Why Are DC Area Cyclists the RUDEST I Have Ever Seen ?

[StopMeansStop]

Because everyone feels entitled to the roads. And as a matter of fact, bikes and cars ARE entitled to use the roads.

[dasgeh]

Originally, my response was that I attribute a lot of the rude cycling the poor design of the transportation network. This leads to cyclists, pedestrians and drivers who are frustrated, and who have incentive to, e.g. run red lights, because not all of the lights are timed together (if they were, running one red would just put you stuck at the next one — not so in DC). Everyone faces frustrations – too narrow paths, blind corners – and has incentives to behave badly – drivers and cyclists with red lights, pedestrians with crosswalks (often the light timing doesn’t make sense for them, or the crosswalks are space too far apart, so they jaywalk) – which just makes everyone more frustrated. Frustration often manifests itself through rudeness. That’s my going theory at the moment.

Then I kept reading the original post. I don’t think side-by-side riding is always rude. In fact, I’d say around here, it’s usually the safer, more considerate option. Most of the lanes I’m familiar with around here aren’t wide enough to pass one cyclist safely in the lane, especially with the hazards often found on the far right side. I almost always take the lane. Given that I’m going to be taking the lane, if there’s a 2nd cyclist, it’s actually better for drivers for us to ride side by side.

[Roscoe]

@dasgeh 9873 wrote:

Then I kept reading the original post. I don’t think side-by-side riding is always rude. In fact, I’d say around here, it’s usually the safer, more considerate option. Most of the lanes I’m familiar with around here aren’t wide enough to pass one cyclist safely in the lane, especially with the hazards often found on the far right side. I almost always take the lane. Given that I’m going to be taking the lane, if there’s a 2nd cyclist, it’s actually better for drivers for us to ride side by side.

Thank you for the thoughtful response, I will consider it and see if I see things differently.

I live, cycle and drive all around the Chevy Chase side of the Rock Creek park. Just today I encountered something that is pretty standard on any number of roads around here – cyclists going side by side at a pretty leisurely clip – probably not over 15 mph on a road that was 25 mph. Traffic backed up behind them – drivers going out of THEIR way to not endanger these cyclists who could have allowed everyone access to the road by going single file – until drivers saw an opportunity to pass. And when they DID pass, they had to swing nearly fully into the oncoming lane to stay away from the cyclists.

I see this ALL THE TIME, and all it does is make everyone less safe by forcing the cars to have to pass so widely, into possible oncoming traffic. It’s deliberately RUDE, I’m tired of it, and it disgusts me.

What I have actually NEVER seen here, though, is a single cyclist just taking the entire lane. That seems to make no sense on the roads near me….or I would have seen it by now, right ?

By the way, I’ve passed cyclists like this while driving (obviously at a pretty slow clip and only when the road is totally clear) after waiting behind them for a bit and said out the window “hey, share the road please”……..and I almost always get a barrage of profanity. From what I assume to frequently be educated professionals who clearly can afford very expensive bikes. It’s crazy, like it’s doctors or lawyers or consultants or who knows what that just seem to be WAITING for the chance to verbally express the statement of rudeness they try to make with their cycling – “Hey **** you a*****e !!! Go **** yourself !!!!!!”

I’ve seen a lot of cyclists and ridden a whole lot of miles myself….I’m sure as many as a lot of the people here, so I see things from both sides. And I know that generalizing something doesn’t always apply to evreyone in a group (which would also be me in this case)…..but the MD recreational road bikers have come to simply disgust me. Their rudeness just makes me sick.

[creadinger]

QUOTE=Roscoe;9875]By the way, I’ve passed cyclists like this while driving (obviously at a pretty slow clip and only when the road is totally clear) after waiting behind them for a bit and said out the window “hey, share the road please”……..and I almost always get a barrage of profanity. From what I assume to frequently be educated professionals who clearly can afford very expensive bikes. It’s crazy, like it’s doctors or lawyers or consultants or who knows what that just seem to be WAITING for the chance to verbally express the statement of rudeness they try to make with their cycling – “Hey **** you a*****e !!! Go **** yourself !!!!!!”

