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Bicyclist struck and killed on Beach Road in KDH
The crash happened on N.C 12. (Sam Walker)
Kill Devil Hills Police Department Assistant Chief Dana Harris confirmed the collision happened at approximately 1:25 a.m. in front of the Ramada Plaza hotel on Virginia Dare Trail but could not yet release additional information on the incident.
Harris added the victim was not carrying any identification, but is believed to be a seasonal worker from overseas, and anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately at (252) 449-5337.
Pedestrian and bicycle safety is a growing concern on the Outer Banks. Two pedestrians have been killed on U.S. 158 this year. In 2010, two international students on bikes were serious injured after they were hit by a pickup on U.S. 158.
Last year, a New York woman on a bicycle was killed in a hit-and-run on U.S. 158
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Ray P says:
Maybe its time to put some signs up for no walking or riding bikes & mopeds on US 158. I dont understand why some of these kids have to walk in the road when they have either a sidewalk or the shoulder of the road to walk on. Maybe employers of the international kids should meet with the kids & explain to them about walking in the highway.
Beach Bouy says:
Alcohol impaired drivers and bicycles on the road at 1:30AM is a sure recipe for disaster. No doubt, the cycler was riding on the right side of the road, where the stupid laws in this state insist an unprotected cycler operate their two-wheeler. Why is it stupid? Because the cycler can’t see what’s about to kill him/her and had no chance to avoid it.
I run regularly as part of my continuous fitness routine. I run on the left, facing traffic, so if someone doesn’t see me and is on a collision course with my body, I at least will see them coming, see their face and know what hit before I end up in a crumpled heap on the side of the road. The same goes for cycling. I don’t care what the cops says. I ride on the left, facing traffic, so I can see danger and at least have a chance to save my own life if the driver of the car or truck doesn’t see me or can’t avoid me.
Running, walking and riding a non-motorized bike should be done on the left, facing traffic. Anyone who does otherwise is a fool. “Survival of the fittest” does not exclude intelligent decision making.
My heart aches for the family of the unfortunate victim of this hit and run.
non-KDH folk says:
uh — Ray P — re-read the article. It happened on the Beach Road.
Nickrite says:
Beach Buoy a question for you. Why do you assume alcohol impairment on the part of the driver? How many cyclists om the OBX display appropriate lights or even wear a high vis vest or similar. Back before my motor scooter was stolen I would not take to the road without. A two wheel vehicle presents a narrow profile and after dark becomes near invisible without lights and a rider with light colored clothing. The entire responsibility does not rest upon the motorist, the rider or pedestrian should also take responsibility dor theit own safety.
Cathy talley says:
I am saddened by the recent # of deaths on the highways on the outer banks. I was just there this past weekend and encountered numerous pedestrians as well as bicyclists on the beach road and the bypass. It is extremely dangerous and many of them have no reflectors and wear dark clothing. I would suggest bike paths built to allow for off road bike riding and pedestrians. This seems to be the most cost effective solution allowing better safety for those not in a motor vehicle. I also am very curious – why the blinking yellow lights vs. green arrows for turning. This makes turning on a very busy bypass a real danger as well.
charlie says:
Beach Buoy….When you ride facing oncoming traffic you are decreasing the reaction time. Ergo, this is why bikes are mandated to ride with traffic. In addition, should an accident happen, I’d prefer it not to be head on. Wouldn’t you?
Ride on the right says:
To the 1st poster, this accident was on the Beach road. With wide shoulders. Who knows where the cyclist was, was the driver drunk?
To the zero who thinks bicycles should ride facing traffic, when I approach you on my bike on a collision course will you get out of the way? After all you’re breaking the law, not me. When I see another cyclist coming right at me, I start waving for them to move to my left (their right). To bad if there’s a car about to pass me, they’re in the wrong!
johnr says:
A huge problem in Kitty Hawk, that maybe extends further South, is, the marked bike path is so narrow or non-existant due to sand accumulation. It’s very dangerous.
