When a cyclists meets a car, in most cases the car wins.

[cerealjoe]

First of all, let me complain those assholes who drive to/from work... and who do not respect cyclists. Yes, I know, it's 5pm and you've been at work all day long and the only time there is traffic is between 4:30pm and 5:15pm (btw, what one calls dense traffic in Helsinki means pretty much light traffic in other cities) and for some reason you cannot wait an extra 15 minutes at work and all you want to do is rush home. Does it make it right for you to disregard cyclists when you cross the cycling path? When you're coming out of your company's parking lot, you're actually crossing a cycling path and guess who has priority? Yeah, the cyclists. So when you see a cyclist almost at the crossing, do not freaken stop right on the exit of the parking lot waiting for other cars to move! Wait a tad before the exit for the cyclist to pass then when there is no cyclist, move up. Seriously, this dude saw me and still drove right up and stopped right in the middle of the cycling path! Gah. I saw him coming and slowed down but I still had trouble braking in time because I really did not expect him to just stop right there. One meter either way, stupid asshole, not right there. The second guy who surprised me was one coming from a tiny side street street. At this point the cycling path is going down so yeah, it's hard to brake. The guy accelerated about 20m before crossing the cycling path when I was in clear view. He hit the brakes before the crossing but when you're on a bike, hearing someone slam the brakes right after accelerating still really scares you! What's the point of accelerating right before crossing a cycling/pedestrian path and joining a main road when there is a clear stop sign? No really. As a cyclist, I always follow road rules, I take cycling paths whenever I can, I stick to the side of the road when there is none, I wait at red lights, I do not attempt anything crazy like crossing a street when I'm not allowed to and there are cars around... so why can't they respect the fact that cyclists have priority on cycling roads? They probably would stop for a pedestrian (the pedestrian path is often right next to the cycling path), cyclists aren't better protected than pedestrians, they should watch out for us too. Bah. I think all those drivers should get on a bike and see what it feels like being ignored by a car! Right. But on the good side, my dinner tonight was awesome! Deconstructed sushi! Complete with egg, cucumber, mushroom, carrot and seaweed.

Comments

[anglo-phile.livejournal.com]

I so agree with you re:car drivers... Over here, some of them only leave a foot or so of space between them and me when they overtake me. The law states that they have to leave a meter and a half. It's so fucking dangerous! I only have to swerve a little to end up in their side (which is not unlikely seeing how bad the streets are around here). Also, it always gives me a hell of a fright.

Seriously...

Oh, and that food looks delicious!

[cerealjoe.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's why I avoid roads as much as I can! Thank goodness we have a great number of cycling paths around here but in Marseille and Toulon I had to cycle on roads, and as you said, car drivers never leave enough space!

[anglo-phile.livejournal.com]

I wish I could do that, but my university town (despite being one) lacks those in a lot of areas.

[thinking-lotus.livejournal.com]

mmm, I love making "deconstructed sushi" though usually I call it "sushi salad."

[cerealjoe.livejournal.com]

Yep, it's the best thing ever! And there is no need to actually roll anything (I have a tiny kitchen... so very limited rolling area).