I’ve seen a lot of cyclists and ridden a whole lot of miles myself….I’m sure as many as a lot of the people here, so I see things from both sides. And I know that generalizing something doesn’t always apply to evreyone in a group (which would also be me in this case)…..but the MD recreational road bikers have come to simply disgust me. Their rudeness just makes me sick.

I think dasgeh is right that general frustration has something to do with it.

I also think that it has to do with the area you are describing. DC is filled with Type-A personalities who are all used to having things their way. There are probably more here than than any other city, especially now with the terrible economy and DC having all the jobs. The problem is that whether these people are in their flashy BMW/Mercedes or on their flashy road bikes they are extremely self-centered and prone to behavior that you have described. Since you said you live in the Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac area the stereotype totally fits. That’s probably one of the most entitled neighborhoods in the country! I used to commute by bike from Silver Spring to Bethesda daily and I saw a few bikers like you described. I also saw lots of people acting rudely while walking (the three-abreast middle-aged moms on the CCT), jogging, and driving.

I won’t excuse their behavior, but if you’re going to live in this area you’re going to have to accept rudeness. It is just a very unfortunate fact! If I let it get to me every time I saw someone in a BMW pass me only to merge at the last second, while I’m stuck in a line of traffic because the lane ahead is closed it would shorten my life by a decade. Seems like you should take a chill pill too before you seriously stress yourself out.

[Roscoe]

I’ll actually add something else since we’re on the subject, lol.

I use the Capital Crescent trail, and the ones it joins onto, a pretty decent amount. And it’s a great system and a great thing to have. Especially for all the commuters – I love that people can ride 8,10,15 miles or so to work instead of commuting by alternate methods. My wife rides on the trail a bit too, though she doesn’t go as far as many folks do.

But the speeding and rudeness on that trail is just absolutely shocking also. That trail is for everyone – not just accomplished cyclists. People that want to near or above 20 mph on that trail should go somewhere else. There are pedestrians there, elderly folks, kids, people with pets…….and people just speed by at an amazingly fast rate for there. I know two people that have been struck by other cyclists while cycling, one needing to go to the hospital.

And I like to ride hard myself, so I understand that part. And my friends and I have always believed that when we’re mountain biking if you never wreck your’re just not going fast enough.

But why are so many of these people on this trail just so consistently and totally INCONSIDERATE and RUDE ? They make me sick. A generalization, I know…..but the DC/MD area cyclists I’ve encountered are far and away the rudest, most disgustingly inconsiderate group of cyclists I’ve seen in my life. I just don’t understand it.

[Roscoe]

@creadinger 9876 wrote:

I won’t excuse their behavior, but if you’re going to live in this area you’re going to have to accept rudeness. It is just a very unfortunate fact! If I let it get to me every time I saw someone in a BMW pass me only to merge at the last second, while I’m stuck in a line of traffic because the lane ahead is closed it would shorten my life by a decade. Seems like you should take a chill pill too before you seriously stress yourself out.

You’re probably right about everything, not just the above quoted part.

Maybe I just needed to vent.

[creadinger]

@Roscoe 9877 wrote:

But the speeding and rudeness on that trail is just absolutely shocking also. That trail is for everyone – not just accomplished cyclists. People that want to near or above 20 mph on that trail should go somewhere else. There are pedestrians there, elderly folks, kids, people with pets…….and people just speed by at an amazingly fast rate for there. I know two people that have been struck by other cyclists while cycling, one needing to go to the hospital.