Dave says:
Well, it’s actually pretty stupid to ride against traffic on a bike. In every state, not just NC, cyclists are considered vehicular traffic and, except where prohibited such as interstates, are to follow the same traffic flows as other vehicles on the road.
S Hayes says:
Maybe some of you people should READ the article more carefully. He WAS on the beach road. This is a thought. Maybe all the drunks should stop coming here to vacation and live. If you drink take a cab. If you can’t afford the cab don’t go out drinking! How many kids and adults have to be hurt before we REALLY do something about this.
Ron R says:
The beach road needs a separate wider pedestrian/bicycle path through Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills where it hasn’t been done yet. The bypass is just dangerous most of the time with the erratic driving habits of tourist and locals alike. No one in their right mind should even be on a bicycle or walking along the bypass. The foreign workers need to be informed of safer routes to use when traveling to and from work.
cjs says:
can somebody explain the laws/regulations to me? Why do bicycles and people walk/ride in the road where the cars are supposed to be when there is a walking/bike path off the road? Always wanted to know….. saw this on the woods road the other day in kitty hawk, the town spent a lot money putting those paths in, it is kind of like a middle finger when people still won’t use them… not saying that is the case here but this story got me thinking, still very said, sorry to hear it. I am being serious, I don’t know the bike laws, somebody tell me.
Obx mom says:
This is rediculous ! Pay attention people ! I don’t care who has the right of way u can’t jump in front of vehicles in the middle of the night and expect to live and you shouldn’t be riding your bike at 1:30 in the morning on 12 or 158. Riding against traffic on a bike will get u killed around here dude especially if you come into duck… The people that know how to ride with traffic will force you into traffic because they are in the right… Ugh I don’t get it , it’s dark there are no street lights stay off major roads ! There are side roads everywhere and yet ALL the accidents happen on 12 or 158 …. Take ur time and stay off those roads after dark … Problem solved !
Rebecca says:
11/2/2011 my mother was riding her bike and was struck by a car at the intersection of 1st Street/158 in KDH. After a life flight to Norfolk and 9 months of recovery, she is better but will NEVER be the same. After eyewitness account and evidence, the driver was proven negligent but was merely slapped on the wrist. She just started to ride again, not quite up to her 60 mile norm, but she will get there. It is sad that another incident occurred but drivers and cyclists alike must be vigilant and aware.
Jim Rushe says:
To many of the bikers don’t use the bike paths. They even ride side by side on roads with solid yellow lines. They show no courtesy to slower bikers, walkers or runners. I know there has been more killed here then just the ones it shows. The Guy in Southern Shores that a landscaping trailer hit, died. Lady got the green arrow at the McDonald’s, Food Lion light, took off ran right into a biker who didn’t stop for the light.I have seen people laid out all over through Duck. The only road to the Northern beaches, they built a street mall on. You can’t ride a bike on a interstate. Until our towns pass and enforce laws for peoples protection. People will be out on their bikes. They are always showing hit and runs in Virginia. Then people in a wheel chair, talking about how much they have loss. The constant daily pain. It is up to each of us to protect our self.Those who ride bikes on these roads with all the tourist. Are just playing Russian Roulette. Life should be worth more. My wife almost ran over one yesterday leaving food lion. Dark clothes no lights. She didn’t see any thing, started to go second look there he was. Hands up like what is wrong with you? Sometimes the lack of government is simply BAD government.
Dorian says:
As a local who drives up and down this beach every day, I can say it is SO easy to not see a bicyclist or pedestrian at night. One night a family of at least ten was crossing the highway in an area with no crosswalk, and I nearly had to slam on breaks to avoid hitting someone. Same goes for some bicyclists I’ve seen. That, in no way, implies that it is one person’s fault or the other, but maybe we should all be on the same page as to who rides/walks where. If you’re impaired, and you hit someone, you should be punished. If you cut out in front of someone in the dark, you should have known better.
