This morning we on the N. Shore Train, ran the whole gamut of non-Motorized hazards.
First we encountered the obligatory, need-to-get-in-shape, haven't-ridden-a-bicycle-in-days type. It was weaving it's way slowly along, halfway out in traffic, getting ticked when anyone came too close. Unless you're an experienced rider, STAY OFF THE ROAD IN RUSH HOUR FOOL!
Next we had a couple walkers, toddling along point to the water, smiling & chatting ... side by frickin side in the frickin road. Go find a field to walk around (Shelly Bay was less than 500 yards away!) instead of our Road.
Last - and by no means least - the Police Cadets / Cadre / don't know what they were, had been sent on a run obviously from Prospect, out along Middle Road & back via N. Shore. This was either an attempt to slow traffic down by offering Sacrificial Lambs OR the officer in charge is FACKIN STUPID. More than one of them got hit by Mirrors that I saw from way back, so I'm sure other were too.
All 3 of these modes of transport need to be REMOVED from the Roads during The Rush. Period. Tough sh1t of you're off the road or need to exercise, ride @ 6:00am or 10:00am NOT anytime in between.
Friday
2-Foot Driving ... Grrrrrr
I don't know how prevalent it is on other thoroughfares about De Rock, but on my route (N. Shore) the number of drivers who 2-foot drive is amazing.
What is 2-Foot driving you ask? When you operate your 4-Wheeler with one foot on the Brake & one foot on the Gas. Unless your sh1tbox is in danger of stalling if you take your foot off the gas (been there - sympathetic!), drive properly.
As a Rider, I have to be constantly aware of Brake Lights ... particularly around sharp corners during The Rush. But if your speed is NOT going to change, keep your damn foot off the brake. All you do is create a domino effect of brakes that could cause someone to slam on hard for no real reason. That endangers us on the Bike more than most situations.
What is 2-Foot driving you ask? When you operate your 4-Wheeler with one foot on the Brake & one foot on the Gas. Unless your sh1tbox is in danger of stalling if you take your foot off the gas (been there - sympathetic!), drive properly.
As a Rider, I have to be constantly aware of Brake Lights ... particularly around sharp corners during The Rush. But if your speed is NOT going to change, keep your damn foot off the brake. All you do is create a domino effect of brakes that could cause someone to slam on hard for no real reason. That endangers us on the Bike more than most situations.
Tuesday
Back to School = Killer Morning Traffic
What a difference a week (or so) makes!
This time last week, the drive into Town was problem-free; not a single stop, never had to put my foot down, don't think I even passed anyone! Starting last Monday, that all changed.
There are some who insist on pointing fingers at the Private schools as the cause, but I disagree. The major cause is the buses. The Ministry now has put into place schedules that allow no margin for error. If there is even the slightest delay, the Buses overlap eachother causing multiple buses in confined spaces.
Of course, the few laybys on my route are NOT designed to contain more than 1 bus at a time. This leaves the drivers with 2 choices: a) Sit behind the first bus stopping traffic completely - or - b) try to pass without smearing the oncoming traffic against the opposite wall.
This all leaves those of us on Bikes with the 4-Wheeler like predicament of sitting in traffic.
This time last week, the drive into Town was problem-free; not a single stop, never had to put my foot down, don't think I even passed anyone! Starting last Monday, that all changed.
There are some who insist on pointing fingers at the Private schools as the cause, but I disagree. The major cause is the buses. The Ministry now has put into place schedules that allow no margin for error. If there is even the slightest delay, the Buses overlap eachother causing multiple buses in confined spaces.
Of course, the few laybys on my route are NOT designed to contain more than 1 bus at a time. This leaves the drivers with 2 choices: a) Sit behind the first bus stopping traffic completely - or - b) try to pass without smearing the oncoming traffic against the opposite wall.
This all leaves those of us on Bikes with the 4-Wheeler like predicament of sitting in traffic.
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