A rare, and unpleasant, aspect of riding recumbent trikes around cars!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.พ. 2023
- "TAKE IT EASY ... TAKE A TRIKE!" - trike hobo
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If you have a story to share about this, please leave a comment for us to read, and if you have a sense of why some people behave like this, please express your opinion also. It is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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Steve's current recumbent trike is a 2021 HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs26 Enduro, outfitted with Schwalbe Marathon PLUS road tires instead of the stock knobby off-road tires. He has also owned a 2015 ICE Full Fat off-road trike, a 2014 Catrike 700 speed trike, and a 2007 ICE Qnt trike ... not to mention three bikes (Specialized Roll Elite - Motobecane Night Train fat tire - Easy Racers Gold Rush recumbent)
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To learn more about recumbent trikes, please visit Trike Asylum:
trikeasylum.wordpress.com
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/ ironvegan
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amazon.com/author/stevegreene - กีฬา
I got jumped from behind by a group of 5 drunks while on my trike once. One of the guys tried to jump on my rear rack for a ride, I saw him coming in my rearview and I stopped immediately and he went over my shoulder and landed on his feet. We had a standoff as I had to pick up my broken trike light parts. They threatened to throw me in the harbor if I argued with them. Shortly after getting away from them, I called the port authority and they dispersed.
It was at night on the San Diego Harbor Boardwalk, where everybody rides bikes and walks. I usually ride with a friend, but not that time. I realized there's random riff raff out and about, even in well lit areas, so carry pepper spray and don't ride alone. A gopro camera would've been a good thing to have too.
San Diego? Wow, who would have thought? I have to say James that what you describe is FAR worse than what just happened with me! I am happy you got away from those criminals. Thanks for sharing such a shocking incident.
steve
Nice drone shot in the beginning! It’s crazy, I rose thru all asia thru some of the most dense and most rural cities and villages. I blocked traffic for half a mile in Japan. Nothing but love and understanding. In america…. Riding a road bike…. I got a certain finger and a few expletives. The culture is different here. You are right it is not a regular thing… but it happens…. And when it does it really can mess with your mojo.
It sure does mess with one's mojo Matt! That much is certain. The good news is that the mental negativity doesn't last long, at least for me. Your observation comparing the Japanese drivers' mindsets with those of Americans is an interesting one! I can see that. Certain cultures seem more respectful as a collective. The good news is that most drivers here in this country (at least the ones I have encountered) are polite and provide me with plenty of respect and a wide berth on the road. These atypical selfish and mean drivers are really rare in my experience, but of course, this is a more rural setting, so "big city" pressures on people are not so prevalent. Thanks for your comment!
steve
Thanks Ja Yo you pint point exactly what i used to deal with in Canada
There’s only one reason for the reaction….. me. It’s a selfish mindset. I need to ride to x y or z. And you are in my way. I don’t ride bikes. Or intend to do a tour that involves the roads I drive on… so you shouldn’t.
YES! For sure on the reason Matt! They are incapable of "walking a mile" in the shoes of anyone else, thinking only of themselves. I think that you and Sylvia have the right idea when you organize group trike rides because I believe there is safety in numbers. I bet if I had been riding with just one other triker last Friday on that 30 mile ride that the rude couple I describe in this talk would have not reacted the same way, but if with a group of multiple trikers (as you and Sylvia do from time to time), it would be even less chance of them spewing their hatred on cyclists. Who knows though ... if they had been slowed down by seven trikers, maybe they would have gotten even madder and nastier ... it would be an interesting experiment, but of course, since these encounters are so darn rare, there is no way to know for sure. BTW, happy news on finding a new home!!!!!
steve
I think we all have had that bad experience. I mostly ride rail to trails here the have hundreds of miles of the here.
I've just found your You Tube Channel and I like your videos. I was watching them this Morning Mike
I worked as a bike messenger for some years. That's not a unique trike problem, but a problem normal bikers face who share the street with cars. Sometimes, there are just stupid people on big cars with an ego problem.
Yes. I would imagine however that if we met those same people on foot in some circumstance, they would be fine. There is something about some people when they get behind the wheel of a massive metal box with tons of power ... makes them feel invincible I guess.
steve
@@EZSteveno they really aren't. Had a fun little shouting match with a guy that wanted to talk about his equally horrible wife almost running me over backing out of a parking space without indicators or anything. All I did is stop for a second, look back and raise an eyebrow. I bet the ones that would be " fine" are just afraid of confrontation once they ain't in their weapon.
@@gur262 Yes for sure, their cars are their weapons, and cyclists are easy to bully. They know we can't catch up with them to talk (or whatever), because they have super high speed at their disposal. I wonder if they ever contemplate a cyclist who later spots their car in a parking lot, and just waits there for them ("Hey, remember me? I'm the guy you almost killed back there!)
steve
I've had that done on me. I ride a 2 wheeler recumbent in the UK. It's a mind set that anything new or unusual, then attack it!
These people need to get an education.
I just hope that there will be a fuel shortage and these people won't be able drive they're pride and joy anywhere. A driving licence is a privilege not a right!
You are right Scott, driving is considered a privilege, but drivers like this seem to have forgotten that aspect of their license. Yes, a fuel shortage would be helpful for all us human powered people out there! 😀
steve
I have been riding a bike serious miles on Texas roads since 2005 and on a recumbent two-wheeler since 2018. The only important thing to remember is to be safe (and be happy). These extremely rare lost souls are no different than dogs barking out the window and that is always how I view them. I had a half-full cup of soda pass between my handlebars and my helmet once from a drunk teenager trying to impress his friends. I have had an 18-wheeler pass over the right-side lane edge paint markers to get close as he passed. I had a young Mustang driver pass me doing 40 mph leaving just 18 inches on my handlebar (I had a hard curb to the right). Just remember that these people are just like dogs barking senselessly and you need only think of road safety, then forget they exist. Safety first and last. They can never know the peace you have.
Hi William,
I REALLY want to thank you so much for your very insightful way of seeing these rude, and fortunately quite rare, drivers!!! Thinking of them as annoying barking dogs makes PERFECT sense to me, and with this new mindset, I can more readily ignore them. Of course, the difference is that these rare drivers speak English, so that is something hurtful that dogs don't do, but from here on out, based on your great suggestion, I will forever more see these misguided creatures as barking dogs, which will actually cause me to laugh and smile, so I am sure the next time it happens (could be a very LONG time from now), I will have a good laugh and just go about my peaceful pedaling!!! Seriously, no one has ever suggested this viewpoint to me, but now that you have, it sticks in my mind like glue, and will be immensely helpful when and if. Take care my friend!
steve
I had a pickup truck with a small trailer play chicken with me while I was parked off to the side of the road. They came right over to my side of the road and headed right for me and all I could do is sit right there. No other cars in the area and when they finally varied off because I could not move, I was strapped in by my feet, as they passed the passenger throws a Tim Hortons coffee at me. It was a good thing I was covered with a jacket and had long pants on and a full-face helmet at this time, otherwise I could have been burned by the coffee. Another time I had a pop can thrown at me. While sitting on the edge of the road as well. That is why now, I have four cameras running with remote controls so if that happens again I have a picture or video and record them doing something., Thanks goodness for iPhones, and action cameras they can at least record what happens. Why people do this? In my opinion they have no respect for other people and they sure have no respect for themselves. I do not get angry nor give these people the satisfaction of spoiling My time for just enjoying my ride. They will tick off the wrong person sometime and will get what they deserve or kill somone and end up in jail. I have no sympathy for people like this at all. These are only a few inccidents . I could right a book about drivers who have no consideration for Trikers or bicyclist on what they do to us. Hope you are having a great day today. Happy Trails a head. One😀😃 happy Triker from Canada.
Wow! SMH!...what you described is criminal not to mention beyond comprehension...why?
That type of behavior angers me, not only is it criminal but you did nothing to provoke it, just minding your own business.
And being on a trike you're helpless to get out of that situation fast.
I always carry bear spray for aggressive dogs, but I'd hate to have to defend myself from creeps ,as long as it takes for police to arrive.
If they decided to pull over and mess with you, it could be a bad situation.
Makes one think outside the box for trike safety when riding in rural areas.
@@The-GreenHornet that is why I use four cameras with remotes and my cell phone now it scared me a lot.
Your incidents make what happened to me pale by comparison! How horrible Paula! I think the answer might be to trike in groups, safety in numbers. But of course, that assumes there are other trikers in your area that share your passion for the routes you ride. I cannot imagine how horrible it would have been if the couple in the truck had thrown coffee on me! Once in the late 1970s, when I was on a 15 mile training run (on foot), I had a car full of silly acting girls swerve at me, laughing their heads off. They got pretty close, but of course, their goal was to scare me and have a good laugh at my expense. I was on foot, and pretty helpless compared to a car. Thanks for sharing!
steve
Drivers being offensive to cyclists is universal, i dont think its limited to trike riders. Happened to me many times on two wheels. On horns - they have no idea of how much noise vehicles make (gas anyway). For some its about power and ignorance. I live in the UK and its the same here but improving slowly. When there are many cyclists and road systems (hard and soft) are designed for us too it will improve. For example in the UK they just changed the highway code to better represent the needs of cyclists and its had a big effect. I believe there is evidence that the greater the number of cyclists the more people are respectful to cyclists. As House said “they are idiots”.
