BIKERS SUCK
By that I mean bicyclists. Just wanted to give my old Harley ridin' buddy Box a start there. I have never noticed it more than this summer. Has some new crazy cult of self-entitled bicyclists taken root in Michigan? I swear to God at least once a week I've been seeing bicyclists indignantly confronting motorists over what the bike-pants-wearing-flamers regard as some transgression. This whole bicyclist mantra of "bicycles have the same rights to the roads as cars do" wears a little thin when the dickhead on the bike does 16 miles per hour in a 25 zone and defiantly rides dead center lane so you can't drive around him. If I'm in a car going 16 mph I'll do it with my flashers on and as close to the curb as possible for courtesy sake. Not these moronic zealots with their save the world I'm better and greener than you bullshit. But what really gets me is what I've been seeing mostly from the asshole bikers screaming at drivers is they're not even where THEY'RE supposed to be. If you go by "same rules as cars" thing, then how do you ride your bike on the sidewalk against traffic then take the crosswalk AGAINST the light and scream and shake your head at the driver who made a left in front of you with a legal right of way? I swear to God I'm not kidding when I say I've seen stuff like this about 8 or 9 times already this summer. One fat bitch on a bike she was obviously new to from her size screamed at me the other day. I'm waiting to make a right turn onto Woodward out of a side street. I see her come up ON THE SIDEWALK AGAIN MIND YOU from my right, so she's traveling on the sidewalk against the direction of Woodward traffic, and while I'm waiting for an upcoming break in traffic I see her make eye contact with me then stop dead, feet come off the pedals, indicating to me she sees me and is waiting till after my turn. So I look back to my left for like two seconds until the break comes and I start to pull out. She hasn't left the sidewalk, but screams at me as if she's on fire, "LOOK BOTH WAYS!!!!!" I really felt like turning back and doing a Grand Theft Auto on her relief map ass. What a bitch. So seriously...what is it? Have bicyclists always been this nasty or is this something new? Stupid thing to be upset about but when Shamu on a Schwinn is giving me mixed signals it becomes problematic.
posted by Jeff Deminski at
8:59 PM
73 Comments:
I have always hated bicyclists on main roads and yes Jeff, there does seem to be more of them this year. I'm guessing high gas prices+The Tour De France+the "green" trend*idiots(to the second power). I would love to know the statistics of how many of these retards cause auto related accidents each year.
July 13, 2008 9:47 PM
Where are big puddles when you need them?
I always yell "Go race for the cure on the sidewalk Lance!" I have a flip off rate of about 63%.
July 14, 2008 12:59 AM
I just started riding a bike again, and I think it goes both ways. I try to ride on the sidewalk is possible because I don't want to block cars on the road, but nobody pays attention when they are driving. I literally almost got wiped out by a chick pulling out of CVS who wasn't paying attention.
July 14, 2008 3:57 AM
I am new to biking this year (I live close enough to my job where I have started to bike instead of drive). What some of these people don't realize is that if they want to stay in the road, they have no right to bitch. Aren't main roads for MOTOR vehicles, and sidewalks for pedestrians and bikes? Besides, a car will always win against a bike and I'd rather stay out of the hospital.
July 14, 2008 7:03 AM
I learned in driver's ed (almost 30 years ago) that bicyclists have the same rights as drivers, but that was when there weren't these million nouveau-green bicyclists out there that are biking just to prove they can save gas and the environment. Jeff, the ones you were talking about are the same people that decide which rules to follow when they're driving, too.
You can have the same courtesy and rights as drivers when you show the same courtesy and rights as drivers. You're an idiot if you think you're not causing any problems by riding in an actual lane going 15 mph. A cop would give me a ticket for impeding traffic if I did that in my car. You're not only flaunting the law, you're flaunting physics. You might legally have the right of way, but is that going to make you feel better in the hospital?
Now, on the flip side, I just bought a bike so I could not waste as much gas and maybe get a little exercise when I need to go a half mile up to the party store or two blocks to the ATM. And there are a-hole drivers out there that do not look both ways, don't give a crap about bicyclists, etc. But you know what? When I'm out riding, I realize that now matter how "right" I am, I am not going to win against a car.
July 14, 2008 7:43 AM
Jeff,
This is the first time I really don't like you. My husband is a cyclist. He has been riding for at least 15 years, he is probably one of the healthiest people I know because of cycling. He does right on the road as 1. The laws of Michigan give him that right. 2. A person on a bike riding over 20 miles per hour at times would be an accident waiting to happen on the sidewalk - would you want him going by your house with your kids playing in the yard - I don't think so. He rides with the flow of traffic and only crosses at crosswalks in really busy intersections as to not get hit by the jerk on the cell phone not paying attention.
Where do you need to go so badly that driving a little slower until you can get around that cyclist is really a problem? My guess - NO WHERE!! Are you a surgeon? No, in fact your now you are unemployed so just wait the few minutes it takes to get around the cyclist!! The person you DON'T HIT might just be someone's husband, child, wife. We give road workers a break even though most of them are standing around watching one person work - so give cyclists a break and be PATIENT!!
Sheryl - Plymouth
July 14, 2008 9:49 AM
I, like a few others here, have been riding my bike more. BUT, I realize that I am no match for a car. So I stay on the side walk and when I come to an intersection, OBSERVE my surroundings. Do they have Biking 101 for Dummies? Sounds like these new "Greeners" need to read it......
July 14, 2008 10:09 AM
Just to clarify a couple of things:
1.) Nothing is more annoying than a zealot. I’m a lifelong cyclist and there are times when I, too, want to punch some pedal pusher in the mouth when they do stupid shit.
2.) Such as:
Ride two or three abreast on public road.
Ignore traffic signals, signs and standard protocol.
