God, I wish people like you would shut up
You'll notice that every cyclist has responded by saying that they respect red lights, or if they do go through them, they do it cautiously.

Cyclists may carry an air of smug superiority, and they have every fucking right to. They have the best view of the road: they're not as low down as car drivers, they're higher than pedestrians, and their views aren't restricted by massive helmets like motorcyclists.

They also have the best reactions. The shots of adrenaline and endorphins being released into their brains mean that they're always alert, and the sense of vulnerability means that they're generally pretty cautious. They're also usually going slowly enough (less than 20 mph) to be able to swerve and brake out of any tough spot.

They're also smug because they'll probably live longer than you, someone who's sitting behind the wheel of a machine that kills more people every minute than bikes do in a year; someone's who's getting all frustrated about people who are getting decent, healthy exercise and arriving to their destination far more quickly than you ever will.

In summary: fuck you.
(hnnrs, Wed 4 Aug 2010, 21:53, 4 replies)

I kinda agree but...
Having just got a new road bike, the one thing that stopped me from not hitting the bus was that the brakes are most responsive when you're in the racing position (i.e. downhill racing with your hands below the stems putting full pressure on the brakes). From what I can gather (unless I'm doing it wrong) is that you only touch the top part of the brake (normal riding position) so there is less pressure hence a larger stopping distance hence my shortfall!). Saying that, on my other bike I can ride inches from a car and stop sooner than they do as you get more pressure on the brakes.

I guess the main reason there are more car fatalities is that bike accidents are less severe due to the lack of metal surrounds and lower speeds... But I'm an exception to the rule as any kind of fitness regime I manage to find some kind dangerous way to maim myself, no matter how safe the sport!
(Something funny, Wed 4 Aug 2010, 22:15, closed)

I'd like to see a per mile travelled analysis of fatalities/ injuries. It would be a lot more informative as there are much fewer cyclists on the road than car drivers.
(Pete_G, Wed 4 Aug 2010, 22:30, closed)

haha, this is exactly what I feel like but don't want to say because I'll get cyclists a bad name. Try falling asleep at the handlebars as well, it's not easy.
(Pete_G, Wed 4 Aug 2010, 22:25, closed)

"they'll probably live longer than you, someone who's sitting behind the wheel of a machine that kills more people every minute than bikes do in a year"
You'll notice that myself and Vagabond have already posted that we both have cycled our commutes at one point or another. I walk most places, get the tube to work, I don't even own a car and I still cycle at weekends for fun. I've just bought a new bike, in fact.

But yeah, you're right, I'm just a jealous, evil driver who doesn't respect your god-given right to break the law whenever it suits you.

In summary: you're a dickhead.
( emvee cruor deo cruoris, Thu 5 Aug 2010, 9:17, closed)

"In summary: fuck you."
Good point, well presented - I stand down, my argument in tatters.

Except for the whole bit about cyclists not being above the law and acting like dickheads.

That would be you, then.
( Je suis un vagabond is an unfunny, up your own arse middle class knob, Thu 5 Aug 2010, 9:47, closed)