Bikers - use the BIKE path!

[scooterbug44]

Is there a way to get the word out to the Lance Armstrong wannabees that they should ride their bikes on the bike path instead of on the nonexistant shoulder of 30A?

I think it's wonderful that they are out exercising and enjoying the great weather, but my pet peeve is a line of cars waiting to pass a biker ....... when there is a beautifully maintained and empty path just feet away.

Safety issue too - there are some quality and distracted drivers around here who have enough trouble keeping it between the lines and avoiding clipping other cars, let alone a biker they may not see or be aware of.

There are a bunch of reasons that I've heard as to why they don't use the path - skinny tires (BS as I think the path is better than the road in some places), don't want to interfere w/ walkers or slower bikers etc. but I think part of it is that in other areas bike riders aren't supposed to ride on the sidewalk/path. One guy on the road was yelling at other bikers on the path that they were supposed to ride on the road until a friend corrected him.

[Smiling JOe]

You will just have to be patient. Re-freaking-lax. You are at the beach. I cannot tell you how impatient people are down here. I see drivers who do not stop for people waiting at crosswalks, and the whole issue of drivers impatience with bikers is just as bad. I've written plenty of posts on my reasons why I choose to ride on the road, as opposed to the Timpoochie Trail, which might work well for beach cruiser bikes, but it not so great for road bikers.

That said, I see plenty of tourists on bicycles who should not be riding them as they zoom through stop signs thinking that they don't have to follow the rules of the road.

[Beach Runner]

I don't know what the law is regarding whether or not bicyclists are required to be on the bike path, but I don't really want to be on the bike path with serious bikers because they travel too fast. I always stay to the right, but sometimes I move to the left to avoid a deep puddle from a sprinkler system. Sometimes I thoughtlessly don't look behind me before I move to the left. There are a lot of visitors here who don't know the rules for staying to the right on the bike path and are casual bicycle riders or walkers, often with small children in tow. A serious biker on the bike path could easily wipe someone out.

In addition, during spring break there were so many people strolling or casually riding bikes on the path that the bike paths looked like downtown Atlanta during rush hour. There was simply no way a serious bicyclist could share the paths with them. It'll be the same problem in June and July.

I saw a bicyclist traveling down West Peachtree (four-lanes one way with traffic moving along at 50 mph in a 35 mph zone) the other day during rush hour. He traveled in the middle of a lane (and not the rightmost one because anyone who travels that street knows how bumpy the outside lanes are north of 10th Street). Amazingly he held his own amidst all of the traffic. Traffic coexisted with him because he was pretty much keeping up with the vehicles.

[kurt]

We have had some good discussions about bikes.

The bottom line is that most of Scenic 30A is for pedestrians and bikers (many kids!) who often have trouble operating or have their minds on other things, so it is best to drive on eggshells.

[Uncle Timmy]

I know we've had a few discussions on bikes on 30-A before, and lots of you have made good comments about why bikers want to be on the road as opposed to the bike path, but..........

I'm starting to get pissed at some of these bikers. Yesterday, there was a long line of cars held up behind a bike, everyone patiently waited their turn to pass him. Shortly after getting around the biker, about 4 of us cars were stopped at the Grayton Beach stop sign when the d*mn biker just blew past all of the cars waiting to go thru the intersection and we were stuck behind him yet again.

Doesn't "Share the Road" (as all the bikers say) mean they need to obey all the traffic laws too? Wait your turn at the stop sign.

I'm afraid I'm going to have to throw my opinion on the side of bike path, not 30-A.

[John R]

scotterbug, remember that even though you don't like the bikers being on the road, the are entitled, by law, to 3 feet of clearance by you.

[Bob]

http://www.wolo-mfg.com/truck.htm Just a light tap for courtesy.

[kurt]

http://www.wolo-mfg.com/truck.htm Just a light tap for courtesy.

[nomedia]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YUTdsU3f2U[/nomedia]

[TNJed]

Bike riders, on the road or path, are SUPPOSED to stop at all stop signs and actually dismount their bike and WALK it across the intersection.

While I don't have a problem with road bikes at all, if it's too much of an inconvenience for them to follow this law because it would break their stride/momentum, then perhaps 30A is not an ideal place for them to ride due to all the stops and congestion. If they want non-stop action HWY 98 may suit their needs better.

