Bicycles.
Who didn't love to ride bikes when they were a kid? Who doesn't recognize bicycling as a great form of exercise, especially as an adult? Who doesn't see bicyclers riding to raise money for charity? Texas hosts several MS-150 rides every year.
So, why do I feel more than a little angst when I see cyclists traveling "my" back country roads? Why do I have a hard time even SAYING the word 'bicycle' without a bit of a scowl?
It seems so may cyclists - in my area anyway - have this 'entitlement mentality'. They ride as though they are entitled to the entire road. These roads are small, two lane, no shoulder farm roads. They curve and they rise and fall with many areas that are blind to oncoming traffic.
How many times I've come around a curve, started up a hill, only to discover two cyclists riding abreast, taking up the entire lane, oblivious to the world around them. My choices? Slam on my brakes or cross the double yellow lines to try and pass them. I brake. They continue to take up the entire lane, impeding my progress until we crest the hill and I have clear view to pass.
Oh, and many cyclists will tell you that they HAVE the right to the road and cars MUST yield to them. So I did a quick google search of Texas laws.
Sec. 551.103. .. a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway
(c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast. Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway. Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
Just Sayin' ....
Hairstyles of my little dancer
11 years ago
Hi Deb, have a great time in the Hill Country! I love New Braunfels. There are about 5 live-music venues in Gruene, including famed Gruene Hall, with the Gristmill right next door in case you get hungry. If you have daytime hours, go to Landa Park and see where the Comal River springs from the side of a hill--the largest springs in Texas. Downtown New Braunfels is charming with several good dining venues. The locals go to the Huisatche Grill (across the rr tracks from the fire station). Have a great trip.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Leakey area but haven't spent much time there. Can't wait to hear about your discoveries.
LOL yeah tell that to them. For some reason they seem to think that the road is theres. Here they tend to ride 2 or 3 abreast and take up most of the lane. Bikers riding on the road make me nervous. When I slow down to pass them I always picture them falling over at that moment and becoming a speed bump. I white knuckle it all the way past them.
ReplyDeleteTiffany @ Wyatt Family Farm