BajaNomad - Close call today on Highway 1 with bicyclists

Close call today on Highway 1 with bicyclists

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Lee - 1-7-2014 at 04:48 PM

Traveling early and East into the sun at about 50 mph, I could not recognize two bicyclists thought it might be cows. The road was downhill dipping into a vado, then sharply uphill. A car in the opposite direction coming down the hill. When I recognized it was 2 bicyclists riding close together, I focused on the oncoming car trying to determine it's speed and whether I should do a hard brake or swerve around the bicyclists.

There was room for me to cross into the opposite lane and no problem.

My buddy following me had a different experience. He said he was blinded by the sun, too close to me and on the phone and by the time he saw the bicyclists and swerved to miss them, it was the closest he had come to having a head on crash with the other vehicle.

He was upset about the experience. He had witnessed a group of motorcyclists South of Santo Tomas who were off the side of the road with the police and it appeared that a member of the bike group might be dead as a person was on the ground covered up.

I told him it was his call as to whether to have a head on or crash into bicyclists.

mtgoat666 - 1-7-2014 at 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
He said he was blinded by the sun, too close to me and on the phone and by the time he saw the bicyclists and swerved to miss them,

He was upset about the experience.

the bicyclists are irrelevant, could have been a slow truck, burro, cow or child walking to school. the lesson to take from this story: dont drive too fast for the conditions (sun in the eyes), dont tailgate, and dont talk on phone while driving (it's as bad as driving drunk). sounds like your friend should use this as a moment to think about driving more carefully. just my 2 cents

Lee - 1-7-2014 at 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
He said he was blinded by the sun, too close to me and on the phone and by the time he saw the bicyclists and swerved to miss them,

He was upset about the experience.

In theory you are correct. In practice, expecting the unexpected is difficult. Long stretches without vehicles and monotony has a way of relaxing some folks.

Speed is relative then. Too slow is the same as too fast.

My friend definitely learned a lesson. At least I hope.

That is all.

David K - 1-7-2014 at 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
He said he was blinded by the sun, too close to me and on the phone and by the time he saw the bicyclists and swerved to miss them,

He was upset about the experience.

Cars going very slow are still faster than a bicycle. If the bike is in the car's lane, then only by the car swerving into the opposite lane will he avoid hitting the bike (if he even sees it, say going around mountain curves comes upon it).

Until the sections of Hwy. 1 south of San Quintin are widened to include a bike lane wide shoulder (as they have been doing in sections), riding on Hwy. 1 in central Baja is dangerous and beyond the design of the road made in 1970-1973. Engineers in those years did not dream of anyone crazy enough to ride a bicycle in the desert for hundreds of miles, on a highway that barely fits trucks, RVs, and boat trailers!

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

woody with a view - 1-7-2014 at 05:22 PM

the marooons should ride into oncoming traffic. that way they will see the havoc being created by their presence and have the option of bailing into the cactus instead of forcing a driver to decide which path to take. totally irresponsible. especially, the ones draggin a baby cart. i KNOW they are only using them for storage and not kids, right?

Barry A. - 1-7-2014 at 05:25 PM

To me, it is just another example of an "extreme sport", only in Baja on THAT road practicing this "sport" without regard for others deeply involves innocent people who are NOT involved in that "extreme sport"-------incredibly rude, dangerous, and selfish behavior by the bycyclists, in my view. How they justify it is beyond my understanding. It compares with Drunk Driving-----presumably 'thinking' people with no regard for themselves and their fellow man coupled with rank stupidity----the essence of selfish arrogance.

I too have had several similar encounters that took years off my life, or at least it felt that way at the time.

Barry

mtgoat666 - 1-7-2014 at 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
riding on Hwy. 1 in central Baja is dangerous and beyond the design of the road made in 1970-1973. Engineers in those years did not dream of anyone crazy enough to ride a bicycle in the desert for hundreds of miles,

that's just a preposterous statement. i think you got no idea what engineers dream, now or in 1970. your hyperbole went a bit over the top with that doozy :lol:

p.s. long-distance bicycling was a pasttime and sport before cars were around.

durrelllrobert - 1-7-2014 at 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
He said he was blinded by the sun, too close to me and on the phone and by the time he saw the bicyclists and swerved to miss them,

He was upset about the experience.

Yep, you got that right goat. Last time I was in Cabo and heading north towaeds Todo Santos I came upon an old station wagon down in a deep vado with the whole rear end out from under it. Fortunately I was able to slow go around it since there was no one heading south.
There was no one in the wagon and I parked on the other side of the vado to stack up some rocks as a warning to south bound vehicles. As a tractor trailer was headed towards me I tried to signal him to slow down but he hit the wagon and parts of both vehicles went flying all over the road. I guess the truck driver used his phone to call the police because they were there in about 10 minutes after the crash.

David K - 1-7-2014 at 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

that's just a preposterous statement. i think you got no idea what engineers dream, now or in 1970. your hyperbole went a bit over the top with that doozy :lol:

p.s. long-distance bicycling was a pasttime and sport before cars were around.

The highway was not designed for a "pasttime" (?) or sport!

It was designed for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

You may not have been old enough to remember these...

sancho - 1-7-2014 at 05:46 PM

I bicycle Coast Hwy here in so. Orange Co., Ca., I talk
to loaded bicyclist headed SOB, as often as not they
are European Travellers who look a
map of Baja and see a Hwy down the Peninsula, not
knowing what little forgivness it provides

Katiejay99 - 1-7-2014 at 05:57 PM

There are minimum speed limits in the US - Why? Because slow moving vehicles cause wrecks. Same with bicycles when using a road NOT designed for them. I have had several close calls with bicyclists here.

dasubergeek - 1-7-2014 at 06:03 PM

I've had the same exact conversation with bicyclists (yes, nearly always European but occasionally Asian) on the stretch of beach between the nuclear bewbs and the Las Pulgas gate to Pendleton. "Oh, we're going to bicycle to Ensenada."

"Fantastic. But you need to buy mirrors before you do that, because the road is narrow, high-trafficked, and dangerous."

apple - 1-7-2014 at 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
To me, it is just another example of an "extreme sport", only in Baja on THAT road practicing this "sport" without regard for others deeply involves innocent people who are NOT involved in that "extreme sport"-------incredibly rude, dangerous, and selfish behavior by the bycyclists, in my view. How they justify it is beyond my understanding. It compares with Drunk Driving-----presumably 'thinking' people with no regard for themselves and their fellow man coupled with rank stupidity----the essence of selfish arrogance.

I too have had several similar encounters that took years off my life, or at least it felt that way at the time.