[scooterbug44]

Oh, I give them more than 3'-0", I'm almost completely in the other lane, especially if there are kids - I'd feel so awful if they swerved and I hit them! I love that they're moving the path off of 30A at the Eastern lake bridge and wish they would do the same over Western for all the novice riders there. I don't like driving a car near a biker and don't like riding a bike next to trafiic.

Don't get me wrong, I love bikers (especially since I am one, albeit w/ looser shorts and thicker tires), just get frustrated by them insisting on using the road when there isn't room and did the post because I wondered if part of it was that they didn't know they COULD use the path.

Part of sharing the road is that both parties are courteous and follow the rules - I stop for pedestrians and bikers (even where they're not at a crosswalk or the crosswalk is empty at "dangerous" locations) when I'm in a car & stop at stopsigns and obscured driveways when I'm on a bike.

[Will B]

From a former hardcord road cyclist...

Bicycles are required to follow all the same laws as motor vehicles...red lights, stop signs, etc... Do they? No, and they are the ones that give us a black eye.

Having logged more miles than I can count in Sowal, I can attest to the fact that the bike path is woefully unsuited for road bikes. These bikes are made to cruise long distances at speeds between 20 and 30mph on tires no wider than your thumb that are inflated to 125psi. With the amount of sand, potholes, broken glass, and debris that is all over the bike path it is not safe for road bikes.

To be honest I don't know which is more hazardous...cyclists on the road or the obstinate drivers who either refuse to pass and lay on their horn or idiots who pull along side to berate a cyclist from their car while barely maintaining control of their own vehicle. I've experienced it all.

We're all down here to have a good time. Just take a deep breath and relax...

[kathydwells]

From a former hardcord road cyclist...

Bicycles are required to follow all the same laws as motor vehicles...red lights, stop signs, etc... Do they? No, and they are the ones that give us a black eye.

Having logged more miles than I can count in Sowal, I can attest to the fact that the bike path is woefully unsuited for road bikes. These bikes are made to cruise long distances at speeds between 20 and 30mph on tires no wider than your thumb that are inflated to 125psi. With the amount of sand, potholes, broken glass, and debris that is all over the bike path it is not safe for road bikes.

To be honest I don't know which is more hazardous...cyclists on the road or the obstinate drivers who either refuse to pass and lay on their horn or idiots who pull along side to berate a cyclist from their car while barely maintaining control of their own vehicle. I've experienced it all.

We're all down here to have a good time. Just take a deep breath and relax...

and great post!!!!

[jessifunn]

that is so funny that is in jacksonville

[Will B]

and great post!!!!

Gracias!

I actually wrote a letter to the editor of the Walton Sun a few years back after an eldery gentleman pulled along side of me screaming at the top of his lungs. He ended his conversation by throwing a half drunk can of soda at me out of the window followed by a few choice expletives...all while I was cruising along at 20+ mph. Should have called the cops but didn't.

Oh...and the paper thanked me for my submission but never ran it.

Go figure...

[Uncle Timmy]

Sorry, I'm just not buying the arguments for bikes on 30-A this time. I know that puts me at odds with a lot of the cyclists who have posted some very good reasons as to why they don't like the bike path, (and incidentally my friends on this board most of whom support the bikers) but I think it's time to take an unpopular position.

It is true that we're all here to relax and enjoy ourselves but why does that just apply to drivers? Can't that also apply to the cyclists who could take an easier pace, on the bike path thereby avoiding all the problems mentioned?

If a cyclist wants some high speed training, why not use Hwy 98 where cars can more easily get around you? If they are concerned about traffic on 98, why not use Hwy 83, 283, or 395?

[fisher]

Sorry, I'm just not buying the arguments for bikes on 30-A this time. I know that puts me at odds with a lot of the cyclists who have posted some very good reasons as to why they don't like the bike path, (and incidentally my friends on this board most of whom support the bikers) but I think it's time to take an unpopular position.

It is true that we're all here to relax and enjoy ourselves but why does that just apply to drivers? Can't that also apply to the cyclists who could take an easier pace, on the bike path thereby avoiding all the problems mentioned?

