inaccuracy of the implication.

We, as citizens of our respective countries do in fact own the public roads. It is not limited to those who insist on driving, but every single one of us, adults, children, drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and everybody else not in that list. The roads are in the public right of way and are part of the commons. In other words, land owned by the citizens and maintained in the public trust.

Additionally, our amount of contribution to the maintenance of public roads through taxation is therefore a relatively moot point when you consider the wear and tear costs, as well as maintenance costs associated with bicycle useage on the roadways. Yeah, I DON'T pay a gas tax, but I also don't roll a 1 to 3 ton vehicle over the road every day either. I'm fairly certain that my contribution to pothole formation pales in comparison to that. Nevermind the endless days of having to navigate the debris cast off into the bike lane and left to destroy my tires by street sweeping crews.

So, as you may have guessed, the next time somebody says something to the effect of bicyclists thinking that they own the road, I'm going to tell them we sure as hell do - even the complete idiots, so get over it.

i just wish i could ride a bike to school and work. lucky!

Yeah, I hate it when people complain about it. We do own the road, and legally don't have to use a bike lane either. I prefer to ride in traffic. It's much safer. People turning tend to see you when you're in front of them rather than next to them.

I just dislike the cyclists that ignore traffic laws

I agree and I think that is where the animosity comes in. On my commute the common site is for riders to blow through stops signs or stop at lights and then wait and when it's clear run the red lights. I think that the jest of the comment and to that point I agree with um.

Hmm... this is a tough call. When the biker DOES interfere with the flow of traffic, I tend to get a little mad. I mean, they don't have gas usage to worry about. Making a car slow down to go around you (if you are a biker) wastes gas, pure and simple. If the biker is far enough off to the side of the road, and driving in a straight line, then I have no problem with them. The idiots who weave around and ride their bike in the middle of the road though... THEY are a different story.

Problem could be solved if all cars were eliminated and everyone had to ride bikes. Wouldn't that be nice? I am actually serious in this statement too by the way. Re-work railways around the country (USA) and let the roads that used to get trampled on by cars, be gently trodden on by bikes.

I must admit to calling more than a few other bicyclists dumbasses in the last 6 months. Typically they look like the kind of people who have had their license taken from them.

I dunno about Japan, but over in the states, bikers don't interfere with traffic, they are traffic. ;) I don't see people give the same kind of chit to slow moving vehicles like tractors or certain types of large trucks, probably because they could crush their car like a tun can. :D I've tried to cycle where I'm hugging the curb and follow all the r00ls, and where I'm out, occasionally running reds, and asserting myself. Lemme tell y'all, it's way better giving yourself a couple more feet from the curb and not bothering to wait around in urban situations, provided the coast is clear, so to speak. Maybe it was because of my location and attire, but I've run reds/stops in front of cops np... There is a fundamental difference between breaking the law in a vehicle that can easily hurt others, and one that can only endanger yourself, which is why we don't need a license or insurance to ride our bikes. :thumbup:

You'd be surprised how different someone's cycling and driving styles can be. :p

As you say hugging the curb is a safety issue you need room to manuver but how is running stop signs and lights a safety issue.

Well, it depends on how ya do it I suppose. It shouldn't be a safety issue as long as you use your noggin, but some cyclists don't and will rush straight in w/o giving everything a good look or three.