Thanks for the report from the UK. Yes, I think your assessment about drivers is universal. From what I can see, big cities are doing more to help cyclists than small towns like where I live. This is because of the sheer number of cyclists in cities, where demand for support is critical for public safety. In little towns, our numbers are not enough for city officials to see, so they don't hardly think of spending money to protect us on roadways. I live on the Oregon Coast Bike Route, sanctioned by the State of Oregon on the western US coast, and there are some places along the route that are definitely not cyclist friendly or safe!
steve
@@EZSteve you are lucky to live where you do. Ive visited Seattle a couple of times (with a bike) and also Portland because two of my bikes came from Portland. You have some pretty nice long bike trails out there. I remember one that went out from Seattle along the “lake” past Bill Gates house on which I had a great ride. We dont have such long paved paths here. Yes I think you are right about cities and towns.
@@josephfredbill I am quite a ways from Portland, and even farther from Seattle, living on the central Oregon coast. It is very rural, so no real bike paths, but the country setting makes cycling very pleasant. We only get heavy traffic coming through town in the summers because this town has coastal highway 101 going right through it (also, about 10,000 cyclists ride through here from late May to late September). I am about one mile from the Pacific Ocean, very quiet with pure air all the time ... wonderful.
steve
Loved your post.
I think this behaviour has happened to almost all of us cyclists. I’m finding hiway riding more difficult as well since they put rumble strips along the shoulder. This is very common in western Canada. The trikes just don’t accommodate this well if the shoulders are narrow. Is find myself fighting between riding a straight line, trying not to vibrate the bike into pieces and staying safe. It’s something I think drivers in a hurry don’t appreciate.
Yes! Most drivers are considerate and I really appreciate that.
Ahh, rumble strips!!! I have written extensively about them in my cycling books and on my Trike Asylum website. When road developers put them in certain places, trikers really come up short! I have had them situated where if I rode on the shoulder, I would be hitting them all with the rear tire, keeping me out in the traffic lane when no cars were an immediate threat. Also, one heavily rainy day on tour, fully loaded panniers, going downhill at speed off a mountain pass, the rumble strips veered off into the dirt alongside the highway, which sent my trike temporarily out of control when it crossed over them (a mistake in original installation). Fortunately, I regained control on the slippery road, but it sure got my attention!
steve
I've had the odd idiot on the road. Majority of the times I've had no problems. I try and pull over to let the traffic pass if I'm impeding them and thank them for their patience with a wave. (Roads are pretty narrow my way , so passing tends to be restricted) .
I think the wave is a nice gesture for sure. I wave to drivers when I ride this road. It would have been an interesting theoretical experiment to know if this couple in the truck with the trailer would have been so nasty to me if I had actually stopped, but of course, there was not enough shoulder to get all of my trike clear of the lane, so they may have still honked (but perhaps they would not have done what they did as they drove past me).
steve
I ride a Trike too, ICE Sprint FS + Ziflex Trailer.... You are living in the WRONG country. Move to Denmark and you would be SAFE... Last year I shifted from a Koga World Traveller bicycle (+ trailer) to the Trike I mentioned. The first thing I noticed was that cars and trucks were giving me a wide berth, even when they came from the opposite direction... Many of them will wave friendly when they pass by. Maybe the Danish motorists are very considerate because they are cyclists too... Imagine you are on a climb and an 18 wheeler, slows down and is patiently following you at your pace until you reach the peak and waving gently to you, when he passes by... That is the way it works here. Keep on triking safely...
You are absolutely right about living in the wrong country Ben. There are lots of crazies in the USA. When I look at countries like Denmark, and others that have a very high percentage of cyclists as the norm, I am indeed envious. Cycling in the USA is basically thought of as a sport or fun pastime, not a way of legitimate transportation like it is where you live. I have had literally millions of cars pass me over the years, and like you say, the vast majority are super considerate and give plenty of room ... some way more room than they have to in order to be safe. These self-righteous drivers who think only of themselves are happily far and few between ... yes, even in the USA, haha.
steve
I’ve pedaled more than 50K miles through the 48 mainland US states, and as you’ve experienced, of the millions of drivers who have overtaken me, all but a handful have, in that moment, been kind, compassionate, and generous. I strive to thank all of them with a wave and smile.
And those blessedly few exceptions? I suspect they too were capable of better more days than not. Perhaps the couple in the truck were exhausted before they encountered you, or they were in the middle of some recurring argument. Maybe they’d recently suffered an unspeakable life tragedy. We’ll never know the circumstances that culminated in their rage, but I’m proud that you gave them the benefit of a doubt and greeted their outbursts with a friendly wave.
I just discovered your channel, so I don’t yet know whether you’ve covered the courtesy with which millions of others have acknowledged your presence on the road, but if you haven’t, please do. I’m confident you have thousands of uplifting stories to share, and I’d love to hear them.
Hi Gary, welcome to the channel!
Yes, I have done a recent talk on just that subject of courteous motorists,, so I will link to it here:
th-cam.com/video/Ta6oax5iFpg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for sharing your experiences during all your years of extensive cycling! it is good to know that most folks in cars do indeed support us!
steve
I've been riding two-wheeled bents for thirty years, and I just got a trike almost by accident. Right place, right time, right price. So, I'm researching to see how big the differences are, as far as visibility and safety. I've always found that 'weird' bikes get more space on the roads than typical bikes. My friends and family are all very scared for me, but they were the same way when i first started riding bents back in the day. I appreciate your experiences. As cyclists, we are required to ride as far right as is 'safe'. One cannot simply drop off a road at speed in many situations. Even on a diamond frame road bike, jumping off the pavement into the gravel could cause one to fall into traffic. Someone who has never ridden a bike simply does not understand that, and there are a lot of people that haven't ridden a bike since grade school, sadly. I'm glad to hear that run-ins like this are rare for you. Keep it up:)
I have written extensively in my recumbent trike books and on my Trike Asylum website about the safety aspect of triking. Yes, typically, the average person who does not cycle believes recumbent trikes are very dangerous, however, having spent thousands of miles on these vehicles, in many very crowded high-traffic regions (including Reno Nevada during Friday evening rush hour), I have not found this to be the case, a thought commonly held by most trikers I know.
We are so unique (weird) compared to bicycles, that we stand out like a sore thumb, and I have found that nearly all motorists give me more room than needed most of the time. Many people when they talk to me believe I am physically handicapped in some way, and it is a common idea among motorists that my trike is some kind of a sophisticated wheelchair mobility device. No driver wants to be in tomorrow's newspaper as having run over a person in a wheelchair!
A VERY IMPORTANT aspect of recumbent triking is extremely high visibility, through dual yellow flags, yellow helmet, yellow gloves, yellow shirt, yellow panniers, tail lights, etc. There are SO many drivers these days texting, using cell phones, or under the influence of gummy bears that we must be as proactive as possible, so we are quickly and readily seen by people behind the steering wheels. I see too many recumbent trikers with dark clothing, dark helmets, dark bags, and flags that really are lacking, and I worry for them. I have noticed that in today's world, that black is a popular color of choice, but that is not a wise solution for remaining safe on recumbent trikes.
Yes, these discourteous drivers are VERY far and few between, so we can get past the one-in-a-million driver pretty fast. If this were happening continually on all my rides and tours, I would indeed hang it up, but happily, such is not the case! Thanks for your commentary!
PS: See my video on triker visibility for more of my thoughts on this:
th-cam.com/video/Pusi_pClOFE/w-d-xo.html
It is a high visibility walk-around, where I talk about making us safer in traffic.
steve
Hey Pal. I hear what you're saying I have a 32 speed recumbent and I'll tell you works for me I just make sure they're looking when raise my are up at them give them a thumbs-up, smile and carry on. It seem to work for me and I feel good I didn't let their actions control mine. Also it seems to confuse them.
Yeah, I sure don't want to get all caught up in their anger management issues! When doing hand gestures, it can be potentially problematic if they don't clearly see what the gesture is. In other words, in their agitated mental state, they could mistake it for a middle finger, or a fist, which would serve to make matters worse. I have contemplated all my options after this rare incident, and for me, I believe that simply looking straight ahead with no arm or hand gestures would be best because there is no possibility that could be misunderstood. Basically, my reaction is no visible reaction whatsoever. Thanks for your thoughts!
steve
Totally !!! I admire the wave of the hand and a smile . I am about 70 % on returning jolly signals instead of returning dark impulses . The horn is jump out of your skin loud when it’s weaponized against us tadpoles . Often there is a wish for the police to be around when it happens which agreed is more on the rare side . My thought is the perps in this scenario believe they are appointed as hall monitors or that somehow they can “ lay down the law “ . Can feel your wounded mind and appreciate that you are the change you would like to see . A problem shared is a problem halved . Btw my wife is a pokey and careful driver and likewise experienced in road rage by the tailgater . And a role model cause she does remain placid in these situations .
My feeling is that there is nothing good to be gained by a hostile response, and in today's crazy world, you never know if the driver with an attitude has more to throw at us if we respond offensively. Yes, when such drivers weaponize their horns, it is quite intimidating when on a recumbent trike because we are at about horn level with their grills. Happily, these rude and inconsiderate motorists are super rare! That's the great news! Thanks for your comment.
steve
The Row Tator avoids riding on roads whenever possible for this very reason. The driver is not paying attention (phone?) and comes upon you very unexpectedly. Realizing what could have happened, in their mind, you are the cause. Then comes their reaction.
Great points! Thanks. This driver did see me though quite a ways before he came upon me, so it was not a surprise to him that I was there, and the first time he honked was a ways before he even got to me. He was honking in advance, so he probably was not distracted on the phone, although that is common these days with people using phones while driving. It seems pretty clear that he and his wife believed I was impeding their progress, and that I had no right to part of the lane. Clearly, these people are not aware of the law that requires the sharing of the road with cyclists and pedestrians. Take care and stay safe!
steve
roads are for people as we were here before cars. some folks need to check their meds . Howdy from Lakeside!
