Missed connection
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@PotomacCyclist 86559 wrote:
Why are there so many cyclists going the wrong way on the L and M St. cycletracks? The tracks are clearly marked as one-way, and these people can see bike traffic headed right into them in the narrow track. And yet they still go the wrong way in the cycletracks. It’s not that hard to head one block north or south to go in the other direction.
Funny. I was just about to say that it’s a lazy human nature thing but still…why not be slightly less lazy and do what I did in Clarendon which was to “become a pedestrian” and ride a block two or three blocks on the sidewalk on Wilson (slowly) instead of having to go over to Clarendon Blvd., bike two or three blocks, then head back up to Wilson.
But then I remembered that sidewalk riding is illegal in the central business district in DC!
Maybe more illegal than salmoning in the cycletrack?
Ahem.@PotomacCyclist 86559 wrote:
Why are there so many cyclists going the wrong way on the L and M St. cycletracks? The tracks are clearly marked as one-way, and these people can see bike traffic headed right into them in the narrow track. And yet they still go the wrong way in the cycletracks. It’s not that hard to head one block north or south to go in the other direction.
I figure it’s some combination of:
– the cycletrack is an area that is safer for cyclists
– it’s not on the road (dangerous) and it’s not on the sidewalk (illegal)
– they’re focused on route efficiency, not route safety
– they’re not thinking that in cities a one way street is usually paralleled by an opposite one way street a block away
– convenience (read: laziness) if their destination is on that street
– they’re texting or talking on their phone, so it’s not like they’re looking to see that they’re going the right way
– they’re thinking, “It’s a cycletrack just like the ones on Penn and 15th. Cycletracks are always two-way.”
– they’re thinking, “Well, cyclists going the correct way can at least see me, so it’s safe.”
– they’re thinking, “Why are all the other cyclists going the wrong way in this contra-flow cycletrack?”
– they’re thinking, “My bike provides me freedom to go anywhere and do whatever I want. I don’t care about signs, lights, or what others think!”
– they’re thinking, “Ooooh, look! Green! I wanna bike there!”
– they’re think- (okay, I need to stop myself, I’m having too much fun with these)@Terpfan 86907 wrote:
As crazy as it sounds, I actually think it’s because they don’t realize there is a track running the opposite way a block away. One colleague said to me the other day they would consider riding to work except they don’t want to cross the city with traffic. I point out the cycletracks and they were totally clueless toward either of them.
Sounds like your colleague needs information and some encouragement. I recommend a bike map of DC and a kick in the rear to get things going
@dbb 87008 wrote:
You: Every damned bus in the district double parked, trying to parallel park, just parked and picking up/dropping off in the traffic lane. Between your piggishness and moisture induced stupidity, you (acting as a group) were able to completely shut down the traffic. Bravo! I had to go from one side of the traffic column to the other at least five times.
Today was especially ridiculous on Madison. I’ve never seen so many busses parked in the traffic lane. I ended up jumping onto the sidewalk for a block or two to avoid the mess
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