Paul L:
>> Better to get off to the side in single file or stop
>> altogether if the group is small/occupying too much road.
>
Avery B:
>Single file is not necessarily better since the length of the pack doubles
>and
>invites drivers to take risks at our expense. Stopping is rather
>extreme and probably impractical since riders have to slow down before
>leaving the pavement. I believe that would cause additional uncertainty for
>following motorists.
Thought I would throw in a final thought here.
When I read this issue thread I was just back from Virginia and my mind
was
still focused on riding down there.
Some of the back county roads in Virginia simply do not allow for
riding in
large packs because the road distance vision is too restrictive and/or
vehicle
drivers are simply very cautious or courteous. They sit behind even a
single
rider for a long time (compared to Ont./Que.) before passing. Sometimes
this
causes a slight "traffic jam" to ensue as other vehicles arrive behing
the
first. The courteous response for cyclists in these cases is simply to
get
tight to the side of the road or stop altogether.
I don't know if authorities down there have been able to teach this
courtesy
or whether the penalties for ignoring cyclists' rights are dealt with
severely,
but it certainly makes for pleasant riding. It is not uncommon to find
dump
trucks and big rigs move well over the centre line on a major highway to
give
a cyclist more room.
Let me relate an incident. On one occasion leaving town, three of us
found
ourselves on a major divided highway. Seeing a state trooper's car
ahead, I
asked for instructions to get back to the county road we wanted. He
radioed
for directions, told us how to re-route, and said we could stay on the
major
road as long as we kept to the right. (There was a good, wide shoulder).
Ya
gotta love riding down there! See y'all next year?
.... Paul L.
------
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb
Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter
==^================================================================
EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.aVHtMM
Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less.
Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose.
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01
==^================================================================
