Story Photos
 Seattle to Portland Classic riders climb the Washington side of the Lewis and Clark bridge on Sunday. The bridge lane was shut down periodically to let groups of riders cross the span. Leslie Slape / The Daily News
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Annual STP bike classic safer this year
Monday, July 14, 2008 12:59 PM PDT
By Leslie Slape
Printable version
E-mail this articleEarly rider feedback seems to indicate that the Cascade Bicycle Club’s “etiquette campaign” to improve rider safety on this year’s Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic was a success.
“Everything is smooth,” said Jolly Matias of Kent, Wash., stopping for a breather Sunday afternoon in the shade of a building at the corner of West Main Street and First Avenue. “We’re having fun.”
Matias pedaled with friends from the Seattle area who are all Filipino. They wore bike shirts reading “Trangko,” which they said means “up front” and “safety.”
A record 9,500 bicyclists registered for the 29th annual classic. Last year, a motorist was arrested for felony hit-and-run after hitting and injuring a cyclist on Highway 30. Two other cyclists were injured when they hit the downed bicycle.
Matias and his friends said they like the “single-file is safer” campaign, which the bicycle club’s education arm introduced this year to improve the cyclists’ relationship with motorists, as well as help keep everyone safe on the 202-mile trip.
“Oh man, it’s great,” said David Gossard of Federal Way of the new etiquette guidelines. “Everybody’s being very, very safe and trying to ride single file. There’s a lot of cooperation with the public as well as different police forces.”
Sgt. Troy Brightbill of the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, which controlled traffic at Riverside Park in Lexington, said the only issue that arose for deputies was a report around 10 a.m. Sunday of a motorist intentionally swerving toward riders. No one was injured. The car was last seen turning on to John Street from West Side Highway, but deputies were unable to locate it.
Brightbill said the single-file campaign and extra traffic controls appeared to make the ride run smoothly through the county.
“It sounds like it went off pretty well this year,” Brightbill said. “It’s one of those things, you have to be a little bit patient, but its kind of neat seeing it come through town.”
At various points along the route, citizens gathered to wave and encourage riders. The Clatskanie Cruisers parked at the Oregon end of the Lewis and Clark Bridge early Sunday morning in their shiny vintage cars, one honking a cheerful “ah-oo-gah” as a wave of riders came across the bridge.
Saturday, the bridge shoulder was swept clean of weeks of bark and other debris hazardous to bicyclists.
At the Longview end of the bridge Sunday morning, Sharie and Kim Burdick waited at Starbucks for their husbands to pedal up Industrial Way. The Bellingham women are married to brothers.
Sharie Burdick’s husband, Brad, is on his third STP, and he inspired Kim’s husband, Brent, to try it this year, they said.
Also stopping at Starbucks, Kirk Christianson of Seattle said some riders did make the effort to practice bicycle etiquette, while others didn’t.
“It’s just like driving,” he said. “Some follow the rules, some don’t. I noticed a lot of traffic control people — they did at least manage that. Hopefuly residents will appreciate that.”
Kent Klingman of Kent, Wash., and Ben Lazo of Seattle praised the organizers’ efficiency.
“I was surprised. At every stop, it’s incredible what they have to do,” Klingman said.
“Every little town, there’s something,” Lazo added. “There’s kids selling lemonade on the side of the road. It’s amazing.”
Click here to view a tdn.com video from Sunday's ride.
Related article:
Bicycle Classic leaders hope new guidelines will ease tensions (July 9)
Articles from last year's event:
Seattle-to-Portland bicyclists coming this weekend (July 12, 2007)
Three cyclists hospitalized after hit-and-run (July 16, 2007)
Cycle of angst (Aug. 19, 2007)
jessizmomma wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:55 PM:
" I absolutely disagree. On Westside HWY there were groups of bikers riding 4 or 5 abreast!! I thought the "theme" this year was a single file campaign??? Even the TDN picture shows the riders blocking an entire lane, shutting down or blocking traffic. I always try to avoid driving at all every year during "race" weekend. The bikers are rude and think they own the road. Community is about sharing not dominating. I am seriously disgusted. STP don't come back. "
Kaijakoira wrote on Jul 13, 2008 11:56 PM:
" jessizmomma, the caption under the picture explains why the cyclists are "blocking" the lane: They're starting up the Washington side of the bridge. That lane was periodically closed to motor traffic to allow groups of cyclists to cross safely. "
AnotherLameOpinion wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:03 AM:
" I have to cross the Rainier bridge at least twice a day, and really, it's a small inconvenience, and it's only once a year, I don't see what all the fuss is about. Sure, there are the rude inconsiderate few, but that rings true everywhere. Do you think it's most of the people who use the woods that dump all the ugly trash out there? No, I'm sure that can be blamed on a small minority of people, not the majority. I might not participate in the event, but I think it's kinda neat,and I'm all for it. So what if we're slightly incovenienced two days a year, some people are so touchy. "
Tortoise wrote on Jul 14, 2008 2:06 AM:
" jessizmomma: if you would bother to read the article or the image's caption, you would have seen that the southbound lane of the Lewis & Clark bridge was shutdown periodically to allow larger surges of riders to get over the bridge. That is why you see them in the picture occupying the entire lane. I rode past hundreds of STP riders for several miles and had not a single problem. They were all very courteous and so were all of the folks driving vehicles. There's always a few bad apples, but from what I observed, everyone driving on four wheels or riding on two wheels were very well behaved and showed each other respect by sharing the road. "
bucko wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:35 AM:
" Darn it! I wanted to be the first to notice the pictures of the riders not doing the single file. I was watching the riders at the foot of the Lewis and Clark Bridge Saturday afternoon clogging traffic five and six across. They were going up the bridge very slowly and very wide......I was glad I wasn't going that direction. "
roudy russ wrote on Jul 14, 2008 5:17 AM:
" As stated just look at that picture! Every bicycle in it is in the middle of the road. The shoulder of the road looks in good condition but not one bike is riding there. These people should have been cited! "
Cheney119 wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:36 AM:
" Read the caption that's the Lewis and Clark Bridge and the traffic is blocked, there is no reason not to ride 5 abreast. I rode my bike out to Castle Rock on Westside Hwy and back with the STP riders and I didn't see anyone riding abreast or causing any disturbance. Just what is it about a few bicycles that upsets people so much. Prehaps it makes you so upset because of your own pathetic couch ridden life. I'd like to see any of you bitchers ride 2 miles let alone 200 miles. This is a nationally recognized event and it adds to charm of the Pacific Northwest. You can't say that about cranks like jesssizmomma, you have the charm of rootcanal. "