Barry

This is absurd. These people are just travelers using the highways like the rest of us. If you can't abide by the rules of the road by slowing down momentarily until it is safe to pass, then it is you who that is the menace. Your time is not THAT valuable that you can't respect the safety of another human life. Cyclists have just as much right to use the road as the rest of us.

and if you can't see what is ahead of you because you are blinded by the sun, SLOW THE flock DOWN

Barry A. - 1-7-2014 at 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by apple

Quote:

There is a reason that so many Freeways in the USA do NOT allow bicycles!!! As a cop for many years, I stick by what I said above. I have NEVER hit ANYTHING in Baja in over 50 years of travel down there, but the closest I have come has been several encounters with bicycles south of El Rosario and before Catavina. Being that startled and scared sorta ingrains it in one's memory, eh?? The cattle and horses are bad enough, but at least they sometimes try and get out of the way------not so with many bicyclists----in fact just the opposite.

Reads "death wish" to me, or just incredible stupidity.

Both my wife and myself are cyclists, but never on THAT road!

Barry

Marc - 1-7-2014 at 06:45 PM

I raced bicycles for 20+ years and have trained thousands of miles on public roads. I would NEVER consider biking Baja. BTW a saying we racers used to have "It's not if you are going to be hit; just a matter of when." And we rode on fairly safe roads here in Marin County, Ca.

missing the point

captkw - 1-7-2014 at 06:53 PM

What I keep reading here is fools say "just slow down" it isn't about speed !! its coming around a corner and the bikes are a hazard....I've been driving this road since 77 and in the old days a cow jumping out in a vado or coming around a curve uphill you would run in to a old truck with the back LOADED with workers,,cows and trying its best to go up the hill at maybe 3kph...thankfully those are over...I don't think bikes on the road are safe for anyone........"driving the hwy 1 is like flying a 727,,,hrs of boredom with moments of shear terror"........ what I hear mostly on these post is most folks that drive it would rather not see bikes !! ...simply safety issue...............

[Edited on 1-8-2014 by captkw]

bajadogs - 1-7-2014 at 07:23 PM

I believe if you are not skilled enough to pass a bicyclist on the Baja road you are not prepared for the many other hazards.

Would I ride a bicycle on that road? Probably not. Too many marooonic drivers on their cell phones blindly staring into the sun going full speed ahead.

honda tom - 1-7-2014 at 07:46 PM

A bicyclist should remove himself from the road if a three-way (car north, car south, and bicycle) are even close to a meeting. This is done by checking your rearview mirror periodically and knowing your surroundings. So many times I have met people on bikes while I'm pulling a wide boat, and they have no clue of the harm they are putting us in. I have had several trips with less than experienced motorcycle riders that I have directed off the asphalt to let big rigs pass when approaching oncoming traffic. its a courtesy thing.

SC2BAJA - 1-7-2014 at 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajadogs
I believe if you are not skilled enough to pass a bicyclist on the Baja road you are not prepared for the many other hazards.

Would I ride a bicycle on that road? Probably not. Too many marooonic drivers on their cell phones blindly staring into the sun going full speed ahead.

Best post so far! Driving the Mex 1 requires 100% attention and knowledge of the ins and outs. We have all had close calls, be it cows, horses, bicyclists, road workers filling pot holes with no flags or cones out, broke down big rigs, can collectors, ect. Keep your eyes peeled. There are hundreds of hazards that can ruin your day at any moment.

mtgoat666 - 1-7-2014 at 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by honda tom
A bicyclist should remove himself from the road if a three-way (car north, car south, and bicycle) are even close to a meeting. This is done by checking your rearview mirror periodically and knowing your surroundings. So many times I have met people on bikes while I'm pulling a wide boat, and they have no clue of the harm they are putting us in.

The bike should not get off the road, the car behind should wait until safe to pass.

How are you harmed by slowing down until it is safe to pass?

mtgoat666 - 1-7-2014 at 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The highway was not designed for a "pasttime" (?) or sport!

It was designed for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

You may not have been old enough to remember these...

Yep, that sign says you should slow down! See words in lower right.
Slow down, share the road, the biker spends money in Baja just like the Tacoma drivers! How is you trip to shell island a better economic benefit than a biker traveling the peninsula?

LancairDriver - 1-7-2014 at 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The highway was not designed for a "pasttime" (?) or sport!

It was designed for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

You may not have been old enough to remember these...

The Tacoma supports Pemex. Pemex supports the highway. The bikes ride free. Their tacos don't cover much highway construction or maintenance.

David K - 1-7-2014 at 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The highway was not designed for a "pasttime" (?) or sport!

It was designed for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

You may not have been old enough to remember these...

Goat, I never said a word about a right or need for high speed...

in the photo posted of Mex. 1 south of San Quintin (boat trailer southbound, semi tractor truck northbound), just where does a bicycle fit??? It is simple physics, two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time!

Now, imagine the same two vehicles on the hills south of El Rosario (that have not yet been widened)... You could be going 10 mph, and still come around a curve to find some bikes and if there is a semi (or any other vehicle) in the other lane, you either choose a head-on and die, and mess up the other vehicle driver's life or you hit the bike riders... either way it is not good for anybody.

The bikes should not ride on the sections of Hwy. 1 that have not been widened, to save lives. No group should have the right to cause death by a voluntary choice in transportation.

Also, there is no cell phone coverage in central Baja and using a cell in Mexico while driving IS illegal, if there was.

The newer, wider Hwy. 1 is long overdue. It was promised to be done soon after the highway was opened, as the narrow width and lack of shoulders was an economic necessity to get the entire highway done. But, it was seen as very dangerous back in 1973 and 40 years later they have finally been active at widening the narrow highway.

Save a life, ride on the shoulders and not in the car lanes... If no shoulder, than truck the bike to where there are shoulders.

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dasubergeek - 1-8-2014 at 01:13 AM

Hm... no, I'm gonna disagree there. You can't ride effectively on a shoulder, especially not an unpaved one, no matter how thick your tires are. Too much road debris blown off the side.

You are actually safest riding right down the middle of the lane. The rules in California are that if you don't have room for a car to pass safely, you can take the full lane. (This peees off car drivers.)

I commute to work on my bicycle in the warmer months and while I'm not going to be a jack-donkey and ride down the middle, I'm not going to fling myself in the gutter either.

In Baja, though, I see these guys just grinding up the road from La Misión at a snail's pace (can't blame them, it's steep!) but it's perfectly possible to be going a reasonably modest speed and come around a corner and see a bicyclist too late.

David K - 1-8-2014 at 01:17 AM

The new wider 2 lane sections have a bike lane size paved shoulder... perfect for the sport and for living longer!

mtgoat666 - 1-8-2014 at 07:33 AM

Dk:
Slow down, share the road, pass slower moving vehicles only when safe to do so.
:light:

shari - 1-8-2014 at 07:47 AM

Good to see you and meet your amigo at Cowboy.

