Half-Fast Mike
Lanterne Rouge-et-vert
- May 22, 2007
- 4,644
- 3,700
I didn't start a 'Today - October' thread yet because nothing particularly notable happened.
However, yesterday I saw a motorist driving in a sensible road position, with his lights on at dusk, and not using his mobile phone. I was so surprised I nearly fell off my bike.
Had some speedy competition on my morning commute today. Just a kilometer from the start some local dude on a colorful mountain bike seemed determined to stay ahead of me through the cars and buses. Wronnggg, although I had to pull a couple of tricks out of the bag that I really didn't want to use on a tired Friday morning. He then brazenly and unnecessarily shoaled me at the level crossing. Left him for dust at the next light.
Then I got shoaled by a fat hairy bloke on a mamachari at Nanpeidai. Kudos to him for dragging his fat hairy ass up that hill on such a vehicle. But then he skims up my offside and turns 90 degrees straight across my front wheel to steal the piece of kerbstone in front of me. I was spitting teeth.
Also saw the least effective hand signal ever, from a tall, fast guy on a CAAD9. I don't see any reason why this is too much to ask...
The guy I saw this morning, bless him for trying, looked like he wasn't sure whether to scratch his ass or had a broken wrist. Awwww. Something like this, but even less demonstrative.
If we're going to signal our intentions to other road users, give them something to look at!
Here's what I consider a good example:
Lovely form. Arm out level with the shoulder. Fingers parallel, showing the maximum surface area to the driver behind. No doubt what she plans to do.
This one is less perfect:
Why? Look at his fingers. He could be pointing out a scenic spot or rare bird to his friends. No reason not to hold one's hand out flat, properly.
</rant>
Searching for illustrations for this post, I learned that several countries and most US states stipulate an "L" shape with the left arm, for turning right. This makes sense in a left-hand-drive car, I suppose. But on a bike?! I've certainly never seen anyone signal this way... have you?
--HF Mike--
However, yesterday I saw a motorist driving in a sensible road position, with his lights on at dusk, and not using his mobile phone. I was so surprised I nearly fell off my bike.
Had some speedy competition on my morning commute today. Just a kilometer from the start some local dude on a colorful mountain bike seemed determined to stay ahead of me through the cars and buses. Wronnggg, although I had to pull a couple of tricks out of the bag that I really didn't want to use on a tired Friday morning. He then brazenly and unnecessarily shoaled me at the level crossing. Left him for dust at the next light.
Then I got shoaled by a fat hairy bloke on a mamachari at Nanpeidai. Kudos to him for dragging his fat hairy ass up that hill on such a vehicle. But then he skims up my offside and turns 90 degrees straight across my front wheel to steal the piece of kerbstone in front of me. I was spitting teeth.
Also saw the least effective hand signal ever, from a tall, fast guy on a CAAD9. I don't see any reason why this is too much to ask...
The guy I saw this morning, bless him for trying, looked like he wasn't sure whether to scratch his ass or had a broken wrist. Awwww. Something like this, but even less demonstrative.
If we're going to signal our intentions to other road users, give them something to look at!
Here's what I consider a good example:
Lovely form. Arm out level with the shoulder. Fingers parallel, showing the maximum surface area to the driver behind. No doubt what she plans to do.
This one is less perfect:
Why? Look at his fingers. He could be pointing out a scenic spot or rare bird to his friends. No reason not to hold one's hand out flat, properly.
</rant>
Searching for illustrations for this post, I learned that several countries and most US states stipulate an "L" shape with the left arm, for turning right. This makes sense in a left-hand-drive car, I suppose. But on a bike?! I've certainly never seen anyone signal this way... have you?
--HF Mike--