Decide to prove a point by intentionally blocking traffic.
3.) But, make no mistake, cyclists do have right of the road. Sidewalks are not meant for bicycles and many municipalities do not allow bikes on sidewalks. In spite of the nutjobs, most cyclists I know are very careful and reasonable when they are riding in traffic.
4. ) Considering the obvious danger involved when riding among a road full of two-ton machines doing 45 MPH, it’s a pity you chose to encourage even more driver intolerance towards all cyclists. Drivers rarely distinguish between your “Shamu on a Schwinn” and a responsible rider and tend to vent their frustrations on any convenient rider. Thanks, Jeff.
5.) And, since we’re on the subject, I’ve had very few bad interactions with drivers but why is it that 100% percent of them involved some inbred mouthbreather in a pick-up truck with a Calvin Pissing on “logo of your choice” sticker in the back window? Do white trash morons have a genetic predisposition for this behavior or am I just particularly lucky?
July 14, 2008 10:34 AM
Maybe if all you stupid a$$ drivers would get off your phones and stop texting while driving it wouldnt be as big of an issue... If someone wants to ride their bike for whatever reason; to save $ on gas, its fun, its green, easier to park, whatever the reason, why do you care??? So you'll have to wait 12 more seconds to make a turn, big deal! Maybe if more fat a$$ MI drivers would get out and ride and quit stopping at McDonalds they would get "it..." If I want to ride my bike thats fine, and yes, I do have the same rights as ANY car on the road, and if someone tries to crash into me or pull any stupid stunts they had better think again bec a lot of riders also have CCW permits.
most crashes are caused by drivers not paying attention. or thinking bec they're bigger they own the road. Riders DO NEED to ride as close to the side of the road as possible, it pi$$es me off too when they ride in the middle, a little honk goes a long way.
at the end of the day, it is really that big of a deal to you? Jeff??? do us "bikers" really cause you pain and suffering? if so, you need to grow a pair bud...
July 14, 2008 11:15 AM
I'm pretty sure there are just as many idiot car drivers and motorcyclist as there are bicyclists. Intentionally grouping all bicyclists into one category is an ignorant perspective. Get over yourself and accept that bicycle riding is an acceptable alternative means of transportation. Suggest ways to educate rather than belittle.
July 14, 2008 11:23 AM
Some of these comments have really entertained me. A bit more than the post... sorry Jeff!
Brian mentioned this earlier, but I feel it's worth reiterating... the people who are on bikes ARE the same people who, when driving a car, play the "Merge Game" in the Construction Zone and disregard speed limit signs and the "Left Lane is for Passing Only" law, because they have some idea of entitlement. Whether it's because their car is bigger, or their dick is smaller, they're going to be the asshole you hope rams into the wall while you watch. These same people now have the entitlement complex because they're saving money, saving the planet, saving obesity or saving the Big 3 BICYCLE companies from going under with the auto industry. Whatever their cause, the effect is the same... they still think YOU owe THEM the right to behave however they damn well please.
P.S. - When seeing a lone cyclist on the road, I find it quite enjoyable to yell out to them "I hope YOU win!"
Good times...
July 14, 2008 11:24 AM
How do you call a lame blog a "show?"
Wasn't the Deminski and Doyle Show cancelled? And for good reason....it sucked!
This stupid blog post is a good example of why nobody listened when you were on the air.
idiots!
July 14, 2008 11:33 AM
I share some of the frustrations that Jeff and other motorists experience because there are indeed many cyclists who either feel they have the rights w/o the responsibilities or who don't recognize that they have either rights or responsibilities. This is why there's such a need for bicycling advocacy.
Aside from the cyclist's right to occupy the road, it is safer for cyclists and motorists alike that the cyclist travel on road rather than sidewalks. The purpose of streets and highways should be to efficiently and safely transport people and goods from one area to another. They should not be places for people to work out their aggressions.
Beyond the heath benefits and enjoyment of cycling, which are discussed elsewhere, bicycling provides economic, ecological, and environmental benefits over vehicles. The bicycle is an friendly transportation solution, and bicycling needs to be encouraged.
It was with great disappointment that I read such open bigotry. Maybe Jeff, you ought to ride your bike a little more.
Emily
Plymouth, MI
July 14, 2008 11:55 AM
Their show wasn't "cancelled" Shamu. They "cancelled" CBS. CBS wanted to re-sign them and the guys chose to leave. And what the hell are you doing looking at this blog if their show "sucked" so bad?
Idiot!
July 14, 2008 11:56 AM
Michigan law states that you have the same right as a motorist. The law of physics, however, states uniequivically that you are little more than a speed bump to me. Which do you suppose takes precedence? Streets are for cars. If you want to ride here that's fine, just stay the hell out of the way. Or deal with the consequences.
July 14, 2008 12:09 PM
Hey Lisa,
Thank you for comments, you have officially convinced anyone reading this blog and you are indeed an idiot. How on earth did you come to your conclusions on who the cyclists of the world are? My husband is NOT of the drivers you mentioned (I am however - LOL) and your yelling out the window "I hope you win" shows your low IQ to the world. Please do the world a favor, don't talk at all - the world could use a little less polution. Thanks.
Sheryl - Plymouth
July 14, 2008 12:09 PM
If you rode a bike, I'd be willing to bet you'd be a much happier person.