Lakeside Oregon? I have pedaled past there a few times. Your observation is a good one, people were here before cars! That's a great way of seeing things. From what I've gathered over the years by reading governmental websites regarding traffic movement, their goal is to move as much traffic as possible as quickly as possible, as it helps their governmental jurisdiction financially. Like every thing else in life, money is a prime motivator, so human powered humans (pedestrians, bikers, trikers, etc) take a back seat, and rarely register on their governmental agendas. Thanks for your comment John!
steve
Excellent point of view! We cyclists are not part of that car culture, for which I am quite happy, but we do need to be aware of what lurks out there!
steve
I think part of the problem is we have evolved to interact with others face to face and have developed language and body language cues to help ease tensions in our interactions. In traffic your only means of communication is the horn. Without the subtle cues some people just build up anger.
That is a very wise assessment of where we are as social creatures in today's world! Thanks for sharing this unique, and very true, way of seeing things!
steve
"Share the Road" and being an "Ambassador of the Pedal" are my mindset. Riding in Central Illinois on County and State roads the issues of aggressive drivers come up, and more with higher traffic volume / arterial roads. In some Counties which have farm equipment traffic (or Amish buggy and carts), the regular drivers are accustomed to keeping an eye out for different vehicles. Around town, certain streets are just not great for pedal powered - either speed, width of lane, or volume of traffic. Some have so many obstacles and crossings that it demand constant attention to minimize risk. When I was a youngster on 2-wheel, late 1950's - early 60's, my brother and I could ride all over town (1500 pop.) but knew to stay off the State highway (Rt-51 and -50, Sandoval). Those days semi-truck traffic was heavy but most households only had one car. In the 80's up in Peoria County the opposite was true plus the addition of "Bubba Trucks" - but the local cycling club trained on County and State roads, before there were any rail-trail conversions. That group gave me a good foundation of skills and mindset - of the "Share the Road" philosophy. When we got our Rock Island Trail, the car/truck drivers took up the misbegotten idea that we should all take our bicycles off the highways - and that began a struggle that continues forever. The Club gave us knowledge of our rights, responsibilities, and support - especially when someone was killed on the road. Even within the club there were the mediators, the educators, the advocates, the righteous indignant. Takes all kinds, just like always. Now that I'm on a recumbent trike, I have adapted towards visibility and safety - using the local trail in lieu of street, negotiating street crossings, and "Sharing the Trail" with the pedestrians, speeding uprights, and now electrified novices. One of the joys of my cycling life has been introducing newbies to the pedal - and instead of "keep it on the sidewalk", to finding joy in the countryside with safety and courtesy. Learning by example, from following my older brother to the smelting plant pond to learning from Club members, is best - and when I'm behind the wheel of my own car I try to set a better example to other drivers when I come upon a pedal-powered vehicle.
Thank you for your in-depth commentary! It is great information and excellent advice. I live in a rural town, where bike paths are not a priority of the local government, so I sometimes envy city dwellers who often have incredible bike path systems, where cars are not an issue. On local rides, I do my best to steer clear of heavily traveled car roads, but on my cross country adventures, I have been smack dab in the thick of super heavy traffic on many occasions. Since having made this video, I have made my trike setup even more visible to the motoring public, which I believe is the key to staying out of someone's bumper. Thanks again!
steve
Great sharing thanks so much. "We fear that which we don't understand" plays to these behaviors especially if other stressors are present as folks here have said. You inspire us to ride long distances and we wish you many more safe journeys. Best wishes from New Zealand.
Thank you Peter for your nice thoughts and best wishes! It still amazes me that with the internet, we can share worldwide like this. Back in the mid twentieth century when I got my start as a human, things were quite primitive compared to today. It is great to hear from someone in New Zealand. As a side note, I am currently using some toothpaste called "RED SEAL", which is made in New Zealand (really like it). See ya' ...
steve
I got into arguments with people about this. They think that roads are only for cars. I tried to reason with them asking how am I supposed to get to a trail if I don’t use a road. They really think that cars are only for roads. I live in FL and I do not ride on the road if I can help it. I have almost been run over in my own neighborhood so yeah I stick to the trails.
At this point, I don't believe motorists like this can be reasoned with successfully. It is a losing battle in my opinion, especially after they have made fools of themselves with their rude and aggressive behaviors ... they won't back down after a selfish display of their ignorance. Good idea to stick to the trails if you are lucky enough to have them. I live in a rural setting, but cycling trails are pretty much non-existent unfortunately.
steve
@@EZSteve I understand. I used to live in a rural setting and i had to stop riding my bike because of no trails. Although when I really got the itch to ride I knew places where there was no traffic. Stay safe.
Roads are shared for the sake of keeping everyone's property taxes low. Building segregated infrastructure is way more expensive. There are a lot of entitled people out there who think that all property tax payers owe them something that only they can use.
@@ExtremeSquared This is a GREAT point that I had not yet considered. I would imagine that these self-centered rude drivers don't even think about what you mention here, taxes shared by everyone to keep the roads usable and taxes down ... for everyone, not just them. Selfish folks rarely consider anyone else, and what others may feel, which is unfortunate. They do not have the ability to envision themselves in someone else's shoes.
steve
This happens a lot more than you realize. Drivers are for the most part, courteous and share the road. Then you get that one entitled driver that thinks they own the road and can dictate the actions of others. I had an incident where a car kept passing me while I was in the bike lane. The passenger kept opening his door and telling me to get off the road even though I was fully in the bike lane. After a couple of times of the passenger doing this, I decided I'd let their own stupidity deal with them.
I always travel with a ham radio. So I tuned it to the state police frequency and turned it up LOUD. As I pulled up to the light, they were laughing. Then they heard the radio. Since I was in the bike lane and no one was behind me, I scooted back and leaned over a bit like I was looking at their plate. Pulled back up to the red light, and there in that car were two of the quietest people. Light turns green (of course my radio is still going etc.). As they pull away I hear the driver yell at the passenger 'That was a cop you idiot!' Me? I never said a word, never looked over at them, just looked straight ahead and kept my mouth shut and never acknowledged their presence.
Was I going to tell them I wasn't a cop? Nope :) Best to just ignore stupidity and enjoy my ride. Nowadays with more cyclists carrying cycle cams, there's video proof.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your solution to those two immature males messing with you in the bike lane!!! Wow, must have been a great feeling, haha. I used to be a cop, but out on the road on a bike or trike, these selfish malicious drivers have no way of knowing who a cyclist is ... but your story really brightens my day. Thanks for sharing that.
steve
@@EZSteve Well, I'm a very quiet person by nature. I'd be at a party and no one would remember me being there. Besides, there's an old Klingon saying: 'Only a fool fights in a burning house'. I never have time for fools or idiots as time is the one precious commodity we can never replentish.
@@johnpublic5572 You are a wise man, fellow Klingon ... how did you know I am a Star Trek enthusiast since the 1960s when it first emerged? Of course that far back, the Klingons looked nothing like how they evolved over the course of the shows and movies. Another Klingon saying goes "This is a good day to die!" But I will save that for something more substantial than a fool in a truck! Thanks for making my day ... again!
steve
@@EZSteve Well, my dad worked for the network so there were fun times. Getting back to trikes, I figure if someone wants to waste their time being an idiot, that's on them. Me? I can't stand being around people and like to be alone. When riding, I try to ride in areas where there are few people. Here in WA we have a nice trail system, and weekdays used to be good to ride, but with more and more people moving in, the paths are super crowded even on the weekdays. The weekends? Fugettaboutit. May as well stay home.
That happens more often on "D" bikes for me. My solution is to respond with my 110db airhorn AirZound (colour medifores and fingers just esculate things) and a wave, doing anything else fails!
Problem they think that they pay fees and socalled highway taxes to build the road, but fail to understand their fees barely cover the costs of the accidents they create as our government underwrights their insurance!
Yes, and speaking of fees and taxes, they fail to realize that most cyclists also own and drive cars and trucks just like they do, and pay road and transportation infrastructure taxes just like they do. When analyzed, there is simply no logic to what people like this do, and it comes down to dangerous personalities more often than not.
steve
Wish folks in Minnesota would support getting their trails done.
I was riding my mountain bike on 199 30 years ago and a passing car threw a beer bottle that almost hit my head. It was a purple VW. If I didnt duck the bottle would have done me ugly. Later I saw the same VW bug parked in front of a store in Cave Junction so I went in and had some words with the punk.
I once contemplated riding on CA 199 years ago, but after driving it in a car, realized that parts of it were nearly suicidal for a cyclist, with its tight turns and complete lack of shoulder in places, not to mention the drop-offs here and there into the river below. I probably would have had a talk with that VW driver too.
Just this week, I was cut off at the last second by a huge street sweeper machine. The driver never even looked my way at the intersection, and didn't stop at the stop sign. About twenty minutes later, I saw him filling the big tank with water at the city yards, so I talked with him about the incident. He was very sorry, and admitted he did not check for oncoming traffic. It was a beneficial discussion, and hopefully will make a positive difference for him in recognizing cyclists in the future.
steve
Some people are just plain rude, how sad for them!!!! Be happy.
Great advice! We can't let others bring us down! Thanks.
steve
I'm planning to add 3 items to my trikes for just such occasions, which seem to be happening at a higher rate on Vancouver Island for some unknown reason. Some of them could be my fault. Most people give me a big smile when I'm out for a ride, or commuting to work, except in a couple of places where there's tents along the bike route. You don't want to slow down there for any reason. Period.
1. I have an old dash cam. Definitely going to add that.
2. Preparation H, in case somebody wants to bigger pain than is warranted.
3. Ex-Lax, so they can get it all out of their systems in one go instead of ruining everyone else's day as well.
And I already have an air horn, just in case they need a little bleeping while they're on camera... I try to run a family friendly channel.
