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News & ArtsFriday, June 10, 2011
Crime / Transportation / ??!! Cyclist Makes Jackasses out of NYC Cops
Posted by Goldy on Fri, Jun 10, 2011 at 10:27 AM
After getting a $50 ticket for riding outside the painted bike lanes, a NYC cyclist makes jackasses out of the NYC cops through a brilliant (and I assume, painful) act of discivil obedience. Worth watching through the end.
(Via Jalopnik. Slog tipper Tim.)
1
It's worth noting that it is not illegal to ride outside of the bike lanes in NYC, or in Seattle for that matter.
3
@1:
There's a section in the video that references just that - but unfortunately, the NYPD who originally ticketed him apparently was unaware of it.
There's a section in the video that references just that - but unfortunately, the NYPD who originally ticketed him apparently was unaware of it.
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@3, also, I wonder what was written on the ticket? like what was the actual citation? riding recklessly or something, probably?
6
I was all set to hate on the biker for being such a dick at the outset of the video, with his sanctimonious "I'm doing the world a favor" shit, but he won me over because 1) he's obviously correct (about the stupidity of the law, not the sanctimony), and 2) his comic timing is awesome.
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@6
As a cyclist, I also cringed at "I'm doing the world a favor." God, do I hate that shit. I ride a bike because it's fun, not because I think I'm doing other people a favor.
As a cyclist, I also cringed at "I'm doing the world a favor." God, do I hate that shit. I ride a bike because it's fun, not because I think I'm doing other people a favor.
8
"I'm doing the world a favor riding my bike!"
Wow. "I'm doing the world a favor riding my bike!"
Says it all, doesn't it?
Wow. "I'm doing the world a favor riding my bike!"
Says it all, doesn't it?
9
Pretty sure that is the same guy from the viral ipod video about not being able to replace the battery.
10
They really need to worry more about cars encroaching on bike lanes. A few years back, my girlfriend got knocked to the asphalt by a car making a right turn on red without checking the bike lane, slightly injuring her (only some scrapes and bruises, thank God) and totaling her bike. I routinely have to detour into traffic lanes on major streets because some asshole can't park properly, or isn't pulled over all the way while preparing to make a right turn. Oh, and the dooring. I've come within inches of getting doored by unwary motorists exiting parked cars, and dooring can be lethal on busy streets.
15
With opening doors, turning cars, and wet leaves, it's often safer to not ride in the bike lane. Funny video, although doesn't it count as civil obedience, not civil disobedience, if he's still obeying the law?!
16
As nice as it is to cite examples of how often one does need to go out of the bike lane, I dont see the one for in which he was issued a ticket for.
In NY, its illegal to use the sidewalk. Many pedestrians will get hit by them, so thats why this law is enforced the way it is. Classic that this cyclists jackass doesnt even bother to use a helmet when making this demonstration.
In NY, its illegal to use the sidewalk. Many pedestrians will get hit by them, so thats why this law is enforced the way it is. Classic that this cyclists jackass doesnt even bother to use a helmet when making this demonstration.
17
How is riding a bike NOT doing the world a favor? Are we so self obsorbed and reliant on our cars that we forget the incredible toll they exact from the environment, the economy, and geopolitical relationships?
I find people play the jackass card most often to counter a logical and true statement that goes against incredibly ingrained behavioral patterns or worldviews that really don't hold up. Instead of being able to accept the consequences of a life choice that is terrible for the environment and our relationship with oil states, it's much easier to dismiss the guy as an arrogant prick.
I find people play the jackass card most often to counter a logical and true statement that goes against incredibly ingrained behavioral patterns or worldviews that really don't hold up. Instead of being able to accept the consequences of a life choice that is terrible for the environment and our relationship with oil states, it's much easier to dismiss the guy as an arrogant prick.
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@10, yep, the old right hook. I'm glad she was okay.
This guy is great, and I wish cities would put more effort into keeping bike lanes clear -- not just of the obvious obstacles, but of gravel and glass. Imagine if roadways were frequently covered with rocks, chunks of glass, or unexpected sections of gravel. Cyclists deal with this all the time, and it makes things harder for everyone on the road. Drivers should not have to anticipate cyclists swerving into their lanes, but frequently there's no other option.