Most cyclists are not elitist, green-loving fools who are out there just because the TdF is on. Most cyclists have been doing this for years. Many cyclists were previously obese, suffering from conditions such as cardiovascular issues (heart disease, strokes, PVD) and diabetes that have resolved or lessened since they started riding. Some of us have even traded in our Prozac for a set of wheels. Some of us ride to work rather than drive because we can't afford the gas. You should be happy about this because there are no longer as many "fat cyclist bitches" out there. :-/
According to STATE LAW, cyclists are to follow the same rules as drivers. Riding two abreast is legal. That doesn't mean that many cyclists are ok with that in high traffic areas. I personally believe that we should go single file when cars need to go around. However, I'm also one of the very few drivers who doesn't speed up when you try to pass me. I do take the lane, in my town, on one section where I hit 30-35 mph. I've actually passed cars. The faster a bike goes, the less safe it is to be close to the curb where all the debris is.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there on bikes who are not regular cyclists and who don't know the law. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Walk through a Walmart and tell me how many times someone runs into you, cuts you off, or refuses to notice you and get out of your way. Now, imagine how dangerous this is for someone riding 15+ mph on a sidewalk. If you are on a sidewalk, you should follow pedestrian law and wait your turn at crosswalks. In your last example, you had the right-of-way.
The fact is, many Michigan drivers are simply mean, and this is quite noticeable when driving through from another state. My driving changed dramatically when I left Lower Michigan. I was no longer pissed off and no longer harassed by other controlling drivers on a daily basis. There are many drivers down there who are self-righteous, self-entitled, rude people with zero awareness of what is going on around them and zero concern for people other than themselves. In that culture, why would you expect cyclists be any different?
If you really want the cyclists out of your way, rather than persecuting them and accomplishing absolutely nothing, step up to the plate and address your local city about creating space that cyclists can use to safely commute, and altering traffic flow so it is safer and easier for all involved.
July 14, 2008 12:20 PM
"and if someone tries to crash into me or pull any stupid stunts they had better think again bec a lot of riders also have CCW permits."
Jesus, that's just the dumbest thing I've ever read. I've been cycling most of my life and I've yet to run into a pistol packing pedalist. Where exactly are they concealing the gun?
I'm not sure what your point was with this macho bullshit comment but if it was to be funny or stupid, give yourself a pat on the back, it worked.
But make sure the Glock is unloaded first.
July 14, 2008 12:29 PM
www.bicycledriver.com
July 14, 2008 1:52 PM
I have no problem with people riding their bikes on the road. However, I saw something last week that blew me away. A woman and her child were riding their bikes North on Telegraph in Redford, side by side, in the LEFT most lane. They were completely blocking traffic in the fast lane and were giving attitude to everyone who passed them (the kid even blew his whistle at me). I don't claim to know the letter of the law, but this seemed moronic and dangerous. Doesn't a cyclist need to stay in the right most lane if they are on the road?
July 14, 2008 2:40 PM
You are a dickhead. I own a bike store and based on content of your shows (which I liked) I chose to not advertise on your former station. Hope you keep going - it reveals your true character.
July 14, 2008 3:20 PM
I guess I'll use every public sidewalk I can to ride my bike instead of being confronted by assholes like you. To the pedestrians on the walks, I apologize in advance for smacking you as you leave a place of business or your house or if your kid runs out the door and doesn't see me coming down the walk. Blame it on aggressive self-righteous self-entitled Joe "top of the foodchain" Assholes driving their SUVs.
July 14, 2008 3:54 PM
"But make sure the Glock is unloaded first."
Why? Doesnt do any good unloaded!
Fat and dumb drivers just need to deal with it, WE ARE HERE, WE'VE BEEN HERE, AND WE'LL CONTINUE TO BE HERE! DEAL WITH IT!!!
Whats wrong with riding a bike? anyone? anyone?
p.s. Lisa, you are a fool... wow...
July 14, 2008 4:29 PM
Metro Detroit-land of the fucking idiots. No wonder the Big Three are hurtung with the average IQ hovering just above 80. I ride a bike on the road because it's dangerous on the sidewalk with pedestrians and Michigan law states that I'm allowed. Unfortunately Michigan Law is not Darwinian Law (most of you would be extinct) nor does it save people from themselves (isn't Michiagn 60% obese)? I will put my fitness level up against any of the Detroit Lions, Tigers, or Pistons (who by most endurance standards are barely fit at all) and I still work a full-time job.
July 14, 2008 4:33 PM
Jeff,
I used to enjoy your show when it was on the air. I'm pretty disappointed in this viewpoint. Sure, there are asshole cyclists just as there are asshole drivers. Regardless, your post is ignorant and demeaning.
The one statement I feel requires a rebuttal is the one about a cyclist "taking the lane". There are reasons we ride "16 miles per hour in a 25 zone and defiantly [ride] dead center lane so you can't drive around [us]". It may seem odd to those of you in a car, but we do this for safety reasons. Maybe there are potholes or debris, or we're coming up to a light and need to make our intentions clear. Yeah, there are cyclists out there that do this just to piss you off. I'm sorry you have to deal with that.
If you can't manage to wait 30 seconds so another user of the road can do what they need to do, then you have serious anger management issues that could endanger the cyclist or yourself. Sometimes courtesy doesn't equal safety. Also, although I'm not sure you deserve it, I apologize for those cyclists who don't follow the rules they're so self-rightous about. They don't represent the whole.
I hope you're not spouting this hate over the air. Try commuting by bike sometime, you'll see our side of the story and I'm sure you'll enjoy the ride.
-Rob Ritzenhein
July 14, 2008 4:44 PM
"Their show wasn't "cancelled" Shamu. They "cancelled" CBS."
Now they've "fired" CBS, are they enjoying their WIC coupons and Food Stamps? I hear they didn't even qualify for unemployment because they sucked so bad!
Baba Booey
Baba Booey
Baba Booey
Baba Booey
Baba Booey
July 14, 2008 5:31 PM
Way to go, Jeff. Now you've turned all of the potential D&D listeners off with your Blog AND, apparently, some who liked you until this Post, but now have stopped... you're losing listeners without even having a show!! I'm pretty sure there's an Arbitron award for that.