concerned wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:04 AM:
" although it wasnt perfect and all riders didnt follow the single file rule I think it was somewhat better then it has been in the past. I do feel they need more safety officials. I did notice that at the new kelso bridge the riders did block the turn lane every time the light was red which held up those wanting to turn at the light. I also saw one rider chatting on the phone while riding with no hands...HOW SAFE IS THAT???? But overall the STP was a success with the traffic on west side hwy. Thanks riders for being somewhat more considerate this year! "
RAL Alum wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:19 AM:
" jessizmomma:
Doesn't the caption below the picture you referrenced say that the lane was periodically shut down for the bikers? If thats the case they would be well within any safety regulations to be riding side by side. Just my opinion. "
Doesn't the caption below the picture you referrenced say that the lane was periodically shut down for the bikers? If thats the case they would be well within any safety regulations to be riding side by side. Just my opinion. "
winlockfamily wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:27 AM:
" This article couldn't be any further from the truth. These bike riders think they own the road and have no consideration for the rest of us. They obviously were not made aware of the slogan this year because they were not at all riding single file. They took up entire lanes and then passed in the oncoming traffic lane. One car was attempting to make a right hand turn and wasn't able to because these guys kept passing him on the right instead of waiting. He had on his turn signal and the riders made hand gestures to him as they passed because he was blocking the road. If these people would have consideration they would have stopped. I am tired of the mess and havoc the riders cause. I get it is only one weekend a year, but why does that make it ok? They should have to follow the same traffic rules as the rest of us do and "Stop" at stop signs and "Yeild" to other traffic when appropiate. They do not abide by the rules and make it a hostile weekend. I VOTE NO MORE STP. Try something new next year...take logging roads from Seattle to Portland...a real adventure!!! "
hey now wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:02 AM:
" I wonder how many of those 9500 people stopped and bought water, gaterade, snacks, lunch, etc. at local stores. For two days out of 365 bikers came through Longview with PLENTY of advanced warning of both the event and the bike route. Why are so many people complaining about a fun event for thousands which may help provide some economic stimulus to the community? "
imlovinit wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:08 AM:
" jessizmomma: Saturday morning, Westside Hwy, half mile before Riverside, same thing. One rider in the middle of the traffic lane. And not that he had to be. There was plenty of room in his group that he could have ridden near the fog line, he simply chose not to. Understandable when passing or in a bigger crowd, but some obviously just don't care & they make all riders look bad. "
Famous in a Small Town wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:11 AM:
" I live in Rainier, and I saw at several occasions, bike riders riding 3 and 4 across and tossing their water bottles. Enough is enough, the organizers need to actually follow through with citing those riders who fail to comply with the rules of the race. "
nelly wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:36 AM:
" To all of those who say refer to the caption of the picture, what jessizmomma is referring to is the bike riders that she encounter riding 3 - 5 wide on the road. I live in Lexington and I had the same thing happen to me. It was very frustrating. I realize that not all riders are that way, but the few that do ride 3 - 5 wide ruin it for the rest of the people. I cringe every year that they come through. Why don't they route them across the river in Castle Rock and then let them cross back over to Westside Hwy at the Lexington Bridge? Just a thought. "
1978 jacks wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:41 AM:
" Alright, that explains the picture but can anyone explain why the bicyclists were riding three or four abreast on highway 30 between Goble and Deer Island yesterday? "
MamaX's2!!! wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:49 AM:
" I agree.....they were not smart on Westside Highway. I have to take that road to get home; I just wish they would stay single file. I want to be respectful to them. I just wish they would show the same. They were actually cutting traffic off at the intersection by Flying K. It was absurd. "
K-mom wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:53 AM:
" This is a great event. One weekend out of the year is not that much to ask that drivers have a little patience. I applaud their efforts and physical endurance! You find cranky people everywhere that need to complain about something - What a sad waste of energy! Hop on a bike and take a ride - its a much better way to spend your time!...I'll move over for ya. "
Tortoise wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:05 AM:
" winlockfamily: well, I'm glad that your "vote" doesn't matter. Get a grip. "
luke the drifter wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:21 AM:
" These bikers need to stay off the road. There's plenty of bike trails to ride around the area. What the heck is the use of riding from Seattle to Portland in the first place? They are lucky more of them don't get killed riding on roads designed for cars traveling at high speeds. "
Beer&Skittles wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:24 AM:
" I was not going to comment on this story until I read K-mom's comment. You are right on K-mom, thanks for saying what you did - I echo it wholeheartedly! "
longview citizen wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:37 AM:
" I avoided all routes this year due to the "RUDE" bike riders. Yes it is only 1 weekend out of the year, but this should be used as a guide to promote "SAFE" bike riding. Bicyclist need to remember as long as they are on their bike they should be abiding by the traffic laws. Their is no reason to pass on the wrong side go through stop signs etc. These are the traffic laws and I was always taught when mounted on a bike you follow the traffic laws. You do not cross at a crosswalk on your bike you dismount, You do not go ripping down the sidewalks you walk your bike through pedestrian traffic. Come on folks use some common sense and courtesy and all will be fine. "
dan wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:53 AM:
" As an STP rider, I want to thank all the citizens of the communities it passes through. An event as large the STP will cause some inconvenience along the route--no matter how well organized. I appreciate the kind waves of support and the friendly people at the stops along the way.
