Bike Path

[BeachSteelers]

careful everyone remember people and cyclists have the right of way on the path. As for the car that ran into me your lucky I'm not injured bad or I would have kicked your .SS! I'm staying on the road now taking as much up as I feel I need. Sorry if your behind me but the path is too dangerous on big weekends.

 

[cheesehead]

It's a challenge, everyday riding the path. Was riding with a guy here on vacation, and, again, had someone pull out onto the path, without looking.

 

[hnooe]

Bike paths, bikers, lotsa people--recipe for a future problem....folks, we gotta work this all out so everyone benefits. Hate to be negative, but I think nothing will get done on this matter until there is a major accident on 30A--seems that it what it takes to make the neccessary changes.

 

[scooterbug44]

Both bikers and drivers need to be alert and aware of each other - whether on the path or the road. It's rarely just one person's fault, especially on a crowded and hectic weekend.

I am a biker and am very careful whether on a bike or in a car and I still have "oops, sorry" moments.

In fact, I almost took out some bikers yesterday - riding in the dark w/ no helmets, reflectors, or lights. :roll:

 

[ASH]

From a fellow biker perspective, it is frustrating to watch people not watching for who might be on the paths, but please don't allow yourself to feel entitled to your right of way. Defensive driving is the key.

When I pull up to cross 98 at 393 like I do nearly every day in my pickup, I've learned to drive with both feet, just because about every 10th time or so, somebody in the turn lane going East or West will think they can pull right out when I'm going straight through. Both feet gives me the quickest reaction time.

I'm also braced better to use both hands on the horn.

 

[Gidget]

Beach, great thread - scooter, that must have been scary!!

I have this fear that I am going to get down to BMB and get smashed. I think about it over and over. I know this sounds silly, but I just see so many exits and entrances and I know that all it takes is a second and WHAM!

I am an early bird so perhaps if I get my cycling done early and avoid the busy times, I'll be better off.

If one really wants to get a good ride in - say at least 15 miles - without fear of lots of people pulling out of restaurants and homes, what's the best stretch of road? Like I said though, early would be best wouldn't you think?

Thanks
G

 

[BeachSteelers]

In Daylight just east of the stop in Seaside. He turned w/o looking. Just wish it was a Range Rover or Benz, maybe next time.

 

[cheesehead]

Bottom line, bikers need to be on the lookout, everytime when riding. It's not going to change. It's just like riding my cycle, you have to be defensive. But, it's still enjoyable.

 

[scooterbug44]

Beach, great thread - scooter, that must have been scary!!

I have this fear that I am going to get down to BMB and get smashed. I think about it over and over. I know this sounds silly, but I just see so many exits and entrances and I know that all it takes is a second and WHAM!

I am an early bird so perhaps if I get my cycling done early and avoid the busy times, I'll be better off.

If one really wants to get a good ride in - say at least 15 miles - without fear of lots of people pulling out of restaurants and homes, what's the best stretch of road? Like I said though, early would be best wouldn't you think?

Thanks
G

If you avoid the busy times/places you are usually okay. Drivers have definitely gotten more distracted, so a helmet and vigilance are key. There are still lots of longer stretches where you can relax and most of the year you have the path to yourself.

The cars don't single bikers out - the ones that almost run over bikers are the same ones that blow stop signs, red lights, veer over the center line, almost take out pedestrians etc.

I use the same method w/ cars crossing the bike path that I use crossing the street in a big city - if you have eye contact w/ the driver, you're good. 99% of the time they just don't know you're there or can't see you coming.

 

[SGB]

I pull out onto 30A frequently from the small streets in Old Seagrove, which means crossing the bike path. I am very aware that the bike path is there and always stop before reaching the bike path and then creep forward until I can see in both directions. However, even with this method, there have been many times that I have almost hit someone on a bike. The visibility from some of these side streets is terrible and it takes a very conscious effort to avoid hitting someone. It really takes both the bikers and the drivers being very aware of what is happening around them.