Comments on: When is it socially acceptable to threaten the lives of innocent people? When they are riding bicycles

By: Clara

Clara — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:11:15 +0000

Why are there not more bike lanes? how can bikers stay in bike lanes when there are only 2?!

additionally the person in the car might consider getting out and riding a bike too. that would solve the issue – right?

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:42:01 +0000

Even the “Minnesota Nice” people are very rude to bicyclists. A cousin of my husband’s posted something on Facebook about how he would laugh if he saw a bicyclist dying in the street. Nice, huh? I guess he forgot that he’s “friends” with a bike commuter.

By: Mark Arsenal

Mark Arsenal — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 04:38:12 +0000

Of course, being a pedestrian is even more dangerous, since we have to watch out for both motorists and cyclists, both of whom seem to presume we don’t exist.

By: FJP912

FJP912 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:22:45 +0000

As I recall the basic Defensive Driving 101 lesson from high school drivers ed, the motor vehicle driver needs to look out for the safety of others on the road, be they other drivers, or cyclists, or pedestrians, even if those other parties do not always make the best decisions. And that is especially true as to pedestrians and cyclists who have less ability to move quickly than cars do.

Having said that:

1. Cyclists can help by practicing defensive cycling. Frequently cyclists weave around and make other unpredictable moves.

2. As appalling as the attitude of the original commenter is, I have a simple question for every cyclist who has expressed outrage: Do you wear a helmet? I cannot think of any place I have ever been that has a lower rate of helmet use than Savannah. So much so, that when I first moved here in 2005 I wondered if there was some kind of obscure city ordinance banning them. I hope that those who are wagging their fingers about safety are also taking steps to protect themselves.

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:32:51 +0000

I’m a firm believer in “bike karma” I believe that if I am courteous to motorist, rather than trying to impose my legal “right to the road” that motorist will be more courteous to me. I hear fellow cyclist all the time saying how they are constantly being yelled at and having close calls with cars. I’m an (almost) daily bike commuter, and I have ridden in some very heavy traffic. I have had a few close calls, a couple were my own fault. I believe in taking responsibility for my own actions, and accepting that the current road system is not ideal for cycling. With that in mind I get on my bike and head out into traffic eveyday, participate in the government process to ensure the needs of cyclist are being addressed, and try to be a positive example of a RESPONSIBLE cyclist. There ARE idiots out there, some drive cars, some walk, and some even ride bikes.

By: Dave

Dave — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:41:29 +0000

I’ve thought about this a lot, as I read online news articles here in Portland that relate to bicycle issues… there are often comments very similar to this, and often in direct reply to another commenter. “I have a lot of insurance, and you’re not going to do any serious damage to my car…” or “wait until I meet you in a dark alley…” kinds of comments.

And then just below is the disclaimer from the media outlet reminding people to keep their comments civil, or they will be removed.

A bit of a double standard?

By: zach

zach — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:04:42 +0000

This is not acceptable. Though, as much I share in agreement the hate for being nearly squished by unattentive/rebellious SUV drivers, I think it is only fair to state that Savannah does have it’s fair share of equally unattentive/rebellious cyclists. More transportation education all around would definitely help the situation.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:31:49 +0000

Yeah buddy, this is far from being an exclusively Southern problem. Leave superiority and scapegoating out of the discussion, please.

By: mthwdcn

mthwdcn — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:02:40 +0000

This is a problem endemic in the States, not just Savannah or the south. To say that the south is “losing it” evidenced by bad drivers during a stressful/busy week is shortsighted.

I think John’s point about ever increasingly distracted drivers is the problem. Drivers who are aggressive towards cyclists are probably jerks no matter what comfy chair they’re sitting in.

My 2010 Resolution is to call in positive messages to Vox Populi everday – just to see how many get published.

By: Omri

Omri — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:25:26 +0000

Savannah might have this reputation for courtesey, but the South as a whole is losing it. I live and bike in Boston, where bicycling is seen as just another way to be a frugal Yankee, and the most discourteous driving I see is during parents’ week or arrival week in the local colleges, and invariably involves Southern license plates.