The riders who don't follow the rules create unsafe conditions for drivers and the other riders alike. They annoy and anger me greatly because they do so much harm to the bicycling community. Some are ignorant (despite Cascade Bike Club's best efforts to educate them) and some are just stupid. They deserve to be cited and many are. It is no different than with motorists. Although most drivers are safe and obey all traffic laws, many get away with speeding, aggressive driving and other bad behavior every day. If they do this habitually, eventually they will get the ticket they deserve and so will the scofflaw bicyclist.
On behalf of the riders who follow the rules of the road and the special rules of the STP [for example, that riders stay single file except when passing even though it is legal to ride two abreast in Washington], I apologize for the bad apples who don't. Please don't generalize their behavior to all cyclists as the majority ride safely and follow the rules of the road. "
The riders who don't follow the rules create unsafe conditions for drivers and the other riders alike. They annoy and anger me greatly because they do so much harm to the bicycling community. Some are ignorant (despite Cascade Bike Club's best efforts to educate them) and some are just stupid. They deserve to be cited and many are. It is no different than with motorists. Although most drivers are safe and obey all traffic laws, many get away with speeding, aggressive driving and other bad behavior every day. If they do this habitually, eventually they will get the ticket they deserve and so will the scofflaw bicyclist.
On behalf of the riders who follow the rules of the road and the special rules of the STP [for example, that riders stay single file except when passing even though it is legal to ride two abreast in Washington], I apologize for the bad apples who don't. Please don't generalize their behavior to all cyclists as the majority ride safely and follow the rules of the road. "
LJD wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:05 AM:
" I live in Lexington. I made an honest effort to keep an open mind about the STP this year. On my way into town I was giving the riders a wide berth when all of a sudden and for no apparent reason a rider suddenly veered to his left and cut me off. If I had not been covering my brakes and and going slower than normal this rider would have the focus of alot of grieving this morning. I don't object to the STP I just feel that the participants need to either follow the rules of the road or else put their bikes on Ebay. "
culp686 wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:27 AM:
" I don't have a problem with the event but having the STP the same weekend of rainier days is horrible. Plus I went over the bridge multiple times and saw empty plastic bottles up and down the bridge. If the bikers want to do this every year why not do it the weekend after rainier days and don't trash our town!!! "
Rubicon wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:28 AM:
" I don't think littering up the bridge to Rainier by the bikers is good. Water bottles, and wrappers. I have never seen that bridge in such a manner. also seem them throwing trash along the road as well. Its time to put an end to this ride. "
rastor wrote on Jul 14, 2008 11:24 AM:
" Bad bike riders behave no different than bad auto drivers. Hogging the lanes, running lights, tailgating, throwing all sorts of trash around. I would imagine that they are one in the same regardless of what kind of vehicle they use. It was a beautiful day, most of the smaller towns really go out of their way to welcome the groups, even though some bad always come along with the good. Start worrying about other things than having to share the roads for two days out of they year! "
Im_not_saying wrote on Jul 14, 2008 11:31 AM:
" I drove Westside Hwy. on Saturday and I can tell you the people in their cars were a bigger trouble than the bicyclists. Hello? It's called a NO PASSING ZONE. If you are going to pass a bicycle - do so in your own lane. if you cant do it safely - YOU HAVE TO WAIT!! Some people were driving me off the road passing the bikers WHO WERE RIDING SINGLE FILE!! Yes I saw some riding two and three abreast - TO PASS ONE ANOTHER!! You folks who think you and your car own the road need to learn some manners. For both other drivers and those on bicycles. "
dan58 wrote on Jul 14, 2008 11:35 AM:
" Bikers do not intentionally litter the bridge with water bottles. They create an additional hazard for bikes and on hot days like we had this past weekend, a water bottle is the last thing a cyclist wants to give up. The problem is that the expansion joints sometimes cause the bottles to dislodge from their holders--especially on the downhill side. In some cases the rider is unaware that they've lost a bottle. In other cases, it is just too dangerous to stop on the bridge to pick it up. Stopping on the bridge would create a significant hazard for other riders and for motorist when the riders are unescorted. I don't know if there is an organized effort to collect them after the ride. If not I would agree that is needed and hope CBC will take note and arrange for it. "
Amazed By Ignorance wrote on Jul 14, 2008 11:41 AM:
" Two day out of the year. Big deal. Some people really need to "unclench". "
Winlock Dad wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:14 PM:
" My family enjoys the activity in our otherwise sleepy little town. We always walk up the road and have a burger with the riders along the route in Winlock. Good burgers and it's fun watching some of the many bikes go by. For all those inconvenienced by the ride, know that it's coming and plan your route or time of travel. The riders I encountered, at the one intersection on my way out of town, stopped at the stop sign and obeyed the laws of the road. Not all bikers will do this ... and neither will all drivers. My son and I walk into town and hardly any of the cars will stop at the cross walk. So, let's talk about rules of the road. "
somedude wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:18 PM:
" ROFLMAO, this is funny...I thought Bikes had the same rights as cars on the road for some reason....anyways ya'll best get used to the idea of people riding bikes on the road, it's something your going to start seeing more of...........alot more of "
Dude wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:22 PM:
" I drove Westside Highway twice during the event. Most riders showed etiquette and a lot were careless. Since this is an annual event you would think the shoulder could be widen on the west side of the highway. Enjoyed the event seeing all the bicycles rolling through town. Still need to do something about the riders that put people in harms way. "
skibum wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:34 PM:
" I was traveling west on Industrial. When I got to the light at the bridge it was red. When it turned green, all of the bikes cut across awaiting traffic at the light and none of the cars made it through the light. Seems someone should have directed traffic of something at that intersection. Didn't look very safe to me! "
worriedone wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:43 PM:
" Wow, never seen so many folks with BVD's and Bloomers on WAY TO TIGHT! We drove to Yelm and encountered the riders all day long. As with all of us human species, some follow rules, most DO NOT. Don't let something so triffling stop you from enjoying YOUR world. If your going to get your bloomers in a bunch, make it over something that makes a HUGE impact on our country/world. I admire the riders. Let them have their adventure. "
funnygirl wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:48 PM:
" Well I don't see it as a problem at all it's just away for a group of people to have some good clean fun. As far as it beening safer this year I'm glad to hear that. I do know one bkie rider did go to the hospital from a crash in Vader. See you all next year.. "
abernathybob wrote on Jul 14, 2008 2:50 PM:
" " Well I don't have a problem with the bikers along the Westside Hwy, but it is what they do when they are off the their bikes that I have a problem with. They piss in our driveway, leave their toilet paper on the grass and other garbage. I went down to get my paper and got a great view of the moon at 6:30 Sunday mourning. The lady said nothing when I told her their were trees on the other side of the road. In order to get my paper out of the box I had to pull out a discarded coat that said " Group Health STP Team. "
trace22clawson wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:04 PM:
" It's funny how some folks have the opinion that cyclists "don't own the road." Actually, as a cycling taxpayer, vehicle owner, and citizen I own the road just as much as the next guy. As far as following the laws... the laws are the same for a cyclist as they are for a driver. In other words, if I want to "take the lane" I am entitled to it just as any vehicle would be (remember, I own the road too when I'm on by bike.)
To the poster that said take the logging roads from Seattle to Portland... you have that option also in your car.. I doubt you'll have any cyclists "bothering you." The single file slogan... it's a courtesy, the law allows cyclists to ride two-abreast in a lane of traffic. We could have ridden in single file down the middle of the road and been in compliance with all the laws and we would have met the requirements of the slogan. Then again, you would be the same people complaining about waiting behind 9500 cyclists that were following all the laws and the safety campaign. For all I care, I hope gas hits $50 per gallon so we don't have traffic problems. "
To the poster that said take the logging roads from Seattle to Portland... you have that option also in your car.. I doubt you'll have any cyclists "bothering you." The single file slogan... it's a courtesy, the law allows cyclists to ride two-abreast in a lane of traffic. We could have ridden in single file down the middle of the road and been in compliance with all the laws and we would have met the requirements of the slogan. Then again, you would be the same people complaining about waiting behind 9500 cyclists that were following all the laws and the safety campaign. For all I care, I hope gas hits $50 per gallon so we don't have traffic problems. "
GarageWidow wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:09 PM:
" This was my second STP while living on Westside Hwy. This year did seem much better than last year. The only thing that frightened me was how many riders blew the 4-way stop at 4 Corners. And I mean PACKS of riders would go through. One female rider did stop and the rider behind her ran into her. I had already turned south on Westside so I don't know how angry the others riders got. I commend the female rider for obeying the traffic law. For 2 days a year, I can control my panic, plan my routes and enjoy the race. "
Louie wrote on Jul 14, 2008 5:00 PM:
" I simply can't believe that motorists schedules and lives are so "important" that they can't be pleasant to the bicyclists two days out of a year. I would like to see the drivers in the Longview/Kelso area grow up and get along...not just 2 days a year but 365 days. "
cheney119 wrote on Jul 14, 2008 5:01 PM:
" Thank you trace22clawsonou for suming it up so susinctly. The bike riders have as much right to the road as any of the jackasses complaining. I hope gas does reach $50 a gallon. Then this country would become more like Europe in stead of the ignorant backwater we are. Maybe then we'd give people with some get up and go a break. You don't need octane to have a good time. Attention ATV riders and snowmobilers your time is almost UP! Maybe not at $5 a gallon but $10 your gone. Thank goodness! "
redorblack wrote on Jul 14, 2008 5:38 PM:
" As a first time rider, my thanks to all the great volunteers, the police controlling intersections and the great people living along the route. I stopped at the corner store in Vader on the first night and had a great time getting to meet Gator and the wonderful woman that let me leave my bike there for the night. I see people complaining about traffic control in Longview area... a suggestion, get some volunteers out like everywhere else to help do traffic control. We had police or volunteers controlling traffic the entire route from Seattle to Centralia, it petered out after that. I spent money along the route for food, drink and gas as my family followed me the second day. "
bluebear wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:00 PM:
" What a great event for this community. All the riders and families spending money in our businesses. Kelso is the half way point we should be celebrating and making a much bigger deal of welcoming these people into our town.