You can ride a hundred miles, happy as a clam... but no matter how wonderful the trip, you always remember the pothole you can't miss with a trike... got much better things to do with your time than wasting it trying to figure out and fix somebody else's problems for them for free... that's what shrinks and hemorrhoid creams are for, and if they can afford to be idiots, they can afford to pay.
Happy Trails!
Great comment and ideas! Thanks!
steve
Most vehicle drivers that I have experienced usually give me a wide birth when passing me, I'd say probably 70% of them.
The other 20% pass me not allowing any extra space, but I always ride on the shoulder if possible.
Then the last 10% of drivers for some reason feel the need to act like a adult adolescent and either blast their horn or stomp on their accelerator, especially big diesel trucks; they know by doing this that a large black exhaust cloud of smoke will billow out the exhaust pipe. They must find it amusing that they showed that cyclists (recumbent trike rider) who owns the road.
I don't go looking for trouble, but when people do things like these, especially driving too close when passing, it gets me hot! sometimes.
I ask myself why???...why do people have to be like this. I know the deep down truth though. A sinful depraved nature.
Sometimes in those moments, I would love for them to pull over way ahead. I'd love to hear their self-righteous reasoning.
It would be a easy debate to win.
I'm riding as far to the right as I can.
They have a engine, so I can't possibly be hindering them.
And...As a cyclists, you have to give me at least 3 feet when passing.
Finally...The law is on my side, I can call the police and we can see what they have to say.
The driver would probably turn around and start walking back to their vehicle, but not without self-righteously telling me off to justify themselves.
Me..."Have a nice day."
Those first two instances I described were annoying, but no big deal really, whereas this third one on this ride was actually quite intimidating. Their behavior was super aggressive and angry, enough to keep me off that road from now on!
steve
@@EZSteve That shouldn't be, you should be able to ride wherever you choose. Cyclists are not second hand citizens.
When I lived in Palm Desert Ca there were a lot of "Tour De France, wannabe Cyclists." Groups of very well off financially retired or otherwise riders, who would ride in the slow lane not giving heed to automobile traffic. Many of them would purposely not yield to the faster automobile traffic, just being arrogant.
A few times I encountered some of these groups and solo riders; but you could tell by their riding that they were egging you on as a motorists.
They would ride on weekends mainly. Money has a tendency to change one's attitude I suppose.
These bicycles were very EXPENSIVE! that they were riding, these folks would all gather outside of Starbucks, walking around like ducks with their CLACKEDY CLACK clipless shoes, thinking that they were something special.
So... I understand how some automobile drivers can have a bad attitude with cyclist.
I always try to wave 👋 as a automobile passes me if there is no wide shoulder for me to ride well off the road on. Showing my appreciation for the drivers.
However when they act a fool, it sometimes raises my adrenaline.
There's no reason for it! They're just miserable people I suppose.
As cyclist, we are totally vulnerable if things went sideways with a automobile driver. We can't escape quickly, and calling 911 could take a long time before response arrives.
Highly highly unlikely, but...if ever a driver pulled over and got out of their automobile in a hostile manner.
I always carry my bear mace in my bottle holder on my boom. I would remain sitting down on my trike, giving off a humble presence so as to try and bring calm to the situation.
However if in the extreme rare case where angry driver has lost touch with reality and wants to show me a thing or two.
One quick draw of my bear mace directed at his face at close range. It would drop him to his knees, and for quite a while he would be incapacitated while I call 911.
A second dose could be given if necessary if Mr. Hostile still had some fight in him.
We live in a society now, that is unlike any other. People have lost their collective minds.
Most of the time people who honk! are just getting their warped kicks off by showing or trying to scare the cyclist as they pass by.
I'm still new to triking but so far so good. Our main road through town has bike lanes but people seem to give me an extra two to three feet of clearance. Some even more pulling over into on coming traffic lanes when clear. I use my mirrors extensively when I ride roads without bike lanes and if there is a vehicle approaching from behind and no on coming traffic I pull over on to the far edge of the on coming traffic lane until the traffic has passed.
Yes, all your strategies are excellent! I always run two mirrors on my trikes, finding that one on each side is better than just one on the traffic side only. I have also found that the vast majority of vehicles give me more room than I actually need for safety. Most drivers are VERY courteous in my experience. I like to be cautious at all times, just like you, and never give a driver a reason to cause a conflict. Thanks for your commentary!
steve
Thank you for sharing. Road hazards, junk on the pavement, certainly complicates life for the unexperienced cyclist.
Life is fraught with hazards for sure. At least we are enjoying riding our trikes!
steve
While riding my trike in our city on Main Street on the road with cars parallel parked on my right. A gray 50s hot passed me on my left. The hot rod had side pipes with no muffler and he floored it as passed me. And before I could realize what was happening and cover my ears he was way past me. Serious evil. 2009 circa.
It is indeed sad to know there are people out there who care little for the serenity and safety of others! It is a selfish mindset, but it exists, so our best defense is to avoid it when possible, and if it does occur, ignore it and leave the area quickly. Engaging with people who exhibit anti-social unacceptable behaviors is futile because they will only escalate the situation, and as cyclists, we stand to lose the most!
steve
Maybe get a "dash cam" to have legal basis for challenges.
I'm not too concerned personally because these types of interactions are so darn rare in my riding, but I have heard of other trikers who do just what you suggest with having a camera to back-up the event. Thanks Bob for your suggestion!
steve
I ride a regular bike, and the same thing happens a lot here in Texas. Even one the very country roads. I started to ride on green belts and military bases. Been considering a Trike but the roads here are not a safe riding area.
Thanks for sharing Steven. I have ridden bikes and trikes over the years, and have found that, for the most part, motorists give me a wider berth when on my trikes, even though the trike is only marginally wider compared to a biker with panniers. I suspect that a lot of motorists may think I am handicapped in some manner, thus making plenty of room for me. I have been asked quite a few times over my trike-riding years what the nature of my handicap is, along with wanting to know how I steer. This leads me to believe that many drivers may think I am in some sort of a wheelchair that has been highly modified for the public roads. I also have brightly colored yellow flags, along with other high visibility markers on the rear of the trike, plus, I have a bright yellow full-coverage helmet that I wear. The biggest aspect of a recumbent trike that I like is ultimate comfort compared to bicycles! I can ride all day, day after day, and still be comfy out on a trip, with none of the typical physical problems encountered by all bicyclists (in the wrist, neck, back, and rear end areas of the body). Anyway, yes, it would sure be great if all people gave everyone the same courtesy they themselves expect, rather than threatening human powered cyclists. Life is not fair by any means, so we cyclists must do what we can to remain safe (bike paths are great options).
steve
That's why i'm hesitant to ride on the road unless with a group. I live in Tulsa, Ok and we have great trails.
You are very fortunate to have a fantastic trail system, something that is often found in large cities, but rarely found in small rural towns because the cities have a high demand from the cycling population for trails, whereas little towns not only lack the funding, but have minimal demand that does not get their attention at town meetings.
steve
@kenjileach, I used to live in Tulsa back in 98-99' when I was going to T.W.S. Tulsa Welding School.
I revisited it in 2014 and was amazed at how much Tulsa grew.
I liked it better in 99'.
It definitely has a lot of hills to climb.
The river bicycle path is a nice ride.
I lived off 71st & Lewis.
Those people have issues, perhaps a full subscription. They hide behind a huge speeding machine and burst a bunch of capillaries with every minor obstacle.
Right-on! Hiding behind a huge car or truck is easy for many people, and they end up doing things they would never do if they were face-to-face with you, standing. They know they can be discourteous, and then simply hit the accelerator pedal and speed away, never to be seen again by a slow recumbent triker.
It's really just a mental thing for me, learning to just let this stuff go, writing it off as a person who is not worth the effort of interaction. I see such a person as a lower life-form, like a worm or cockroach, with little to no intelligence, not up to my sophisticated elegance, haha. Using this bizarre mental imagery is now my way to handle any future situations!
Happily, instances like this are VERY rare, and I have only experienced three in the past 14+ years (but I live in a rural setting, and some trikers in big cities report different time intervals between occurrences).
steve
Thanks for the information 😢🙏
I’ve been thinking of getting a trike. When I saw this video I was intrigued by the title and wanted to know what this rare risk was. I hope you don’t think I’m minimizing your experience but when I realized it was just dealing with other unpleasant road users, I relaxed. I deal with those types on a regular basis and they all go away defeated. (I’m salty, though. I fight fire with fire and let them know in no uncertain terms that I won’t be pushed around.) I loved seeing all the gear attached to your trike because it tells me that I’ll be able to actually travel somewhere on a trike. Looking forward very much to trying one out.
Yes, trikes are indeed awesome touring vehicles! I've taken several long distance journeys over the years, human powered, living in my tent at night most of the time, shopping in stores along the way to resupply my food and water, and in general, having a grand adventure that results in many fond memories along the way. Sure, it is a tough thing to do, but the personal satisfaction is unparalleled, and many fascinating stories come from it. All the best to you and any future adventures you choose to have!
steve
Yes sure does spoil a good ride! Only had this happen once to me in the uk and I was on a DF. When I’m on the trike thankfully no problems yet. Unfortunately in the uk there is a small minority of people who think any type of cycle should not be allowed on the roads and become especially enraged when cyclists - who don’t pay road tax - ride sociably side by side etc. The motorists I encountered on that day stopped alongside me and, in between swearing profusely, told me in no uncertain terms I should not on the roads. He also said there were “special” roads “for people like me”. I am not tough skinned and it does spoil your day…
I am like you, in that I am very sensitive emotionally when people are not nice or respectful. I'm not the type who can just brush it off immediately and not let it bother me. Time takes care of it of course, but for me, and probably you too, it requires more time. I cannot imagine what drives people to treat others with such hatred, out of the blue!
