Pedal vs. Metal

..................................It is obvious that the severe rise in gasoline prices has moved us into a new era where we need to re-think our use of all wheeled vehicles that use our roads and freeways this includes bycles and motored vehicles.....this is a big topic to review but now is the time to do it and move into a more modern era. One of the things that I think needs done is lowering the speed on our freeways to 60 MPH and by 5 MPH on many roads after evaluation. Many drivers are speeding as they have their own personal top speeds at 70 MPH or as much higher as they can get away with. Fuel conservation should start with slowing down and we need to definately get away from the big, heavy, big ego vehicles that people drive to impress their friends and get thrills by racing at unsafe top speeds. Going slower will reduce highway accidents that damage vehicles as well as injure and kill people. Lets review how we behave on the highways before we start expanding off shore oil drilling up and down our coasts so that we can have more barrels of crude to convert into fuel so we can get our jollies behind the steering wheels of our mechanized toys that we satisfy our selves with our thrill riding and showing off of glitzy, powerful vehicles.....lets grow up in this area!!!!

I live in the U.K. I have had the privilege of seeing Portland, having stayed with family in Beaverton. The situations you are seeing in Portland are mirrored in England. I am a motorist, I pull a trailer caravan on occasions and I am also a cyclist.
I would suggest that all road users a) have to obey all of the rules - no exceptions b) Use lights and safety equipment as required - drivers use seat belts - cyclists use helmets. c) Nobody is perfect- everyone makes mistakes - so drive / ride accordingly If you don't or won't use a bit of common sense it is your own fault if you are hurt - stay at home and leave the roads for more considerate people.

As a motorized bicyclist I just want to say let's "ALL" be safe and obey the rules of the road. I have to drive my car sometimes, and I ride with bikes in the bike lane. Let's just all slow down a little and treat other motorist like we would want to be treated. For the time being bikes are legally on the street and in bike lanes.

Hey, riding in Boulder, CO since I was 13 yrs old, before Boulder built one of the best bike path systems in the world (sorry Portland, we're smaller, its easier here), I was taught by the bus drivers, courteous car drivers, my local law enforcement group, that when you step out into the road on ANY CONVAYENCE, you better know the rules of the road. I'm 25 years later in life, over seven of those racing bikes, and I cross town faster on my bike than I do in a car, anytime. But, I don't find myself having the similar experiences of my compatriots in Portland, as I did back in my hectic days. I can still spend over an hour and a half commuting across Boulder (II'm a carpenter, I haul alot of tools on my bike), but I know when a car is going to get in the way, and I know when I have put myself in a bad spot. Further, I was taught by the best that as a cyclist, you have the right,but you have the right to build respect with your fellow human beings in their cars. First rule, eye contact. No eye contact? Protect yourself. No doubt, a week ago I had a conversation with a very poor "professional" postal delivery lady, I explained nicely she had plenty of room to get around, but she couldn't leave it there. I had well practiced nasty words for her, and later I thought that I really lost that battle, because she will not show respect for the next cyclist, in MY community. In Boulder, the Majority of drivers are respectful as they can be to cyclists and pedestrians, but there are still plenty of ignorant people behind the wheel, and as in any community, just plain crappy drivers who are unsafe to everyone! But, as much as I've tried to represent conducive cycling practice in this town (hey, I run the local stop sign when no one's there!) as many idiots ride bikes and are dangerous, as the similar kind of motorist we all have to look out for. Point is, I literally have gone up against tractor trailers in the dark doing epic rides, you step outside your house, its YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! Both sides of the fence, no one's innocent. Therefore, please share your space with me and anyone else ona road, path, trail, wherever.

Even with everything Portland has done to promote bike riding,it is still a fact that the streets were not intended for cars and bikes. Narrow streets,trees,parked cars all make seeing bikes tough for cars and trucks. Too many bike riders here act like they are a protected species and nothing will happen as they weave in and out of cars,ride in blind spots,fail to stop at traffic lights,ride on sidewalks and through crosswalks. You mix that with busses,trains,trucks,road construction,and idiot driveers with cell phones in their ears and their little dogs on your laps as they drive,and it is no wonder there is a problem.

Jviets, don't "wave" people thru 4 way stops. I'm no biker, but I HATE when people do that. Just take your turn OK? When someone trys to wave me thru I usually just stare at them until they take their turn. I've seen too many accidents caused by someone waving someone thru, only to have another motorist hit the person crossing.

Most of the conflicts come from bike riders that don't obey the laws. They don't stop for 4-way stops,they use ride through cross walks through pedestrions,ride on sidewalks,ride in drivers blind spots,and weave in and out of traffic. Theyact like they are protected wildlife like spotted owls and forget that cars and trucks can't always see them and stop on a dime. When a bike and car hit,it does not who is right or wrong,the bike rider always will lose.

I need a camera that I can hook on my handlebars that will take a snapshot of the vechile that gets too close to me. I can get their tag number and send it to the Highway Patrol and they can go to a sharing the road class--the first time.

It is so funny, yet so sad...as if everyone would remember what your grandma taught you...cause if you didn't she'd beat ya with her house shoe or a switch...for embarassing her like that...but in this day and age...even grandma's give ya the " stone cold austin" 1 finger salute...sigh...are we doomed, to poor manners...and even our kids and grandkids are watching...uhh yall knew that right ?

with all the " craziness" out there on the road...it just goes to show everyone just how much " home training" and manners grandma taught everyone......and if your grqandma could see you now ?? she'd pull out her switch or a 357 and let ya have it for embaressing her...like that...

I live in Seattle and the problem is just as bad. I ride my bike in downtown traffic all the time, but if I get killed doing it, it's my fault. Riding your bike in the road is a form of natural selection by default. Period.

if you even seen a bunch of bicyclists riding in parallel, you will understand the mob mentality that exist in the two wheel equivalent of bullying. they will not move over. The four wheel types are more dangerous for the obvious reason: 1 1/2 ton of steel. This is what happens in America when it's-all-about- me attitude takes hold of people.

Anyone who rides a motorcycle can see both sides of this argument and neither side is blameless. I have been pushed off the rode by motorists driving to fast or not paying attention. I have also experienced the the "cyclist" who can't stop at a red light, because it's incovenient to stop at every intersection.
To both sides, I say, "Get over yourselves!!" - To the motor vehicles - Pay attention and be considerate of others that have as much right to use the road as you. To the bicyclists - If I can follow the helmet law so can you. If I can stop a 900+ Harley at every intersection, you can get off your bike, I don't care how incovenient you think it is.

As a side not - I don't care how "streamlined" it makes you - Those awful shorts are not a fashion statement.