This guy is great, and I wish cities would put more effort into keeping bike lanes clear -- not just of the obvious obstacles, but of gravel and glass. Imagine if roadways were frequently covered with rocks, chunks of glass, or unexpected sections of gravel. Cyclists deal with this all the time, and it makes things harder for everyone on the road. Drivers should not have to anticipate cyclists swerving into their lanes, but frequently there's no other option.
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@11
Not really. Even accepting his premises, which are all false, but even if you pretend this guy is correct about anything, he's saying that if you're driving a car, and anything blocks the road, you should drive up on the sidewalk. Because it's either drive on the sidewalk or crash into whatever is in front of you.
Everyone knows, of course, that cars have to stop if the road is blocked. It happens all the time. This morning a delivery truck blocked my way and I hit the brakes and waited. I might have had to back out of there if he didn't move. Such is life in the big city.
But bicyclists can't deal with that concept, because any time a bicycle has to stop, they lose all their hard won momentum. Stopping and starting is a bitch on a bicycle.
So, you could either conclude that bicycles are flawed because riders have such a problem with stopping and starting, or you could construct some fantasy world where somehow logic and physics must be bent and twisted to make it so that bicyclists never have to stop for anything. And on top of that all that, you have to turn common sense on its head and make yourself believe that the poor stopping and starting performance of bicycles is a good thing.
Because if bicycles are your religion, admitting they are flawed is blasphemy.
Not really. Even accepting his premises, which are all false, but even if you pretend this guy is correct about anything, he's saying that if you're driving a car, and anything blocks the road, you should drive up on the sidewalk. Because it's either drive on the sidewalk or crash into whatever is in front of you.
Everyone knows, of course, that cars have to stop if the road is blocked. It happens all the time. This morning a delivery truck blocked my way and I hit the brakes and waited. I might have had to back out of there if he didn't move. Such is life in the big city.
But bicyclists can't deal with that concept, because any time a bicycle has to stop, they lose all their hard won momentum. Stopping and starting is a bitch on a bicycle.
So, you could either conclude that bicycles are flawed because riders have such a problem with stopping and starting, or you could construct some fantasy world where somehow logic and physics must be bent and twisted to make it so that bicyclists never have to stop for anything. And on top of that all that, you have to turn common sense on its head and make yourself believe that the poor stopping and starting performance of bicycles is a good thing.
Because if bicycles are your religion, admitting they are flawed is blasphemy.
20
wow Liberals are such whiny pussies...
"hey- that guy is double parked..."
"wait- that guy sent an email of HIS dick..."
whaaaaaaaaaaa
"hey- that guy is double parked..."
"wait- that guy sent an email of HIS dick..."
whaaaaaaaaaaa
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@10: If you ride your bike with any frequency in the city, you've either gotten taken out by a right hook like your girlfriend or come close.
It's a fundamental design flaw of having the bike lane be on the inside of the innermost car lane - drivers are neither trained nor conditioned to check the right side mirror when making a right turn because 99% of the time they don't have to.
It's a fundamental design flaw of having the bike lane be on the inside of the innermost car lane - drivers are neither trained nor conditioned to check the right side mirror when making a right turn because 99% of the time they don't have to.
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@19
What the fuck are you talking about?
He got a ticket for not riding in the bike lane. He was riding in the street. That is not illegal.
What this video hopes to prove is that the bike lanes are often obstructed, which means cyclists have to ride in the lane (which is legal, remember?) in order to ride anywhere.
What are you going on about starting and stopping, and bicycle religions? You missed the point, dipshit.
What the fuck are you talking about?
He got a ticket for not riding in the bike lane. He was riding in the street. That is not illegal.
What this video hopes to prove is that the bike lanes are often obstructed, which means cyclists have to ride in the lane (which is legal, remember?) in order to ride anywhere.
What are you going on about starting and stopping, and bicycle religions? You missed the point, dipshit.