RnR says:
Heres a thought…take some of out tax money and build a bike path the entire length of the bypass…large sidewalks like what nags head has started. Its really sad that this keeps happening and nothing is being done about it. Now that the speed limit has been reduced the amount of traffic on the road has increased (because people aren’t gtting to their destinations as quick, so traffic backs up realy quick..thanks for that guys) and more and more people are getting injured. Build a safe sidewalk large enough for pedestrians and cyclists. its ridiculous that it takes something so serious to get the ball rolling. ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE PEOPLE.
KHer says:
1:30AM. Hit and run. Drunk driver. Wait and see.
KHer says:
And there is an effort to educate international students on the dangers of biking/walking along our roads. Some don’t get it. And some don’t get it.
TC says:
Nags Head did it right when they seperated the multi-use path from the highway. Here in KDH the road was widened to make room, but it is connected to the highway making it dangerous. The trouble is even with a seperate path available I still see too many people putting themselves in harms way on the highway.
Ride on the right says:
To answer those who wonders why a cyclist may be on the road even with a “multiuse path” available. A higher skilled bicyclist who is out riding relatively fast, trying to get a good workout will normally use the road. The paths like the ones along the Woods Road are also used by pedestrians, people walking dogs (with the leash stretching the whole width of the path), other bicyclist’s riding much slower. Throw in the fact many of the paths have twists and turns in them; trees right up to the edge, full of branches and pine cones. The road gives a faster cyclist an open, smooth surface to keep up 17 to 25 mph. Finally, from the rules of the road we all should know is this: “The availability of a bike path along a road shall not preclude the use of the road to a bicyclist”.
KDH Cit says:
@ RnR….It does not matter if you put a large bike path down the length of the bypass, people will still ride in the rode. Just like if you put stop lights at EVERY corner, people will still cross between them.
I had the advanced green arrow the other day turning onto 8th street from the South. As I started to go, I immediately had to slam on brakes as a serious biker gave me the finger as he was running the red light.
question? says:
Are you kidding? Daily I watch people run red lights, I saw someone make a LEFT turn on RED at a busy intersection… no ticket people just go their merry way.Bicycle riders sbsolutely need a light on their bikes, these foreign students should all have a light on their bike, esp. if they are riding at night. I saw a family of 6 persons standing in the center SUICIDE lane (yes, its called that for a reason) 5pm rush hour traffic at frency fry alley, I wonder how long they stood there waiting to cross in middle of a BUSY 5-lane HIGHWAY!!!??? not even at a light or intersection…jaywalking, why are they not given a ticket? This is why people die – wake up! Pay attention! Put no ped xing signs up, something! And rental companies who advertise west side homes as “a short walk to the beach” are clearly delusional and part of the problem.
Sue says:
I don’t know what it is with pedestrians especially. I’ve seen people slowly just shuffling across busy roads like they believe the cars will automatically stop for them. Even though motorists generally are supposed to give the right of way to pedestrians, it still doesn’t mean a vehicle can stop on a dime. It’s the same sort of zombie-like despondency that allows people to drive full force onto flooded roads, like their car will somehow become a boat. Maybe they believe disaster just can’t happen to them. Wake up, folks!! It doesn’t matter whose fault it is if you’re dead.
eagerbeaver says:
This wasn’t a hit and run. I happen to know it wasn’t. Besides, the article doesn’t say it was a hit and run.
Maresa says:
May I say something as a tourist? We vacation in the OBX at least 3 or 4 times each summer for a week. We have always been FREAKED OUT at the folks who ride/walk on the beach road ….day or night. Just a few weeks ago , we were leaving Nags Head Fishing Pier from breakfast, heading toward MP 2. A family of 4 was riding on the road ahead of us on the right. We remarked OMG! Two kids on the beach road on bikes? Well, about that time, the little girl (age appx.? 7), we saw her front tire get stuck in the sand and she fell over right in the road. Thank GOD the car in front of us was watching also, as he was prepared to stop and he did so on a dime. We screeched to a halt. The dad picked up the daughter and off they went. I don’t know when I recovered…..or if I have to this day. We have ALWAYS been anti-bike on the beach road or (no kidding) bypass. I’m not for or opposed to bikers. Just want them to acknowledge when the path is not for them.