The light cycle at W Main and West Side needs to be extended for this event. It just wasnt long enough... jaming it up. "
The light cycle at W Main and West Side needs to be extended for this event. It just wasnt long enough... jaming it up. "
imlovinit wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:46 PM:
" I think many of you are right, bicycles DO have the same rights on the road as a car. But don't they also have the same responsibilities, such as traveling the posted speed? If I was on a 55mph highway in a car driving 20mph, I would be impeding traffic & causing an unsafe situation. Riding two abreast & taking a lane on the rural highways would only be legal if you're traveling near the posted speed, correct? "
Rosey Glasses wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:34 PM:
" I am so glad I missed it this year. I was out of town, the rudeness I have read about, same as always. The ones that are rude, make it unbearable for the residents and thus make the residents not like the whole function. I really believe that a trail be designed and paved for these people. I don't begrudge them the function, personally I like the ride. But when the garbage left behind, the rudeness of some of these people and all of the issues should show the people that set this up that there really needs to be a better route. When they ride 3-4 abreast on West Side Hwy, it not only makes it dangerouse for the cyclists, but for the drivers and on-coming traffic too. What happened with these people that were to cite the ones not following the single file rule? what happened to that? My daughter and her friend told me that this rule went out the window when many of these riders went by our home! Again.. glad I was gone this year... "
Trace22Clawson wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:51 PM:
" "The rule"... single file - it's not the law, only an attempt by the event coordinators to be courteous to members of the community. I don't think that a police office can cite someone for not being courteous if he/she is obeying the law.
If there is ample room on the shoulder and it is in a safe condition to ride a bicycle in then I think that riders should use the shoulder. However, if a cyclist needs to take the lane to avoid potholes, grates covering drains, or debris on the shoulder, he/she has every right to the lane. And... if we need to ride in the lane of traffic for our safety, we can do that... even if it's at 15-20 mph on a 55 mph highway. As a motorist, you can pass us on the left when it is safe and legal to do so. I've never seen a farmer on a tractor riding at 15-20 mph get cited for "impeding traffic."
As a cyclist and vehicle operator, I think it's "rude" that people can get a driver's license without knowing what the laws are. From many of the comments here, it's obvious that many drivers don't know what the cycling laws are and the rights of cyclists on the roads.
I've been yelled at by motorists when walking my bicycle across the street in a crosswalk... "get out of the street!" You would think they would understand the purpose of a crosswalk. "
If there is ample room on the shoulder and it is in a safe condition to ride a bicycle in then I think that riders should use the shoulder. However, if a cyclist needs to take the lane to avoid potholes, grates covering drains, or debris on the shoulder, he/she has every right to the lane. And... if we need to ride in the lane of traffic for our safety, we can do that... even if it's at 15-20 mph on a 55 mph highway. As a motorist, you can pass us on the left when it is safe and legal to do so. I've never seen a farmer on a tractor riding at 15-20 mph get cited for "impeding traffic."
As a cyclist and vehicle operator, I think it's "rude" that people can get a driver's license without knowing what the laws are. From many of the comments here, it's obvious that many drivers don't know what the cycling laws are and the rights of cyclists on the roads.
I've been yelled at by motorists when walking my bicycle across the street in a crosswalk... "get out of the street!" You would think they would understand the purpose of a crosswalk. "
whatsinaname wrote on Jul 14, 2008 11:42 PM:
" I agree with Nelly. They might want to reroute the course over the Cowlitz, into Castle Rock and south on the I5 frontage road and then down to Kelso, or maybe over the new bridge at Lexington. The hills south of Castle Rock on Westside Hwy are steep, curvy, and not enough bike lane. I wish bike lanes were wider. Then I would ride to work. "
TraceClawson wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:24 AM:
" "The rule"... single file - it's not the law, only an attempt by the event coordinators to be courteous to members of the community. I don't think that a police office can cite someone for not being courteous if he/she is obeying the law.
If there is ample room on the shoulder and it is in a safe condition to ride a bicycle in then I think that riders should use the shoulder. However, if a cyclist needs to take the lane to avoid potholes, grates covering drains, or debris on the shoulder, he/she has every right to the lane. And... if we need to ride in the lane of traffic for our safety, we can do that... even if it's at 15-20 mph on a 55 mph highway. As a motorist, you can pass us on the left when it is safe and legal to do so. I've never seen a farmer on a tractor riding at 15-20 mph get cited for "impeding traffic."