We passed the same two bikers a few minutes behind you Lee and I said out loud..boy I'm glad there isnt a vehicle coming the other way as there was no way the bikes could have gone onto the shoulder there....but...I do think that if you thought they were cows, perhaps you should have slowed down more...always best to err on the side of caution and knowing Tony was behind you too, it would have been better to put your caution lights on and go very slow.

I agree that bikes on this highway are very dangerous but one must drive defensively in baja...they may have been cows too...always slow down, put your caution lights on to warn others as well is useful...hopefully Tony will have learned a valuable lesson here about talking on the phone and tailgating that may save his life next time...glad everyone is OK.

what doesnt kill ya makes you stronger and hopefully smarter right?

ligui - 1-8-2014 at 08:16 AM

If you want to ride your bike on hwy 1 , i would make sure i have all my affairs in order so it will be less stressful for your family when they have to make arrangements to put you under ground.

Cars and bikes don't mix well . Wonder who would come out ahead in a crash?

wilderone - 1-8-2014 at 09:02 AM

"The rules in California are that if you don't have room for a car to pass safely, you can take the full lane."
Actually, that is not a correct interpretation of the law in California. The law states that if there is a substandard lane width - meaning that there is insufficient room for a vehicle and a bicycle to commute safely, then the cyclist does not have to stay to the right curb as close as practicable.

BUT MEX. 1 IS NOT IN CALIFORNIA.
California law also states that bicycles can be prohibited on freeways. Mex. 1 is a freeway, built for cars. There are no design provisions for non-motorized vehicles on Mex. 1. Bicyclists are a hazard - same as a cow. Same intellect it seems too.

honda tom - 1-8-2014 at 09:38 AM

Quote:

The bike should not get off the road, the car behind should wait until safe to pass.

How are you harmed by slowing down until it is safe to pass?

Too many variables and what-ifs.... my slowing down may make all 3 meet at the same time, what about the semi behind me.... is the oncoming car slowing down now too.

first thing I always do is lift off the throttle to see whats going on, but the safest thing would be for the guy on the bike to pull off when cars are oncoming. maybe not so convienient... but safest.

dasubergeek - 1-8-2014 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
"The rules in California are that if you don't have room for a car to pass safely, you can take the full lane."
Actually, that is not a correct interpretation of the law in California. The law states that if there is a substandard lane width - meaning that there is insufficient room for a vehicle and a bicycle to commute safely, then the cyclist does not have to stay to the right curb as close as practicable.

BUT MEX. 1 IS NOT IN CALIFORNIA.
California law also states that bicycles can be prohibited on freeways. Mex. 1 is a freeway, built for cars. There are no design provisions for non-motorized vehicles on Mex. 1. Bicyclists are a hazard - same as a cow. Same intellect it seems too.

You need to check the new law, which was signed into law a few months ago by Gov. Brown—three feet clearance required to pass, which makes nearly ANY non-freeway standard-width lane not suitable for simultaneous occupation by a car and a bicycle.

I only added the California rule because most long-distance bicyclists I see on the northern part of Mex. 1 seem to be estadounidenses (followed by US-plated cars, wearing jerseys from US companies, etc.).

Mex. 1 isn't a freeway—and bicycles are not technically allowed on Mex. 1-D, which is the freeway portion from Playas de Tijuana to San Miguel (never mind that bicycles are constantly on it). Designed for bicycles or not, there's no safe way to ride a bicycle on its shoulders, which means you need to be out in the lane—and if you're out in the lane, you need to be far enough out (a third of the way from the right to the centre line) so that cars can see you.

All hope is lost on windy hills, though. There's a reason I don't bike in Mexico.

durrelllrobert - 1-8-2014 at 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
... on Mex. 1. Bicyclists are a hazard - same as a cow. Same intellect it seems too.

..and if you hit a cow on the highway the Mexico law says that the owner of the cow has to pay for damages to your vehicle.

Maybe if that applied equally to bicycles, instead of the opposite, there would be fewer on the highways.

DavidE - 1-8-2014 at 11:55 AM

I have encountered far too many cyclists who INSIST on riding parallel and not inline. One gave me the finger when I had to wait to pass until the crest of a hill. I gave him a toot of the horn and the SOB stood up on the pedals and gave me the bird again as I passed, they were still riding parallel.

It should be a traffic law enforceable with a citation that ALL cycles be equipped with a 2 meter tall staff mounted atop the fender flying a bright fluorescent green or orange pennant. A good size pennant. AND FURTHERMORE. Twin rear view mirrors should be required by law. Not button-size toys but real mirrors.

If cyclists want to chatter, let them spend the tiny amount of money for headsets so they can communicate and not be tempted to occupy ten feet width of roadway, riding parallel.

Personally I applaud cyclists who display common sense. But I will be damned if I will settle going to jail for creaming a blazing idiot who begs to ride a fender in his selfishness.

sancho - 1-8-2014 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

There is a reason that so many Freeways in the USA do NOT allow bicycles

In Ca., at least, bicycles CAN use the Freeway if there is
no alternative route. I can't remember seeing any signs
along Hwy 1 in Baja that prohibit bicycles, perhaps the
Toll Rd, TJ/Ensenada, so it seems the slower moving
bicycles have the right of way, safe? of course not,
I would not call riders selfish, they are within the regs

LancairDriver - 1-8-2014 at 01:14 PM

This picture is from Mexico

cycle crash 4.JPG - 24kB

dasubergeek - 1-8-2014 at 05:22 PM

Interesting. Why is the car on the incorrect side of the road? It's obviously not a one-way road since there's a backwards-facing street sign in the upper left.

bajadogs - 1-8-2014 at 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SC2BAJA

Quote:

Thank you! Seriously!!!! What if Joe Shmuck accelerated blindly into the sun while on a cell phone into a new wash out, or a construction zone, cattle crossing, goat crossing, broken down RV, broken down Toyota, rolled Ford Exploder, boat on a trailer with burned out bearings, a simple farmer with a flat tire, or his daughter riding her bicycle to school?

The road was not built for you. Stop being so selfish.

bajadogs - 1-8-2014 at 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LancairDriver
This picture is from Mexico

The problem is obviously the car, not the bikes. Right? :fire:

bajadogs - 1-9-2014 at 12:28 AM

I'd rather like to know WHY someone is talking on a cell phone while driving south of El Rosario. This person is a bigger hazard than a person on a bicycle.

Islandbuilder - 1-9-2014 at 10:40 AM

Seems like a lot of people want to argue in favor of bikes having equal access to all portions of Hwy 1 from a theoretical perspective, and some argue against the same from a practical one.

I don't see anyone being selfish, or that calling on motorized vehicles to slow down and share the road is applicable in this discussion.