On Wikipedia, under the title of "Bicycle Safety", I found this commentary:
"Road rage: Some vehicle drivers may try to 'punish' cyclists for what they perceive as selfish behaviour in 'holding them up unnecessarily' and so when overtaking them will pass them too closely or cut in too sharply or sound their horn at them."
Yep, that pretty much sums it up! Happily, these unpleasant people are in a small minority! By far, most drivers I've encountered during my 15 years of cycling (both cross country and locally) are super courteous and very nice, some even stopping to ask if I need any assistance when stopped at the side of the road for an energy bar snack!!
Check out this Wikipedia link on bicycle safety:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_safety
steve
I only ride on my development's private road, as it is, some neighbors come awfully close, even as I yield to them. You are courageous driving on public roads, it's like Mad Max out there.
Yeah, I like the Mad Max example Stephen 🙂
I've ridden my trike on a few three-week adventures, from the Oregon Coast to southern California's Mojave Desert, nearly 1,000 miles, usually camping in a tent at night, so I'm used to traffic, nearly all of which is courteous and respectful. These angry and rude people are really super rare, which is the good news in all of this. Interestingly, of the three times in more than 13 years riding trikes on the roads, two of the three were right here locally on this North Fork road, basically locals in a hurry. I've only had one driver on the many miles of cross country riding behave like this (seems like it should be the other way around to me, but it's the locals in my experience that are the worst - but again, just a minuscule percent of them happily). You are fortunate to have private roads to use. There are some of those here, which I am enjoying more and more over the years.
steve
I would not worry about it too much, as you say most people are just fine. If it is any comfort I live in Europe and it is here too. I am lucky as there are plenty of bike lanes about, but people still cut me up on my way to work even if I do have right of way. People do tend to just ignore you as if you are not there, which is a bit dangerous for me anyway. Or get anti if you give a warning shout as they usually have not seen you, and are about to hit you. The world has changed I think, and so have people everywhere. Don't let them put you off, enjoy your riding 🙂
Thanks so much Tony for the support! For me, this is rare, so I do my best to get over it (the recent episode discussed here), and move on. Three times in fifteen years for me is pretty good odds, so I won't worry about it. I do think that in the future when riding these narrow remote rural roads with little to no shoulder, I'll just stop momentarily and let drivers go past ... there are so few cars and pickup trucks out there anyway, so it's just as easy for me to stop and let them go by as it is to keep pedaling. I sure would not think a driver would get mad if I am parked! 😆
steve
I totally understand. So sorry you’ve had to put up with such ignorance. I’m from a large metropolitan area in north Tx and for my own safety have to stay on bike trails through parks although I have to constantly call out “on your left” when passing someone walking. I don’t dare try riding on weekends because it would be like driving on the freeway. I had a guy yell “get a real bike!” And another man yelled “all you need is a tv!”. Ignorance and stupidity at its finest. I usually smile and laugh and keep going. Oh well! Keep pedaling! 😂🤣
Yes, it is unfortunate that governing agencies do not have the money to spend on making it safe for all people to use roadways, whether human powered in some form, or whatever. Pedestrians and cyclists should be able to enjoy the same rights as others without hassle or danger. At least you have bike paths where you live! An alternative to roadways is nice to have. Thanks for sharing.
steve
Do you think the issue of bad motorists is a trike specific issue or happens to all cyclists? Congrats on your drone.
That's hard to say Sylvia because I have only ridden my trikes up that rural road into the mountains. Lots of local bicyclists, the ones with fast racing bikes, take long rides up there, some in pairs but many just solo. What's hard to determine is that these incidents are so darn rare (happily) that it's all the luck of the draw as to where the car is compared to should width. Bikers are narrower than trikers, but the difference is marginal really, just a matter of inches, however drivers perceive us as wide compared to bikers.
I have heard horror stories by bikers who have explained that some cars don't even move to give space because they see the biker as so narrow it doesn't matter. I've even heard a couple of bikers talk about being physically knocked off the roadway by a car's mirror! At least on the trike, cars usually slow way down and give me a very wide berth. One driver on this ride I describe here even put on the flashers for anyone coming from behind, which pleasantly surprised me ... very courteous ... I gave a "thumbs-up" and waved a "thank you" when the driver passed me.
Regarding the UAV, I never have had one personally. The shots in my current intro were done by a local video advertiser who I hired back in 2014 for some aerial footage of me riding. He used a monstrous professional grade UAV, one with eight large metal blades, something a cyclist couldn't conveniently carry.
steve
Unfortunates! I'm so glad I'm not burdened with this crippling attitude. Good Show - Thanks
Hi Uncle George,
Happy easy going people are always preferable in life, including on recumbent tricycles! Thanks for the encouragement.
steve
I totally get your frustration with those angry aggressive folks. It's sad that they feel the need to act like that while they're driving the roads we share with them. Chances are they were already angry before they encountered you, and you just became the focus for their anger in the moment. I've had people honk at me even when I'm in a clearly marked bike lane and there's plenty of room for them in their lane. You never know what the other folks are thinking or why they are so angry. The big thing to take away is that is isn't YOUR problem, it's THEIR problem.
It was a good call when you didn't try to return their anger, your best bet is to remain calm and just let them get on their way, and hope they don't feel the need to stop and actually confront you. It also doesn't hurt to have a little forethought as to what you can do if something like that should happen. Plan out how you will respond to an angry aggressive person. Consider how you can react to de-escalate the situation, and keep your ego out of it. If you know how you will respond before something happens, then you'll find it easier to keep calm in the moment and keep your wits about you.
That is all excellent observations and advice! Yes, it is really their problem for sure, because I was happy as a lark pedaling out there in the woods by myself. I think my age is making it much easier these days to let stuff like this roll off my shoulders and not bug me for hours or days afterwards. With age comes wisdom and peace!
That is really surprising to hear that you have been honked at when riding in a bike lane! So far, that has never happened to me, but I don't live in a big city, so perhaps the small town atmosphere is going in my favor.
In the three times I have had angry motorists since 2009, they just kept on driving after they make sure they have honked enough. This recent incident was by far the most aggressive and unpleasant, but they also kept on going ... because it was a husband and wife maybe ... what if it had been two guys ... would their male egos embolden them to stop ... all things to think about for sure.
If a car ever does stop, I will remain on my trike in an nonthreatening manner. Getting up and walking towards an angry person could cause them to think I was ready for battle or something. I have had years of deescalating situations with angry, or otherwise upset, people, having been a cop for years. I'm pretty good at coming off as a friendly fellow, but I am capable of handling myself if things ever did really go sideways in some extreme situation.
Yes, as you mention, it is always wise to have a plan ahead of time because in the heat of the moment, clear decisions are tougher to come by. Just after this most recent incident I have decided to not look at anyone who does this in the future, keeping my eyes straight ahead, with no waves, or anything that could be misinterpreted as possibly confrontational by a disturbed person behind the wheel of a car or truck. It would really be upsetting if a driver were to intentionally use his or her vehicle to force me off the road and down a hill.
steve
*Helps you stay healthy while having fun.*
Yes, for sure.
steve
Perhaps you should add a sign reading "LEGAL VEHICLE! - with a camera" to the back of your trike. Your SOP of following the "Golden Rule" speaks well of you and our sport.
I think with people who are this mean Greg that they wouldn't even care if I had a sign like that, or had said that my trike is a legal vehicle. It could have actually made them more angry and aggressive perhaps, because they might have thought that I am telling them how to behave on the roadway. Who knows. One thing seems certain however, and that is that aggressive angry people like this only seem to think of themselves, and "how dare" me slow them down. I think it's time to stick to roads with shoulders (I'm getting too old for this sort of horrible selfish behavior, haha).
steve
@@EZSteve I agree and we're both too old for that crap.
I started riding small Honda's that couldn't keep up with traffic on the highways 60 years ago. Like you I rode to the right as much as possible and most people would give me room. Occasionally though there would be an idiot. When I graduated to more powerful cycles I found there were still idiots on the road. Even if I didn't slow then down then resented my presence on their road. Now I ride a Cattrike and tend to stay OFF the roads. Probably 50 Percent of my riding is on trails, but when on streets/roads I also stay to the side as much as possible. Like you I use lights, flags, and Hi Vis shirts. So far, I haven't had any honkers, but there have been a few that were annoyed enough to NOT wave at me. I have a little over 10K on this trike. Maybe it is the long white beard?
The long white beard may help! That sounds reasonable ... perhaps they feel a little empathy for a person they perceive as elderly? I'm 73, but am currently clean shaven, and with my helmet on, no one can really tell if I am elderly or some young buck using their road. The good news is that in more than 14 years of riding, there have only been three of these incidents, which is encouraging ... most drivers have no problem with me using the roadways at all.
steve
I’ve ridden thousands of miles on my road bike. I’ve been attacked by drunken maniacs that feel you don’t belong on the road so I sympathize with your situation. On the other hand I’ve been on highways that don’t have enough space to ride with a road bike yet alone a trike. Don’t give anybody a reason to run you over by taking up too much space on the roadway. All it takes is that one maniac and it’s a tragedy. I think it’s important to know the roadway your riding on and evaluate if it’s safe for a trike before you get out on the highway. I road for my health and realized it wasn’t healthy riding on highways so I stopped.