What cracks me up the most is the number of the Commenters that didn't even pay attention to the fact that your complaints were in regards to the cyclists committing violations on their own, while being pissy with you for treating them like a car. Further, the idea that these people evidently have no concept of what a Blog really is. And lastly, the number of outraged, self-righteous advocates of cycling who refuse to post their name.
Where in your post did you mention that all cyclists should get off the road or you'll personally run them over? I missed it, but everyone else seems to have seen it. You're an evil cyclicidal maniac.
Sheryl in Plymouth is my favorite though... Although her attempt to make me feel small and stupid AND try to convince me that your Blog will finally let the world in on the secret that I'm an idiot (because I had been fooling everyone all of this time - thanks for blowing my cover) failed miserably, she WAS able to make herself look like an even bigger asshole than her original post had already managed to do. Yes, my IQ is terribly low, you caught me, now please help me on to the short bus where I belong... I already have my own helmet. Sheryl - I would love to continue to have a battle of the wits with you, but you are, quite obviously, unarmed.
P.S. - 'Pollution' has two 'L's, or, at least, that's what people smarter than me have said.
July 14, 2008 5:32 PM
Bicyclists are great if they're following the rules. However, I think the rule followers are in the minority.
I live in "green" Ann Arbor and I am appalled daily by the bicyclists who flout the rules of the road. I see them run red lights, cross from the far right lane to make a left turn in front of me with no signal, criss cross in front of me without stopping to get to the other side of the road, etc.
If you want to ride in the road like a car, you need to follow the rules of the road. It's very disconcerting for drivers to expect the bicyclists to follow the same rules we have to, and then have the bicyclist do some unexpected thing because they think they don't have to follow the rules.
I've counted one person in the last four months (out of many bicyclists) who followed the rules of the road. I've been watching and counting.
P. S. So, obviously, are others. There's a great article in the Ann Arbor News today about bicyclists getting tickets because of not following the rules of the road.
July 14, 2008 8:21 PM
Wow. Who the hell thought cycling would be a hot button. If you read towards the of the blog it says and I quote "Have cyclists always been this nasty or is it something new?" Based on your panties in a bunch anonymous responses I can only assume the answer is they have always been. I figured that out with my IQ barely above 80 being an auto worker and all. Oh by the way you anonymous douche bag it is spelled hurting not hurtung you miserable fuck.
July 14, 2008 10:37 PM
To operate a car on public roads, you have to pay registration once a year. I say bikers should have to to also if they feel they belong. The staye is trying to find ways to get more money anyway, right. Use the sidewalk, and you can slow down when you see kids, bikes have brakes too.
July 15, 2008 12:26 AM
Oh come on guys - it's the internet...
"internet is srs business!"
Thank you jeff, for writing something with humor to it. I had a blast reading it :)
I haven't had to deal with many bikers in Clarkston, as they tend to stay on the sidewalks 99% of the time, but I can see where you are coming from. I think most of these guys misinterpreted what you were saying (or maybe I am?). I'm pretty sure you don't have some personal vendetta against people who ride bikes. It's the people who ride bikes and ignore the fact that there's a 4000 lb vehicle behind them and refuse to make room for it to pass. It's like someone driving a car 15mph on a 1 lane 45mph road but speeds up when you try to pass them because. I'm pretty sure you guys would get pissed off at that too.
No need to take anything personal. This is the internet, guys. This isn't radio.
July 15, 2008 6:40 AM
It is people like you who think you know the law and have the right of way that have killed or injured many of my friends already this year, more than ever.
Just like with motorists, people don't always follow the 'letter of the law'. IE rolling stops, turning on red when not allowed, speeding, changing lanes in an intersection, running red lights. Why don't you blog about that? Or do you fit all of those examples?
Do you have kids? You ever see a motorist not paying attention / in the wrong, come close to hitting one of them? What were your thoughts then?
I ride the roads of central Oakland County every day. I will happily like to see you attempt to pull a Grand Theft Auto on me.
July 15, 2008 7:22 AM
Jeff I am stalking you thats why I had to make some kind of contact by yelling. lol
Where I live they go in packs. It's rural and they take up the whole lane, never single file.
If cars are coming the other way so you can't pass, it doesn't matter to them. Cars have to slow down to nothing and wait.
Pisses me off too.
July 15, 2008 8:35 AM
Hey Lisa, you said:
"
What cracks me up the most is the number of the Commenters that didn't even pay attention to the fact that your complaints were in regards to the cyclists committing violations on their own"
But Mr. Deminski never let my response through to him yesterday that called him out and why "Shamu" was upset. You see, he was waiting for a gap in traffic which means HE had the red light and it was her green for the intersection. Chances are Shamu came off the pedals because he was in the process of blocking the intersection for her when SHE had the right of way.
As for if it was legal to ride the sidewalk where they were, I have no clue. But unlike his gripe, there are no directional rules on sidewalks for *any* user.
Bottom line is, people own cars, and people own bikes, but nobody owns the road. We all pay taxes to use it and none of us are going anyplace so we might was well learn how to play together.
That being said, I doubt he'll let this through as he was such a pussy about my first post. He has to moderate everything that remotely resembles calling him out.
July 15, 2008 8:57 AM
Lisa - oh my gosh, you caught me, I can't type!! It is possible that my typing will improve someday. However you will always be an idiot.