This I agree with… I avoid the trails on weekends because they are too crowded with walkers, joggers, strollers, kids with training wheels, dogs, double wide strollers, large groups of joggers, roller bladers, sightseers, old people, etc…. and I can’t see why a cyclist who can readily exceed 20mph would take it? It’s not fun. It’s more like the beltway at rush hour. Unfortunately there aren’t really any acceptable road route alternatives that go between Georgetown and Bethesda. Wisconsin Ave? Hah! Either way, the fast cyclists should proabably get on the roads where they’ll probably run into some a-hole drivers who think they are “inconsiderate and rude”, whether they deserve it or not.

@Roscoe 9877 wrote:

But why are so many of these people on this trail just so consistently and totally INCONSIDERATE and RUDE ? They make me sick. A generalization, I know…..but the DC/MD area cyclists I’ve encountered are far and away the rudest, most disgustingly inconsiderate group of cyclists I’ve seen in my life. I just don’t understand it.

Dude, simmer down.. you are definitely not talking about the majority of people, unless you want to include all the walkers who refuse to move over when you want to pass them, or the old fart who yells at you for not saying “on your left” when you clearly did, he’s just deaf (my rant).

[Roscoe]

@creadinger 9880 wrote:

.. you are definitely not talking about the majority of people….

Perhaps not, but it’s definitely a tremendously greater proportion of rude people than I’ve encountered ANYWHERE else. Rudest people I’ve ever had the displeasure of living amongst are right here for an absolute certainty, and it’s best exemplified by the motorists and bikers. Disgusts me on a regular basis.

[Greenbelt]

I think the main issue with DC is that a large share of the population has an elevated sense of self importance. Therefore, when we’re hurrying around doing really important stuff and other people are “in our way” or “slowing us down” or “crowding up the roads” or “standing on the left on the Metro elevators” or whatever, we tend to be quick to anger.

Better to just realize that there are lots of people here and our transportation systems are overmatched. Roads are jammed, Metro barely runs, buses are late, trails are crowded etc.

Because the transportation system is so overstressed, I find that the best coping mechanism is to just plan on adding 15-30 minutes for every trip. Just bring a paperback to read on the bus or train, or listen to your favorite music or books on tape in the car. Slow down and enjoy the scenery even when the trails are blocked full of clueless strollers.

Lowers your blood pressure, and pretty soon you’re relaxed despite some rude people around. You just don’t take offense any more.

[dbb]

I’d like to offer a contrary opinion, particularly in light of my opinion that any of those “rudest people” probably aren’t on this forum anyway.

While I’ve been amazed at the stupidity of some cyclists/motorists/runners/pedestrians (choose one or more based on your personal experience), I am gratified (to a greater extent) by the kindness and concern of others. Absent a census to quantify who is who, my assessment is that many riders are pretty good folks.

Look on this forum at a couple of recent threads on bike lights, Dirt crashing to avoid ninjas, and those working to help riders get lights and reflective stuff. I’d argue that our fellow riders are a pretty classy group. The number of times I have been offered help along the trail when I’ve pulled off for some reason is pretty impressive. That has taught me to do the same, and likely made me a better person.

The contributions of the real hard core bikers that are willing to help marshal family rides, help with trail safety, help less experienced riders, make the trails a better place, and above all have some fun should be an inspiration to us all.

That said, is there something to learn from this thread? Without a doubt. I will (try to) call my passes more consistently, watch my headlights, and be a bit more sensitive when I take the lane in traffic.

Food for thought for all of us.

Dana

[MCL1981]

Rant engines spooling up to maximum……..

The people that are are dumb on their bikes or hog entire roads for themselves on a bike are probably just are dumb and just as big a road hog in their automobile too. Nothing pisses me off more than when someone decides to take and entire road for themselves when there is a 6ft wide bike lane shoulder. Get over yourself, nobody thinks you are hot shit because you have a fake jersey and are hunched over on your expensive bike. Hogging the road and being an inconsiderate jackwagon on a bike is just as bad as being a road hogging inconsiderate jackwagon in a car.