KDH Cit says:
@ Ride on the right….I agree with everything you said however if your serious bycyclist friends would obey the law while on the highway, it would make things a whole lot easier.
Refer to my story above.
Crystal Hardison says:
If it was a foriegn workger at 1:30am he may have just gotten off work. I work at a store that is open 24hrs and some of the foriegn kids are still there depending on what department they work. It could have been a case of he was waiting for his friend to get off and he was on the sidewalk in kdh but that sidewalk is connected to the road and highway 12 is right there. It wouldn’t be hard for someone to hit him if he was trying to miss something. There has been construction work up and down there and he probably had to avoid something.
RnR says:
@ Ride on the Right…although I understand they want to ride faster…but 17mph to 25 is NOT THE SPEED LIMIT and it just causes more slow ups and its dangerous for everyone around.
MkPKH says:
@jimrushe: I was there when the southern shores man was “hit” by the landscaping trailer. It was pretty much right in front of the southern shores police building. That man on a bike ran straight out into the road going towards the plaza where coastal provisions is. I was in the lane right next to that landscaping truck. The biker never looked, I braked hard, and the truck swerved to avoid but the biker actually hit the side of the trailer and got caught up under the trailer. I couldn’t believe what I saw. It was nobody’s fault but the bikers. It’s not so cut and dry as reported sometimes. Sometimes it’s the drivers fault, sometimes it’s the bikers, and sometimes it’s collective effort. I will never forget that day, nor will I forget the aftermath of what happened. Don’t be so quick to blame any one party as everyone is responsible for their actions.
Beach Bouy says:
Yes, I know bicycles are mandated to ride on the right with the flow of traffic. The problem with that is that bikes don’t travel at the same rate of speed as cars, have no protection in the event of impact, and the cycler never sees what is about to run him/her over from behind.
If cyclers ride on the left, at least they can see when they are about to be struck and make a last ditch effort to avoid it. Most of the time, you can see with your own eyes that the driver sees you. When someone runs you down from behind, you don’t have any chance to avoid impact because you don’t see what’s coming, and the odds are pretty good that you won’t get a second chance.
Riding a bicycle on the road at night time is just a bad idea, period.
Beach Bouy says:
And, here is another point. A car that is following a larger vehicle like a van or truck may not be able to see over, around, or through the larger vehicle ahead to know they are approaching a cycler. If the following driver is distracted, even for a moment, at the wrong time, the larger vehicle may move over to avoid the cycler, but the following driver, not having seen the cycler ahead, may not swerve because they don’t know there is a need to swerve until it’s too late.
Indeed says:
“1:30AM. Hit and run. Drunk driver. Wait and see.”
Stop using common sense and reason on the internet. It’s not welcome here.
Ron R says:
I still say a wider separate path would help reduce the number of accidents. Over the years several cyclist have been killed by merely running into the sand along the beach road, that there is enough reason to have a path. It seems that most of the people getting killed by vehicles arent out trying to get exercise they were simply trying to cross the bypass on foot or riding a bike to and from work. The Lance Armstrong/Team America wannabes will always be a problem. For some reason when some put on spandex,a helmet and a racing shirt with the psuedo endorsements they think they are above the law and can act like a jerk.
Steve says:
I am on Hatteras Island and am a firm believer in riding on the left side of road facing traffic. If I rode with my back to traffic I would have been killed numerous times.
I will not put my life in the hands of every driver that goes by from riding on right side of road.
You must watch everything and every one.
It’s sad but I have to avoid biking to work because of the tourists and their mental baggage or ignorance.
GG says:
Bike paths, sidewalks, hell you could pave the entire beach the people that dont want to use these will not. I drive Hwy 12 everyday and there are people that challenge the cars with bikes, strollers (they will throw a kid out there in front of a car if they think it will get them to the other side of the road)
I agree with KDH Cit. You cant fix stupid or arrogance. People will do what they want. Its like jumping out of a plane there is a risk. These people drive the road like race car drivers then wonder why others like themselves dont stop or Yeild to them when they dont for others.