Excellent points! Locally, I know the roadways quite well, but on cross country trips, new stuff pops up the first time on a particular road. Fortunately, most of the routes I take are rural, with minimal traffic. But even so, as you mention, it just takes one maniac to go over the deep end and mess up a great ride. The event I spoke of in this video was super rural, on a road I've ridden for years, that just goes into the mountains and turns to dirt, but there are many ranches and farms, so every one in a blue moon, a driver has an issue with sharing that road.
steve
I'm still riding my 08 Catrike Expedition that I bought new in Aug. 08. Prior to that, a couple of Cannondales and a Raleigh. So yes, I've been riding a pretty long time. I've had a handful of incidents, in my time. None of them ever amounted to much. I do recall inviting a few of those rude ones to come back. As a former Harley-Davidson enthusiast (that's code for assertive biker) no one ever took me up on those offers. LOL By far most people wave even today. Strangely enough, most people tell me they've never seen a recumbent trike.
Thanks for this great comment! I really enjoyed reading it. You've been pedaling recumbent trikes longer than I have, and it is good to hear that your experience also shows these incidents to be far and few between. From here on out, on these remote rural roads with no decent shoulder, I'm just going to stop when the occasional motorist comes along (they can't get mad at that, right?).
I rode Harleys for years! Another thing in common. My dad was the editor and publisher of Hot Rod Magazine in the 1960s, and later the executive editor of Motorcyclist Magazine. He started out as the editor of Cycle Magazine shortly after he got out of the army in World War Two. He was heavily involved in motorcycles, more so than cars, and was personal friends with the descendants of the company's founders, William Harley and Arthur Davidson.
When I was growing up, he was always working in the shop out back of our home, which was full of motorcycles, including an H-D fatboy he was building up, and an old Indian he planned to restore. I've spent a lot of time on Harleys in my earlier years, and was certainly one of the faithful who loved the sound and feel of these machines. My motto back than was commonly heard: 74 or More, referring of course to cubic inch displacement. But nowadays, that is considered small, haha.
In my twenties, I was pretty darn aggressive myself, however I have mellowed over time, and now pretty much mind my own business ... too many crazy people pulling out guns and blowing others away for no reason, so I simply don't even want to deal with the potential of it occurring to me over an angry driver on the road.
Thanks again for the comment. Time for breakfast so I'm gonna' say goodbye here.
steve
@@EZSteve Amazing story, Steve! I had a meager collection of Hot Rod Magazine, as a teenager, which undoubtedly shaped my experience to this day. BTW, having, the ball of my feet nerve damage even before getting my Catrike, I'm very interested in the flat pedals from your other video. Up until now, I just accepted my injuries as the price one pays for what one does. I probably won't ever reverse that damage, but whatever I can do to extending my riding time in foot comfort, I'm willing to do. At the moment, i'm riding 1.5 to 2 hours only, because of foot numbness. My level of energy remains pretty high, but my feet really need a break after a couple of hours. Thanks for sharing your stories. I'm really happy to have come across your channel! Douglas
@@RoninDosho My dad had all the editions of Hot Rod during his tenure with the magazine, all bound in yearly bindings in chronological order ... probably worth some money now I imagine. I gave the entire bound set, spanning several years, to my uncle, who was a car building fanatic (hot rods), and he passed away over a decade ago, but I don't know what ever became of those magazines ... on hindsight (always perfect of course), I wish I had kept them!!
These Catalyst pedals from Pedaling Innovations are the solution to further nerve damage. Nerve Compression Syndrome (NCS), what riders refer to as "hotspots" eventually becomes an extremely undesirable condition if it occurs long enough. I was lucky, as my feet healed, but it sounds like you may not be quite so lucky. However, with these pedals, you will NOT further aggravate your feet, and will pedal in comfort from here on out (to the level your feet will allow that is, considering potential long-term damage that already exists. At the very least, you will not ruin your nerves further!
steve
@@EZSteve thanks again , hopefully by the end of this month, I’ll get them.
Great trrike by the way.
That is a 2021 HP Velotechnik Scorpion fs26, the best I have ever owned, lots of money to purchase, but definitely worth it in my opinion (although, the price has risen dramatically since I bought it in May of 2021 ... the 2024 entry base model now costs $1700 more than my fully equipped version, ugh).
steve
the US needs a lot more pedestrian and bicycle friendly infrastructure instead of just catering to automobiles. There's a great video by Not Just Bikes that addresses a phenomena called "Stroads". I hope the future changes things for the better. Thanks for sharing your story.
For sure, this country is in desperate need of roadways that are safe for pedestrians and cyclists, but alas, governments throw money at whatever cries out the loudest, and in small towns, walkers and cyclists don't have much, if any, voice in things. I attended a town council meeting years ago, and took my trike into the chamber with me, so the council members could see what I have ridden cross country, and I think it helped, but still, my small town has not done much to change things. They rely on state grants, so things are upgraded at a glacial snail's pace (we're talking 20 years from conception of the plan to implementation ... I'll be long dead by then, haha).
steve
Is your trike able to go up stairs? Have you ever tried a quad? I'd love to find more comparisons and get one soon as a lifestyle solution with a bike RV. I'm older now and lost everything in the West Coast fires of 2020 and this would help my mobility tremendously.@@EZSteve
I have not experienced those kind of encounters. BTW,,,just took delivery of a pair of those yellow leggings. Am going to use this week end.
I think you'll like the Leg Shields Bruce. I really have grown to enjoy these things over the years. They keep my lower legs warm on the cold days when I ride, and they offer protection to my shins from nasty things like pedals (when I'm dumb enough to not pay attention, haha).
I live in a rural area, so these negative encounters with motorists are very far and few between happily. I hope this kind of thing never happens to you! The one on this ride was actually frightening ... to think that some people can be so terrible to others!
steve
You're a good man, keep on trucken, my question to you is, is that a way better exercise work out do you think, opposed to a regular say 10 or 18- 20 speed bike, I've always wanted a trike bike, but being on disability doesn't allow you to enjoy the finer things in life, I just couldn't ever afford 1, but it's always been my dream to own one, so I'll just keep watchen, & enjoying others living my dream on TH-cam
Hi Carl,
I think a rider gets equally productive physical exercise on either a bike or a trike. Riders can ride easy or hard on either type of vehicle, so it doesn't depend on whether the vehicle has two wheels or three wheels. The more speeds a bike or trike has, the easier it is to go up hills and mountains, with less chance of injuring knees.
Yes, trikes are more expensive for sure, because they have more parts, requiring additional design and engineering to produce. The Kent bicycle company makes two trikes (Cavalier and Roamer) that are relatively low priced compared to most. I've done videos on both trikes, not from personal experience, but just by looking at the websites. On those videos are comments from viewers who actually own them, which are very helpful in whether or not to purchase one (available from Kent directly, or also at Walmart). A used trike could also be a great option when money is an issue. I would check out Bent Rider Online:
www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/forumdisplay.php?f=55
You might find a good one through Craig's List too. On resales, trikes are much less expensive than when new, and buyers get great deals. My first trike was in near perfect condition, and I got it for a fraction of its new original price. Don't lose hope! Best of luck my friend!
My two KENT trikes videos:
th-cam.com/video/w7NAHdAc4VI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/J1lmyzgtxkI/w-d-xo.html
steve
There are some obnoxious bike riders too. Like most drivers I give as much leeway as I can when driving. I have been driving and had bicyclists hog the center of the road and refuse to budge many times. Some when there was a bike lane. Worst is when you get a cluster of militant riders that refuse to share the road. Trying to make a point is causing animosity against all riders. A lot of bike riders don't believe stop signs pertain to them. I had a Greenspeed for a while. Loved it but gave it up after too many close encounters. Wife and I got too old for a bike and needed some help so went to E trikes. A lot more visible that the Greenspeed even with 2 flags. No close encounters yet but only 900 miles so far. I installed Shimano clip peddles on both trikes. Need loud horns. That dash cam previously mentioned sounds like a good idea.
Yes, I know what you mean about obnoxious bike cyclists! I have watched many blow through stop signs and red lights and fairly decent speeds, and it does not help other cyclists with their image.
The "Airzound" horn by Delta Design is very popular with cyclists, at 115 dB volume. I got one but was not too keen on how I would have to mount it on a recumbent trike, so I gave it to a bicyclist. The horns are designed for bikers, and although it would work on a trike, I just didn't care for the aesthetics personally.
I used Shimano clipless pedals for many years, but gave them up this past summer 2022 for a pedal design that is far superior for my own riding needs.
The only times I ride the lane, what they call taking a lane, is when I'm on tour and sailing down a steep mountain pass, where it would be far too dangerous to remain on a shoulder close to the edge (one mistake and off the edge I'd go). It's a real kick in the pants to be doing 50 MPH and keeping up with traffic. But all other times, I always stick to the shoulder, yield to cars as necessary, and I never challenge them.
steve
Fed up with how slow my trike is , climbs at half the speed of my bicycle. Having a motor put on it so will have the best of both worlds, faster up hills and faster down hills.
On the trike most motorists react positively; only get abuse shouted at night which I ignore as just a reaction to something different, most likely to impress other occupants in the car.
They will shout something like F U or get of the road when you are in a cycle lane when roads deserted, causing no inconvenience whatsoever.