I'm sure that even the most avid bicycling enthusiast, when in their car or truck, drives the highway at the average speed of other traffic. It really doesn't matter how fast you're driving if, upon rounding an uphill corner you are confronted by a semi that is 1/3 of the way into your lane on your left, and a couple of bicycles towing trailers on your right. If you can't stop, and have no other choices, you are going to hit SOMETHING! Who will it be?

It wasn't your lifestyle choice that brought you to this point, it was the lifestyle choice of the bicyclers.

I can only think that if I was on a bike on hwy 1, I would either find a way to truck me and my gear past the narrow bits (as DavidK reasonably suggested) or be so tuned into the sound of vehicles coming from my 6 that I would be standing 2' from the road in the dirt holding my bike before the uphill vehicle in my scenario passed me by.

Riding side by side and taking an attitude that provokes flipping off frustrated drivers is not something that is appropriate on hwy 1.

Cypress - 1-9-2014 at 11:15 AM

Riding a bicycle on a major Hwy that doesn't have a bike lane or shoulders isn't a wise choice.

bikes on road

captkw - 1-9-2014 at 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Islandbuilder
Seems like a lot of people want to argue in favor of bikes having equal access to all portions of Hwy 1 from a theoretical perspective, and some argue against the same from a practical one.

I don't see anyone being selfish, or that calling on motorized vehicles to slow down and share the road is applicable in this discussion.

I'm sure that even the most avid bicycling enthusiast, when in their car or truck, drives the highway at the average speed of other traffic. It really doesn't matter how fast you're driving if, upon rounding an uphill corner you are confronted by a semi that is 1/3 of the way into your lane on your left, and a couple of bicycles towing trailers on your right. If you can't stop, and have no other choices, you are going to hit SOMETHING! Who will it be?......right on the money...great way to write the simple fact of driving and life !!! I started on this subject saying the same FACT and was harassed for being honest of what is 99 percent of what a smart,quik witted driver will do in that 1/10 of a second !!!!!!! bike+300lbs..VS car=4000lbs....not much to discuss....get the OFF of the road FOOL !!!

elgatoloco - 1-9-2014 at 12:04 PM

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?...

California 3 foot law effective September 16th 2014. I think its a great law if it does nothing more then raise awareness.

I ride a bike quite a bit in San Diego. The behavior of many motorists is appalling. The behavior of many on bicycles is too.

I have no desire to ride Hwy. 1 in Baja. Those that choose to hopefully use caution. We have seen many over the years and more so in the last 4-5 it seems, yet still more danger from errant cows and distracted drivers IMHO. Did I mention idiot desert race chasers channeling Parnelli Jones with dementia? :saint:

YMMV.

DavidE - 1-9-2014 at 01:38 PM

Many do not wear vests. I swear to Christ they must spend hours in a clothing store selecting asphalt tinted pants and shirt. Their bicycles and panniers are black as are their helmets.

I cannot freakin' SEE THEM. Those cyclists who are smart who wear fluorescent vests, fly a fluorescent burgee and even have the presence of mind to fit a really bright red LED flickering tail light can be seen and from a good distance. But it's the camouflaged fools who are going to be smacked. And then they parallel-up.

Sure as hell, I am going to smack one and end up in handcuffs. I have not seen one gosh darnned cyclist magazine suggest improvement in being seen, mirrors or whatever.

What does this sport/activity attract, people with double-digit IQ?

David E

captkw - 1-9-2014 at 02:47 PM

damn,,your such a giver..How about single digit !!! LOL

ligui - 1-9-2014 at 02:52 PM

Ditto what DavidE Said .... :bounce:

Bright colors ! Let me know you are a slow moving object on the highway . Hello , Hello

Guess you can tell i don't let bikes on the hwy .

:mad:

They seem to think cars are in their way .

My wife says i could go on all day about bikes making the road more dangerous . And she's right .

wilderone - 1-9-2014 at 04:32 PM

"... the new law, which was signed into law a few months ago by Gov. Brown—three feet clearance required to pass," shall become operative on September 16, 2014.

Again, your interpretation of this new law, to wit "which makes nearly ANY non-freeway standard-width lane not suitable for simultaneous occupation by a car and a bicycle" is just not accurate. Three feet means three feet, regardless of what "non-freeway standard width" and "simultaneous occupation" language you hope to inject.
The new law specifies that autos and bikes would be proceeding on a "highway".

Three Feet for Safety Act
21760. (c) A driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway at a distance of less than three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator.
(d) If the driver of a motor vehicle is unable to comply with subdivision (c), due to traffic or roadway conditions, the driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent, and may pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle, taking into account the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and surface and width of the highway.
(f) This section shall become operative on September 16, 2014

David K - 1-9-2014 at 05:05 PM

So the gov just made bike riders free of any mature responsibility using the road by putting all of the responsibility on car drivers. Bike riders will be even more bold:

"...the driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent, and may pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle..."

joerover - 1-9-2014 at 05:50 PM

david
are you too old to drive safely?

369,629 people died on America's roads between 2001 and 2009.
here is the map of death.
http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/interactive/2011/no...

David learn to save life, end your road rage

DJL - 1-9-2014 at 08:14 PM

My Wife and I just drove down and back for the first time (Nov.25-Dec4) .

We could NOT believe anyone would be on Bicycles , dragging Kids along !! There are sections of Mex 1 (South of El Rosario , South of Loreto , North of Santa Rosalia) that I wouldn't even consider walking , much less on a Bike ! Total insanity ....

D.~ :?:

mtgoat666 - 1-9-2014 at 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by joerover
david
are you too old to drive safely?

369,629 people died on America's roads between 2001 and 2009.
here is the map of death.
http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/interactive/2011/no...

David learn to save life, end your road rage

The anti bike crowd outwardly displays rage. However their uncontrollable feeling is actually jealousy and/or rat-race-emasculation. Sometimes when you are angry at the world, you find it easy to take your anger out on the smallest or weakest. People's behavior and emotion while driving is a real good indication of their character.

Islandbuilder - 1-9-2014 at 08:37 PM

The only displays of car/bike road rage I've witnessed in the last year has been bicyclists raging at car drivers.

Other than that detail, your post is right on!

Have you considered talking to someone about your issues?

Islandbuilder - 1-9-2014 at 08:43 PM

As I've said earlier, these pro-bicycle arguments have their place when we're talking about roads in the US with shoulders and wider lane widths.

They simply don't apply to large portions of Hwy 1!

It isn't about sharing the road or who is angry or not, it's about living and not making an innocent driver a killer.

Pacifico - 1-9-2014 at 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Islandbuilder
As I've said earlier, these pro-bicycle arguments have their place when we're talking about roads in the US with shoulders and wider lane widths.

They simply don't apply to large portions of Hwy 1!

It isn't about sharing the road or who is angry or not, it's about living and not making an innocent driver a killer.

Well said, Islandbuilder...