If a cyclist wants some high speed training, why not use Hwy 98 where cars can more easily get around you? If they are concerned about traffic on 98, why not use Hwy 83, 283, or 395?

One of the biggest reasons serious bikers don't use the bike path is because drivers pulling out of driveways and side streets don't pay attention to the bike path. When you are whipping along the bike path at 25 MPH and a car pulls out in front of you to look both ways for oncoming vehicular traffic (but not for bikes coming down the path), you either ditch it in the woods or hit the car. I hit a car once due to the lack of consideration on the part of the drivers. Until drivers start paying attention to bikers on the bike path, I stay on the road.

As SJ stated, slow down and relax, you are at the beach. So, what if it takes you an extra 20 seconds to make it to your destination.

One other point, I actually ride at the speed limit along many sections of 30A and cars still pass me and the drivers seem annoyed. Shouldn't the drivers obey the speed limit and stay behind me?

[Will B]

Sorry, I'm just not buying the arguments for bikes on 30-A this time....

Don't get me wrong...The ones who do not abide by traffic laws bug the snot out of me just as much as you. The easy solution is to park a couple of Walton Co's finest at a few choice traffic areas that cyclist abuse on a routine basis and start issuing tickets. They'll get the message soon enough.

BTW...there are some great loops that cyclist do...30A to 393 to Chat Holley - Chat Holley to 331 - across the bay and back. Believe me, there are loads that do this, but 95%+ of all rides start and end where the people live which is gonna be on or just off of 30A...

"Can't we all just get along?" (insert police video of me getting my butt whooped here!) LOL!!!

[Uncle Timmy]

[quote=fisher;238099]One of the biggest reasons serious bikers don't use the bike path is because drivers pulling out of driveways and side streets don't pay attention to the bike path. When you are whipping along the bike path at 25 MPH and a car pulls out in front of you to look both ways for oncoming vehicular traffic (but not for bikes coming down the path), you either ditch it in the woods or hit the car. I hit a car once due to the lack of consideration on the part of the drivers. Until drivers start paying attention to bikers on the bike path, I stay on the road.

As SJ stated, slow down and relax, you are at the beach. So, what if it takes you an extra 20 seconds to make it to your destination.
[quote]

I think the point is that 30-A is not the best venue for 'serious bikers', the road or the path.

I ride a bike on the path all the time, and yes you do need to watch for cars coming out of side streets/driveways but I'm not flying at 25 mph so it is no big deal.

Again, why can't the cyclist RELAX and go for a slower ride on the bike path, OR bike 98 or some more suitable venue if they must have that high speed workout?

[TNJed]

I only have a mountain bike so I always use the path. I always, like most bikers, keep a sharp eye out on the driveways and road crossings when on my bike and when I'm in a car I always stop short of the bike path.

However, when in a car and stopping short of the path I am still in a blind spot due to the trees and bushes. At some point, cars must cross the path and stop again just to see the roadway and full path.

I say this just to remind bikers on the path that though it may appear a car has pulled out in front of you, remember that they may have already stopped and looked but cannot see the full view due to vegetation obscuring the view.

[scooterbug44]

I think the driveways/side streets issue is a lack of awareness by both cars and bikers. I'm a known violator on both sides - I've surprised cars and bikers - usually someone I know since it's 30A!

There are a lot of places with obstructions due to walls or gates, foliage etc. but if I can't see you coming down the bike path at those locations I probably won't see you coming down the street either.

I'm a little concerned by the justification that you are going so fast you can't stop for a car pulling out into the path - hope I'm not in a crosswalk when you bike by ;)

[Beemn]

While I agree that bikes in the street can be annoying, get over it! You forget that bicycles are environmentally friendly alternative TRANSPORTATION! Not toys! Some of use ride instead of drive. One day you will have to become one of us, or lard out at home. We are going places not just playing. I ride the path and cars not looking are the problem! Get off your D**m cell phone and drive!

[Kimmifunn]

This is always a hot-button topic. I'll stick to the spinning classes, but I never understood why people insist on riding in the road. Doesn't seem safe.

ALSO, fun fact that can blamed on the bikers:

The anxiety that drivers feel when stuck in traffic is that of a skydiver about to jump out of a plane for the first time.

