Cobb targets cyclists (Cobb County, Georgia)

Atlanta Journal Constitution ^ | 1/23/07 | CRAIG SCHNEIDER

[GeorgiaDawg32]

With its flat surface, wide shoulders and lack of parked cars, Columns Drive near Marietta draws dozens of cyclists on a nice day, including many who use the somewhat remote road as their training track, riding lap after lap up and down the 2 1/2 mile street.

But angry residents who live along the road in upwards of million-dollar homes say the cyclists whip along the street three or more abreast, cutting off cars, robbing the roadway and scaring people even as they step out to check their mailbox.

[GeorgiaDawg32]

I have nothing against cyclists, but using a street in a subdivision as a personal training area isn't right..

[Ben Mugged]

When they ride in large groups they also tend to ignore traffic laws (like stop signs).

[sopwith]

THUMP THUMP

[GeorgiaDawg32]

agreed..it's the law in georgia that cyclists must ride single file when on a public road, but I've seen them 3 - 4 abreast and 4 - 5 deep and they simply refuse to move over for traffic to get through..very dangerous because where I live the roads rarely are straight enough to see who's coming and you take chances passing them on a curve..

[em2vn]

If the cops impound one TREK bike the problem will solve itself.

[lesser_satan]

I bike a lot myself, but I want to shove a stick in the spokes of the ^ssholes who ride three abreast and block traffic. It's not the mountain-bikers or hippy-types who are the problem either, it's the Lance-Armstrong-wannabe jerkoffs in sponsor-festooned spandex from head to toe.

[Kimmers]

I am also willing to share the road with cyclists but in my area cyclists are road hogs that disobey the rules of the road and they haven't seen a stop sign they don't blow through.

My hats off to those few that obey the rules!!!!

[Hoodlum91]

Most in the city ignore the laws anyway, whether they're in a group or alone.

[GeorgiaDawg32]

you're absolutely correct..

[AnAmericanMother]

Wow, if they're complaining up on Columns Drive (which is flat as a table and quite wide), then we CERTAINLY need to raise some sand in Vinings.

The Atlanta Bicycle Club has a regular weekend ride down the main drag in Vinings -- a hilly, curvy, narrow 2 lane blacktop with no shoulders, a narrow sidewalk right on the curb with no grassy verge, and blind driveways and side roads every 1-200 yards.

There may be as many as 50-75 cyclists on a nice sunny day -- and they completely ignore the rules of the road, riding 5 or 6 abreast, not signalling, gliding through stop signs, etc.

I came over a blind hill to find that the cyclists were riding so many abreast that the guy on the end had drifted over into my lane of traffic. He came within a couple of feet of becoming a hood ornament, but I was going slow because I'd seen some leaders and was able to swerve and stop.

Then of course he shot me the bird. He ought to have been thankful to be alive, the idiot.

[GeorgefromGeorgia]

I am an avid cyclist and generally ride about 120 miles per week. Also, I participate in group, planned cycling events. The Georgia law is always provided, and additional courtesies and rules are stated. The vast majority of cyclists follow the Georgia laws, which require riding on to the far right of a highway, stopping at stop signs/red lights, and respecting pedestrians and other cars. We generally try to ride where car/truck traffic is light.

On the other hand, most motorists are polite to cyclists, but many motorists drive talking on cell phones, or are inattentive to cyclists. Frankly, I ride very defensively. On several occasions, I have gone off a road because I see a driver in my rear view mirror that scares me. If a car hits me at 60 mph, I am probably toast.

On balance, cyclists are probably more defensive and polite than most motorists. Unfortunately, it sounds like some of these bike riders were in the minority. By the way, if you want good health, loose weight and heart rate (mine is 45), take up cycling.

[cyclotic]

Why not?

This law is insane and will never pass muster. Cyclists have as much right to the road as others.

Also, I'd love to see cyclists doing 30, 40 and 50mph. My best ever is 40, down a huge hill with a big tailwind. Maintaining more than 25 cruising in a pack is difficult.

Also, if the people are concerned about getting hit while at their mailbox, try looking before you walk into the street. Cyclists don't want to hit them as much as they don't want to get hit.

[Kimmers]

OMGosh what is with those Lance-Armstrong wannabe's....I think the spandex must cut off blood supply to the common sense are of their brains.....I am a very calm person but the Lance wannabes cause me to think evil thoughts

[freedomlover]

did you call?

[Moose4]

When I lived up near Lynchburg, VA, I was active in the amateur radio club there and we helped out with several "bike-a-thons" around the area. Most of the riders were pretty good and very careful, but you always had a few that simply would not listen to the pre-ride briefings about how to ride (Virginia's laws are similar to Georgia's, single file only on a public road) and would clog up an entire lane, 3-4 wide, on a tiny lane-and-a-half country road or twisty two-lane mountain blacktop. None of them ever got run over, though I always did consider that a miracle. And, the ones that tended to break the laws were the most ardent riders with the most expensive gear. The weekend warriors that were doing the ride just for the charity of it followed the laws.

}:-)4

[Old Professer]

Especially if the wind disturbs my prize Irises.

[Andonius_99]

you can count me among those few that do obey the rules. I saw a kid on a bike get hit one time - not a pretty sight. I changed my riding habits after that.

[Investment Biker]

Most cyclist only ask for a little courtesy and safe passing. Most in turn are considerate cyclists. In Ohio it is lawful to ride two abreast, but I almost never ride like that unless there is virtually no traffic.

One has to wonder though why they need a new law. It is already illegal to ride two abreast. Or are they just after those that will ride in one area multiple times in a single ride? It seems silly to target all for the need to get a few. Things to consider though- will there be equal enforcement of children riding twice by their moms home? Will the car that goes to the store to pick up something and then returns home also be ticketed?

I was going to go to Atlanta this spring to ride the Silver Comet Trail. Now that trip is scratched.

[Dark Skies]

I'm an avid cyclist and used to ride Columns Drive daily. As you say, cylcists have every bit as much right to the road and most cyclists I know are extremely polite.