ISLANDBUILDER great post !!

captkw - 1-9-2014 at 10:13 PM

Thanks for quik straight up,right on,as it is post....driven from panama to Alaska and refuse to deal with foolish armchair GOATS that do not have real world since of driving the Baja freeway with WIDE shoulders and pull offs at 100 apart !! GET A GRIP BIKERS... I ask Here,,, Now...Will anyone on this Blog,,,anyone,, let their child ride a bike from GN to san Ignacio???????????????????damn quiet around here now !!!

David K - 1-9-2014 at 11:09 PM

Quote:

Right on...

For the record, I am so happy that Mexico is adding that bike lane (wide shoulder) to Hwy. 1 south of San Quintin. Why? Because I want to have blood free vacation without denying any bike rider the same right to enjoy Baja as I have. 1973's Hwy. 1 is NOT designed for, or safe for human powered bikes. The newer parts are, and that is great. I don't hate anyone who wants to go to Baja no matter what mode they use.

Graham preferred to not use the highway when walking his burro Misión (~1997), but in a couple places there were no available alternatives. Graham wrote that he listened intently for the sound of any vehicle before using the highway, where there was no other route.

That is responsible and respectful and likewise if a car has no opposing traffic, it should veer far away from any bikes it passes where one can see far enough ahead that there won't be a head-on from doing so.

Nobody here wants to see anybody hurt, it's that simple. Common sense is just sorely lacking and so many seem to think the government must tell us what we can do or how we must do it. We don't need more laws, we need more brains!

woody with a view - 1-9-2014 at 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I sure would like to know what kind of cell phone people are talking on south of El Rosario??? :rolleyes:

they work in GN. these guys were going to the lagoon to watch whales, i think.....

mtgoat666 - 1-10-2014 at 01:40 AM

Quote:

On narrow roads, you drivers simply need to slow down an pass bikes only when safe to do so. You won't kill anyone if you slow down and put down the phone!

aguachico - 1-10-2014 at 07:10 AM

Cyclist need to be road aware. Certain parts of Mex1 are suited for two trucks and bike aligned side-by-side. If they would just add the same type of safety gear, lights and reflectors as motor vehicles the bikes would be a lot less dangerous.

Cyclists need to be held more responsible for their actions, I'm especially troubled by the pairs that feel the need to ride next to each other expecting me to move into the other lane. I do however drive at speeds that let me avoid most unexpected road hazards.

When I'm towing my boat on Mex1, my trailer tires need every inch of the road. If it comes down to me, my boat, the oncoming 18 wheeler or a cyclist.... you can bet on the loser in that scenario.

mtgoat666 - 1-10-2014 at 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by aguachico
Cyclist need to be road aware. Certain parts of Mex1 are suited for two trucks and bike aligned side-by-side.
When I'm towing my boat on Mex1, my trailer tires need every inch of the road. If it comes down to me, my boat, the oncoming 18 wheeler or a cyclist.... you can bet on the loser in that scenario.

Why not wait to pass bicyclist when no oncoming vehicle is in other lane? Do you try to pass slower autos when oncoming vehicle occupies other lane? You bike haters need to use common sense: pass slow moving vehicles (e.g. bikes) only when safe to do so!

DianaT - 1-10-2014 at 07:29 AM

Slow down, slow down --- seems to be what many think is the answer for Mexican Highway 1. So maybe, just maybe the speed limits should be;

Open flat areas with miles of visability ---- No change

The mountain areas south of Encinada ---- 2 to 5mph --- about the speed of one of those fully loaded semi's going uphill so you can stop as there is no room for bikes and two cars on most of those curves.

All hills where the other side cannot be seen --- 5mph --- then the head on crash with the other vehicle coming up the other side half way in your lane will not be so bad.

All flat areas with blind dips like around the Guerrero Negro area---- maybe 10 mph tops.

That would help!

Any riders riding side by side where there are cars --- bikes should be confiscated based on insufficient brains to be riding a bike. The same for those with small children aboard.

We know a few who have ridden their bikes down Highway 1 and some say it was the greatest time of their lives but they all had some close calls. This topic is argued about once a year around here and it always is the same --- round and round we go. And the courteous and not so courteous bike riders will keep on coming.

[Edited on 1-10-2014 by DianaT]

wilderone - 1-10-2014 at 09:28 AM

"You bike haters need to use common sense: pass slow moving vehicles (e.g. bikes) only when safe to do so! "
Duh. I think that is what vehicle drivers do - otherwise there would be many dead cyclists. Even better, if the cyclists used common sense and stayed off of a main highway with no shoulder, no bike lane, narrow lanes, stopped riding side by side at 5 mph greatly impeding the flow of traffic, I think we could all be happy.

Islandbuilder - 1-10-2014 at 09:43 AM

Goat's replies are so loaded with assumptions about driver's attitudes and his stateside prejudices that he seems incapable of a specific reasoned response.

Which is too bad, because reactionary positions like his, and some of the anti-bike supporters on here make a solution impossible.

Goats position has validity only if the speed limit on every uphill grade, or in the dips, was equal to or less than that of a bicycle in that specific portion of hwy 1.

As I've said, I think that his points and philosophy are valid NOB, but NOT ON PORTIONS OF MX HWY1! How can that be so hard to get!?

Of course, how many of us have seen someone on a bike in the states riding with no hands while taking on the phone? I have several times. How many have seen said biker blow stop signs in the same position? Well, again, I have.
And when someone honked at the guy (not me) he raged at the driver and then chased him to the next stop light where he raged some more before riding on, against the red light?

Was that you, Goat? :light:

I guess my point is that not only vehicle drivers behave foolishly, and ignore others on the road with them.

And, I have a very different position when we're in a place with 12' lanes, and a 2' or 3' shoulder outboard of the fog line.

Right of way

J.P. - 1-10-2014 at 09:50 AM

A C.H.P. once told me that the part of the lane i was in belonged to me and no one else and how I chose to use it was my buisness and mine alone :yes:

ncampion - 1-10-2014 at 11:05 AM

I'm sure this isn't true, but it seems like the "pro-cycle" posters have never actually driven on Mex. Hwy 1. They keep posting the mantra of "slow down, drive carefully, share the road" and ignore the fact that no amount of slowing down, driving carefully and sharing the road can prevent the inevitable blind turn, oncoming truck situations that are all too numerous on that Hwy. I respect the idea of people being able to "pursue their adventures" however I resent the fact that the cyclists place all others who rightfully use that road in the position of having to make the "them or me" decision. So far I have not had to do that, but I have had some heart-stopping moments and with the number of times I drive that road I fear that the odds will catch up with me some day.