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I wish the judge would have known it wasn't illegal when my wife contested her ticket for riding "outside the bike lane" in Manhattan a few years ago. She was making a right turn from the right lane of a wide, multi-lane avenue that has its bike lane on the left side. I went with her and read the State's own official driver's training manual to the judge about right turns, and bicycles having to follow the same laws as cars, and nothing. Guilty, but only $10. I was angry about the injustice, but it was only $10 and it was hard to justify going through the appeal process. Two years later, she was going through her citizenship application, and...
Anyway, the examiner did a facepalm and said, "Why did you put that down?" The answer of course was that the application swore you to the complete truth and asked if you'd ever been convicted of anything or detained by the police. Sigh...
Anyway, the examiner did a facepalm and said, "Why did you put that down?" The answer of course was that the application swore you to the complete truth and asked if you'd ever been convicted of anything or detained by the police. Sigh...
30
What a jack ass... So if I'm driving my car in the car lane, and an obstruction appears in that lane (like, say, a cyclist) I should just run into it? (Like he did the cars and trucks that appeared in the bike lane).
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@28 The only bicycle helmet law in NYC is for kids under 14. Personally, I won't ride without one, and I believe the law should be changed to include adults, but so far, that's the way it is.
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@30: He's advocating the idea of going around obstructions instead of crashing into them.
How do you miss that point?
How do you miss that point?
36
designing out from the building edge:
*Sidewalk (graded at a higher level than the bike lane; cement)
*Bike lane (graded at a level between the sidewalk and the street, differentiated by a red brick-like surface)
-Curb-
*Street (lowest grading level aka street level; asphalt)
... like many european cities are already successfully doing (and Vancouver BC has recently started doing).
In Holland and Denmark many of the bike lanes even have their own uniquely timed traffic lights at intersections.
ALL taxpayers should support a re-design like this because bicycles are NOT going away and every one seems unhappy with the current urban transportation designs in most US cities:
Cyclists don't like being in the road.
Drivers don't like having cyclists in the road.
Why the f*ck are 15 mph cyclists still being forced to ride on 30 and 35 mph roads?
*Sidewalk (graded at a higher level than the bike lane; cement)
*Bike lane (graded at a level between the sidewalk and the street, differentiated by a red brick-like surface)
-Curb-
*Street (lowest grading level aka street level; asphalt)
... like many european cities are already successfully doing (and Vancouver BC has recently started doing).
In Holland and Denmark many of the bike lanes even have their own uniquely timed traffic lights at intersections.
ALL taxpayers should support a re-design like this because bicycles are NOT going away and every one seems unhappy with the current urban transportation designs in most US cities:
Cyclists don't like being in the road.
Drivers don't like having cyclists in the road.
Why the f*ck are 15 mph cyclists still being forced to ride on 30 and 35 mph roads?
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@37:
How many times are you going to FAIL on this one today?
The POINT of the video is precisely that there are often situations where a bicyclist MUST veer out of the designated bike lane into traffic, for example when there are impassable obstructions such as cars, traffic barriers, garbage dumpsters or whathaveyou in the lane. He says absolutely NOTHING about veering onto the sidewalk to avoid these obstacles, because the exercise was intended to mock the NYPD's assertion that it's "illegal to ride outside of the bike lane" - you know, the justification used for giving him the freaking ticket in the first place.
That should be a pretty simple concept to apprehend, even for someone as willfully obtuse as yourself.
How many times are you going to FAIL on this one today?
The POINT of the video is precisely that there are often situations where a bicyclist MUST veer out of the designated bike lane into traffic, for example when there are impassable obstructions such as cars, traffic barriers, garbage dumpsters or whathaveyou in the lane. He says absolutely NOTHING about veering onto the sidewalk to avoid these obstacles, because the exercise was intended to mock the NYPD's assertion that it's "illegal to ride outside of the bike lane" - you know, the justification used for giving him the freaking ticket in the first place.
That should be a pretty simple concept to apprehend, even for someone as willfully obtuse as yourself.
39
What @17 said.
Hilarious video, and he's right: The tickets should go to the people illegally blocking the bike lane, not the cyclists riding legally.
