Sidewalks ..

USE THEM !!!!! I never come on here to complain but I've had enough of these parents and their 3+ kids riding their bikes in the middle of the road and barely even move when a car is coming ?!?! Are you trying to kill yourself and kids???? Just today I drove by 2 sets of families with there bikes and kid attachment (whatever those are called) riding in the middle of the roads. Sidewalks are for people who are walking, riding bikes, children etc. Roads are for CARS!!!

 

Cars are supposed to treat bikes as any other vehicle on the road. Trails are wider than sidewalks, therefore suitable for both bike and pedestrian traffic. When you, as an automobile driver, encounter a bicycle, or group of bicycles on the road, you need to treat them as you would any other vehicle; pass them only when it's safe to do so, and leave ample space between your car and the bicycles.

(When I lived in California, I was told by the police not to ride on sidewalks, but I think it's different here in VA)

Share the road, it's for more than just cars....

 

SHARE THE ROAD. IT's THE LAW!


Rights and Duties

Every person riding a bicycle on a highway shall be subject to the provisions of the Code of Virginia section on motor vehicles and shall have the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle unless a provision clearly indicates otherwise.

Reference:** §46.2-800 ^TOPICS

http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/bk-laws.asp

 

Sorry sidewalks are for pedestrians not for any vehicle including bikes!

Staci

 

Even so, I think people on bicycles should ride on the side, single file, and not in the middle of a road. It's just safer.

 

Not that I like bikes riding on the sidewalk, but here's what VDOT says:

"Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance or traffic control devices. While on sidewalks and shared use paths, bicyclists must always yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian."

 

:agree:Thank you!!!

I just think its completely rude for mother, father 2 or 3 children riding next to each other long-ways down the street oblivious to cars coming. And Its not safe.

Guess I'll just start laying on the horn when approaching these kinds of situations just to make it known that NYFINEST is coming

 

I'm sure a tap on the horn and a friendly wave to your neighbors would be enough. I'd try that first, some cars are pretty quiet and this is a neighborhood filled with kids, dogs, joggers, moms, dads and others who may not hear you coming up behind them, but would be happy to give you room to pass (ok, maybe not the dogs!)

 

...and you will leave no doubt as to what kind of man you really are...

 

Indeed....

 

It's generally not good to honk at a bicycle rider. It makes them jump and a less-experienced rider like a kid might freak out and fall. If they're taking up the whole road riding side-by-side, they surely know you're behind them. Your honk isn't going to make them more considerate.

 

The sidewalks in Broadlands are not wide enough for more than two people. What is really bad is when folks won't move to let someone pass them. A lot of the times I have to stand to the side to let people, bicycles, scooters, etc pass. Plus I'm amazed at the amount of kids that ride their bikes and parents take the strollers through our yard. Even with the trails being a little wider it doesn't make a difference. I walk on the road, close to the sidewalk facing traffic. Does anyone know why when the community was developed the sidewalks were not made wider and some streets only have sidewalks on one side?

 

Because, at the time, that is all that county/state code required.

I believe that that has since changed, and a large community now requires sidewalks on both sides. The county requirements for walking trails (not sidewalks) width has also increased over the years.

 

Yep and nobody WILL hear you. I like My ipod - use it in the car, or listen to the downloaded songs on the laptop. I can't tell you how many times, when out walking, I say hi, hello, good day and get no response. Thats before you add in the peeps with the earbuds in and also get nothing, then feel like a dumb *** when you realize they cannot hear you.

 

i'm gonna have to disagree- a little honk- not laying on the horn- is better than bumping them with the car. what if you decide to go around the oblivious bike rider in the middle of the road, and they decide to veer out in front of the car they don't realize is there? if you are riding a bike in the street you better be experience enough to deal with the unknown. (this is why you will NEVER see ME riding a bike- in the street or otherwise!)

non car users of the road need to really be cognizant of their surroundings no matter what age or experience level. after all THEY are the ones without bumpers. i wouldn't put MY life in the hands of the drivers and think "well they better be watching for ME!" i don't trust others with my safety.

ppl are so distracted behind the wheel, i'm surprised we haven't had a major incident yet.

and brassy to your point- people had better turn those ear buds down so they CAN hear a car horn or person yelling- what if someone is yelling for you to watch out for something, and because you are rocking out to Bachman Turner Overdrive, you put yourself in harm's way...

I love my ear buds too but if i'm outside, they are low enough not to interfere with hearing what's going on around me... call me paranoid.

 

Now, now, I'm a perfectly nice person and I'd be inclined to a little honk if the cyclists are being so selfish as to hog the road. Especially if I'm driving the Prius, which is extremely quiet so they wouldn't hear the car even if they cared.

If it were a car instead of a group of bicycles slowly cruising down the middle of the road I'd want it to pull to the side and let other vehicles pass. It's common courtesy.

Just my two cents.

 

I've had this happen quite often when I'm in the Prius. I'll be right behind some pedestrians or cyclists and they don't know I'm there.

 

I find most the drivers in the area very courteous but a few things to keep in mind in regards to the more serious cyclists. Riding a modern road bike on the sidewalk would destroy it and my buns.:scaredeyes: Drivers who do not bike or haven't in a very long time. Please realize that cyclists are clipped into their pedals. They can not just put there foot down in an emergency. So please make your intentions very clear with a big wave or a horn. Also I don't understand why when I bike down Claibourne and both lanes are wide open some cars pass me with only inches to spare. Please give cyclists some extra space. An Iphone or PDA creates a huge blind spot almost exactly where pedestrians are so please no cell phones while driving!

Thanks
Steve Campot
www.sgcrealestate.com

 

YES! But that works both ways. Just tonight I was behind one of two cars facing each other and signaling to turn down the same street, and both stopped suddenly. Turns out some dumb@&& on a bike was crossing right in front of both of them. I see people on bikes all the time weaving between cars on four-lane roads like Claiborne, ignoring the stop signs, etc. Makes me crazy, and when they get hit it will be the driver of the car's fault.

 

Yes it does go both ways, but 99% of the time, motor vehicle drivers often ignore cyclist. And watch your tone,

might be someone who can read.