Yep, some people are just plain rude, that much is certain ... sorry individuals who do not respect other people. For someone to be rude when there is no traffic on the road is crazy in my opinion. Trikes are slow on uphills for sure, but they don't weave all over the place since there is no balance to counter. What I like about trikes on hills is that I can stop anywhere to rest, and then just start up again with no trouble.
steve
There is no ryme or reason for a messed up attitude and will continue to happen. Just keep on enjoying the good people that are out there that smile and wave not the middle finger. Be safe :-)
During my 14 years of recumbent triking, I have found that the happy and supportive drivers are nearly at the 100% mark, not quite there, but so close that unhappy drivers are a non-issue overall. I learn from these negative episodes however, and on my local rides, I am now inclined to just pull over and stop when the occasional car comes along. It's an easy solution for drivers who are angry (I hope).
steve
Unfortunately, there are some people who are emotionally retarded. I live in Ohio and incidents like what you have explained happen to me about once a month. I ride several times a week and I usually ride about 30 miles on each trip. In a wild guess, I would say that in roughly 1 out of every 1,000 cars that pass me, there is an emotionally disturbed driver that takes out his or her frustrations on me in a highly inappropriate and dangerous manner. 1 out of 1,000 is a small number but it is enough that in America approximately 1,000 cyclists die and approximately 130,000 are injured on our roads each your. Anybody in their right mind has to believe that road rage is unacceptable.
Hi Martin,
I am probably fortunate that I live in a rural setting, where this type of thing is rare. The incident in this talk is the worst by far of any that I have experienced, and that includes cross country trike trips through towns like San Francisco and Reno (Reno was at rush hour on a Friday afternoon, and all motorists were super polite and very accommodating to my slow human powered trike). It is unfortunate that you encounter this behavior on a monthly basis. I am sorry to hear that. Your story makes me feel lucky that I have not seen such regular antisocial behavior. Thanks for sharing with us all.
steve
I ve ridden road bikes for a long while now , we ve goy 3 feet of road room supposedly all across the country . Sometimes , more than not a foot . I m getting ready to buy a recumbent trike to ride the Race Across America .i know i llhave less room in the bike lane than a 2 wheeler . This is my choice because i m a diabetic amputee . My stabllity and safetycomes first . The 4 wheelers have the rest of the road . This comes from a 25 year over the road truck driver . Be safe .be seen , be calm . Marty
I am sure you will enjoy the recumbent riding experience on a long cross country tour! Keep your trike and you highly visible, using lots of yellow, in flags, panniers, clothing, and helmet, which really helps motorists to see us. All the best to you and the upcoming ride!
steve
It is mostly drivers that don't know the law. In most countries the law states that bikes (not just trikes) are expected to follow exactly the same space and laws as a car.
In other words you are supposed to use a full lane if there isn't a bike lane. When we drive to the right we are doing them a favor by making it easier for them to pass, but we are not required to.
This is an excellent comment! Yes, motorized drivers should indeed realize that we are actively attempting to stay out of their way by riding to the far right of the roadway, and they should appreciate this fact, cutting us some serious slack. HAPPILY, most drivers do give us plenty of room and are quite courteous, which is why I continue to ride. The GOOD news outweighs the bad news by about a million to one! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
steve
I believe that (in there mind)'they are initialed to the entire road and the concept of sharing was not instilled in them as a young child, and the second part is that they are so arreagant and how dare you be in their way!
Yes Lawrence, the way they think is certainly very self centered. I am just very happy that these types of people are rare, and that nearly everyone is super nice out there on the road.
steve
Yeah, people are toxic.
For sure! The great news is that most drivers who have passed me over the last 15 years are super courteous and respectful. Only a minuscule amount of drivers are disrespectful and mean.
steve
Once in awhile people behave badly. We are all guilty of Behaving Badly from time to time. That's just life. Even if we found out why someone treats us badly it won't make any difference because they still treat us badly. Just forget it and carry on.
Good advice bentrider! Yes, I have behaved in ways long ago for which I am not proud, but I never did anything like this couple in the white truck. Even on a bad day, there is no way I could remotely consider doing what they did, simply way over the top in my opinion. But for sure, forget and carry on! Although I must admit, further rides on that rural country road will be such that I simply stop when a car is coming and let them go by. Thanks for the commentary!
steve
Steve, Steven here in Wyoming. I clearly understand what you are talking about as it has happened to me a few times. As for understanding why this occurs I believe it has to do with how the driver sees themselves relative to you the trike rider and their own lives. Think about it this way. Who rides a trike place to place? Most likely someone that doesn't have to worry about being anywhere on time and is not constrained by the demands of a job. Who rides what is seen as an expensive toy. Most likely someone with a fair amount of disposable income or maybe doesn't need to work. Every time this issue has happened to me it has been someone in a ratty truck or car. Who drives ratty trucks and cars? Well those with less money than others. Most likely they are working minimum wage jobs, with little or no future. I think these people resent seeing you on the road because they wish they had the money and time to do the same. This rude behavior gives them a sense of power. If they threaten you with their vehicle it is because it gives them a sense of power which they do not have in their lives and they know they can drive away with little or no chance you will catch up confront them. Think of it as being able to tell the boss to go to hell and not get in trouble for it. It is the same reason anonymous hurtful comments are made on TH-cam. A person can vent their daily frustrations on someone and there is no way they will have ever be responsible for their actions. Bottom line is drivers like this are trying to intimidate what they consider better off people who have little or no chance of ever catching up with them to challenge their rude attitudes. Simpler way of saying "I can be rude which makes me feel better about myself and you can't do a damn thing about it". Knowing you most likely can't do much about their rudeness makes them feel powerful.
Great comment Steven, and great ideas as to the dynamics of this type of behavior! I think you are right on target for many of these self centered drivers. Thanks for the commentary! it is very worthwhile.
steve
I'm also in wyo.
I started to write yesterday that I also live and ride in wyo( the cheyenne area) and for the most part people are pretty considerate towards bikes on the road. Of course now and then I'll encounter an obnoxious driver or a diesel dork who'll leave me in a cloud of black smoke but I just don't let it get me anymore.I figure it's bad enough they bothered me once but if I carry it around all day they win again and I won't let them beat me twice.
@@DavidGilman-rc3bq Great advice about not carrying around the bad experiences in one's mind! No sense in continuing to fret over it because we cannot control what others do. And yes, thick black diesel smoke clouds are one thing where I simply hold my breath as I stop and let it clear ... gasp, gasp, haha. Happily, these inconsiderate car and truck drivers are quite rare!!!
steve
One of the psychological terms for this phenomenon is displacement. You can’t yell at your boss so you go home and “kick the dog” because he can’t complain. Nice video.
It is unfortunate that some people have not learned, that the roads belong to all of us to share, but some people still manage to believe that they own the roads and everyone must move over for them. I had a neighbor that often times would crowd me off the road because he did not like me, he would get really close at times. One thing that might be a good idea at some point is, to get a camera set up like you can get for you car or truck to record the road activity and any accidents or close calls, so when a police officer wants to blame you for an event, you have video evidence. I love the idea of human powered vehicles and want to build one that can go highway speeds without killing yourself to do it. I imagine that, since most people drive like they have to be some where yesterday, simply get in the habit of speeding and when something disrupts their progress, they suddenly get impatient and show their frustration, when morally they have no cause whatsoever, you might say, they become spoiled brats. The problem is selfishness in getting their every whim satisfied. You are obviously a very patient man and should be commended for staying cool, under such circumstances. I do not yet own a trike incumbent but want to get one soon so I can get back out there and exercise in a stable way. I can hardly walk right now and not comfortable riding my bicycle any more because of my hip pain. Take care my brother and keep triking
Very well said Timothy! Yes, there can be many psychological dynamics behind these drivers who are not respectful of cyclists or pedestrians. Several viewers of this channel have discussed rear cameras for evidence in the event of a rear-end collision. It seems like a good idea, especially if riding in lots of heavy traffic regularly.
steve
Very upsetting. Mean people suck.
Yep, sure enough ... best just to steer clear of those types of people! And nowadays, you never know when one of them might be crazy enough to use a gun. I take no chances with angry strangers, not worth the potential problems that could ensue.
steve
I don't expect ANYTHING from ANYBODY...... I haven't been disappointed yet.
I love it! Great way to look at things! With no expectations of others, there can be no disappointment. My dad always taught me to drive defensively when I was a teenager, and expect that every car out there was going to mess up and hit me ... that way, I was always prepared ... the same basic concept as your philosophy here.
steve
lol, well, only one flaw with that philosophy : when u don't expect anything from anyone, that includes not expecting Negative actions/treatment/etc; how many times has someone surprised us with totally unexpected, thoroughly inapplicable/inappropriate behavior "out of the blue" ?
..
... Perhaps better is MY policy: Always EXPECT the Worst, that way you can never be unpleasantly surprised. (only always Pleasantly surprised, when bad things/actions DON'T happen...)
>;]
Somebody bought a drone...wow!
who bought a drone, and what kind?
@@paulahavens2764 In the beginning of Steve's video, the Ariel view.
@@The-GreenHornet I hired a local video advertising business to get those aerial shots back in 2014. They had multiple UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), and the one they used to shoot this footage was huge! It was a professional grade monster with eight large metal blades. I wanted them to fly it along side of me for some footage, but was told it was too dangerous to risk being that close to the thing, so they kept it at a safe distance during the filming. BTW, that was my Catrike 700 in those shots ... a great trike and tons of fun.
steve
It may come down to a form of culture shock in that some folk can't understand the slow lane lifestyle which brings on a road rage given a belief the road is for utilitarian use rather than leisure.
Yes, very true! There are all kinds of human mindsets, so as cyclists we must be ever vigilant to avoid situations that can lead to this negative consequence.
steve
You make some people take their foot offf the gas pedal and they loose their mind. Same folk are perfectly polite when following a larger slow moving vehicle.
In the 7 and a half years i was triking around N. America i think i also had three. One i am not completely sure about. The young gentleman yelled something at me and threw a water bottle at me. Later as i ran it through my mind i remembered the bottle was an unopened bottle and he missed me a mile. So i keep that one as a maybe.