ONLY SAFE SOLUTION…… GET RID OF ALL THE CARS! MAKE EVERYONE WALK OR RIDE A BIKE.
NH Resident says:
I thought Interpath or some other liaison service DOES counsel the incoming European guest workers on bike safety. I heard they give them a bike light and a reflective vest to wear while riding at night.
If they don’t, or used to but stopped, this needs to be done!
chaser says:
Why dont they give these kids routes that you dont even have to get on the bypass, you can go Lindbergh in Kitty Hawk, pretty far down, then jump across to Sea Scape then down Bay drive, and then down Memorial most of the way in KDH without even having to get on either the beach road or bypass.
bike says:
I bike over 2o mph on average. The paths are full of teens walking and texting on their phones. Also people walking dogs with leashes crossing the entire path is a big problem. It would be dangerous for pedestrians if I were to ride on the path at the speeds I bike. We all need to be aware of each other, pedestrians, bikers and vehicles. Very sad situation. None of us “own” the road, we have to share.
paul says:
While it is true that bike paths do not preclude bike riding on the road,it is also true that a bike is a vechicle and the driver of the bike is bound by the traffic laws.The 17-25 mph bikers as mentioned above are terrible abusers of the traffic laws.God forbid you have to slow down and stop for a stop sign.I was stopped at a stop sign on Bay Drive last week where there is no walking path.There were some people walking facing traffic in front of me.As I pulled away from the stop sign I moved over to the left to safely pass by the walkers,all of a sudden some guy in his cute little spandex outfit sreams at me as he is passing me on the left at a stop sign.When I reminded him that he was supposed to stop at the stop sign he gave me the finger and called me an a-hole.This seems to be the attitude of alot of the advanced bikers I have encountered on our roads.Part of this problem in my opinion is that the police don’t make much of an effort to to enforce the traffic laws in regard to bikers,it seems like anything goes if you are on a bike.I especially like the drunks who don’t have a drivers liscense but have the huggies mounted on thier bikes so they can ride around and drink beer,open container?This is not going to get any better until someone makes the effort to get an out of control situation under control.
oh wow says:
The Outer Banks is trying to be a place in which locals and visitors can walk EVERYWHERE because isn’t that so nice, convenient and quaint?
At the same time, the Outer Banks features a crazy four-lane-highway, complete with a large amount of stores and attractions that should not be walked to.
However, as someone else already pointed out, rental companies advertise “a short walk to the beach,” making it sound normal and safe to cross a busy highway.
Foreign exchange students and workers who are here solely to work are also sold the idea that they can travel without a car to their workplaces, which are often located in busy, busy places like French Fry Alley or other venues along 158.
Would they come and work here if they needed a car to do so? Nope. That wouldn’t be feasible for them. So, if companies were discouraging workers by being honest about transportation needs, then who would work for them? What would happen to Wings, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, Wendys, etc.? I think Outer Banks towns and these companies/franchises need to decide what’s REALLY important here.
This is a heartbreaking occurrence. Much love to this gentleman’s family.
DoubleT says:
Great, guess we can expect a new law that prohibits driving autos on Beach Rd between 01:00 and 02:00 now?!
RIP and God bless the victim.
Maria says:
Hi, I am one of those international students who used to work night shifts and ride bikes from work after dark. When I was driving on a bike path just a little past walmart towards the bridge it was so pitch-black I couldn’t see a thing, so when the bike path sloped down my bike ran off the path and hit a ditch. I spent a couple days in the hospital and a month in bed, but luckily I was not on the highway and the cars weren’t involved. The accident hapened because I did not have a bike light, nor was I wearing a helmet or clothes with reflecting stripes on. I didn’t pay attention to those basic safety rules because in my country they aren’t inforced and very few people are even aware of these basic precautions. Now, when I have kids, I always make them wear helmets and protective gear and it scares me to think of what can happen.