Hilarious video, and he's right: The tickets should go to the people illegally blocking the bike lane, not the cyclists riding legally.
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@27
Sorry, no.
He's saying riding outside the bike lane should be "made legal" (he should have said "kept legal" ha ha ha...) because they will all blithely ride right into anything in front of them.
The real kicker is that bike douchebags who think they're "doing the world a favor" also think bikes shouldn't have to stop for stop signs because they can easily slow down and look and listen for cars without needing to stop. Because bicyclists are so good at situational awareness! But they can't stop for a truck in the bike lane, so they have to hit it. Riiiiiiight...
It's sad to see people defending this moron who thinks he's a saint for riding a bike, too dumb to know the cop was wrong about bike lanes and too dumb to like look it the fuck up before paying the $50 and proceeding to make a gigantic ass of himself with this inane, nonsensical video. Oh, and too dumb to wear a helmet.
Your hero here is a dumb, dumb, dumb dude.
Sorry, no.
He's saying riding outside the bike lane should be "made legal" (he should have said "kept legal" ha ha ha...) because they will all blithely ride right into anything in front of them.
The real kicker is that bike douchebags who think they're "doing the world a favor" also think bikes shouldn't have to stop for stop signs because they can easily slow down and look and listen for cars without needing to stop. Because bicyclists are so good at situational awareness! But they can't stop for a truck in the bike lane, so they have to hit it. Riiiiiiight...
It's sad to see people defending this moron who thinks he's a saint for riding a bike, too dumb to know the cop was wrong about bike lanes and too dumb to like look it the fuck up before paying the $50 and proceeding to make a gigantic ass of himself with this inane, nonsensical video. Oh, and too dumb to wear a helmet.
Your hero here is a dumb, dumb, dumb dude.
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...and of course there is always the Portlandia Bicycle Guy Video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3nMnr8Zi…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3nMnr8Zi…
42
As funny as it is pointless.
Cops don't give tickets because they they want people to obey the law. They give tickets to get more money into the city's treasury.
I'm sure that cop doesn't give a shit where the biker rides, but the cop saw an opportunity to get money to the city and he took it. That's (part of) his job.
Cops don't give tickets because they they want people to obey the law. They give tickets to get more money into the city's treasury.
I'm sure that cop doesn't give a shit where the biker rides, but the cop saw an opportunity to get money to the city and he took it. That's (part of) his job.
43
That's Casey (?) Neistat. Him and his brother Van have an awesome show on HBO called the Neistat Brothers. They tape every second of their lives, basically. This seems like a little web-promo for the second season, maybe? I hope so, at least. The first season was so good (I laughed, I cried - literally), but I was afraid the whole format of the show was a little too wacky for a broad audience.
44
This morning a delivery truck blocked my way and I hit the brakes and waited. I might have had to back out of there if he didn't move. Such is life in the big city.
Oh, you might have had to back out of there if he didn't move, huh? And how would you have done that without using another part of the road?
So in this situation with a bicyclist, if the delivery truck doesn't move, then what should he do? Get off his bike, carry it on the sidewalk around the truck and resume riding? No, you know and accept that he should move into regular traffic to get around, and you know and accept that it's legal. So what if you think he's stupid, and so what if you think bicyclists are assholes in general? Rather than this being a problem with people taking Bicycling too seriously, you have a problem with bicyclists not obeying some laws, so you think it's fine that this guy gets busted for not breaking the law, and people who break the law by blocking the bike lanes get away with it.
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@24: I have come close, too. She and I were riding along on the sidewalk of a busy street together once, and a bunch of old ladies in a minivan didn't come to a complete stop before attempting a right on red, only slamming on the brakes as they saw that I was in the crosswalk. The bumper pushed me about a foot into the intersection, but I that was it. Unfortunately, I was too shell-shocked to get their license plate number before biking off, and so I had no recourse when I saw that the impact had warped the front wheel of my bike. Luckily, that was a garage sale bike that had already been through a lot, so we chalked it up to shenanigans and looked for a new bike.
@22: Lead by example, you little bitch.
