Naples Pathways Coalition

Safe pathways so we can all be self-propelled

Why add fuel to the fire?

Please read the letter below. It was written to City Council and the Naples Police Department.

While it is certainly possible that this is an exaggeration, (is there really an 'always' and 'never' in REAL life?) I have seen quite a bit of bad behavior out there by cyclists.

It is NOT just cyclists in spandex - although this is who is being called out below. When people on bikes fail to stop at stop signs and stop lights, weave in and out of traffic, don't look before they go - it gives all cyclists a bad name and makes it even harder for NPC to advocate for the rights and needs of cyclists. And YES, I'm seeing a lot of bad driving out there too!

When you ride, please think of it as an opportunity to be an ambassador for the cycling community. We are targets of some motorists. Unfortunately that is a fact. Let's not give them any fuel for the fire.

Please be safe and responsible out there - and keep in mind that even when you do everything right, some motorists are going to be aggressive toward you because of the poor choices of others. Stereo-typing of any group is wrong. All cyclists are not irresponsible, all drivers are not out to run you off the road.

Subject: Bicyclists

I have no objection to bicyclists.

I do have an objection to their running through Stop Signs and Stop lights in complete disregard of them, and pulling across in front of autos which are proceeding properly.

If any bicyclist with his/her cute costume has ever stopped at a stop sign on Crayton or Gulfshore I have never seen it. I have watched then pull across in front of autos which have stopped at stop signs, as required, as they have started to move.Of course if the auto should hit the bicyclist which pulled in front of it the driver of the car would be blamed.

The bicyclists are no more considerate of pedestrians at intersections. They make them scatter even though they have the right of way.

In short the bicyclists are the worst traffic violators inNaples and are getting worse. They believe that they have the absolute right of way in all cases. A Red light has no meaning for them, they will slow a bit and then dash across in front of legally moving autos.

Unless the Police Department recognizes this and puts a stop to it you will have tragedies. Bicyclists "sharing the road" is one thing. Their taking over the roads is quite another.

Joe Mainous

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Permalink Reply by Catherine C. Faerber on February 9, 2012 at 2:31pm

I too share this man’s opinion in the letter below. Bicyclist “Sharing the Road” is one thing. Their taking over the road is quite another.

The NPC, as an advocacy group have to get it into the heads of the cyclist it's a two way street with regards to courtesy on the road. Cyclists expect certain rights with "Share the Road". Unfortunately I noticed this sharing concept not being reciprocated back to the motorist from the cyclist. There are those riders who feel they can dominate the roads and too often not allowing cars to pass. They not only feel they have the right to do so but go further to act inappropriately when a motorist honks in order to pass.

My pet peeve is when a group of cyclists do what I call "swarm" a car at an intersection. The motorists were clearly there first and have the right of way but riders proceed to encircle the car and not always stop. These are often older drivers, cyclists actions renders them totally confused. Some rightfully so get angry and yell but the part that blows me away is the cyclists have the nerve to yell back as if it is the motorist was at fault. What goes through their head when they can justify this kind of behavior? Other motorists just stop because they are terrified they will hit someone. It all very dangerous and unfortunate as the whole group is deemed inconsiderate because of a select few.

Again we as the advocacy group along with the Naples Velo and the Bike Shop have to instill some very simple rule for group rides at intersection.

DO….. FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD INCLUDING STOPPING AT INTERSECTIONS. DO.....LET THE CARS GO IF THEY WERE THERE FIRST. DO.... STAY TOGETHER AS A GROUP AT THE STOPS.

DON'T.... FAN OUT ACROSS MULTIPLE LANES. DON'T..... SWARM CARS DON'T.... GO UP ON SIDEWALK OR DOWN THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD TO GET THROUGH AN INTERSECTION FASTER. DON’T…..PULL OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC THAT CLEALY HAS THE RIGHT AWAY FORCING THEM TO SLOW OR STOP AND IF YOU ARE LEADING THE PACK DON'T.......PULL OUT IN FRONT OF CARS IF YOU KNOW THE WHOLE GROUP CAN'T MAKE IT.

REMEMBER...... THESE ARE RIDES NOT RACES AND WHO CARES IF YOU WERE THE FIRST THROUGH AN INTERSECTION.

It is very simple, treat the motorist with the courtesy that you wish to be treated with as a cyclist on the road.

This gentleman’s letter below should be sent to all bike shops. NC night rides and the large Velo Wednesday and Friday morning rides are out of hand due to numbers. These rides have multiple offenders. For those who know me, I have a tendency to call out offenders be it a cyclist or motorist particuarly when the behavior puts riders safety at risk. There are many who would prefer not being singled when they show poor judgement, violate laws or ignore common ride etiquette. My advise to them is, if they don’t want this negative attention, just learn to be considerate to everyone on the road or ride by yourself.

Catherine Faerber

Doug

I have no objection to bicyclists.

I do have an objection to their running through Stop Signs and Stop lights in complete disregard of them, and pulling across in front of autos which are proceeding properly.

The bicyclists are no more considerate of pedestrians at intersections. They make them scatter even though they have the right of way.

In short the bicyclists are the worst traffic violators in Naples and are getting worse. They believe that they have the absolute right of way in all cases. A Red light has no meaning for them, they will slow a bit and then dash across in front of legally moving autos.

Unless the Police Department recognizes this and puts a stop to it you will have tragedies. Bicyclists "sharing the road" is one thing. Their taking over the roads is quite another.