Share Your Hatred for Bikes (and Cyclists) Here

[fluxusmaximus]

This is a rant thread for all things two-wheeled.

I actually had a slight inclination towards buying a bike if not for two separate incidents that happened in the last month.

1) I was unicycling along a rather narrow path when I noticed three bikes behind me in a line. So I moved towards the side of the path and gave way to them. The first guy comes through but because I'm on a uni, he assumes I'm unstable and tries to slow down to an extent that he probably wouldn't have done if I had two wheels. This causes his bike to wobble in my direction. I swerve to avoid him and hit a rock on the side of the path and flew off. I rolled away from the path just before the other two cyclists hit me - they stopped in any case so they wouldn't have injured me too badly if they did.

I understand where the first guy's coming from. He probably thinks it's a nice gesture to be that extra cautious towards me but well, the gesture's terribly misplaced especially when he's not very good with his bike. Still, that's not as bad as...

2) Today, I was unicycling home, keeping to a side of the path (because there are pedestrians). This guy on a bike who's been eyeing my uni from way behind - mind you, I'm talking about a middle-aged pot-bellied dude on a crappy 26" bike - speeds up to overtake me from the back. The path is HUGE but he swerves out to my right before cutting in in front of me with minimal allowance AND THEN slows down. I slow down abruptly but not enough to fall off. The guy then tries to race me.

Now, I'm riding a 20" uni and he's on a 26" bike. Everyone knows that I can't outspeed him so what's there to prove? Is it fun to cause accidents? If I did ride into him, I'd bet that he'd fall too given his speed. And I'd most certainly be annoyed and yell at him a fair bit. Asshole.

[jamessd]

I know exactly what you mean with both those points.

I always get pedestrians stopping 10 metres ahead of me and waiting for me to go past, staring.

[Gumba23]

this kind of thing happens to me all the time:( i was going up a hill a cyclist crossed to the outher side of the road to avoid me so when he got off to rest (it was a big hill) i did the same to him he wasn't pleased:)

[torkerdx]

take advatage of people slowing down for you and make tham wait really really long.
or if you have full control ride during night (where you are still a little visible) and swerve and wave your hands in front of cars when they go past. freak them out. that is fun.
for the guy who wanted to race say yup i will race you that way (different direction) then keep going the way you were going

[torkerdx]

take advatage of people slowing down for you and make tham wait really really long.
or if you have full control, ride during night (where you are still a little visible) and swerve and wave your hands in front of cars when they go past. freak them out. that is fun.
for the guy who wanted to race say yup i will race you that way (different direction) then keep going the way you were going

[MuniAddict]

I think the thing I hate the most is when they look at you and just either shake their head with a look that says, "what a fricken loser", or they just laugh at you--and loudly--as if to say the same thing. But most are really cool and complimentary.:D

[kington99]

Can i rant about people who let two isolated incidents turn them off a great sport and good source of economical and environmentally friendly transport instead?

[musketman]

yeah, nobody really knows how the two wheeled mind thinks...Id stick to unicycles.


I barely ever ride in populated areas, like it town and stuff. There's so many stories you come back with like this. Its so annoying. Ive never had anything like that happen to me with bikers..they usually are kewl about it. But just "normal" people walking along can be annoying and stupid. Sometimes I feel like wheelin my Large Marge around and running then down..eh? eh?

[hobo_chuck]

see my "annoying idiots on skateboards" thread
:D

yea, i agree with musketman, bikers usually don't bother me....

[Jim_The_IT_Technician]

what annoyed me was our "group" went into a carnival for fun, and rode behind a truck. some PCSO told us to get out and go on the pavement. a minute later she was having a go telling us that we were being dangerous by swerving in and out of people instead of bashing into them on the pavement and if we didnt get off she would fine us. we said there was no specific laws on unicycling, but she said you can be fined £30 if you have any wheels on the pavement. Then after she left us alone, a bike went past her and she did nothing. Stupid ugly PCSO abusing her job just because we are different.

