Bicycle Austin forum

On my way to Natural Grocers (via car), I was surprised to see in my rear view mirror a group of maybe 25-30 young people (late teens/early 20s) on bikes taking up all of the northbound lanes, swerving, giving motorists the finger, riding in the turn lane, and otherwise acting in a very confrontational way.

I was stopped at the light ahead of them, and they reached the intersection, and thank goodness stopped at the red light. They all crowded around my car (super close) and gave me "dirty looks". This whole thing really made me nervous for my own safety and for theirs, because they were riding erratically and heckling motorists. People in cars tried to get around them using the turn lane, which was dangerous, and obviously not a good idea.

I don't know if these kiddos are part of the "critical mass" or similar movement, but these actions are unsafe and actually erode public opinion of cycling. It is not helpful for the cycling movement when those on bikes purposefully cause traffic problems and taunt motorists. If anyone knows these folks, I would urge them not to do this.

The problem is not cars, it is that the city is not creating safe bike lanes and safe streets like they should, and is instead putting money into things like the mass transit lines instead. (Mass transit can be awesome, but bike lanes and sidewalks have to be there first!) Look folks, I am a bike advocate, but the bike cannot replace cars/trucks. People that have children, the elderly, injured/physically impaired, and those whose professions require them to transport tools, materials, food, etc need cars/trucks. Even people in the "dark ages" used carts with wheels, horses, etc. Transporting "stuff" is part of human life, and as of yet, there is not a more efficient way to do this.

Thus, I say, we bike advocates need to really press the city to make more and better bike lanes that are clearly differentiated, and that don't just stop and start randomly,especially on major roadways. There also needs to be better education for motorists and cyclists on "the rules" for both. The hostility between motorists and cyclists is misdirected. We should all be angry with the city for not doing its job.