David K - 1-10-2014 at 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ncampion
I'm sure this isn't true, but it seems like the "pro-cycle" posters have never actually driven on Mex. Hwy 1. They keep posting the mantra of "slow down, drive carefully, share the road" and ignore the fact that no amount of slowing down, driving carefully and sharing the road can prevent the inevitable blind turn, oncoming truck situations that are all too numerous on that Hwy. I respect the idea of people being able to "pursue their adventures" however I resent the fact that the cyclists place all others who rightfully use that road in the position of having to make the "them or me" decision. So far I have not had to do that, but I have had some heart-stopping moments and with the number of times I drive that road I fear that the odds will catch up with me some day.

This!

It's as if Mt. Goat has never been on Hwy. 1 south of San Quintin or the political 'rights' of people on bikes are far greater than anyone else. In today's political popularity: The needs of the FEW outweigh the needs of the many.
As Nick and Barry have stated so well, and my feelings too, that we don't wish to deny anyone from having fun in Baja with rules, laws, orders. We just wish bike riders would be considerate of the prime users of Mex. 1 on the narrow, curved sections where avoiding a bike in their lane with oncoming traffic is IMPOSSIBLE if the bike is not seen as you go around a curve.

sancho - 1-10-2014 at 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

my feelings too, that we don't wish to deny anyone from having fun in Baja with rules, laws, orders

Funny, that is EXACTLY what you are expressing, the
ONUS is on the drivers to pass safely, what 'Rules, Laws',
are bicyclist on Hwy 1 in Baja breaking? none. Heck I doubt
if you would give the Legal Right of Way to a mounted Vaquero

Blah, Blah, Blah

bajaguy - 1-10-2014 at 12:22 PM

Does anyone actually know what the laws are in Mexico regarding bicycles and riding on roads and highways???

David K - 1-10-2014 at 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sancho

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

my feelings too, that we don't wish to deny anyone from having fun in Baja with rules, laws, orders

None, and I wish no new laws be made.. just for the bike riders to use some COMMON SENSE. You obviously missed my comments SUPPORTING everyone's method of visiting Baja. Hwy. 1 is NOT the only way to get from north to south, either.

wessongroup - 1-10-2014 at 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Does anyone actually know what the laws are in Mexico regarding bicycles and riding on roads and highways???

joerover - 1-10-2014 at 02:01 PM

Rheannon Cunningham tucks a radio into her backpack, turns up the volume on her ear buds, climbs onto a bicycle and heads into traffic.
It takes only a few minutes before a car on Airport Boulevard near the Mueller development passes too close to Cunningham, an officer with the Austin Police Department.
She alerts a nearby patrol car, which zips out of a parking lot and pulls the offending driver over for violating the city’s safe-passing ordinance.
Under the ordinance, enacted in 2009, motorists must allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing vulnerable road users such as bicyclists, construction workers and pedestrians.
Heavy trucks must allow at least 6 feet.
Because it’s hard to enforce safe passing on a day-to-day basis, Austin police set up special operations like this one to watch for violations. Today’s is the sixth such operation, and more are planned.
“It’s part of our initiative to make Austin streets a safer place to ride a bicycle,” says Austin Police Sgt. James Dixon, who is heading the day’s effort. “It’s really important that we educate people that we are out here and going to enforce this whenever we can for safety.”
Typically, two undercover officers head out on bikes. They ride single file up and down a short stretch of road, waiting for motorists to pass. Officers in patrol cars pull over those who get too close, issuing warnings or citations based on the severity of the violation.
Before they hit the streets, the undercover cyclists practice judging the 3-foot distance by setting up a pole and riding past it. They measure the distance from the end of the handlebar to the farthest part of vehicle — usually the mirror. GoPro video cameras mounted on the bike record everything.
“If I were riding along and could reach out and touch the mirror, those get a citation,” says Cunningham, who was a cyclist before she became a police officer. “If it’s one we feel is right on the cusp, we give a warning.”
In the nearly four years since the law went into effect, officers have written 104 citations and warnings for people

violating it, according to Cmdr. Fred Fletcher with the Austin Police Department. A ticket costs $167, but and violators can take a defensive cycling class at Municipal Court in lieu of paying the fine.
Police target roads that don’t have bike lanes, but connect to popular cycling routes. So far they’ve worked stretches of Oltorf Street, Cesar Chavez Street, Martin Luther King Boulevard, Airport Boulevard, South Lamar Boulevard and Pleasant Valley Road.
“Most people say they didn’t know the law,” Cunningham says. Others know the law, but say they didn’t realize they were passing so closely. Some argue that bicyclists shouldn’t be on the road at all, and a few break into tears.
“They think it’s unfair and ridiculous what we’re doing to them,” says Austin police officer James Williams, who is pedaling alongside Cunningham today.
As the officers roll along the street’s narrow shoulder, most cars move out of the lane to pass. But not all. The driver of the first car that’s pulled over uses a false name and has outstanding traffic warrants. She’s taken into custody.
The team then moves its operation to South Lamar Boulevard, where traffic whizzes up and down the bustling street. Three minutes in, Cunningham radios in her first violation. When patrol officer Steven Constable pulls over driver Toni Manning, she’s apologetic.
“I know about (the 3-foot passing law), but didn’t see (the cyclists) until the last minute,” Manning says after Constable writes her a ticket. “I regret it. I don’t want anyone getting hurt out here. I feel terrible.”
The patrol cars take turns pulling over violators, and the pace is brisk.
The driver of a Ford F-150 passes the cyclists, then zips into a Sonic Drive-In. He’s surprised when an officer pulls in next to him and issues a warning.
“It’s not that I wasn’t aware (of the 3-foot passing law), I just didn’t see them,” says Kirby Green. “When it’s not enough room, it’s going to be you or the cyclist.... I’ll share the road, but wish they’d be a little more careful.”
The motorists aren’t the only ones getting noticed during the sting. When the officers see a cyclist riding the wrong way in the bike lane on South Lamar Boulevard, they pull him over, too.
“I wasn’t doing what I should be doing, which is going the right way,” says Jeremy Sweetlamb, who is biking downtown to teach an improvisation class. “I don’t want to be a nuisance and I don’t want to get in someone’s way.”
He gets a warning, but when he finds out why the police officers are out, he nods his approval. He’s been passed too closely while riding his bicycle more than once.
“People honk and go around, then they gun their engine to show you how annoyed they are,” Sweetlamb says.
While some motorists — especially those who have never ridden a bike — might be annoyed by the operation, the officers say handing out a ticket is better than working an accident.
“I have four-and-a-half years on patrol and can’t tell you how many times I’ve responded to a vehicle hitting a bicyclist,” Constable says.
If the sting does what it’s intended to do, he’ll be getting fewer of those calls in the future.
Contact Pam LeBlanc at 512-445-3994.

aguachico - 1-10-2014 at 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

take it easy man. don't blow a fuse. I drive carefully and give trucks and bikers their 'right of way'. Unfortunately, over the past 5 years I find myself in situations where my speed is not at fault. It's the combination two wide signature vehicles that need pavement and one cyclist that doesn't.

