I suppose I should have treated each aspect separately. One is cycling technique, the other is road rage. I find it interesting that it seems to be only here in the US that bicyclists are fair game in this new blood sport, whereas in other countries ( for instance see Nick’s comment above), and others I have heard from (in Italy, Wales, Canada) cyclists don’t seem to offend anyone. Maybe it’s just a learning curve here in the US, as they get used to more bikes on the road. After reading another blog this morning with some really acidic comments directed towards cyclists, I am less and less inclined to find any fault with cyclists, regardless of how they ride.

Clearly, bicyclers should not be riding two abreast. On the other hand, though, if there are two of them, most motorists would notice, and not punish them by ramming them with a car.

Where I live, which is one of the motorcycle hotspots of the world, bikers often ride two abreast. Sometimes three or four abreast, even. Man, the driver’s great temptation is to just floor the gas. But most of us resist.

So you’re raising a good point, but, despite your disclaimer, it’s in the wrong context. We call that: blaming the victim.

Good to hear from you again, I lost your blog when you moved it!

I think US drivers are just so accustomed to having the roads strictly for cars. Is the general pace of life slower over there? Everyone here is always in such a rush. Maybe in NL they realize being stuck behind a couple cyclists for a short few minutes isn’t going to bring life as they know it to a screeching halt. And I still think part of this guy’s issue was that he is a doctor. Doctors and lawyers are a special breed of control freak.

You’re absolutely right, and that’s why I am all in favor of some kind of public education campaign for cyclists. Sidenote: there was a great discussion on CommutebyBike.com about the issue of riding on sidewalks, and it is legal in many places. Personally, I don’t think cyclists should ride on sidewalks, and I certainly don’t like to for the very reason you mentioned. I did it once to get around a US Postal Service truck that was blocking the bike lane, and the traffic in the road was too heavy to go out around the truck. I rode the sidewalk just to get past the dang mail truck, and then back on the road in the bike lane for me.

Probably not. But what really pisses me off is that they ride on sidewalks (which is illegal) and then blame you when you almost hit them, coming out of a driveway! You can’t have it both ways.

Loved the sign to “Watch for Bikes” blocking the bike lane. Priceless

That being said, it is unbelievable what that guy did! Just, wow! Like you said, I get a little annoyed when a car is going way below the speed limit and blocking traffic, and I’m sure this guy would too. But, I doubt he would pull in front of a car and slam on his breaks! So why on earth would he do this to cyclists that don’t have a half ton of steel to protect them? Crazy.

How do you find these articles? I worry that after reading too much of these, I may not think clearly if I were to fall victim to a motorists road rage.

To raise the mood, this is funny:
http://failblog.org/2008/08/19/bike-fail-2/