Carry on, this should be interesting. Always gets Smiley J fired up. I've seen him in his Lance outfit too.

[Uncle Timmy]

Carry on, this should be interesting. Always gets Smiley J fired up. I've seen him in his Lance outfit too.

Yep, I'm going to catch hell once SJ gets wind of this thread but as long as he doesn't show up at my house, in his Lance Spandex, threatening to wrap a bicycle tire around my head than I'm sure we can keep it civil

"Nice Spandex bike shorts there SJ; by the way, it looks like your front tire isn't properly inflated"

[scooterbug44]

While I agree that bikes in the street can be annoying, get over it! You forget that bicycles are environmentally friendly alternative TRANSPORTATION! Not toys! Some of use ride instead of drive. One day you will have to become one of us, or lard out at home. We are going places not just playing. I ride the path and cars not looking are the problem! Get off your D**m cell phone and drive!

I'm not anti-bike or anti-environment! I use my bike for fun, exercise, to run errands, to retrieve my car from the bar I left it at the night before etc.

FYI: If everyone else's behavior is always the problem, perhaps you should look a little harder for another common denominator.

Completely agree on the cell phone use while driving.......or riding!

[Kimmifunn]

Yep, I'm going to catch hell once SJ gets wind of this thread but as long as he doesn't show up at my house, in his Lance Spandex, threatening to wrap a bicycle tire around my head than I'm sure we can keep it civil

"Nice Spandex bike shorts there SJ; by the way, it looks like your front tire isn't properly inflated"

Ohh...that's great! I caught him riding by in his Lance spandex one morning. What can I say though...I was hungover on the porch.

Perhaps you lend him a pump, Uncle Timmy?

[Beach Runner]

... and cars not looking are the problem! Get off your D**m cell phone and drive!

Here in GA this morning while running I saw a car pull up to an intersection I was about to cross. The driver was holding a cell phone up to her ear with her right hand and about to make a right turn steering with only her left hand. Something just told me that she wouldn't stop for me. Sure enough, not only did she not stop for me, she never saw me and didn't even stop at the stop sign - she just rolled through.

Don't people know they can get earbuds so they can drive without holding a damned phone?!

[Uncle Timmy]

I'm not anti-bike or anti-environment! I use my bike for fun, exercise, to run errands, to retrieve my car from the bar I left it at the night before etc.

Exactly. Let's not reframe this debate along bogus arguments. This is not eco-friendly bikes versus big ugly car drivers.

The issue at hand is whether 30-A is an appropriate venue for bikes.

[egrp]

real bikers cannot use the bike path...too dangerous for pedestrian, people pulling out of driveways, cafe signs, etc. bikers who are traveling at fast rates of spped 17+ mph have to use the road...that being said 30A is a very difficult road to get a good ride in...just too much commotion.

front beach road is excellent however and has bike lanes.

also RELAX...its people exersizing...its not going to kill u to cruise along behind a biker at 20 mph on 30A and wait for an opportunity to pass. motorists are soooo ridiculous when it comes to bikers and pedestrians and its because the majority of them don't exersize and don't understand whats it like to be said biker or pedestrian.

[Bob]

While I agree that bikes in the street can be annoying, get over it! You forget that bicycles are environmentally friendly alternative TRANSPORTATION! Not toys! Some of use ride instead of drive. One day you will have to become one of us, or lard out at home. We are going places not just playing. I ride the path and cars not looking are the problem! Get off your D**m cell phone and drive!

Just one gentle tap on Kurt's Amtrak horn for courtesy!

[Uncle Timmy]

real bikers cannot use the bike path...too dangerous for pedestrian, people pulling out of driveways, cafe signs, etc. bikers who are traveling at fast rates of spped 17+ mph have to use the road...

also RELAX...its people exersizing...its not going to kill u to cruise along behind a biker at 20 mph on 30A and wait for an opportunity to pass. motorists are soooo ridiculous when it comes to bikers and pedestrians and its because the majority of them don't exersize and don't understand whats it like to be said biker or pedestrian.

I use the bike path all the time. My point is that 30-A is not the best place for 'real' or 'serious' bikers.