So before you get all twisted and jump on your bike for the santo tomas pass... you will most likely not survive the encounter whether you are in the 'right' or 'not'. So do yourself a favor and be more visible.

DianaT - 1-10-2014 at 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

It's as if Mt. Goat has never been on Hwy. 1 south of San Quintin or the political 'rights' of people on bikes are far greater than anyone else. In today's political popularity: The needs of the FEW outweigh the needs of the many.

How the h*ll did politics get involved? That statement makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever. Politics? please. :?:

Islandbuilder - 1-10-2014 at 03:30 PM

Perhaps "legal rights" would have been a better choice. I believe that makes more sense in the context.

Barry A. - 1-10-2014 at 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

How the h*ll did politics get involved? That statement makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever. Politics? please. :?:

I don't know about you, Diana, but this subject and politics seem intricately intertwined to me. Those who appear to, or actually do, lean-left seem to more often champion the "rights" of the few over the rights of the many. To me, that's all that was said above.

I saw this almost daily for years in my LE career in the foumulation of laws-------laws being made to accomodate or punish the few which end up punishing the many--------and it drives me nuts.

Barry

BajaLuna - 1-10-2014 at 03:57 PM

ditto, Diane! I was wondering the same thing.

islandbuilder, I agree...legal rights makes more sense!

Bicycling through Baja would be awesome and I am respectful of people wanting to do that but such a hazard for everyone on that road.

Slowing down is a no-brainer...but the roads are narrow, no bike lane, dangerous curves, cars and semi trucks driving high speed, people willing to push the limits in their vehicles and take risks passing, and people on your ass....leaves not much margin for error. It's the perfect storm.

dangerous and scary!

wessongroup - 1-10-2014 at 04:07 PM

"I saw this almost daily for years in my LE career in the formulation of laws-------laws being made to accommodate or punish the few which end up punishing the many--------and it drives me nuts."

Hear ya loud and clear ...

DianaT - 1-10-2014 at 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
"I saw this almost daily for years in my LE career in the formulation of laws-------laws being made to accommodate or punish the few which end up punishing the many--------and it drives me nuts."

Hear ya loud and clear ...

But the subject of riding bikes on Highway 1 has nothing to do with politics or right now, even legal rights. IT IS LEGAL.

And people wanting to serve the few, IMHO, are today, the right leaning Tea Party Rebuplicans --- they are only interested in protecting a few and ignoring the masses.

So it makes NO sense to tie any of this to politics because both sides of the political spectrum are seeing the same thing for the other side.

Besides, I see people arguing for and against the riding of bikes in Baja who are on BOTH sides of the political spectrum. So someone bringing in politics is simply trolling, as usual.

[Edited on 1-10-2014 by DianaT]

mtgoat666 - 1-10-2014 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

i think the average biker leans a bit more leftward than the average cager,...
so, ya, it's sort of a political thing

Barry A. - 1-10-2014 at 04:48 PM

Diana----------it is not political to you, but it IS to me, but your points are relavant from your point of view, I am sure..

By the way, Senor Goat, what is a "cager"? :lol:

Barry

wilderone - 1-10-2014 at 04:52 PM

Virtual bicycle passing:

What’s coming over the hill as you’re passing the cyclists? Do you take a chance, or slow to 4 mph until you go over the hill to see what is in the oncoming lane? Will you get rear-ended because the car behind you doesn’t see the cyclists and assumes you are doing the average speed in that area?
Yes, I slowed to a crawl so as not risk what was unseen. Really annoying.

ncampion - 1-10-2014 at 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

But the subject of riding bikes on Highway 1 has nothing to do with politics or right now, even legal rights. IT IS LEGAL.

And people wanting to serve the few, IMHO, are today, the right leaning Tea Party Rebuplicans --- they are only interested in protecting a few and ignoring the masses.

So it makes NO sense to tie any of this to politics because both sides of the political spectrum are seeing the same thing for the other side.

Besides, I see people arguing for and against the riding of bikes in Baja who are on BOTH sides of the political spectrum. So someone bringing in politics is simply trolling, as usual.

[Edited on 1-10-2014 by DianaT]

It seems that you see something "political" in just about anything DavidK posts, yet you go off on your own Tea Party rank and that's OK. There is no politics in this thread, only common sense.

.

Bajaboy - 1-10-2014 at 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
Virtual bicycle passing:

I did the same thing this morning...in Tucson.

DianaT - 1-10-2014 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ncampion

It seems that you see something "political" in just about anything DavidK posts, yet you go off on your own Tea Party rank and that's OK. There is no politics in this thread, only common sense.

.

The following post from DK is NOT bringing politics into this? Really? The Tea Party comment, obviously, was to make the point that both sides see things the same way and that there is no place for politics in this thread. It was just another trolling statement.

Quote:

[Edited on 1-11-2014 by DianaT]

BajaLuna - 1-10-2014 at 05:13 PM

cager= person in a 4 wheeled vehicle

ligui - 1-10-2014 at 05:15 PM

I like the bright color the two bikers are wearing in the photo .. :lol:

Guess they want to blend in so you can't see them ahead of time .

Green black and gray .

Barry A. - 1-10-2014 at 05:19 PM

Diana----------EVERYTHING is seen thru the prism of personal politics--------it's a human-thing, and most of us do it. Why make emotional derisive issues & comments about something that is always present? We all KNOW where you, me, and David (etc.) are coming from, yet you always seem to rise to the bait with nastiness when David is involved.

Who cares if David is "trolling" when the info that he provides is great???? I sure don't. (I know that I am talking to a granite boulder, tho, and I will drop it now) :lol:

barry

Bajaboy - 1-10-2014 at 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

Originally posted by ncampion

It seems that you see something "political" in just about anything DavidK posts, yet you go off on your own Tea Party rank and that's OK. There is no politics in this thread, only common sense.

.

Quote:

[Edited on 1-11-2014 by DianaT]

Tea Party comment??? I never said anything about any tea party... Hey DianaT, if you like your health insurance, guess what? YOU CAN'T KEEP IT !!! Ha Ha

Wow, I think I will have a glass of wine and sit by the fireplace with my beautiful bride... good night amigos! :lol:

DK, you are probably covered under your wife's insurance, right? Good thing she is in a union :lol:

watizname - 1-10-2014 at 09:49 PM

So what happens when you slow to 4or 5mph to be safe and the guy behind you doesn't and decides to pass and another vehicle comes sailing over the hill. Who dies???? Probably you and the bikers as the guy coming at you tries to avoid a head on with the guy passing. Nothing political about it. Someone's DEAD. Right or wrong---- Bikes on Mex 1 aren't safe.