[jamessd]

what annoyed me was our "group" went into a carnival for fun, and rode behind a truck. some PCSO told us to get out and go on the pavement. a minute later she was having a go telling us that we were being dangerous by swerving in and out of people instead of bashing into them on the pavement and if we didnt get off she would fine us. we said there was no specific laws on unicycling, but she said you can be fined £30 if you have any wheels on the pavement. Then after she left us alone, a bike went past her and she did nothing. Stupid ugly PCSO abusing her job just because we are different.

+1

(I sorted her out btw... scum!!)

She was only jealous she couldn't ride one, and urm... apparently a ''cycle'' counts as anything with ''wheelS'' therefore we could be fined!

[Racenut]

You should see the stuff two wheelers say about those crazy one wheelers.

I ride both, never really had a problem. It seems it's just kids who think they're too cool for one wheel who will talk smack. They're usually walking.

[galvin.ben]

This ALWAYS happens to me aswell!

I had this group of cyclists (about the same age as me) the other day cycle past me and attempt to race me.

Obviously i didnt as i was on a 20". But when they were like 100 meters ahead of me, they stopped and just stared at me, waited for me to catch them up, and when i did, they just laughed - of which i laughed back in their faces, giving their bikes strange looks.

[James_Potter]

If you meet on asshole on a unicycle, would you decide to hate all unicyclists?

[phil]

Can i rant about people who let two isolated incidents turn them off a great sport and good source of economical and environmentally friendly transport instead?
Indeed, I'd like to rant about people who belittle my most used form of transport.

Your problem is not people on bikes but people who are pillocks, whatever form of transport they are or aren't using at the time. Your rant would be better directed at them.

This is what I normally use to get to and from work:

http://www.flippet.org/temp/inbred.jpg

[johnfoss]

Hatred? Sorry, no can do. Remember where your unicycle evolved from. Plus my garage has five bikes in it...

Some people are going to be a@@holes, no matter what they're on. I can sure agree with that, like Phil said. I have also experienced cyclists (and cars) who are afraid to pass me and create more of a problem than they solve by either hovering behind, or passing sloppily. But over the years I've come to notice that it's a common thing people do, which means they're going to keep on doing it no matter how we respond. So I allow for it, just as I allow for small children on bikes to zig-zag all over the bike path with no thought to what's behind them. That's just what they do.

[john_childs]

This is a rant thread for all things two-wheeled.
The rant should be against idiots on bike paths. It's not the fact that they happen to be on a bike that makes them a problem. It's the fact that they're an idiot. Doesn't matter if they're just walking on the trail, jogging, inline skating, pushing a baby stroller, walking the dogs, or riding a bike. There are all kinds of idiots on a bike trail that you have to watch out for.

I've been riding my bike on a popular Seattle bike trail. I've been using the bike more for commuting style riding for when I have some place to go and it's not necessary to take the car. A ride to North Seattle is a 40+ mile round trip almost all on dedicated bike path completely separate from the road. Too far for the Coker but trivial on the bike. So I use the bike (it's a singlespeed road bike).

If you ride on a popular bike path you're going to have close calls due to idiots. I've had my share of close calls while on the bike. Near head-ons from clumsy idiots swinging wide on corners. People walking who just suddenly walk onto the trail without bothering to look. People walking 3 abreast. Moms with a doublewide baby stroller and one or two dogs taking up the entire trail. Bikes riding two abreast. People just generally not looking. Bikes going for personal speed records and not bothering to slow down when there is congestion ahead.

Popular bike trails are like that. You have to deal with it.

In congested areas of the trail I keep my speed down and my alertness up. In the open areas I'm not against kicking up the speed, but when I see people ahead I slow down. If it's not safe to pass in an area I'll slow down and wait for a safe spot to pass. But there have been times when I've done that and gotten passed by bikes myself while going around a blind turn on the trail.

Bike trails are special situations with lots of mixed use traffic and lots of novice clumsy users. You have to be alert and ride defensively and even then you're going to have close calls.

[thejdw]

I know exactly what you mean with both those points.

I always get pedestrians stopping 10 metres ahead of me and waiting for me to go past, staring.
ohhhhhhh the people who stop and spend a min thinking of somthing to say to me.... and then dispite the long time all they can come up with is "f_ucking clown". :mad:

[fluxusmaximus]

The rant should be against idiots on bike paths. It's not the fact that they happen to be on a bike that makes them a problem. It's the fact that they're an idiot.