I agree -RELAX. Slow down, enjoy a scenic bike ride along our beautiful bike path, there is no need to barrel along 30-A at 17+ mph.

[scooterbug44]

Is there a way to get the word out to the Lance Armstrong wannabees that they should ride their bikes on the bike path instead of on the nonexistant shoulder of 30A?

I think it's wonderful that they are out exercising and enjoying the great weather, but my pet peeve is a line of cars waiting to pass a biker ....... when there is a beautifully maintained and empty path just feet away.

Safety issue too - there are some quality and distracted drivers around here who have enough trouble keeping it between the lines and avoiding clipping other cars, let alone a biker they may not see or be aware of.

There are a bunch of reasons that I've heard as to why they don't use the path - skinny tires (BS as I think the path is better than the road in some places), don't want to interfere w/ walkers or slower bikers etc. but I think part of it is that in other areas bike riders aren't supposed to ride on the sidewalk/path. One guy on the road was yelling at other bikers on the path that they were supposed to ride on the road until a friend corrected him.

Wow, I started out just wanting to let bikers know it was okay for them to ride on the path to avoid traffic issues or them being injured by inattentive/poor drivers.

Never thought it meant I was a fat couch potato who hated the environment and drove a gas guzzler while yapping on my phone! Love how these things snowball!

[Smiling JOe]

If a cyclist wants some high speed training, why not use Hwy 98 where cars can more easily get around you? If they are concerned about traffic on 98, why not use Hwy 83, 283, or 395?

I'll bite. A road bike traveling at 20 mph on 30A in a 25 mph speedlimit is riding beside autos breaking speed limits, but still only traveling at let's say 35 mph.
Compare that risk to the cyclist riding at 20mph on Hwy 98 with the autos and 18 wheeler's traveling at speeds of 75 mph. I think there is much more risk for riding on hwy 98 as compared to the lower speeds on 30A. Also, traffic on 30A is traveling through communities such as Seaside, WaterColor, Rosemary, etc, where the drivers must drive more slowly as they look out for pedistrians.

Again, I think the majority of people on bicycles around here rarely ride and they should not be on bicycles until they pass a safety awareness class and test. I also think the same thing about most motorists around here.

[Kimmifunn]

Wow, I started out just wanting to let bikers know it was okay for them to ride on the path to avoid traffic issues or them being injured by inattentive/poor drivers.

Never thought it meant I was a fat couch potato who hated the environment and drove a gas guzzler while yapping on my phone! Love how these things snowball!

This is a hot button topic.

[Smiling JOe]

I think the point is that 30-A is not the best venue for 'serious bikers', the road or the path.

Although hwy 98 is noted as scenic, you don't get the same feeling as riding on 30A crossing over the beautiful lakes, seeing the dunes and georgeous Gulf on occasion. Serious and recreational road cyclists still like to enjoy the scenery. That is one of the reasons why they ride -- to be out in the open air with Ma Nature.

[Smiling JOe]

ALSO, fun fact that can blamed on the bikers:

The anxiety that drivers feel when stuck in traffic is that of a skydiver about to jump out of a plane for the first time.

Kimmi, I've jumped out of an airplane at 13,000 ft elevation, and I can say that the first time, was as fun as going down a huge waterslide for the first time. Hanging out the open door of the plane, while waiting to jump was almost heavenly. On the other hand, driving through Atlanta gives me anxiety attacks -- seriously.

[kathydwells]

Kimmi, I've jumped out of an airplane at 13,000 ft elevation, and I can say that the first time, was as fun as going down a huge waterslide for the first time. Hanging out the open door of the plane, while waiting to jump was almost heavenly. On the other hand, driving through Atlanta gives me anxiety attacks -- seriously.

I hear ya brother!!!!!!!

[Uncle Timmy]

I'll bite. A road bike traveling at 20 mph on 30A in a 25 mph speedlimit is riding beside autos breaking speed limits, but still only traveling at let's say 35 mph.
Compare that risk to the cyclist riding at 20mph on Hwy 98 with the autos and 18 wheeler's traveling at speeds of 75 mph. I think there is much more risk for riding on hwy 98 as compared to the lower speeds on 30A. Also, traffic on 30A is traveling through communities such as Seaside, WaterColor, Rosemary, etc, where the drivers must drive more slowly as they look out for pedistrians.