@22: Lead by example, you little bitch.
46
@40
The cop told him that he has to ride in the bike lane, even when it's dangerous to do so. The maker of this video is showing that the bike lanes in NYC are often blocked, forcing people to ride out of the bike lane.
And then you start blathering about cyclists stopping for stop signs, which of course is not the issue here (and like, I totally see drivers roll through stop signs, like every day and stuff, dude), and also make fun of cyclists for running into things because you watched a video where a man did that for humorous effect to make a point. You do realize that he was running into those obstructions intentionally, right?
The cop told him that he has to ride in the bike lane, even when it's dangerous to do so. The maker of this video is showing that the bike lanes in NYC are often blocked, forcing people to ride out of the bike lane.
And then you start blathering about cyclists stopping for stop signs, which of course is not the issue here (and like, I totally see drivers roll through stop signs, like every day and stuff, dude), and also make fun of cyclists for running into things because you watched a video where a man did that for humorous effect to make a point. You do realize that he was running into those obstructions intentionally, right?
47
@37: No, if possible you should move into another legal lane of travel to go around the obstruction. The road is a legal lane of travel for cyclists, so they should move from the bike lane into the road.
You're either being obtuse on purpose, or are a legitimate idiot.
You're either being obtuse on purpose, or are a legitimate idiot.
48
I am tired of all the people commenting on this video, everywhere on the internet, who haven't bothered to look up the relevant law:
So.
1) Yes, it is illegal to ride outside the bike lane in NYC, provided it's unobstructed and otherwise safe, so:
2) Crashing into shit to make a point fails to make that point, because it's perfectly legal to leave the bike lane to avoid obstacles.
§ 1234. Riding on roadways, shoulders, bicycle or in-line skates lanes and bicycle or in-line skates paths.
(a) Upon all roadways, any bicycle shall be driven either on a usable bicycle lane or, if a usable bicycle lane has not been provided, near the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway ... in such a manner as to prevent undue interference with the flow of traffic except when preparing for a left turn or when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions that would make it unsafe to continue ... Conditions to be taken into consideration include, but are not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, in-line skates, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards or traffic lanes too narrow for a bicycle or person on in-line skates and a vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane.
So.
1) Yes, it is illegal to ride outside the bike lane in NYC, provided it's unobstructed and otherwise safe, so:
2) Crashing into shit to make a point fails to make that point, because it's perfectly legal to leave the bike lane to avoid obstacles.
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@48: So the may be that what is "perfectly legal" doesn't necessarily line up with "what you won't get a ticket for."
50
@38
What part of the video makes you believe he was ticketed for veering out of the designated bike lane into traffic, “for example when there are impassable obstructions such as cars, traffic barriers, garbage dumpsters or whathaveyou in the lane”. He doesn’t explain his riding outside of the bike lane to the police officer that way…
Seems like it would have been a reasonable explanation to have offered at the time: “Sorry officer, I had to leave the bike lane to avoid colliding with the back of that delivery truck, but then I got right back into it again”.
My understanding, form the clear context of the video, is that he was riding outside of the bike lane (not veering out of and back into it).
What part of the video makes you believe he was ticketed for veering out of the designated bike lane into traffic, “for example when there are impassable obstructions such as cars, traffic barriers, garbage dumpsters or whathaveyou in the lane”. He doesn’t explain his riding outside of the bike lane to the police officer that way…
Seems like it would have been a reasonable explanation to have offered at the time: “Sorry officer, I had to leave the bike lane to avoid colliding with the back of that delivery truck, but then I got right back into it again”.
My understanding, form the clear context of the video, is that he was riding outside of the bike lane (not veering out of and back into it).
51
@doceb:
I'm not sure what you're getting at, there.
It's worth noting, though, that there is no claim in the video that the bike lane was obstructed or unsafe when the fellow was ticketed; all we know is that it was raining on the bike lane, and presumably on the rest of the road, too.
My hunch is that he didn't read the law himself, either, before he got a friend to film him doing all those crash stunts.
I'm not sure what you're getting at, there.