Nope, I'm specifically targeting my rant at idiots who ride a bike. Dumb pedestrians are another issue altogether. Some idiots will stand in front of you or run out so that you'll nearly hit them (I've a good intention to fall into one of them one day). But no, those are harmless because they haven't got a bigger, heavier metal object to 'bully' you around with.

I'm talking about cycling assholes who feel that because their bikes are bigger and/or nastier, they should announce their presence by forcing you off the road or showing off. On another note, I've had another guy on a bike stop horizontally in front of me, *nearly* forcing me into the main road (ie the one where cars whiz by). Pedestrians usually know that they'd get more hurt than you if you were to fall into them.



Popular bike trails are like that. You have to deal with it.

Like I mentioned, I wasn't on a popular bike trail at all. I was on an empty wide path where everyone has plenty of space WITHOUT cutting into anyone's path. I wouldn't rant at all if I were on a popular bike trail and stuff like that happens.

[yatsey]

I find most cyclists to be quite alright around here. I myself ride a lot, between my Mum, Dad and I we have 11 bikes, 4 of those are mine, so I tend to show a bit of consideration to cyclists anyway :P

[benjaug]

When I am on a unicycle, it can be annoying how the bicyclists treat the fact that I am riding it, but to tell you the truth, I bike a lot to get here and there, I can't say I really hate it, or people who do it.

[mattsmith]

I can't find hatred for cyclists. Most that I meet are perfectly pleasant. I cycle throughout the year (mostly because no-one else I know can ride a uni) and I frequently commute on my bike during the summer months.
There's always going to be morons out there, but I'd forgive the cyclists because at least they're doing something right.
Unicycling really disagrees with the need-for-speed mentality that prevails in our society. People will always view you with bafflement over why you didn't choose something faster. It's their loss. The enjoyment in the skill of the ride evades them.

[Hazmat]

I normally bike when my unicycle needs maintenance or repairs. I don't really care what bike riders say (unless its something positive ;))

I say let bike riders be bike riders. If the want to tease us then so be it.
And
If unicyclists want to be unicyclists. Then if they enjoy doing what we do. Who cares what others say or do. :D

[Triball]

The only thing I don't like about them is when they ride without hands on the steering and wait for positive comments and admiration.

But I never had any negative experiences with two wheelers.

I do hate cars, that see you riding on the side of the road and start driving slowly, 20 cms behind you and watching

[john_childs]

I'm talking about cycling assholes who feel that because their bikes are bigger and/or nastier, they should announce their presence by forcing you off the road or showing off. On another note, I've had another guy on a bike stop horizontally in front of me, *nearly* forcing me into the main road (ie the one where cars whiz by). Pedestrians usually know that they'd get more hurt than you if you were to fall into them.
I've generally not had any problems like that when on the unicycle on the bike path. But if I'm on the bike path I'm on my Coker and going at a medium speed for the bike path. I've not had anyone pull in front of me and then slow down.

If someone does do that don't be shy about yelling at them. I'm generally a shy and reserved guy but I've been known to let fly some verbal retribution to people who behave badly on the trail.

One humorous experience that left me perplexed was when a car stopped, blocking the crosswalk for the trail, rolled down the passenger side window, and then proceeded to congratulate me for stopping at the stop sign for the trail. What? What kind of pompous driver does that? Meanwhile he was holding up car traffic behind him. I'm just left there speechless thinking WTF.

It's an intersection where the trail crosses a road. There is a stop sign on the trail. The car traffic does not have a stop sign.

Riding on a bike trail gives you a lot of perplexing and sometimes exasperating experiences.

[thejdw]

I do hate cars, that see you riding on the side of the road and start driving slowly, 20 cms behind you and watching
ohhhhhhhh thats what I get. grrrrrrrrr it anoys me :mad: I usualy stop and start pedaling backwards :D

[maestro8]

Hatred is a poison in your soul. Breathe out your hatred, breathe in love. Realize no one is perfect, and look upon them with love and compassion.

With love in your soul the world is a brighter place in which to live.

[phlegm]

I hate myself. And my bikes too. :p

Seriously, though. As annoying as it can be when people assume you're unstable and will fall on them, we should all expect it. Especially when confronted with a split second decision, others will judge you based upon their experiences and common perception. And, for most non-unicyclists, unicycles are scary and impossible to ride.

