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.
scooterbug44scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert29,818 views
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Smiling JOeSmiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
Smiling JOeSoWal Expert31,643 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertYou 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.
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.
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Beach RunnerBeach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hood
Beach Runnerbeats on hoodNear the ATL and in SoWal as often as possible15,269 postsJoined View profileMessagebeats on hoodI 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.
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.
KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,473 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,473 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminWe 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.
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 TimmyUncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Uncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI 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.
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 RJohn Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out more
John Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out morescotterbug, 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.
BobBobSoWal InsiderO'Wal10,368 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
BobSoWal InsiderO'Wal10,368 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insiderhttp://www.wolo-mfg.com/truck.htm Just a light tap for courtesy.
KurtKurtAdminSoWal2,473 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
KurtAdminSoWal2,473 postsJoined View profileMessageAdminhttp://www.wolo-mfg.com/truck.htm Just a light tap for courtesy.
:shock:
[nomedia]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YUTdsU3f2U[/nomedia]
TNJedTNJedBeach FanaticSeagrove Beach, FL588 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
TNJedBeach FanaticSeagrove Beach, FL588 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticBike 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.
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.
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.
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 BWill BModeratorAtlanta, GA4,582 postsJoined View profileMessageModerator
Will BModeratorAtlanta, GA4,582 postsJoined View profileMessageModeratorFrom 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...
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...
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kathydwellskathydwellsDarlene is my middle name, not my nicknameLacey's Spring, Alabama13,303 postsJoined View profileMessageDarlene is my middle name, not my nickname
kathydwellsDarlene is my middle name, not my nicknameLacey's Spring, Alabama13,303 postsJoined View profileMessageDarlene is my middle name, not my nicknameFrom 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...
:welcome: and great post!!!!
jessifunnjessifunnsuperJfunnSeagrove Beach4,810 postsJoined View profileMessagesuperJfunn
jessifunnsuperJfunnSeagrove Beach4,810 postsJoined View profileMessagesuperJfunn:shock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YUTdsU3f2U
:floor: that is so funny :funn: that is in jacksonville :floor:
Will BWill BModeratorAtlanta, GA4,582 postsJoined View profileMessageModerator
Will BModeratorAtlanta, GA4,582 postsJoined View profileMessageModerator:welcome: 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...:idontno:
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Uncle TimmyUncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Uncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticSorry, 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?
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?
fisherfisherBeach Fanatic822 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
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 BWill BModeratorAtlanta, GA4,582 postsJoined View profileMessageModerator
Will BModeratorAtlanta, GA4,582 postsJoined View profileMessageModeratorSorry, 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!!!
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Uncle TimmyUncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Uncle TimmyBeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach1,013 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticOne 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.
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?
TNJedTNJedBeach FanaticSeagrove Beach, FL588 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
TNJedBeach FanaticSeagrove Beach, FL588 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI 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.
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.
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 😉
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 😉
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