Bike path more dangerous than 30A???

[Lake View Too]

I dunno folks, it seems to me that, to caution the human inhabitants of SouthWalton County that frequently use highway 30A and the bikepaths, (whether they be a motorist, a pedestrian, a vacation biker or a serious biker) about a dangerous intersection is the right thing a good citizen should do. I'd like to think that someone in authority would hear about it and do something to make it safer. In fact, I'm all in favor of anybody pointing out to me, and all of us, dangerous situations along all South Walton roads. If I altered my driving routes to avoid all intersections I consider dangerous, I probably wouldn't be able to drive to work, to make money, to pay my taxes that supposedly go to making the roadways and bikepaths safer. Anyway, I don't want to promote "us and them" mentality. I want us all to be vigilant in ways to make the roadways and bikepaths safer for everyone. (opps, fell off my soapbox,again).

 

[LuciferSam]

And I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I do know that if you hit a cyclist at that intersection you better have plenty of insurance. Especially if you continue to use that intersection even after you have judged it unsafe in writing. Your attitude about safety is shocking. No wonder so many emergency vehicles are involved in deadly accidents.

I have been through that intersection many times. If you believe you cannot properly see the path, for everyones well being including yours, I urge you to use an alternate, safer access to 30A.

As long as vehicles stop before entering the path, the cyclist on the path has a good line of site and more than sufficient time to avoid a collision. The vehicles that do not stop before entering the path are the real hazard. Understand - the cyclist can see you and avoid you as long as you come to a complete stop before entering the path.

I believe what is most disturbing is the attitude of too many motorists. It's the I own the road mentality which when behind the wheel of 2 tons of speeding metal is responsible for so much of the carnage on our streets and highways. You believe it is dangerous, but will not drive around the block to avoid a potential tragedy. Please stop and listen to what you are saying (writing). You use the intersection even though you BELIEVE IT IS DANGEROUS. Why?

Look, I am not saying I have not seen crazy out of control cyclists. There are plenty. I am a motorist, a cyclist and a pedestrian. We certainly all need to be more understanding of others.

I agree. As a motorist I've never had any problem with cyclists at any intersection. Basic rule of thumb is stop, look all around proceed, slowly. This approach will help you avoid accidents even with cyclists who are violating the rules of the road. True, they are in the wrong, but I'm not going to test that theory in court. It's much easier simply to exercise common sense, be alert, and don't hit them. As a cyclist, I obey the rules of the road/path and and try to detect motorists who seem to lack my common sense behind the wheel. It's not rocket science folks. If you see somebody commit a driving [or cycling] error, [in a lot of cases] the best solution is a bad short-term memory. In other words forget about it and get on with your life.

 

[The Adams]

Although everybody need to be as vigilant as they possibly can be, the last two threads seem to be about the same thing: the "entitled bicycler". Whether you are a casual sightseeing bicycler or a serious bicycler, you have to show a little bit of caution going thru any intersection. The fact is, as motorist turning onto or turning off of 30-A, we cannot always see you. Let me repeat that: we cannot always see you. Whether it be foilage, other cars, or simply the overload of watching for other cars and other pedestians and bikers, if you barrel across the intersections at 30MPH, you are very much a major part of the problem. As a concerned motorist, I'm trying my best, and I hope everyone gets more informed as we go along our happy trails.

Entitled! That's exactly the attitude I've witnessed. From past experience people that feel entilted in one area of their life usually carry that attitude to other areas...the entitled cyclist, entitled motorist, entitled pedestrian! How lucky we are to be able to live with THE ENTITLED.

 

[Will B]

I'll admit to not always coming to a dead stop on my bike at stop signs. I ride with clipless pedals and dread the infamous zero speed tip over if I can't get a foot unclipped on time. But even if that's a concern for others as well, you're still got to slow way, way down and act like you're going to stop before rolling through at 0.5mph because the coast looks clear, not blasting through the traffic sign at 20mph.

I'm with you on that. I have clipless as well. I can almost track stand, but I'm like you. I try not to come out of the clip if I don't have to...

 

[Just Curious]

By the way, anybody watching the "Tour"?