tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359543817192302396.post2543171203561385665..comments2019-06-06T14:14:41.565-04:00Comments on Jef Mallett: Two days later, I still don't knowJef Malletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10813038406728297919noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359543817192302396.post-85677249380400008912010-07-11T01:02:24.760-04:002010-07-11T01:02:24.760-04:00I really appreciate the insight. I quit riding fo...I really appreciate the insight. I quit riding for a long time partially because so many local drivers became aggressive. Now I see groups out on the weekends and soloists during the week and I'm hoping to take it up again (if the knees will let me!) But mainly I appreciate that you pointed out that the cyclist shares some of the blame. Another reason I gave it up was the self-righteousness of most (it seemed) of the local cyclists about rights to the roads and such. They didn't appreciate having the obviousness of the superiority of 2 to 3 tons of metal versus a bicycle pointed out. It seemed that the fact that they are right is all that matters. I'd rather be safe than satisfy my need to feel superior.<br />As a side note, we have had more than one incident of hit and run involving cyclists here within the last 2 or 3 years. One driver was caught (because the cyclist was able to call 911 before he died), but most never are. I have always loved to ride, but sometimes the fear of somebody running late and getting pissed off because they come up behind me in a blind curve keeps my bike parked. It's a sad reality of what we do.Brian in NCnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359543817192302396.post-57034166004548766682010-06-30T16:09:18.033-04:002010-06-30T16:09:18.033-04:00I can't believe you haven't been hit yet. ...I can't believe you haven't been hit yet. I have had four bikes totaled by collisions with cars so far, and I don't know the number of near misses.<br />Maybe it's Chicago, but I have to believe it is getting better.<br />REZAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13858838711024462162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359543817192302396.post-72825576876125075282010-06-30T14:51:35.624-04:002010-06-30T14:51:35.624-04:00The "bike paths" in West Bloomfield -- w...The "bike paths" in West Bloomfield -- where the incident took place -- do not follow best practices nor meet national design guidelines for bicycling facilities (One exception: their rail-trail.) Their civil engineers may be well meaning but the bottom line is they're not doing their job. They are not building Complete Streets. Of course that's still no excuse for felonious assault.m-bike.orghttp://www.m-bike.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359543817192302396.post-61299643453828783082010-06-30T13:20:24.725-04:002010-06-30T13:20:24.725-04:00"Trying to educate a bad driver on the spot i..."Trying to educate a bad driver on the spot is akin to trying to lecture a tornado away from your trailer park." What a great quote. Not sure when, but someday I will use it in a post myself!KovasPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03401299101228398072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359543817192302396.post-11137936714722395882010-06-30T13:14:26.440-04:002010-06-30T13:14:26.440-04:00Jef,
You call yourself a cyclist and a journalist,...Jef,<br />You call yourself a cyclist and a journalist, but you buried the lede: the bike was unharmed.<br /><br />Seriously, very interesting story. <br />Never pick a fight you're not intending to have. Righteousness is a very poor weapon, especially compared to, say, a pick-up truck.Steve K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-359543817192302396.post-18934622801899574172010-06-30T13:04:26.379-04:002010-06-30T13:04:26.379-04:00"Trying to educate a bad driver on the spot i...<i>"Trying to educate a bad driver on the spot is akin to trying to lecture a tornado away from your trailer park."</i><br /><br />Well now I have a new favorite analogy for explaining others extreme social incompetence.<br /><br /> It's not just you, Jef. Over some 30 years of cycling -recreation(read trying to go fast) and commuting (going slow in rush hour traffic), in and around Chicago this year has been the best for driver and cyclist behavior.<br /><br />May this not turn the evil eye my way, but I'm with you. It's not that bad out there, especially if you don't go poking cagers with a stick or water bottle at traffic lights.velobenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06323777941712170231noreply@blogger.com