This is a quote from Lisa - "the people who are on bikes ARE the same people who, when driving a car, play the "Merge Game" in the Construction Zone and disregard speed limit signs and the "Left Lane is for Passing Only" law, because they have some idea of entitlement. Whether it's because their car is bigger, or their dick is smaller, they're going to be the asshole you hope rams into the wall while you watch. These same people now have the entitlement complex because they're saving money, saving the planet, saving obesity or saving the Big 3 BICYCLE companies from going under with the auto industry. Whatever their cause, the effect is the same... they still think YOU owe THEM the right to behave however they damn well please." This statement makes YOU an idiot Lisa. How is it possible that because a person is a cyclist, they drive a car in the manner that you describe?? The fact is Lisa, a cyclist is actually a better driver than the majority of non-cyclists. The reason being is that they are more aware of their surroundings at all times when they are cycling and that transfers to their driving as well.
WHY I am angry with the "bikers suck" item on Jeff's blog is the same reason why your statement makes you an idiot - a true cyclist is a person who respects the road and the rules of the road, the people Jeff has encountered are not the true representation of the entire cyclist population. I know many many cyclists are they are some of the nicest, caring people on this earth. FOR example, how many times have you, in your car, drove by someone on the side of the road with a broken down car and stopped to offer help?? Never? If a fellow cyclist passes by a person with a bicycle issue they will more often than not stop and see if they can help - whether they are cycling or driving.
So Lisa I have a suggestion - put down the sandwich, get off the couch and get the bicycle you bought 10 years ago out of the basement and go for a ride - maybe you'll learn something.
Peace, love, and cycling,
Sheryl
Plymouth, MI
July 15, 2008 9:04 AM
No Glen, it was a stop sign. Nice that you figure you have everything all figured out without having been there though, kudos on that. And as far as not allowing a comment on, some of the most insulting vicious comments on this crazy post have been allowed, in fact ALL have been allowed but one which had something weird about Rudy that I didn't quite 'get' and therefore didn't allow it, but that was the only one. If your comment didn't appear perhaps there was some tech issue, and if you don't believe that, ask why I'd now be allowing this. I cannot believe what a nerve this has hit. I find it funny. Clearly any sane person knows it is the crazy do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do bicyclists that I'm talking about, not ALL bikers. Whatever, I'm finding this very amusing. You guys remember we have a war going on and an economy in shambles, right?
July 15, 2008 9:40 AM
P.S. By the way, you should all know when any comment comes in a copy is sent to my email in box, and I just went through that to see if there was some previous comment from any Glen and there was none. So sorry Glen but I honestly didn't delete any previous comment from you that I'm aware of. It really was either some tech issue or something on your end, seriously.
July 15, 2008 9:50 AM
This is the 2nd topic that you brought up that I just shake my head....
The first was you getting pissed at the neighbor parking in front of your house on a public road.... Oh the good old days....
But as for the economy, it must be doing great based on the number of people camped out and buying the new Apple phone.
July 15, 2008 9:56 AM
Probably all of us have ridden a bike at some point in our lives. But then most of us grew up and got cars. We are big people now! Roads are for motorized vehicles capable of maintaining a certain speed. Bikes are for children, or for parents playing with their children in a nice park with a nice safe bike trail. For those of you that insist upon attempting to integrate your 10 mile an hour, 15 pound vehicles into the 45 mile an hour, two ton vehicle world, I hope that you and any of your friends that are riding on the handlebars make compatable donors for those awaiting transplant.
July 15, 2008 10:26 AM
I ride about 1,000 miles on the roads in Michigan every year to train for a 300 mile charity ride for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. I need the training or I won't be able to participate in the charity ride. I, and most other cyclists, don’t ride to push a political agenda.
I stay as far to the right as road quality permits. If there is a clean paved shoulder I'll use it. I employ the Golden Rule on the road. I'm also a former D&D listener.
I agree with Jeff that some riders get all indignant with the "righteousness" of what they are doing but that doesn't excuse the stupidity being vented by many of the bloggers here.
Yes, the laws of physics dictate that in a collision a car will smash a bike. Congratulations, master of the obvious. However, the Laws of Michigan dictate that if you do hit me you'll be in court and probably in jail.
In the 5 years I've been riding I've noticed that less than 1% of the drivers in SE Michigan are "Mouth-breathing Low-brows". Most drivers are cautious and considerate and the few who are discourteous due to their own misplaced feelings of self righteous fury are never brave enough to pull over and hash things out.
“Get on the sidewalk" advocates, you simply don't know what you are talking about. Riding on the sidewalk is illegal in many places and it isn't safe for anyone if pedestrians, parked cars, or store fronts are present. Also it wrecks your chode ;)
Like it or not a bicycle is a viable means of transport and bikes have every right to use the roads to get where they are going.
July 15, 2008 11:25 AM
Wow. silly biker children just has me riveted with his/her comments. You have not spawned any more of your ilk have you? People with this sort of opinion really should not be allowed to operate any sort of vehicle. Grew up and got cars? Please do not sign up as a donor yourself. Someone may wind up with your brain and go insane...
July 15, 2008 12:34 PM
*I* still love ya Jeff!
Boy did you hit a sensitive nerve..lol.
To all of those who have condemed Jeff and the D&D show to death over a simple opinion...drink a nice, tall, frosty glass of bleach.
*sigh* I would love to have heard this discussion on the radio. Jeff is extremely entertaining when he rants ;-)
Ok, so where's Bill and his thoughts? (I'm one of the tens that give a damn, so there)
July 15, 2008 12:35 PM
Just curious - do you have one of those little bells on your bike that you can ring to let everyone know you are coming? Do you keep a basket on the front to carry your baseball mitt? Do you put a card in the spokes so that it makes a noise when the wheel spins? Do you ride your little bikey in the rain and in the winter? Exactly how long do you intend on being 13 years old?
July 15, 2008 1:05 PM
From my experience, bicyclists that actually obey the rules aren't a problem at all. They're attentive that there's actually cars behind them and will do whatever they can to stay to the right. Unfortunately, a lot of them don't.