DianaT - 1-10-2014 at 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by watizname
So what happens when you slow to 4or 5mph to be safe and the guy behind you doesn't and decides to pass and another vehicle comes sailing over the hill. Who dies???? Probably you and the bikers as the guy coming at you tries to avoid a head on with the guy passing. Nothing political about it. Someone's DEAD. Right or wrong---- Bikes on Mex 1 aren't safe.

Absolutely not safe and absolutely nothing political about it.

windgrrl - 1-10-2014 at 10:04 PM

Mex. 1 is what it is.

Would do the same as for any slow moving thing. Slow down, pass when it's safe. Consider putting the flashers on to alert on coming traffic.

Take care of each other out there,
W

SC2BAJA - 1-10-2014 at 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
Virtual bicycle passing:

Is this El Rosarito heading north? looks familiar but cant quite tell.

MMc - 1-10-2014 at 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

How the h*ll did politics get involved? That statement makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever. Politics? please. :?:

Sense? Shirley, you jest! :cool:

"Don't call me Shirley"
Most the folks that play in high risk sports know and except the danger. Yes, I understand they (bikes in Baja) are also putting others at a risk too. There are LOTS of people that ride the highway safely and have a great time. A good friend road up the west coast and across Canada 30 years ago. He had a great time, he did mention that the trucks were passing him with 8' to spare. he accepted the risk as part of ride.

Most of you all are missing the point that these guys are out living and pushing themselves for fun. They do not care what you think of what they do. To b-tch about it here is like Sunday morning quarterbacking. I spent a great deal of my life putting myself in harms way in the name of fun, had a great time and broke a few bones in route. It"s part of the risk.Those that haven't, will never get it. Go live your life. Now let's go back to tires and who makes the best whatever. :saint:

Most of the people I know that are involved in high risk sports are all over the board politics wise, most agree that stupidity and a lack of common sense should be at least painful if not deadly.

Kgryfon - 1-11-2014 at 01:09 AM

Well, it's one thing to put yourself at risk (your choice), but it's another to put others at risk because of your actions. Even if that means that you are basically forcing someone else to chose between creaming the bicyclists or getting in a head on collision. I'd rather not have to live the rest of my life knowing that I creamed a bicyclist, even if it was their own fault for being on a roadway that is clearly not designed for that kind of traffic.

Oh, and about the political thing...recently I was posting on the thread about slow drivers in the fast lane and somehow that got diverted into a thinly veiled "accusation" that I was a liberal...whether I am or not had nothing to do with the discussion, but really? Still kind of mystified about how that "logic leap" (using the phrase generously) was made. I think some people resort to political jabs and/or personal attacks when they've run out of actual valid arguments. Just my two cents.

wilderone - 1-11-2014 at 07:59 AM

Si, just passing Rosarito heading north.

"Most the folks that play in high risk sports know and except the danger. Yes, I understand they (bikes in Baja) are also putting others at a risk too. There are LOTS of people that ride the highway safely and have a great time."
You are so missing the point. Nobody is disputing that the cyclists aren't having a great time, or that they're able to push themselves to achieve some goal, or choose to travel via bicycle. The other side of the coin is that the bicyclists inherently involve the drivers and put the drivers at risk, with no choice in the matter, adding a surprise element to the equation for the drivers. And you can't possibly believe that "LOTS of people ride the highway safely" as a pragmatism. The ONLY way any cyclist would ride "safely" on Mex. 1 is because THE DRIVERS ACCOMMODATED THE CYCLIST AND MADE IT SAFE FOR HIM/HER. Again - the driver is part and parcel of the cyclists' risky endeavor. Some drivers are more accepting of this role than others. Put another way, some drivers do not appreciate being put in a position, not of their own choosing, to become responsible for the safety of others who choose unwisely to embark in high risk sports on public highways.

mtgoat666 - 1-11-2014 at 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
Virtual bicycle passing:

So you were annoyed. So Sorry you had a minor delay! Your trip must have been ruined!

Who cares! You are whining about such trivial delay. You and you fellow bike haters sound ridiculous.

MMc - 1-11-2014 at 09:53 AM

Wilderone, My point is based on my past experience. They don't care, and complaining about it here doesn't change a thing.The bike riders don't read this site for the most part, they are reading positive reports about how good it was and the butthead drivers.Remember the guy that was bike rider and how he was slammed a few years ago? ( Chris?)I'm sure he found another site.

If you all would like to change them riding the highway this is not the place to do it. I'm sure there are sites just for long rides that's where it should be address, not here. This board will not change anything.

Make them stand in the corner ..

durrelllrobert - 1-11-2014 at 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kgryfon

Oh, and about the political thing...recently I was posting on the thread about slow drivers in the fast lane and somehow that got diverted into a thinly veiled "accusation" that I was a liberal...whether I am or not had nothing to do with the discussion, but really? Still kind of mystified about how that "logic leap" (using the phrase generously) was made. I think some people resort to political jabs and/or personal attacks when they've run out of actual valid arguments. Just my two cents.

..or go to the OT where they belong :lol:

bent-rim - 1-11-2014 at 10:33 PM

Personally, I think it's crazy to bicycle on Hwy 1 in Baja. There's not enough room or shoulders. However, a good friend of mine's son and some friends have spent the last year and a half kayaking and bicycling from Juneau, Alaska to Argentina. Their website is: www.atripsouth.com They crossed the border in Tijuana on Dec.12,2012. Kanaan, my friend's son, wrote in his blog "The road turned from a four lane main street back into a smaller two lane highway, something we were a bit more used to and comfortable with. What was slightly more uncomfortable was the fact that the shoulders went away the same time as the other lane. It took a little getting used to, but once we realized that for the most part the drivers gave just as much room (if not more) as they did in the States we started to loosen up a little bit."
Kanaan made it to the tip of South America and are headed back.
I'm assuming the locals were friendlier passing them than the expats.

Barry A. - 1-11-2014 at 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bent-rim
Personally, I think it's crazy to bicycle on Hwy 1 in Baja. There's not enough room or shoulders. However, a good friend of mine's son and some friends have spent the last year and a half kayaking and bicycling from Juneau, Alaska to Argentina. Their website is: www.atripsouth.com They crossed the border in Tijuana on Dec.12,2012. Kanaan, my friend's son, wrote in his blog "The road turned from a four lane main street back into a smaller two lane highway, something we were a bit more used to and comfortable with. What was slightly more uncomfortable was the fact that the shoulders went away the same time as the other lane. It took a little getting used to, but once we realized that for the most part the drivers gave just as much room (if not more) as they did in the States we started to loosen up a little bit."
Kanaan made it to the tip of South America and are headed back.
I'm assuming the locals were friendlier passing them than the expats.

'Well, many of us b-tch about "bikers" but we DO give them the room they need.

barry

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