It's worth noting, though, that there is no claim in the video that the bike lane was obstructed or unsafe when the fellow was ticketed; all we know is that it was raining on the bike lane, and presumably on the rest of the road, too.
My hunch is that he didn't read the law himself, either, before he got a friend to film him doing all those crash stunts.
52
@46
Yes. He intentionally he hit the obstacles. He claims he was endangered, and had no choice but to leave the lane. But had he just stopped he'd have been in no danger. So he did not in fact face a choice between crashing and leaving the bike lane. He faced a choice between being delayed and leaving the bike lane. Delay was unacceptable to him. Unthinkable, even.
Bicyclists don't think they should ever have to wait. Ever, ever, ever. Because they're doing the world a favor, people! God! That's gratitude for you.
Yes. He intentionally he hit the obstacles. He claims he was endangered, and had no choice but to leave the lane. But had he just stopped he'd have been in no danger. So he did not in fact face a choice between crashing and leaving the bike lane. He faced a choice between being delayed and leaving the bike lane. Delay was unacceptable to him. Unthinkable, even.
Bicyclists don't think they should ever have to wait. Ever, ever, ever. Because they're doing the world a favor, people! God! That's gratitude for you.
53
Speak for yourself. I was trained to look over my shoulder before turning right since I learned to drive 15 years ago. Drivers don't do what they were taught to do in drivers' ed because they are LAZY.
@19,
And how is that supposed to work when a car is *parked* in the bicycle lane or a dumpster is left there for several days? Pro tip: if a car is blocking your lane, you are permitted to pass as long as there's no double, solid yellow line and as long as it's safe to do so.
I guess there's the answer for why Seattle drivers just fucking sit and wait whenever there's something blocking the lane: they know jack shit about traffic laws.
drivers are neither trained nor conditioned to check the right side mirror when making a right turn because 99% of the time they don't have to.
Speak for yourself. I was trained to look over my shoulder before turning right since I learned to drive 15 years ago. Drivers don't do what they were taught to do in drivers' ed because they are LAZY.
@19,
And how is that supposed to work when a car is *parked* in the bicycle lane or a dumpster is left there for several days? Pro tip: if a car is blocking your lane, you are permitted to pass as long as there's no double, solid yellow line and as long as it's safe to do so.
I guess there's the answer for why Seattle drivers just fucking sit and wait whenever there's something blocking the lane: they know jack shit about traffic laws.
54
All you bicycle 'experts' DO realize that together you've all cancelled each other out, right? (Except for the person actually quoting the law. (Remember now, it doesn't apply to Seattle.) Considering how over 50% of this city is supposed to have a college education, I guess they don't teach Reasoning from Premises 101 around here? Cuz I'd flunk allayo asses.)
56
@doceb:
Could you provide a timestamp in the video where the cop says something that's at odds with the law? I'm not seeing it.
Could you provide a timestamp in the video where the cop says something that's at odds with the law? I'm not seeing it.
57
@doceb:
Ah, OK, it's in the fellow's yellow-text description of the rest of the converation he had with the cop.
I do understand that the video had to be edited for the sake of brevity, but I'm not sure I'd take that characterization of the exchange at face value (I think in court it would be called "hearsay").
Ah, OK, it's in the fellow's yellow-text description of the rest of the converation he had with the cop.
I do understand that the video had to be edited for the sake of brevity, but I'm not sure I'd take that characterization of the exchange at face value (I think in court it would be called "hearsay").
58
37: you are the densest slab of meat I've ever encountered. Even among hardcore anti-bicycle fanatics, you would be counted among the more slow.
60
I seriously cannot fathom the depths of stupidity on this thread. Is this what public education is yielding now? A group of people so literal their senses of humor have been beaten out of them?
62
@60- I know what and whom you are talking about, but why blame public education?
I blame Fox News.
It's usually there fault.
I blame Fox News.
It's usually there fault.
63
@60 How can something not tangible be beaten out of someone? That just doesn't make any sense...