July 15, 2008 1:33 PM
I don’t agree with Jeff and his lemmings on this subject. The fact is that many people are now being forced to ride bikes due to basic economics. Welcome to the new world we have created for ourselves. I am very careful when riding on the road because I have a family to support and I don’t want to risk getting hit by someone like Lisa while she is distracted yelling at me. This post sounds like something Gregg Henson would write.
July 15, 2008 1:44 PM
I quit riding a bike when got my drivers license. Enough said
July 15, 2008 2:03 PM
How does a blog on Kwame only get two posts and a bike blog get 43?? lol!!
July 15, 2008 2:10 PM
I MUST SAY THAT I AM VERY UPSET!
(..nom om nom nom...)
I AM TRYING MY HARDEST TO LOSE THIS (nom nom om nom...) EXTRA WEIGHT. I DON'T HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT I'M DOING WHEN I'M (..nom nom nom om nom...) RIDING MY BIKE! IF I COULD PUT DOWN THIS CHEESEBURGER I GOT FROM MCDONALDS I WOULD KICK YOUR ASS!
July 15, 2008 2:11 PM
Ok, silly biker children, anybody who knows ANYTHING about riding knows that you hang your baseball glove from your handlebars.
One of the things I like best about blogs like this is how either the author or the folks responding will make a general comment and then then you get to hear from each extreme on the issue. And then my favorite part of that is reading one extreme defender rip the IQ of the other extreme's defender while misspelling things.
What I've gathered so far is that all non-riders are Neanderthal mouth-breathing morons and all riders are pansy, tree-hugging scofflaws. Does that about sum it up?
July 15, 2008 2:34 PM
Well then, you had the stop sign, she did not. She has no legal obligation to stop as she is not pulling out into traffic, you on the other hand did. She had the right of way, period. Any police officer will confirm this.
Thanks for confirming my suspicions. :)
As for my other response, perhaps it didn't go through so I'll retract my statement. I give you credit for letting my comments through.
July 15, 2008 2:48 PM
I tried to post a comment, but it said there was an error…I’ll try again…
Anyway, I am a D&D fan and am also a cyclist. I received my email of the blog post and was a bit disappointed. I laughed however when I seen a post about the blog on a Michigan biking forum – thus the avid comments we are seeing here. But one fact is we are all entitled to our opinions. Another fact is that some people are not courteous – drivers of cars and riders of bikes – regardless if they are obeying the law. So what is the law? If you so desire, you can read about it here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ou4yrofqfjv5ak3mqnvpmb45))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-300-1949-vi-operation-of-bicycles-motorcycles-and-toy-vehicles
On a side note, Jeff, I just wanted to point out that biking is a great activity. I also have two small children and love putting them in the bike trailer and biking around a park with my husband. It’s great exercise, while enjoying the outdoors and my family. Some local parks have wonderful mountain bike trails and paved bike paths. My oldest son is just now learning how to ride a two wheel bike without training wheels. It will be an exciting day when the four of us can get some family time and exercise together all on our own bikes. You would be amazed at what you can come across on an evening bike ride. Beautiful skies, fawns, rabbits, good conversation, autumn scents…just to name a few. Toddlers love it…and I can say I do too! : )
July 15, 2008 3:04 PM
"You guys remember we have a war going on and an economy in shambles, right?"
Post a topic about the war or the economy and we'll comment on it. This topic is about bicyclists. A good attempt to deflect attention away from the steaming pile of controversy you caused with your big mouth and hot temper, but I'm sorry to inform you that we're just not buying today, thank you very much.
July 15, 2008 3:16 PM
Jeff,
When you title a blog post with "BIKERS SUCK - By that I mean bicyclists" and refer to us as "bike-pants-wearing-flamers", you're making a blanket, bigoted statement about the user group as a whole. Any sane person would see that.
-RR
July 15, 2008 3:58 PM
I hate stupid people who make generalizations about an entire group of people based on the actions of a few.
July 15, 2008 5:52 PM
Man this topic just makes me miss your show even more.
It would be great to watch Rudy ride around on a bike wearing your wife's belt.
July 15, 2008 6:27 PM
I see kids around the neighborhood all day long riding their bikes in the street and sidewalks when appropriate. Guess what, 99% of the kids have brains enough to move to the side of the road when cars approach. Why, because it's what you teach your kids, not too mention common sense. I ride my bike around the neighborhood and do the same thing, and oddly have never had a motorist EVER yell/honk at me even once my entire life. Hmmm. I'm guessing the yelling/honking issues are only happening to the asshole bikers, so if you are experiencing this, well...... you can probably be sure you are the asshole in question.
July 15, 2008 9:35 PM
The Anonymous thing is probably because most people don't want to sign up for something to just get thier name on the post.
I ride my bike every day. That is because my car is no longer working and I only live two miles away from work. Luckily everyday except sunday I can ride through a small neighborhood to work and don't have to worry about riding through 45 mph + roads. I understand physics about big car hitting small bike, but at times there is not option but to ride on the road. A quarter of the way to work on sunday has no sidewalk to ride on. What am I sopposed to then? Would I perfer being in a car, yes. Can I? No. If michigan had a better public transportation system, maybe I wouldn't be on a bike.
To the guy talking about stopping riding his bike when he got his license, its nice you don't have to ride your bike anymore, but just because you are ubsessed with "being grown up" doesn't mean that all of us feel so special while driving. And some of us don't have much of an option. If you wanna give me a car, then I will stop riding my bike, I promise.
Bill, Ypsilanti
July 16, 2008 1:33 AM
The people here have way too much anger, I have seen cyclist on Woodward for christ sake, I understand that it is a fuel saving technique, and hell if all of you want to get on that bike more power to ya. But the fact is that you are not curteous to us drivers, so I am not going to be courteous to you. Get the hell off the road, and find a bike trail. I choose to go to McDonalds, and drive my SUV, just like you choose to be a tree hugging hippy. Why is what you do more important than what I do? I agree with Jeff, go wear those leotards in Ferndale, and get off the damn street. Here is another point, why can't YOU wait an extra 30 seconds for the pedestrians on the sidewalk? It is easier for you to stop at 16 mph, then me at 45mph.
