Posted on 06/30/2014 8:38:03 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A new breed of cyclist is infecting our roads and destroying the inclusive nature of bike riding. Jamie Fewery introduces 'sportive snobbery'
It was inevitable that with the rapid growth in cycling, factions would emerge. Sub groups of cyclists who define themselves by how seriously they take the sport, their kit, their observance of cyclings heritage; gangs and coteries who jostle to adopt the lifestyle to a greatest degree. Reach a critical mass of humans who enjoy a shared interest and lines will inevitably be drawn. The peloton rarely sticks together.
For the most part, this is fine. As with any pastime there will be those who are content with occasional participation and those who immediately look to emulate the pros. But theres a downside as well: snobbery. The idea that some are not only better than others, but that those at the lower end of the commitment and ability scale shouldnt really be there at all.
Ive noticed it a few times in discussions about the professional side of cycling, where commentators have a disdain for the popularisation of their sport since Bradley Wiggins won the Tour in 2012. It's as they hold Wiggins personally accountable for allowing the great unwashed in on the secret. Or in forums and articles, where self-defined guardians of recreational cycling denigrate those who have the gall to wear a yellow jersey, as if doing so aligns the amateur with Eddy Merckx. And then there's the articles about whether people should or shouldn't wear Lycra (I do, in case youre wondering).
But cycling snobbery at its worst is on the road.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Everyone who has had a fatal accident has avoided one up until that time.
Im an excellent, conscientious driver.
Who has talked here about coming around blind curves so fast they barely avoided hitting a horse and buggy and cyclists.
From what you've said here, you're not conscientious. Just lucky.
So far.
cause NOWHERE, have i seen where she said she was going over the posted speed limit...
I wonder how many cyclists actually dress like that in countries like Holland or Denmark where cycling is actually the prevailing means of transportation.
I don’t care what the speed limits say. If you can’t stop safely within the distance you can see ahead on the road, you’re driving too fast. Is this a difficult concept?
It's pretty much the same as here. Commuter cyclists wear what they're going to work in. People cycling for sport or recreation wear the same bike outfits cylists wear here. Besides the Japanese Pearl Izumi, most of the cyclingwear brands are European.
if you aren't breaking the law, you are not driving too fast...
now there's a thing called driving too fast for conditions like fog/rain/snow/ice but that was never mentioned
now either the state speed limit is right or it's wrong... like you said, it's a simple concept, so which is it???
Yup. I have a Dyna 96 incher in the stable so I've been on both sides of the pass.
Stay safe.
Thanks, yes it did, and Salamander and I are friends now. So we understand eachother better now. She’s pretty cool!
Here’s an idea: Driving the speed limit, rear end a slower moving vehicle. Then explain to the officer that you did nothing wrong.
good night and thanks for playing...
I may not exceed the posted limits [and decrease speed by at least 10mph after dark or during inclement weather] *but*, I have often griped that 50mph is way too fast for this rural area which has scads of homes right along RT40 and more wildlife moving around than you can imagine.
4 miles west of me, they have sanely reduced the speed limit incrementally in the mile approaching “town” from 50mph to 40mph and finally, 25mph.
Going out of town, it increases to 35 and then 50 again.
Where I live was once a colonial “service” village of blacksmiths, wheelwrights and inns with a post office so we *are* technically a “town”, even if it’s a very, very small one.
I’ve begged every branch of law to set up speed traps around here.
When something happens on I70, all those speed demon psychos detour at 65mph through *my* little world.
After the interstate clears and they all go back to their manic orbits, there are miles of wildlife carnage in either direction.
One of these days, it’s going to be somebody’s kid on the road.
:-\
If the driver just pulled out in front of you it’s their fault. If they were on the road and you just rammed them because you couldn’t stop safely within the distance you could see up the road, then it’s your fault, and you whining to the judge that you were doing the speed limit isn’t going to go far. Seriously, how did you pass the written drivers test? This isn’t a complicated concept.
And thanks for ‘having my back’ but he’s formed his own determined reality that has absolutely nothing to do with mine.
I try to avoid arguing [more than I already have, anyway] with those who entrench themselves in the war for ‘rightness’, no matter what the truth may actually be.
It’s pointless.
If I wanted to do that, I’d sign up at DU.
:)
Aw, shucks.
/scuffles feet
;]
Yes, it is complicated.
Here are legal and valid exemptions/defenses for fault in a rear-end collision.
Improper lane change or failure to yield.
Affirmative testimony regarding a mechanical failure.
Affirmative testimony of a sudden and unexpected stop or unexpected lane change by the car in front.
When a vehicle has been illegally and, therefore, unexpectedly stopped.
A vehicle backs into your car.
Seriously, how did you pass the written drivers test?
Night, Chode.
:)
It attracts folks with cardio but no brawn
Like soccer...a sport for men with less threatening toughness
Indicative of how far the free testosterone of western Caucasian men has fallen
I prefer polo if one must...
Hey CAGIRLALWAYS!! Keep working that butt... best one I know... way better than Becky!
:)
I just ran across this thread full of a lot of stupid comments from [apparently] stupid and bigoted people.
Oh well, even here on FR it takes all kinds. So here's an instructive video that I think my roadie friends in the TdF peloton will enjoy. ( Especially the tip at 2:40! ;-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.