A majority of 30A isn't a 25mph zone, but 35 or 45 mph. And a bicyclist shouldn't be going 20mph thru Seaside anyways due to the pedestrians.

What about Hwy 83, 283, or 395?

(Whew, glad I got away with the Sapndex jabs btw)

[Kimmifunn]

Kimmi, I've jumped out of an airplane at 13,000 ft elevation, and I can say that the first time, was as fun as going down a huge waterslide for the first time. Hanging out the open door of the plane, while waiting to jump was almost heavenly. On the other hand, driving through Atlanta gives me anxiety attacks -- seriously.

Isn't that an intersting fact though?

Atlanta is a different story all together.

[Kimmifunn]

Bikers have the same right to use the roads as cars do. Get used to it. give them space. Plus road bikes really aren't good on the bike path due to the large amount of glass and rocks on the path. You're at the beach.... slow down your drivin to fast anyhow.

I'd hate to see Joe Paterno biking down 30-A. Talk about a traffic jam.

[Smiling JOe]

Personally, I don't see road bikes on 30A as the problem around here. The people who don't regularly ride bicylces, but get on them for easy transport to the beach, on their once a year trip to SoWal, are a huge problem. Driving through WaterColor, I've often seen kids under 10 yrs of age, riding down both lanes of the road, all going in the same direction. Their helmets are usually loosely fitted, hanging on the side of their head. The "adults" are just as bad, though there are always exceptions to the rule.

I think that even for a regular cyclists, visiting the area, the rules are confusing. I've never lived in another town where riding bikes on the sidewalk was legal, and often you will see signs posted alerting people, "no bikes allowed on sidewalk." That rule is for the safety of the public. Here in SoWal, the mulit-purpose path (technically, it is not a bike path) crosses 30A in several places, and the cyclist by law, is to dismount the bicycle and cross. When traveling through Seaside, on 30A, the bike path disappears into a sidewalk. That is a huge problem in my opinion, and I don't know why Seaside has been allowed to not extend the multi-purpose path. For those regular riders from other areas, it can be very confusing.

Again, I don't think that the road cyclists are the problem, but there are plenty of problems that I have with the majority of people on bicycles around here -- the biggest problem is that they don't know, and don't follow the rules. Rather than wanting to run them over, I just breathe deeply and remember that I am at the beach, and making it to an appointment on time, might mean leaving a little bit earlier, rather than running over a person.

I encourage everyone to breathe deeply and focus on driving while you are on 30A. Let's remember some basics, no matter if we are in our car or on our bikes, like stopping for people waiting to cross the busy 30A. Let's give people the benefit of the doubt, and realize that they are trying to be on vacation and trying to keep up with little johnny and little suzie who have just darted across the street on their tiny bicyles, against their parents' wishes. The taking of one's life is serious, and no appointment is worth that time which you might spend in jail. About two years ago, a customer of mine, while driving his truck on 30A, killed a man on a bicycle, who darted out in front of his truck, and let's just say that his life is forever changed.

Slow down, breathe deeply when getting stressed, and remember that the life you save might be someone you know or love.

[Mango]

Will this work on the bike path? Tires big enough? People could see you coming, and one can enjoy the views. I suspect it doesn't go very fast.

[Uncle Timmy]

Bikers have the same right to use the roads as cars do. Get used to it. give them space. Plus road bikes really aren't good on the bike path due to the large amount of glass and rocks on the path. You're at the beach.... slow down your drivin to fast anyhow.

Slow down -you're riding your bike too fast; get on the bike path, relax and enjoy the scenery.

[Smiling JOe]

A majority of 30A isn't a 25mph zone, but 35 or 45 mph. And a bicyclist shouldn't be going 20mph thru Seaside anyways due to the pedestrians.

What about Hwy 83, 283, or 395?

(Whew, glad I got away with the Sapndex jabs btw)

When I am riding on 283 and 395, I typically jump on the multi-purpose path, because they are new and for the most part, fairly smooth.

I also have a problem with people who don't know how to politely pass a bicyclist. Maybe they are the ones we should target.