Jeff has always had a strong opinion on things, why the hell should he change now? Because he stirred up the guys riding on there pink 10 speeds coming home from the Pink Flamingo, and Como's? Keep it up Jeff, and I thank you for having this blog. And for those that dont like what he has to say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5S-H4uE0y0
July 16, 2008 12:39 PM
Hey Supersize,
I have a great idea - why don't you and Lisa get together and compare IQ scores. And then maybe the two of you can pry your McDonald filled lard asses off the couch and into the waste of money SUV and go hang out at the Pink Flamingo that you know so much about.
OR the best idea - try to cross the sidewalk while a group of 30 cyclists ride by at over 20 miles an hour and see how that goes for you - Jackass!
July 16, 2008 3:19 PM
Wow, holy flame war! I don't need to voice my opinion here since both ends of the argument have already been covered ad nauseum, but I did feel like commenting on the bike shorts thing..
Bike shorts are terrible. They are ugly and have never been stylish. Being a lifelong cyclist, I am well aware of the need for them to keep your ass from getting chapped on a ride of any decent distance, but there's no need to show the world that much of your anatomy. You are not Lance Armstrong, and you are not in a competition right now, so cover up, you're not impressing anyone. There are protective garments available that don't look like they've been painted on, just ask the bike shop guy (the one that doesn't advertise here any more. ??) Even if you choose to use the tighty ones, for god's sake put another pair of shorts over top of them! They will still protect your ass, believe me.
The guys that wear the bike shorts in public are the same ones who wear the flashy jerseys, shave their legs, buy titanium nuts and bolts, (over-priced and un-necessary. If you want to save weight that bad, take a dump before you ride.) and walk around like a duck because they won't take their clipless pedals off to get their starbucks. They are only concerned about image, and tend to be the Holier-than-thou people that everyone is talking about. None of that stuff is necessary. Just ride, obey the traffic laws, get outta the way of other people (all of them) and relax.
July 16, 2008 3:32 PM
Ok the guy who said "God race for the cure on the sidewalk" has me laughing out loud. I fucking hate these spandex wearing tools riding their bikes in the center of the road. I wanna pull up next to them and open my car door really fast.
July 16, 2008 4:50 PM
Look what you started Jeff. I and over 100 of my cycling friends where in your neighborhood last night ridding in our cycling shorts. However, every time I looked down we where doing at least 20 m.p.h. and sometimes up near 30 m.p.h. There are several rides in the Birmingham area every week. Why don't you come out and join us? When we get to far ahead of you just ring your little bell and we will let you catch up.
Last night in the Birmingham area there was a ride for cancer support put on by one of the local ridding clubs. It was an informal fund raiser. The money raised will go for research and family support. This is done in memory of a 19 year old kid that passed this past year and was a cyclist in the group.
The MS 150 which is a fund raiser for MS Society was last weekend and raised over $285,000.00.
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=9081
Next month there is a ride for the Make a Wish Foundation.
http://netcommunity.wishmich.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=201&srcid=183
I will agree that a lot of bicyclist out there are inconsiderate morons who should not be on the road with a bike and defiantly should not be out there with a car. However, the core group of cyclist or decent people who do follow the rules of the road and do good for the community.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to having you back on the air.
July 16, 2008 5:30 PM
I live and work in Ann Arbor, which is a bike riding mecca. Unfortunately most simply don't know or don't care that when they're riding in the street they MUST obey traffic laws. You know, like stopping at signs/lights, riding the right way down one way streets, etc.
I've seen a rider plow into a pedestrian stepping off of a sidewalk because the bike rider was riding in the street... on the wrong SIDE of the street, and blew through a stop sign to boot. I was one step away from BEING that pedestrian in fact, and I don't blame the pedestrian at all as there was no way they could have seen the biker (I didn't see them until he plowed into her, luckily nobody was hurt.)
I regulary ride my bicycle to work, and I do ride mostly in the street... but I ride as close to the curb as I can when I can, I always wear a helmet, I have lights for my bike and a bright orange jacket if it rains. I've had plenty of cars drive past me, but so far NONE have come close to hitting me (probably because I ride responsibly!) I also know full well that I'm FAR harder to see on my bike than a car is, so if someone does pull out in front of me (which happens every now and again) I stop... but don't scream at them because I know full well that they simply didn't see me.
July 16, 2008 9:22 PM
TALK RADIO DJ’S SUCK
Just the other day I was listening to my radio when a talk radio DJ started rambling on about how unfair everyone is being to GW Bush. Then he said global warming was a hoax perpetrated by Al Gore and his gang in an effort to destroy certain US corporations. Then he took a bunch of phone calls from like-minded people who just ate up this rhetoric.
And you can hear this stuff everyday just by turning on your radio!. And that’s not all, on some other station you can hear some talk radio DJ’s say lots of dirty things. Sure, they bleep some of it but we all know what they are saying, right? Like just the other day I heard two guys talking about blow jobs and anal sex and (ugh!) women on their periods. And ANY CHILD CAN LISTEN TO THIS STUFF!!!!!
IT’S FREE!!!!!
Boy, talk radio DJ’s really suck!
Hey, this gross generalization thing is fun! Thanks Jeff, you’re the bestest!!!
July 17, 2008 1:30 PM
i've always enjoyed listening to you and when your show was cancelled, i made it a point to keep in contact via your blog. A consider myself a fan BUT your comments re: cyclists are idiotic and short-sighted.