Behavior like the OP describes is ASKING for an accident. “We have equal right to the road” my ass. We weigh 150lbs and are balanced on two wheels with no protection. They weigh 5,000lbs with four wheels and a stereo. There is nothing equal about that and anyone feels they can “make themselves equal” needs a wake-up call.

Rant engines back to idle….

[jrenaut]

@Roscoe 9875 wrote:

And when they DID pass, they had to swing nearly fully into the oncoming lane to stay away from the cyclists.

That’s why they’re two abreast – to make sure drivers have to leave the lane completely to pass. The law in DC is three feet to pass. If you’re passing a bike without leaving the lane, there’s a good chance you’re breaking the law, and an even better chance you’re coming too close to the bike. The profanity is still uncalled for, but we’ve all been passed too close enough times to know where it’s coming from.

[Arlingtonrider]

@dbb 9884 wrote:

is there something to learn from this thread? Without a doubt. I will (try to) call my passes more consistently, watch my headlights, and be a bit more sensitive when I take the lane in traffic. Food for thought

Well said. Safety always comes first, but maybe we can do a little better in certain situations. It will help us in the long run.

[Roscoe]

@jrenaut 9886 wrote:

That’s why they’re two abreast – to make sure drivers have to leave the lane completely to pass. The law in DC is three feet to pass. If you’re passing a bike without leaving the lane, there’s a good chance you’re breaking the law, and an even better chance you’re coming too close to the bike. The profanity is still uncalled for, but we’ve all been passed too close enough times to know where it’s coming from.

This is interesting, and not the only thing mentioned here that is or may be new to me. I didn’t know that was the actual law, perhaps because it may only be applicable in DC ? In any event, I think that as an avid cyclist, I am like everyone here and when passing in a car I take care to give other cyclists more than enough room to feel very safe. That may be part of why I have become more annoyed than others seem to be when cyclists don’t return that respect.

As far as riding 2-abreast so drivers must leave the lane ENTIRELY (or even nearly entirely)……I might not understand you correctly. You’re saying that that is a GOOD thing ? I’m open to other opinions and the opportunity to learn something, but my experience seems to indicate quite the opposite. For example, I’m sure people here have ridden Jones Mill Road or even Beach Drive. It’s not a good thing at all to have cars needing to pass entirely in the oncoming lanes on those roads. It’s downright unsafe, particularly given that there are a lot of drivers out there who may not be as capable as most of us here who are willing to take to the roads on two wheels. In fact, when I consider some of the drivers I’ve seen around here, or some of my freinds’ local grandparents who drive…..it’s downright petrifying on some of these roads. And that doesn’t even begin to address some of the huge backlogs of traffic I’ve seen that is forced to go 15mph or less at length.

But just for the record, since I had not known this – is it considered common procedure for cyclists outside the District to ride 2-abreast to FORCE the traffic to need to leave the lane entirely ? Maybe I’m mistaken on this, but that seems even ruder than I’d imagined. More deliberately inconveniencing to others as opposed to just not caring.

[washcycle]

I can’t say I’m surprised you got a bad reaction when you yelled at cyclists out your window. First of all, it’s hard to tell what someone is yelling at you thanks to wind, car noise and the doppler effect. I’ve been yelled at a few times in my life and about 95% of the time I have no idea what they shouted. But I usually assume that it’s not “keep up the good work.” So yeah, when you yell at someone out of your car window, it’s most likely going to be taken as an insult.

As for rudeness, it’s hard to say why these cyclists are riding two abreast. Perhaps it’s for safety reasons, in which case it isn’t rude. You don’t really know until you ask them why they’re doing it. To assume that it out of selfishness and a lack of concern for others is unfair to them.

Finally, no one is forced to change lanes. Anyone is free to stay behind the bikes in front of them and go 15mph. As far as I know, going 15mph in a 25 mph zone has never killed anyone.

[Author]

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