[johnfoss]

Some idiots will stand in front of you or run out so that you'll nearly hit them (I've a good intention to fall into one of them one day).Run over their feet. It feels great! :)

Usually this only works if they're doing the "I'm going to trip you" pose, with a foot sticking out. Run right over it and usually they'll be impressed! If they pull it back at the last minute, that also means you've won. They flinched. I've done this many times, usually with people who know me.

I've had another guy on a bike stop horizontally in front of me, *nearly* forcing me into the main road (ie the one where cars whiz by).If it's obvious he's doing it to mess you up, have an "accident" into the side of his bike. Especially effective on a Coker. Dismount to the rear and let fly. If you're on a 20" that won't be very effective. Better to ride all the way up to the bike and help it "fall over" toward the rider if he's on the other side of it.

Both of those suggestions, from a legal standpoint, are assault of course. I don't really mean it. Long as we're talking about such things, if the guy stops sideways to block the path, ride around the non-road side and give him a little V-8 smack on the forehead as you go past. He'll think twice next time.

If assaulting someone is not something you want to do, just mutter "A##hole" as you ride past them.

Or, if you want to stay "above" them and not play into their taunting, simply ride around them. That's probably what I would do.

[thejdw]

Acan do this dismount thing were you jump off backwards and pretend to run it out, works great for people who jump out at you :D

[CKCrowe]

I cannot stand skaters, they always have something agianst it if they are no good, if they are any good they usually have respect for it.

[SARIN]

I can't see hating bicyclists either. There's stupid people in cars, on bikes, and probably a lot on uni's too. I uni all over the place here, and people are honking, cheering out car windows, pedestrians wish I'd stop to chat for 1000 questions, and bicyclists usually onlook with envy. I've never heard a bad remark yet.

What can bicyclists really say anyways??? 4 year olds ride on 2 wheels...how hard is it?

Of course odd remarks are usually common when people see the horns...not so much the uni!
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/superhands/5th-gen-main.jpg

[siafirede]

I don't think I have ever seen someone with that body modification before. What exactly is it? Looks painful.

[beeper]

this is a good story of the perks of unicycles, and the uhhh.. not perks of bikes...

me and my 9 yr old neighbor were riding our bikes, and i just got a new bmx.. my neighbor wanted to ride it, and he was used to pedaling backwards for the breaks. i told him everything, and he went full speed on my bike, and yells, HOW DO YOU STOP THIS THING!?!?! and he crashes into the curb, pops my tire, and bends my handlebars backwards.. screw bikes...

now whenever i get a new uni, he cant ride it. or anyone near me for that matter.

[SARIN]

I have the second biggest horns in the world next to my buddy Louie @ MexicanMutant.com.

They're cast silicone implants. The forehead pieces are transdermal implants which are removed now since the photo. They were 316LVM stainless steel and had removable threaded attachment pieces...No they weren't ISIS either, and they didn't fit K1 cranks!:D

Finding a good fitting helmet sucks, but overall compared to all the goofs on here snapping ankles and whatever else on uni's...it didn't hurt so bad.:o

[kington99]

They're cast silicone implants. The forehead pieces are transdermal implants which are removed now since the photo. They were 316LVM stainless steel and had removable threaded attachment pieces


sorry are they stainless or silicon? I've seen various transdermals cut from surgical silicon block (on websites, www.bmezine.com to be precise) but never cast, and i've never seen stainless implants that big under the skin.

EDIT: Ok this is a huge threadjack, and don't click that link if you don't like that kind of business.

[SARIN]

horns are casted silicone, and the center forhead pieces are from stainless...10 year old technology. Most are Ti now.

It all makes for great conversation while unicycling. People either steer clear, or won't leave me alone for hours with thier q's.

I'm a tattoo artist though so it makes for FANTASTIC business.

[john_childs]

now whenever i get a new uni, he cant ride it. or anyone near me for that matter.
Same with a fixed gear bike with eggbeater clipless pedals. One might be tempted to consider that combination to be casual theftproof. :D

[UniGirl4]

I race mountain bikes so i see lots of idiot riders...doesn't mean i'm going to stop riding. I'd be more worried about cars...drivers normally hate road riders and i have had people that try and pass when traffic is coming the other way. I get more respect on the trails and the road when i'm riding my uni then when i'm on my bike.

