A little bit of respect on the roads

[NIref]

To the a-hole who tried to run me off the road after class:

There are two reasons you should not try to intimidate cyclists.
1) Pound-for-pound, your Geo Tracker is an even match for my 1982 Schwinn steel frame.

2) By driving said Tracker, you automatically forfeit any right to a sane opinion. After all, when you purchased the vehicle, the following thought went through your head, "A Geo is a fine automobile."

I know this does not apply to anyone here, because no one would be crazy enough to drive a Geo.

None of that: "Well, I move over for cyclists," because the large majority of motorists don't. I pay taxes for the roads and am entitled to be on them just as much as anyone else. We obey the traffic laws and avoid the major streets, all we ask is for a little bit of room.

[mckbln]

I actually have a very strong opinion on this one...

I have been on both sides of it. As a former ranked amatuer triathlete I spent many hours on the bike on the road. Now when I ride in the neighborhood just for fun I have noticed the following:

Psycho soccer moms running late in their SUVs or Mini-Vans tend to blow thru stop signs in their haste...my worst nightmare. Any A$$ who can't stop, look both ways, and yield to a cyclist who HAS the right of way deserves to be shot.

Note to those of you riding on the bike paths. Thats what they are...BIKE PATHS...not fitness trails, running paths, skate board, dog walking, jogging, walking or skating. IF you are on a f**king bike path, stay SINGLE FILE on YOUR side, and DON'T stop in the DAMN middle of the path then give a stupid look to people who yell at you for your stupidity!!!!

Note to bikers: I hate cyclists who just blow thru stop signs or stop lights, particularly at busy intersections. You make life worst for the rest of us when you act like a numbskull...and if you aren't wearing a helmet, then you are a double moron.

[NIref]

It depends on helmets. Unfortunately, current cycling helmets are only rated for impact at about 20 mph, which is about the speed one would reach by falling off while at a complete stop.

Personally, I think it all depends on whether you want an open or closed casket funeral, because two tons of metal matched against a largely unprotected human body (even helmeted) will not end pretty (92% of all cycling accidents involve motor vehicles).

Then again, I am usually the only person at club rides who forgoes a helmet. Probably should wear one on the roads, but definitely not on training rides.