[Kimmifunn]

When I am riding on 283 and 395, I typically jump on the multi-purpose path, because they are new and for the most part, fairly smooth.

I also have a problem with people who don't know how to politely pass a bicyclist. Maybe they are the ones we should target.

Just swing the door open. 10 points
Swing the door open and send an email at the same time. 40 points

[TNJed]

Personally, I don't see road bikes on 30A as the problem around here. The people who don't regularly ride bicylces, but get on them for easy transport to the beach, on their once a year trip to SoWal, are a huge problem. Driving through WaterColor, I've often seen kids under 10 yrs of age, riding down both lanes of the road, all going in the same direction. Their helmets are usually loosely fitted, hanging on the side of their head. The "adults" are just as bad, though there are always exceptions to the rule.

I think that even for a regular cyclists, visiting the area, the rules are confusing. I've never lived in another town where riding bikes on the sidewalk was legal, and often you will see signs posted alerting people, "no bikes allowed on sidewalk." That rule is for the safety of the public. Here in SoWal, the mulit-purpose path (technically, it is not a bike path) crosses 30A in several places, and the cyclist by law, is to dismount the bicycle and cross. When traveling through Seaside, on 30A, the bike path disappears into a sidewalk. That is a huge problem in my opinion, and I don't know why Seaside has been allowed to not extend the multi-purpose path. For those regular riders from other areas, it can be very confusing.

Again, I don't think that the road cyclists are the problem, but there are plenty of problems that I have with the majority of people on bicycles around here -- the biggest problem is that they don't know, and don't follow the rules. Rather than wanting to run them over, I just breathe deeply and remember that I am at the beach, and making it to an appointment on time, might mean leaving a little bit earlier, rather than running over a person.

I encourage everyone to breathe deeply and focus on driving while you are on 30A. Let's remember some basics, no matter if we are in our car or on our bikes, like stopping for people waiting to cross the busy 30A. Let's give people the benefit of the doubt, and realize that they are trying to be on vacation and trying to keep up with little johnny and little suzie who have just darted across the street on their tiny bicyles, against their parents' wishes. The taking of one's life is serious, and no appointment is worth that time which you might spend in jail. About two years ago, a customer of mine, while driving his truck on 30A, killed a man on a bicycle, who darted out in front of his truck, and let's just say that his life is forever changed.

Slow down, breathe deeply when getting stressed, and remember that the life you save might be someone you know or love.

spot on

[Smiling JOe]

Isn't that an intersting fact though?

Atlanta is a different story all together.

I don't know that most people who are sky diving, feel that stress the first time. My first time jumping was with about 9 other friends and maybe one was a little stressed after an accident on the jump just before her's.

[pennstater]

It is legal for bicycles to be on the 30A roadway. No more really needs to be said.

However:

We should all be considerate of others when using the public highways whether we drive, pedal or walk. It seems hard to find common courtesy any more.

Getting behind the wheel of 2+ tons of steel with an attitude that the rode belongs to you is a recipe for disaster.

[Jdarg]

I'm with Uncle Timmy- the serious Lance-spandex-wearing-and team-shirt types need to stay off the bike path. I had one FLY past me yesterday and even if he had given a shout, he would have been past me by the time I heard it. And I would have been dead with one misstep. Way to freaking fast for a path used by walkers, strollers, rollerbladers, and families.

While we are on the subject, can someone please explain to me why riders wear the tight logo spandex shirts when they are clearly NOT on some sort of bike team? I love seeing these- especially on people that look like they went out and bought all the "right" clothes for an occasional bike ride.

[6thGen]

A few things - my side mirror is about helmet high, and according to Harry Hogge, "Rubbin's racin."

Beemn, bikes are worse for the environment than SUVs, cars and trucks.

And to add to jdarg's question - why do grown people on the beach cruisers wear helmets?

[Jdarg]

A few things - my side mirror is about helmet high, and according to Harry Hogge, "Rubbin's racin."

Beemn, bikes are worse for the environment than SUVs, cars and trucks.

And to add to jdarg's question - why do grown people on the beach cruisers wear helmets?

In case the Lance Armstrong types blow past them and knock them off the bikes. Also for drunk driving I guess.