My point is, – many international students are not aware of what measures they can take to be safe on the roads, so if you are an employer on the Outer Banks, I’d encourage you to talk to your international workers and make sure they all have a helmet, a bike light and reflective piece of clothing before you hire them!! Make it a law!! Save lives of those kids! They have parents too!
Ride on the right says:
@steve,
All I can say Steve is, if a cyclist is coming at you, I hope YOU are the one who moves over.
obx resident says:
The young man had just got off work and was trying to get home, he was not out just riding his bike at 1:30a.m. Please keep the family in your prayers.
skiffguide says:
I ride my bike almost everyday in Nags Head and I actually use the BIKE PATH. I also drive the Beach Road everyday instead of 158. Whether I am driving or cycling, I see cyclists in the road when there is a nearly empty bike path, why is that you say? Because many cyclists see it to be their right to ride in the road with cars and trucks. It is absolutely their right to do so, just not that smart. There is attitude among the people who choose to dress up in costume before taking a bike ride. They have decided that when they dress up for a bike ride, they can and will ride in the road, or the narrow shoulder of the beach road instead of getting on the BIKE PATH. The problem arises when flesh and bones collide with moving steel automobiles. So all you Lance Armstrong wannabees out there with your costumes on, don’t complain when you get slammed by a big honkin pickup truck when you could just as easily be riding on the BIKE PATH.
Dave says:
@skiffguide And there is also attitude among people who think that they own the road solely and do not need to share it with those legally entitled to use it. You might want to take a look at yourself before talking about who does or doesn’t have an attitude.
By the way, are you the kind of person that locks up the brakes to avoid hitting a dog in the road, but somehow think it’s ok to hit a human? Or are you equal opportunity and run everything down?
chaser says:
Public transportation in the south still carries the stigma of being poor, and god forbid there was actually a bus system that ran north to south and vice-verse. But the whole DWI_DUI money making system would be out of wack.
Jdog says:
R.I.P. Brother. My prayers go out to your family that are so far away.
roanokeislander says:
i too have issues with cyclists who disobey traffic laws. with rights come responsabilities.
Bill says:
In Nags Head on the Beach Road we have an excellent pedestrian/bike path; HOWEVER, I often see bikers not using it! Granted you have the bike riders peddling 10 speed racing bikes decked out in full gear and look like “professionals” always on the road and I give them exception; however when I see regular Joes on beach cruisers riding on the road when the PATH is RIGHT THERE NEXT TO THEM, why do they not have that bike on the path?! Sometimes, its that “social Darwinism” mindset where some people are just plain dumb when it comes to common sense and the risk of getting themselves killed. I even take it a notch higher when I see a parent with a kid on the back of the bike riding on the road when the path is right there. Sometimes, I just want to stop and ask them personally why they are not riding on the path?!
skiffguide says:
@ Dave-Nope, not one bit. I said that cyclists have every right to the road, but that it’s just not all that smart. I am taking a look at myself as you suggested and what I see is a guy that never runs over so much as a turtle crossing the road if I can any way avoid it. I shudder to think I’d ever hit anyone no matter how stupid they are. I ALWAYS give the cyclist a wide berth many times crossing over the yellow lines in order to do so. I am not a equal opportunity mauler of man nor beast, that comment was ridiculous. One thing I am is smart enough to stay the heck out of fast moving traffic on narrow roads. If you want to go play in the street dude, you have at it. It is absoultly your right to do so and may the Good Lord protect you since you may not have sense enough to realize your right to the road could someday be eclipsed by someone who doesn’t appreciate your right and sends you to your maker, costume, helmet and all. Good luck with it.
HAPPY BARRACUDA says:
On Hatteras Island there is a sidewalk on the backroad and that’s it. And it took 30 years to get that.
The road to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a National Park no less has NO bike paths.
The shoulder of Highway 12, with the sand, grass, gravel, and other crap covering it, that’s our bikepath.
Who on the Tourism Board decided to promote Dare County as ‘Bicycle Friendly’.