As a cyclist and vehicle operator, I think it's "rude" that people can get a driver's license without knowing what the laws are. From many of the comments here, it's obvious that many drivers don't know what the cycling laws are and the rights of cyclists on the roads.
I've been yelled at by motorists when walking my bicycle across the street in a crosswalk... "get out of the street!" You would think they would understand the purpose of a crosswalk. "
If there is ample room on the shoulder and it is in a safe condition to ride a bicycle in then I think that riders should use the shoulder. However, if a cyclist needs to take the lane to avoid potholes, grates covering drains, or debris on the shoulder, he/she has every right to the lane. And... if we need to ride in the lane of traffic for our safety, we can do that... even if it's at 15-20 mph on a 55 mph highway. As a motorist, you can pass us on the left when it is safe and legal to do so. I've never seen a farmer on a tractor riding at 15-20 mph get cited for "impeding traffic."
As a cyclist and vehicle operator, I think it's "rude" that people can get a driver's license without knowing what the laws are. From many of the comments here, it's obvious that many drivers don't know what the cycling laws are and the rights of cyclists on the roads.
I've been yelled at by motorists when walking my bicycle across the street in a crosswalk... "get out of the street!" You would think they would understand the purpose of a crosswalk. "
chevguy wrote on Jul 15, 2008 2:12 AM:
" RE:Cheney Europe is waiting for ya,Please feel free to move over there where life is so grand,Oh and by the way 10 dollars a gallon won't get me off my atv or out of my big lifted truck that I do so enjoy. If we really are jackasses does that make you the village i d i o t! "
ab wrote on Jul 15, 2008 8:21 AM:
" What makes these people think that we want them to ride through our towns and disrupt our lives without even asking us. they just do it and expect us to roll over... "
Snow Shark wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:12 AM:
" Dear Cheney
Why do you use the STP. to bash snowmobiles?
Please leave me and how I choose to recreate alone.
Thanks "
Why do you use the STP. to bash snowmobiles?
Please leave me and how I choose to recreate alone.
Thanks "
trace22clawson wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:53 AM:
" RE: to ab. Your town? Just tell us which part of "your town" you own and where a cyclist, motorist, or tourist is supposed to stop and ask permission for entering your private property. As far as I know, it's my state and federal tax dollars that went to build the roads in "your town."
When was the last time that you asked permission to drive your car in a town other than the one you live in? If everyone that was not a resident of "your town" had to ask permission to enter, we would all skip it. And "your town" would cease to exist in about a week. As an American, I have the freedom and right to enter any town in the United States and ride my bicycle without asking permission. I extend that same right to all who wish to drive their cars, ride their bikes, and even ATV's and snowmobiles through the town that I reside in (I don't own the roads in "my town" anymore than you do... even if you've never been there... but please come - just obey the laws, they are pretty much the same as in "your town.") "
When was the last time that you asked permission to drive your car in a town other than the one you live in? If everyone that was not a resident of "your town" had to ask permission to enter, we would all skip it. And "your town" would cease to exist in about a week. As an American, I have the freedom and right to enter any town in the United States and ride my bicycle without asking permission. I extend that same right to all who wish to drive their cars, ride their bikes, and even ATV's and snowmobiles through the town that I reside in (I don't own the roads in "my town" anymore than you do... even if you've never been there... but please come - just obey the laws, they are pretty much the same as in "your town.") "
Im_not_saying wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:05 AM:
" It amazes me that there are people here that rant and rave about the bikes and then drive like they make the laws. I have seen more people run red lights here than anywhere I have ever lived or visited. If Longview put red-light cameras at every intersection on Washington way and Ocean beach Hwy. They could make so much cash off of them they could build a new city hall. The other day I took a short drive through 12 stoplights and saw 8 people (4 at Nichols/Ocean beach on one light!) Run the red light. They weren't just trying to beat the yellow either - It was green my way before these cars even entered the intersection. Before you yell about the bikers (who are here for 2 days) pay better attention to the drivers who are here year-around. And yes I'm talking to you tailgaters as well!! "
ab wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:55 AM:
" to trace:
Maybe I should have been more explicit so you could understand. When I referred to our town, I consider that being a resident of our town and pay not only state but local taxes, i can reasonably consider this my town. This is where I reside and consider my home town. I am sorry if you took offense to a simple statement. Most people and organizations have the respect to ask if they could disprupt the lives of many for the enjoyment of a few. I guess my rights of an undisrupted life has to take a back seat to you because you are so very important. Again if you were to allow the public to weigh in on this, I believe you would find there are more people that do not approve of the STP than do. The riders disregard the law as do many motorist but that still does not make it right, or acceptable. "
Maybe I should have been more explicit so you could understand. When I referred to our town, I consider that being a resident of our town and pay not only state but local taxes, i can reasonably consider this my town. This is where I reside and consider my home town. I am sorry if you took offense to a simple statement. Most people and organizations have the respect to ask if they could disprupt the lives of many for the enjoyment of a few. I guess my rights of an undisrupted life has to take a back seat to you because you are so very important. Again if you were to allow the public to weigh in on this, I believe you would find there are more people that do not approve of the STP than do. The riders disregard the law as do many motorist but that still does not make it right, or acceptable. "