[Jerrick]

I like bikes, and most bikers. Specially the ones I meet at beacon hill (local DH trails where I live) All of them are interested, nice, and always looking for a partner to ride the trails.

[fluxusmaximus]

I've never heard a bad remark yet.

DUDE. You've got horns! I wouldn't dare cross you even if I were driving a 16wheeler. :eek:

[Mikefule]

OK, so after 4,000 posts, and owning a total of about 10 unicycles, riding thousands of one wheeled miles, and sharing what knowledge I have with other unicyclists to help to promote the growth of the sport over several years, I am now unwelcome in the forum because today I got a bicycle?

Or is there something I missed?

[thejdw]

Or is there something I missed?
you Uni

[oneisenough]

im a biker of all sorts and also a uni-er<---(? is that a word?). i have never heard anything but envy from other bikers, i have never been disrespected only because of the fact that i uni.

[Hung Like Saddam]

Everyday i walk to college ( i know i should unicycle) and each morning going up a steep hill on a narrow pavement this asshole on a b*ke speeds past me at 20+ mph. I have to practically stand in the bushes to avoid him.:mad:

[Into the blue]

Everyday i walk to college ( i know i should unicycle) and each morning going up a steep hill on a narrow pavement this asshole on a b*ke speeds past me at 20+ mph. I have to practically stand in the bushes to avoid him.:mad:

He shouldn't be riding on the pavement.
Next time stand your ground.
Take a picture of him with your mobile phone.
Ask him to say "Cheese."
When he asks what you're doing, just say "Taking a photo for the cops."

[hungry4uni]

I like bikes. It's a fun, fast way to get where you want to go. Cyclists are cool to. Certain cyclists are jerks, but it's biased to judge all cyclists based off of a few.

I do hate when people ask to ride though. I'm not going to stop my ride for them to certainly fall off, scratch my unicycle, and then give it back. Let me ride.

[Mikefule]

"Hatred for bikes and cyclists"?

Er... we're all cyclists. Perhaps you mean "bicyclists" as opposed to "unicyclists"? What about tricyclists? Motorcyclists?

Hatred is a strong word.

I was a keen member of the Cyclists Touring Club for years and sat on the local DA committee for a while. I was also in the Tandem Club, and the Rough Stuff Fellowship (off road bicycling before mountainbikes). I still have a single speed road bike and an 800cc motorcycle.

I forgive you for hating me.

Go in peace my child.

[jerome]

had a fare share of abusive gits on bikes,car drivers walkers just about anyone but men are worse ,section on it in latest uni magazine , got asked by a local old coffin dodger on a bike ,he stopped me and my friend then asked whats the point of unicycling ,spotted him behind me at traffic lights in his car about week ago ,i was in my car, lights changed to green i waited until they changed back to amber and left the old shit stuck at the lights lol

[hungry4uni]

had a fare share of abusive gits on bikes,car drivers walkers just about anyone but men are worse ,section on it in latest uni magazine , got asked by a local old coffin dodger on a bike ,he stopped me and my friend then asked whats the point of unicycling ,spotted him behind me at traffic lights in his car about week ago ,i was in my car, lights changed to green i waited until they changed back to amber and left the old shit stuck at the lights lol

haha


or should I say

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2302/2510825375_176f1608a0.jpg

[mornish]

haha


or should I say

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2302/2510825375_176f1608a0.jpg

Hahaa

[MuniAddict]

haha


or should I say...(haha!)

It's better if Nelson says it! :D
YouTube - nelson - haha

[lobbybopster]

Last Tuesday on my Muni, a girl on a mountain bike ran into my rearend. All I heard was, I'm sorry-I'm sorry! Bam, she ran directly into me from the backside going down hill, Two other bikes already went by and I was over to the side. Then her boyfriend shows up and starts with "Why don't you watch where your going" She starts crying and holding her wrist, so he attends to her. I slip away. Gosh my back aches and scrapped knee hurts.


I don't know, is it the out of control person in general?

Oh Yeah.



HA HA, HA, HA!