Big D

how mad is it that here in texas its illegal to ride a bike (cycle) without a helmet - but not a motor bike - what kind of messed up logic is that!?!?!

cutina

maybe they don't like Bikers....

CarlM

Same logic thats says nudity on television is disgusting and immoral, but shooting people on tv is great fun and entertaining!

Celtic_Angel

well I often enjoy cycling around the neighbourhood with my kids and never once have I seen somebody cycling against the flow of traffic

dunroving

Texan logic - you know, the "killing people is wrong. If you do it, we'll kill you" type logic.

OK, sorry, didn't mean to go there ....

jamjar

How about shooting nude people?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,92070,00.html
( Turned out to be a hoax --- but that's Fox for you --- all made up, all the time.)

CitySimon

When I did the mandatory 5 hour safe driving course (NY) prior to getting my drivers license I was in a room of about 20-25 people (of which most were high school kids).

The guy "teaching" the class asked for a show of hands as to whether the people in the class thought you should cycle with traffic or into traffic. I was one of only two people who said that you should cycle WITH traffic. The other 20-ish people were clearly shocked when they were told that you are supposed to cycle with traffic.

I asked a couple of the people in the class where they learnt that. Apparently most are taught by parents that if you do cycle on the road to cycle into traffic, obviously it's faaar safer that way!

I think that schools need to have a cycling proficiency course like they have in England.

It does amaze me the number of cyclists I see at night with no lights, no helmets, no reflective clothing and cycling into traffic. :scared:

Seriously though, how many people turning right at a junction actually LOOK right to check for cyclists? Being honest, I very rarely even think about it.

gruffbrown

In NJ they cycle into traffic, so at least they can make eye contact with the person that hits them

Bob

The logic behind it is that they are going to be more visible to on coming traffic and they can see it themselves...which is pants...just learn the ride a bike properly and not weave out onto the road like a complete pillock...

Bob

Same in Maine...because the motor biking lobby is pretty large and strong apparantly, and when they don't want to use a helmet, they get their wish because they make a large chunk of votes, while kids can't vote and they don't care...though the police turn a blind eye to anyone over 18, and even then they don't stop kids without helmets, but they do get a bollocking if they get involved in an accident I've noticed

Angry White Pyjamas

Its not a problem down here as no one rides bikes anyway. And besides it wouldnt matter which way you go your still gonna get nailed by some ancient Nooo Yoiker in a Buick swerving their way along the highway.

snorkmaiden

My hubby still cycles and I hate it, the drivers are crazy here and I worry until he calls me to say he's arrived at work safely. I've not seen anyone cycling against the flow of traffic yet although I've seen people cycling quite a way from the kerb, the reason for that I imagine is that there is so much crap next to the kerb they wouldn't get very far without getting a flat.

For the very same reason I try and stick to the middle lane, I am constantly getting flat tyres here, it's because of all the construction apparently, nails everywhere.

It would be better if they cleared some of the sidewalks that have grass and weeds growing over them so the cyclists could use them, it's not like anyone uses them to actually walk on

jamjar

You mean to say you actually have sidewalks there???
We looked at a new housing development that's being built here and the big selling point is that it has sidewalks and street lights!!! Next they'll be putting fences round the back gardens.

dbj1000

That would explain the odd looks I get riding my bike without a helmet here.

Are you sure it's illegal? I'd heard something about kids having to wear helmets (mine do) but not adults.

As someone who has ridden many thousands of miles in various parts of the world, but almost none in Texas, I'm not a great fan of bike helmets, and can't imagine ever wearing one... unless it's the law.

dbj1000

Your hubby doesn't work for TI, does he? I see at least three people who regularly ride to work on the TI campus at LBJ and Central, on the 3-lane freeway access roads and all, and it never ceases to amaze/terrify me.