If you like vehicle side-view mirrors going by you at 60 mph by only a few feet, then this is the place for you and your family to bicycle.
Sue says:
Maria, you are so right about the side roads being very dark. I’ve noticed that the natives, especially those living in less populated areas, can see like cats in the dark. Visitors, who are often used to city lights, don’t see nearly as well. I’ve stumbled and fallen a couple of times trying to walk without a flashlight at night, which is NOT very smart. My advice to anyone who has to walk or ride a bike at night is to be very aware and illuminated somehow, with reflective clothing, a flashlight, bike reflectors, and a bike light. Better still, avoid night walking and bike riding if at all possible.
Seriously says:
I think this latest accident speaks more to the alcohol/drugs culture of the Outer Banks, and it’s time for locals to take a look in the mirror. Any time you drive here, you should be worried about intoxicated drivers. How many people do you know that have been arrested for DUI? With all the alcoholism, pill heads, and heroin users now, the road is an even more dangerous place. If you don’t have to, don’t drive at night here. Also, people can blame all the theivery going on now on the economy, but its all drug related. Wake up.
RnR says:
COMMON SENSE…USE IT! If you are on a bike in the road YOU run the risk of getting hit. Yes cars should share the roads with bikes, HOWEVER, IF THE CYCLISTS WANT TO RIDE IN THE ROAD, YOU MUST OBEY THE LAWS OF THE ROAD TOO. KEEPING UP WITH SPEED LIMIT. STOPPING AT RED LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS. USING YOUR HAND SIGNALS (NOT THE BIRD) TO TELL US WHERE YOU R GOING, BEING KIND AND MOVING OVER TO LET FASTER TRAFFIC BY. YOU ARE NOT THE KING OF THE ROAD. YOU WANT RESPECT…U GOTTA GIVE IT TOO!!!!
Ride on the right says:
RnR, most of what u said is correct, but cyclist’s certainly do not have to “Keep up with the speed limit”. But we do have to “ride as close to the right as practicable” so a faster vehicle can pass (when safe).
Beach Bouy says:
Keep riding on the right with your bicycle and you, too, will eventually become a victim. It’s not only dangerous. It’s stupid.
RnR is just an idiot. Keep up with the speed limit? On a bicycle? Ha ha ha ha! You’re kidding, right? Oh… you’re not kidding. Well, then, based on your collective and irrational thoughts expressed above (in shouting mode, no less), I can only conclude that you’re a freakin’ idiot. This is my considered opinion and not necessarily the opinion of this blog, it’s owner or webmaster. I alone am responsible for this statement, and stand by it until further evidence persuades me otherwise.
Beach Bouy says:
I remind people, once again, that a driver following a large van or truck cannot see cyclists riding on the right side of the road ahead of the large truck they are following. The driver of the car may not be aware of the cyclists until the truck or van passes the cyclist. Then, the following car has but a second to recognize the situation and try to avoid the cyclist without veering into oncoming traffic. It is a very dangerous stituation.
If a car wants to pass a larger vehicle, like a truck or van, they tend to follow fairly closely, waiting for the opportunity to pass. Again, their view of the road ahead is completely blocked by the larger vehicle. They would not be able to see a cyclist and would not know that they need to give room. The chances of an accident are extremely high in such a situation.
Our traffic laws do NOT adequately address the use of bicycles on our highways, nor the way drivers of cars and trucks should should should handle bicycle traffic. It is just assumed that cyclists should yield to cars because they are bigger, faster and would win any collision between the two.
...... says:
#1 While driving the north end of the beach road yesterday evening I was blown away by the number of people walking with their backs to traffic on the side of the road. You could barely see them until you were right on them. Common sense people…..please.
#2 When you do get behind someone on a bike that is not in the bike lane it is not an invitation for you to drive around them in the left lane with traffic heading at you. Slow down and let the traffic pass before you decide to go around.
Concerned says:
And to the person that said he shouldn’t be out at 1:30 in the morning, he was leaving work to get home.