BICYCLISTS BEWARE AND SHARE THE ROAD!I am all for physical fitness and participation in group sports, but I just want to vent about these mass groups of bicyclists that overtake JCP roads without regard for the laws or respect for others. Note: JCP is not the trail for the Tour de France. The campaign for "SHARE THE ROAD" seems to be very one-sided many mornings and afternoons in JCP. These mass groups gather and overtake the entire lane, disregard stop signs and virtually put their own lives at risk by dangerously maneuvering their bicycles into the lane of traffic in an obvious effort to deny those driving behind them the ability to safely pass them. Additionally, overtaking the ENTIRE LANE of the road as they ride side-by-side 10 across is ILLEGAL based upon Florida law. One of my acquaintances who laughingly tells me of having trash thrown at him finds drivers' disgust at his selfishness humourous. It isn't. It is dangerous. I simply urge these cyclists to exercise caution, SHARE THE ROAD, and follow the law. I would also urge the St. Johns deputies to start issuing warnings to these inconsiderate individuals in an effort to help them become aware of the law. By the way, I first researched this at http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/bikelaw.html and confirmed it at the DOT website www.dot.state.fl.us/safety/ped_bike/laws/ped_bike_bikeLaws1.htm Legal status of bicycles Roadway position Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing and shall ride within a single lane. |
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Let me state I have been riding a bike all my life, I ride as much as possible, to the store, library, exercise. Most times, I use the paths in JCP, which by the way are classified as "bike paths" for anyone about to object. I find it amusing to see these "pelotons" every weekend morning, more than a few of them looking like overstuffed sausages in their little outfits.c'mon. Is a full Tour de France get up required for a bike ride? It's silly, unless of course, you are a professional and have sponsors logos on your attire. Per the rules of the road above, it's just common sense to not ride 2-3 abreat a b.s. while you are on a busy roadway! These are probably the same people that let their kids play in the street. Well, I have a solution. I'm not sure what the law is in Florida, but in Jersey, you had to honk your horn to let a bike rider know you were coming up behind him. Well... If they don't move because they are to busy discussing scrapbooking or whatever, lay on the horn! Chances are, you'll scare the crap out of them! Serves 'em right. Just an FYI, as I stated, I ride all the time. I get NO courtesy. People blow by me on Racetrack doing at least 70, and don't move at all. I ALWAYS as a courtesy when I see bikers, either change lanes or shift alittle and slow down. I will continue to do so. Unfortunately, as more and more of these biking groups emerge, the chances of accidents increases. Case in point, a few months ago on RT13, down in Orangedale area, a mob of bikers were going 15 miles an hour, taking up the whole lane plus some! The truly frustrating part was, whenever I tried to pass, some of the idiots would swing out into the other lane, preventing me from doing so. I don't understand that mentality. What is the thinking? "I'll show you, you bad motorists?" I had to follow behind them until Switzerland, then could take it no more. I laid on the horn and plowed through on the other side of the road. If I hit 'em, "oh well" Shoulda moved. Please, any of you peloton riders, explain what the thinking is. The rules of the road are posted above. You simply CANNOT do what you have been doing. Keep in mind, I ride. A mountain bike. I am not a weekend warrior. I can understand and relate to much of the concerns you might have. I'd just like to get your take on it.