RealityCheck wrote on Jul 15, 2008 3:46 PM:
" Do bicyclists have to license their bicycles? Do they have full coverage insurance or liabilty only? I'm still trying to figure out who thought it was "safe" to encourage bicyclists to "share" the road with 3,000 lb motor vehicles.......... "
cheney119 wrote on Jul 15, 2008 4:47 PM:
" RealityCheck I thought I'd fill you in it's been legal to ride on public roads since the 1890s. Of course that's why bike clubs organized back then, for mutual safety of cyclists. Do you really think when it costs $40 to register a car that a license fee would discougage cycling? That and everything else you have to critize cyclists is just plain garbage. It's like every other ignorant anti-cycling post. Get a life, get a clue and get off of you cement buttox. Pretty soon you'll either be riding a bus, a bicycle or walking. I really look forward to peak oil, I'll be fine, but I wouldn't want to live in Toutle or some other backwater. "
Real American wrote on Jul 15, 2008 6:28 PM:
" I think that there are rude motorist's and bicycle riders alike. Despite cry's of arrogance directed at the STP riders, I think of two examples that qualify that resentment. One is the video that I seen on this website yesterday that clearly showed a lot STP riders running a red light. When the person shooting the video asked a police officer about that particular incident, his reply was "it happens." Honestly ask yourself if this were several cars in a row doing this very same thing, wouldn't you see the police writing tickets? Secondly there was a car that was involved in a confrontation with a bicyclist in Portland last week. The bike rider didn't like the motorist telling him that he was being unsafe as he passed the car on his right and ran a stop light. The rider responded to the driver with violence by slamming his bike on the man's car. The rider was drunk. He was rightfully arrested after 911 was called and the dispatchers were told that the car ran over the bike. In this case, the details were sorted out properly. There may be extreme examples. But they are both examples of bicycle rider arrogance just the same. "
trace22clawson wrote on Jul 15, 2008 7:29 PM:
" RE: Real American... Just because you can come up with some examples of cyclists not following the law doesn't mean that resentment should be directed at STP riders. I can step outside my front door any day of the week and videotape more than 70 percent of drivers that don't come to a complete stop at the stop sign. I can go to the highways and freeways with a radar gun and show you that 85-90 percent of the drivers are exceeding the speed limit. So yes, I'm just as guilty about not coming to a complete stop on my bike, I run the occassional red light on my bike (because I generally enter an intersection at 10 mph... not 45 mph.. and the light has the opportunity to turn yellow and red before i can get out.) I wouldn't say that I'm riding my bike any less safe than you are when you roll through a stop sign or exceed the speed limit by 5 mph... I'm no saint, I do those things in my car too. But, I'm not willing to say that because so many drivers "break the law" that we should just not allow people to drive. There are many more people killed by stupid drivers than there are by stupid cyclists.
The real complaint here is that drivers can't blow by cyclists at 70mph on your 55mph highways. You're in such a hurry, that's how I disrupt your life. "
The real complaint here is that drivers can't blow by cyclists at 70mph on your 55mph highways. You're in such a hurry, that's how I disrupt your life. "
Real American wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:29 PM:
" Apparently you missed my point. I acknowledged rudeness on both sides. The inequity lies with very little prosecution of law breaking toward bicyclists. Brian Schmaltz of the Portland police bureau stated that it is about a 100 to 1 ratio of tickets written cars to bikes. The fact is law breaking by bikes is largely ignored. I use STP riders for an example because that is the subject at hand. I backed this point up with fact using the very same video clip posted on the main page of this website. I don't claim to be better than you so please don't take this the wrong way. I do stop completely at all stop signs and obey all the traffic laws including not rolling through a red-light at 5 or 10 m.p.h. Because as a CDL holder, and a professional driver, my livelihood depends on it. I can ill afford any thing bad on my spotless record in my personal car or log truck because it simply may effect my employment. As an employee, I am expected to keep myself informed of any new or existing laws of the road and follow them. Ignorance of the law is no excuse on my part. My CDL holds me to a higher standard even in regards to alcohol. 0.08 is the law in Washington and Oregon. CDL holders are at 0.04 in their personal vehicles. This inequality (with arrogance about it) is what ticks a lot of us off. "
trace22clawson wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:44 AM:
" There could be several reasons for a ratio of 100 to 1 tickets written for cars to bikes:
1 - cyclists in general are much better at obeying laws (our lives depend on it... not just a career)
2 - the ratio of people driving cars to bicycles is more likely to 1000 to 1
3 - police are so busy writing citations to drivers for not obeying the law it's difficult for them to get to the occasional cyclist that comes along that deserves a ticket.
I would also argue that that there is much more ignorance to drivers breaking the law than there is to cyclists. There are many more drivers that speed, drive while intoxicated, talk on the cell phone while driving, etc. than cyclists.
The one thing that everyone seems to dismiss here, is the fact that almost every cyclist that participated in the STP is also a driver! They know how drivers are supposed to behave on the road around cyclists. It's the people making comments in here that have never ridden their bicycle amongst vehicles that are making the most outrageous complaints about cyclists and the STP.