July 18, 2008 7:09 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25695376#storyContinued
Just read this article...thought you'd enjoy. : )
July 18, 2008 9:50 AM
Wow. I think you are going to want to write down this idea when you are back on the air.
Sounds like a great topic to get people worked up.
Great blog. Miss you guys on the radio.
All we need now is to get Gregg and Victor on the same station as you two.
Next I want to hear your opinion on thos stupic "Out of a job yet, keep buying foreign."
Stupid bumper stickers that show how dumb the general population is. What would happen if everyone only bought products from their own country. My guess is that the US cost of living would sky rocket.
Good post keep them coming.
July 20, 2008 7:39 AM
Ha Ha Ha, hilarious. Gotta watch out for fat bitches on bikes, they do more damage than hitting a deer.
July 21, 2008 10:18 PM
I'm an avid and responsible cyclist. I'm not a tree hugger, I'm not a fitness freak. Everyone has something they really enjoy doing, and for me this is it. I also commute over 30 miles one way so I spend a lot of time in a vehicle. I think it's fair to say I have a good perspective so I'd like offer these thoughts:
1) Shamu was a person riding a bike, not a cyclist. There's a pretty big difference between the two.
2) The sidewalk is called that for a reason, otherwise it would be called a sideride. It's not made for bikes and it's not safe for them. The Secretary of State even acknowledges that riding on sidewalks is a dangerous practice for a number of reasons and recommends against it.
3) Chafing in the crotch area sucks very much bad as I'm sure you can imagine, so the shorts (which are strategically padded in case you didn't know) are necessary and you can't wear anything over them or it defeats their pupose. Sorry, it's physics. Can't do much about it. Also, the colorful jerseys serve a purpose as they make the cyclist more visible to motorists. Whether that allows a driver to avoid them or target them is a matter of mindset I suppose.
4) Michigan roads, especially in Metro Detroit, suck. You think they're bad when you're in your car with cushy fat-ass tires? Try riding on them with a tire that's less than an inch wide and inflated to 4 times the pressure. Sometimes the road conditions make it just plain necessary to move away from the shoulder and into the lane. Most cyclists aren't intentionally trying to ruin your day, they're simply trying not to ruin their bike.
5) Some cyclists, even long-time riders, suck. They don't stop at lights and signs, they take more of the lane then they need to, they insist on riding two abreast (which is legal but not always courteous). I regularly ride in one of those large groups that many of you hate, and I can see why you do because oftem there are a few riders who feel it's their road and you need to work around them. I don't agree with how they ride, but that's them, not me.
Don't judge a book by its cover. Just because I'm on a bike doesn't automatically mean I suck. To make such a bigoted, stereotypical statement based on the actions of a few (in this case one, apparently) is flat out ignorant. Why not title the post "Cycling Shamu Sucks" and single out the person who gave you grief instead of putting me in her category? That's actually a little more insulting than the post title. Give each cyclist the benefit of the doubt until they give you a reason to do otherwise. And seriously, relax a little. Everyone is in such a hurry any more. You can't possibly need to get to where you're going so fast that the small delay a cyclist (or group of cyclists) may cause you is going to ruin your entire day.
July 22, 2008 10:36 AM
Clyde, you're wrong.
"3) Chafing in the crotch area sucks very much bad as I'm sure you can imagine,"
I don't need to imagine, I know.
"so the shorts (which are strategically padded in case you didn't know)"
I very much know.
"are necessary and you can't wear anything over them or it defeats their pupose."
Wrong Wrong Wrong! How exactly does throwing on a pair of loose shorts (cargo, athletic, or otherwise) suddenly *remove* the padding in your protective garment?? It doesn't! Cover yourself.
"Sorry, it's physics. Can't do much about it."
You can cover it. Or try these
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/love2pedal-bicycle-shorts-cycling-jerseys/items/item.aspx?itemid=5683797
or these
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/dhb_Oakshott_Baggy_Cycling_Shorts/5360030463/
or these
http://storesense4.megawebservers.com/cycletofitness_com/-strse-1146/Primal-Wear-2008-Nomad/Detail.bok
etc. etc. etc.
Spandex looks like ass (pun intended) and is un-necessary. Stop it.
..you shave your legs, don't you? Why?
Oh! right, to "show off."
*yawn*
July 23, 2008 10:13 AM
Weenie, it's nice to have someone so knowledgeable on the issue interject and correct my inaccuracy. Thanks for pointing out mountain biking shorts, idiot. I already own several pairs which I use when I go...wait for it.... MOUNTAIN BIKING! They serve a functional purpose for that activity, just like road shorts serve a functional purpose for road biking, and "showing off" is not it. I'll not bother explaining the important differences since apparently I'm flat out wrong wrong wrong, so obviously you already know more than I do about them. However, if you'd care to enlighten the rest of us and share your infinite wisdom on the subject, maybe we could learn something.
Where did I imply that covering road shorts would reduce padding? The padding comment, in parentheses no less, was for those who may not be aware that I'm not talking about $10 bargain bin aerobic shorts. I pretty much flat out stated putting a layer over the top would increase the likelihood of chafing, but apparently your mind saw what it wanted. When you layer clothes they slip and slide against each other, especially over a slick material like lycra. Slipping and sliding means shifting, shifting means friction, and friction means chafing. It's the same reason you shouldn't wear underwear beneath them. "Spandex" is necesary to prevent chafing, plain and simple. Being an expert on the subject, I'll assume you also know all about chamois cream. Sorry you don't like how it looks, but quite frankly I'm not wearing it to please you. These shorts serve a purpose, so deal with it.
By the way 95% of cyclists, including me, don't shave their legs, but thanks for stereotyping and assuming. Apparently I need to repeat myself. Don't judge a book by its cover, jackass.