( ; =
( ; =
64
This was a brilliant video. I just wanted to laugh at all the people trying to paint this guy as some kind of cult leader, why do you waste your time? You think some biker is going to read this and be like, shit, I'm so fucking stupid, I used to believe that biking was another way for me to exercise and transport myself around without oil, but now I read this anonymous internet comment about how one person may or may not find the experience religious and I'm going to go buy 50 Hummers! Ohhh they get in my way sometimes so FUCK ALL THEM WITH A BROKEN HOKEY STICK. That'll show those leg powered monsters destroying communities with their hippie smell. You know we wouldn't even have a national debt if it weren't for these bikers taking all our jobs. Derp derp derp. It's the end of the world as we know it because of bikers, bikers caused 9/11, they failed to kill Hitler and if we don't stop them from driving around cars they deserve a nuclear bomb up their ass, and all their friends asses. That'll show'em. I am a golden mother fucking god.
65
I am enjoying the comments from motorists on this thread implying that when there is something blocking the road in front of them they always stop and patiently wait for the obstacle to be shifted rather than DRIVING AROUND IT.
66
Hahahahahahahahahaha! This is awesome!
@48: Except the cop said he should ALWAYS ride in the bike lane, according to his description of the conversation. And really, if you're going to have a law about people riding/driving in a certain lane, you should have laws (that are actually enforced) about blocking them. If I just decide to park my car obstructing a lane of traffic, I'm probably going to get a ticket; not so for a bicycle lane.
@52: So he's supposed to stop and sit there until the truck moves or the construction barrier is moved etc.? What the fuck? If you're driving in a lane that becomes closed for construction at some point, do you just stop your car and wait for the construction to be finished before continuing on your way? Seriously, what the fuck are you talking about?
@65: Exactly.
@48: Except the cop said he should ALWAYS ride in the bike lane, according to his description of the conversation. And really, if you're going to have a law about people riding/driving in a certain lane, you should have laws (that are actually enforced) about blocking them. If I just decide to park my car obstructing a lane of traffic, I'm probably going to get a ticket; not so for a bicycle lane.
@52: So he's supposed to stop and sit there until the truck moves or the construction barrier is moved etc.? What the fuck? If you're driving in a lane that becomes closed for construction at some point, do you just stop your car and wait for the construction to be finished before continuing on your way? Seriously, what the fuck are you talking about?
@65: Exactly.
67
@48/Robotslave, thank you. Thank you a million. Finally some reason to this discussion.
And yes, the cop said he should ALWAYS ride in the bike lane, but the cop is probably an idiot/someone who hates bikers as a matter of course. And while I know it's ignorant, I too hate bikers as a matter of course. Because the fact is, there's no such thing as a bike lane. Little white lines notwithstanding, it's all just The Road, and I'm always terrified that I'm going to hit you. The vast majority of bikers I encounter (and I encounter MANY up here in Beantown) are so busy congratulating themselves on the big favors they're doing the world that they can't be bothered to heed road signs, pay attention to where the cars are, move the fuck out from directly in front of me in the middle of the cars lane (or as I like to more simply call it, The Road), or drive the right way down one-way streets.
So--yes, I'm lumping you all together just like bikers lump all cars together, and I recognize that it makes us equally ignorant. In the meantime, to quote my dear friend Ludacris:
MOVE, BITCH, GET OUT THE WAY!
And yes, the cop said he should ALWAYS ride in the bike lane, but the cop is probably an idiot/someone who hates bikers as a matter of course. And while I know it's ignorant, I too hate bikers as a matter of course. Because the fact is, there's no such thing as a bike lane. Little white lines notwithstanding, it's all just The Road, and I'm always terrified that I'm going to hit you. The vast majority of bikers I encounter (and I encounter MANY up here in Beantown) are so busy congratulating themselves on the big favors they're doing the world that they can't be bothered to heed road signs, pay attention to where the cars are, move the fuck out from directly in front of me in the middle of the cars lane (or as I like to more simply call it, The Road), or drive the right way down one-way streets.
So--yes, I'm lumping you all together just like bikers lump all cars together, and I recognize that it makes us equally ignorant. In the meantime, to quote my dear friend Ludacris:
MOVE, BITCH, GET OUT THE WAY!
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