When it comes to bike vs. vehicle, it's the cyclist that loses every time... no matter who was breaking the law. So, as a cyclist, I'm being held to a different standard also... I have to watch out for every driver because I know the majority of them aren't on the lookout for me. "
1 - cyclists in general are much better at obeying laws (our lives depend on it... not just a career)
2 - the ratio of people driving cars to bicycles is more likely to 1000 to 1
3 - police are so busy writing citations to drivers for not obeying the law it's difficult for them to get to the occasional cyclist that comes along that deserves a ticket.
I would also argue that that there is much more ignorance to drivers breaking the law than there is to cyclists. There are many more drivers that speed, drive while intoxicated, talk on the cell phone while driving, etc. than cyclists.
The one thing that everyone seems to dismiss here, is the fact that almost every cyclist that participated in the STP is also a driver! They know how drivers are supposed to behave on the road around cyclists. It's the people making comments in here that have never ridden their bicycle amongst vehicles that are making the most outrageous complaints about cyclists and the STP.
When it comes to bike vs. vehicle, it's the cyclist that loses every time... no matter who was breaking the law. So, as a cyclist, I'm being held to a different standard also... I have to watch out for every driver because I know the majority of them aren't on the lookout for me. "
RealityCheck wrote on Jul 16, 2008 5:00 PM:
" Cheney119 - Who said anything about the legality of bicycling? I was just voicing an opinion. That chip on your shoulder surely must be heavy. "
Real American wrote on Jul 16, 2008 6:01 PM:
" There is an obvious dichotomy in your writing. You admit to being “just as guilty about not coming to a complete stop on my bike, I run the occasional red light on my bike (because I generally enter an intersection at 10 mph…” Then you post that cyclists in general are much better at obeying laws (our lives depend on it... not just a career) Which is it? Maybe running red lights and stop signs saves bicyclist’s lives in your eyes. I gave two solid facts to back up my point whereas you have only given your theories. Since by your words “it's the cyclist that loses every time... no matter who was breaking the law.” Perhaps the video on the main TDN page showing clearly bikes breaking the law would reflect that. Truth is. It doesn’t. Drivers should have to watch out for every cyclist because I know the majority of them aren't on the lookout for me either. Just drive in downtown Portland on any given day. Running red lights, passing illegally, and cutting off those evil cars are a daily occurrence. Not just the two days a year here. "
trace22clawson wrote on Jul 17, 2008 12:49 AM:
" RE: Real American. When I said that I run a red light on occasion because I enter an intersection on my bike at 10mph or less... it's because when I enter the intersection the light is green, it turns yellow, and then red before I can clear the intersection. It's just the result of riding carefully. Or if you prefer, I could stop at each intersection even if the light is green and I could wait for the next cycle of lights just to be sure I can get through without running the red light.... but, then again, It would be you and every other driver behind me honking and yelling for me to "go!"
For every example you give of cyclists doing things that are illegal, unsafe, or discourteous... You can multiply that by 10 or 100 for how many times it happens with drivers of motorized vehicles. I can guarantee you that the roads would be much safer if it were 100 percent bicycles vs. 100 percent motorized vehicles. You seem to have some pretty strong opinions on cycling on the roads and in traffic... I'm just wondering how often you actually ride your bicycle in those conditions?? I wonder if you put as many miles on your bicycle as I do in my car? I drive about 12,000 miles per year and ride my bike about 7,500 miles per year. "
For every example you give of cyclists doing things that are illegal, unsafe, or discourteous... You can multiply that by 10 or 100 for how many times it happens with drivers of motorized vehicles. I can guarantee you that the roads would be much safer if it were 100 percent bicycles vs. 100 percent motorized vehicles. You seem to have some pretty strong opinions on cycling on the roads and in traffic... I'm just wondering how often you actually ride your bicycle in those conditions?? I wonder if you put as many miles on your bicycle as I do in my car? I drive about 12,000 miles per year and ride my bike about 7,500 miles per year. "
Real American wrote on Jul 17, 2008 5:11 PM:
" Your "straw man" argument about waiting through a green light as to not be in a given red light situation is absurd. Going through any intersection when your light is red on a bicycle or a car IS illegal no matter what excuse you use to justify it. I assume you ride through crossings at a speed faster than a three year old can walk. So if you do, the transfer from green to yellow then on to red should be plenty of time to traverse the distance. Instead of dancing around the subject I hit on originally and backed with evidence you can see yourself, counter me with some hard data instead of your theories. "Could be" or "may be" in front of your figures dilute your position. What are you debating about anyway? Is it that bikes should not get tickets for breaking the law and cars should because there are more of them? Sharing the road is fine with me. Riding a bike is good exercise and no dollars are going east to fund Islamic crack pots bent on killing us. But sharing the road should include sharing the penalty of breaking the rules of the road. "
nimby wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:24 PM:
" LJD - The biker may or may not have veered "for no reason." Bikers who try to ride near the fog line or on the median encounter many obstacles that are death to a bicycle but someone in a car would never notice. Rocks, shards of glass, cracks in the road all are serious issues for bicycles but not necessarily visible to someone driving in a car. If you want to know what it's like to crash on a bike, get your car up to about 15-20, strip down to your undies and jump out. Most cyclists I know won't swerve into traffic just to prove they can do it. Most are trying to avoid something that they've just come upon and didn't see early enough to easily avoid. Thanks to you for being cautious enough to help avoid what could have been something more serious "
nimby wrote on Jul 18, 2008 12:35 PM:
" Meant to say ride near the fog line or on the shoulder, not median. "
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