I had a cop call me something unofficial and tell me to get my donkey off the road. In my own little hometown. And had a lady cut me off at a corner that she was not even turning at, just to prove her point. But the other thousands of folk i met were nothing but considerate.
Yes, if it were not for the fact that 99.9% of drivers are courteous and respectful of others using the roadways, I think I would just stop riding a trike all together. I can't imagine how horrible it would be if 99.9% of drivers were like these bad seeds who believe they own the road and human powered cyclists have no right. What's interesting is that we cyclists pay the same road taxes that the rude and selfish people pay ... but of course, since they operate on raw illogical emotion rather then logical fact, they would never be able to conceive of such a reality that we have the same rights to use the road. And yes, as you allude, since we are tiny human powered vehicles, they can do whatever they wish and simply speed away with no repercussions. You are right, they would not do this to other large motorized vehicles. I'm sorry to hear about your bad experiences ... glad they are rare, like mine.
steve
Fit front and rear cameras, report them to the police.
I've thought about that option, but for me, the number of these incidents that have occurred to me in nearly 15 years of triking is only 3, so I'm not going to deal with the cops. If I had this happening regularly, I would indeed be inclined to use cameras to capture it, but of course, then the rider has to make a police report and be available as a witness (because the cop didn't see the incident), and I sure would not want to confront people like this in an adversarial court situation! People with this mindset might well retaliate, which I would not enjoy. Thanks for your suggestion!
steve
@@EZSteve As an advanced driver and motorcyclist I never let anything anger me on the road, but as a cyclist I have been annoyed on 2 occasions by car drivers trying to bully me. Reported the incidents, made a report and provided them with the video footage , they are both being charged with careless driving which will give them 6 points on their licences, 9 if they contest it . 12 points on a licence is a ban.
@@DemiGod.. Sounds like you have things well under control. Being a retired law enforcement officer and administrator, for me, the last thing I want to do is once again get involved in any kind of enforcement actions (had my fill for too many years already, haha 😄).
Thanks for the follow-up info! By the way, it does my heart good to hear that your actions are nailing these drivers!
steve
Come to Asia and ride, we all welcome you. Asian countries culturally get used to bikes around and usually give courtesy. Low cost hotels/foods. Another youtuber jayoe has lots of videos riding in Asia countries.
I have heard many great things about the people in Asian countries, mostly from three triking buddies of mine who have spent a great deal of time pedaling in those regions. Steven Telck has ridden thousands of miles in Thailand on his recumbent trike, Glen Aldridge had ridden extensively on his trike, with ties to the Philippines, and Matt Galat who has documented his travels famously on his JaYoe channel. They all tell me what you are saying, and I am quite sure I would get along very well over there. It all sounds so friendly and laid back compared to America. Thanks for sharing your take on things!
steve
Aberrant behaviour happens across the world and in every walk of life and you can only rationalise it if you know and understand the background and perspectives of the individuals who are demonstrating it. The best way to consider it is that although uncomfortable, it generally forms a miniscule proportion of the everyday encounters that everyone has with other people and the aberrant behaviour comes from people who for some reason are not seeing you as an individual but as some kind of intruder in their landscape. You can't fix this for them, so smile, wave and move on.
That is excellent advice! Thank you! Happily, this type of aggression while riding rarely occurs, so it is fairly easy to get past mentally. These days, I am more inclined to simply stop altogether, so as to not present any perceived spacial relation issues with the driver.
steve
Several of my friends are liberals, but absolutely despise cyclists in general. Being in the city, there are tons of bikes and a lot of people doing stupid stuff that makes the rest of us lol bad. Just comes with the territory of awful people are everywhere. I love recumbents, but I definitely think something like my highracer is a little thinner and more visible on roads than a trike. That being said, I stick to trails as much as possible.
Stay safe, and enjoy your rides 👍😁
I am not into politics, and not sure how one's political leanings would guide their treatment of cyclists, but I am sure you are accurate that there are people who despise cyclists for one reason or another. I am fortunate to live in a rather rural environment, where bad attitudes towards cyclists are extremely rare. Nearly every motorist that I encounter gives me a wide berth. Being that I ride a recumbent trike with two vibrant yellow flags, have tail lights flashing, and am dressed in bright yellow with a yellow helmet, I am far more visible to motorists that most bicyclist I see on the road, who often wear dark colored clothing with no flagging or tail lights. Yes, I agree about sticking to lesser traveled roadways or trails, but unfortunately where I live, trails are nearly non-existent unless a cyclist goes up into the mountains and rides gravel roads. The older I get, the more I value my safety, so I shall take your advice and stay safe! Thanks for your comments!
steve
Please explain to me what being liberal has to do with this issue.
@@martinschwartz7342 Personally, I don't see how one's political beliefs would have any effect on how they treat bicyclists and tricyclists. I agree with you Martin that political leanings is not the issue, but rather a person's own problems for whatever reasons.
steve
@@martinschwartz7342 Personal experience, but I've seen cycling types to be more liberal. It makes sense on the environmental side of things.
Had that happen to me. Also, a drunk (I think) did a four wheel drift in front on me on a nice country road. Nobody for miles around. Would have hit me had I not slammed on the brakes. More Greenways PLEASE!
Yes, Larry, more greenways would be wonderful! In my small town, there are not enough cyclists for the governing bodies to warrant investing in cycling and pedestrian ways. That must have been quite scary to see the driver do that! I'm glad you were quick enough on the brakes to save yourself!
steve
@@EZSteve yes. My fear goes way back. In the fifties I was going to Main Street - Vancouver BC on a small tricycle. On my return home a fifties car came rushing down the alley. It stopped just before hitting me. I remember smelling the hot radiator inches in front of the handle. Those are death machines, and I lost my wife, my Dad, my Mom, and my nephew to car, truck, and pedestrian hits. Anyways, I appreciate your concerns very much.
@@larrypilcher3791 I am a retired law enforcement officer and administrator Larry, and have had more than my share of experiencing what motor vehicles do to humans every year. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles allow humans to travel far faster than they naturally can under their own power, and with our fragile bodies, when something goes wrong, we don't stand much of a chance! I am an excellent driver, with lots of professional training, but anytime I find myself in a car, I am FULLY aware of the consequences should I make a mistake in judgment, and am ever driving defensively, as it my life depends upon it (which it does).
You have far more bad memories on a very personal level than most folks have. At least on recumbent tricycles, I am using my own power at low speeds, so unless I get hit by a car, any accident I may have will likely not kill me or anyone else. I really enjoy traveling at a snail's pace, and seeing the world in a way motor vehicle drivers will never know.
steve
@@EZSteve thanks Steve. Absolutely. When we were young kids, we illegally blocked the traffic. Gordy was knocked off his bike, but not badly hurt. From then on I would want to stay within the confines of law. I cycled to Coleman Alberta as a teenager. It was great, except for the bad traffic sections. I relate to what you say about enjoying nature on exercise mobility. Peace be with you.
@@larrypilcher3791 One of the greatest things I first noticed when I began taking long distance trike trips is how little beautiful flowers would be right next to me as I slowly pedaled past them going up a mountain pass. I could reach out and touch them as my spokes were barely turning due to my slow ascent. People in the climate controlled metal boxes, looking out of glass windows, and speeding along at 70 miles per hour shall never know the joy of life's tiny purple flowers (as time is their task master to get to their destinations as quickly as they can).
steve
Those kind of people are not really angry at you. They were having a bad day and were angry about something else and you happen to be there. I've been riding over 35 years and I have had only a few similar experiences. They upset me greatly too. I try to be like how you behaved, not always did.
Thanks for your empathy and support Tony! The good news is that those angry folks are very rare, at least in my cycling experiences over the years.
steve
The really sad part is they could do more than just curse at you... They could have ended your life and no one is around to notice/witness...
That's for sure! From here on out, I am not going to have any eye contact with such motorists, nor will I wave and smile like I used to (they would probably interpret a wave and smile as an affront to their superiority). On these really super rural roads, it might just be easier to stop whenever a car comes along ... I'm not going that fast anyway, so no big deal, and I doubt a driver like this would become openly hostile if I were parked.
steve
I ride a Catrike Expedition, I get so tired of bikers whining and complaining about everything.
I know only one biker in my small town, and he is real low-key, but even though he is on a bike and I am on a trike, we still occasionally ride together. I rarely follow bikers online however, so am quite unfamiliar with any complaining they may do.
I almost got a Catrike Expedition for my first trike back in 2009, but ended up buying a used ICE Q at the last minute because the deal was a steal. I did have a Catrike 700 for a while, and I really loved that trike ... a LOT of fun ... and FAST!
steve
I have pity for angry drivers. Just think of how miserable they must be to dump on you like that.
Yes, perhaps pity is the best solution for venting frustration when these things happen (happily, very rarely for me). Thanks for the thoughts!
steve
That sucks big time... here in Australia, some people seem to forget the a road is called a carriageway... hence where the use of the word "car" comes from... i reversed engineered our "road rules" many years ago and it went as far back as the *Magdacarta (*spell check)...
Who has rights of way regarding the roads?
1. People/Pedestrians (not that i would recommend walking down a busy road so boldly & proudly)
2. Horse & Rider/Horse & cart/buggy (also where the name "car"t, comes from)
3. Bicycles (motorised & pushbike)
4. Cars - Trucks - farming Tractors
Police, Fire, Ambulance will always have priority over the above "4" mentioned (you could incur a fine or prison if you obstruct or hinder, said vechiels...
The above info is only the very bare guts of it all...
Also before the 1970s/80s, we were always told - when you need to walk alongside the roadway, you must walk on the side of the traffic coming towards your way (so you had a probable chance of getting out of the way if "danger" may occur) Now we are to walk on the same side with the traffic coming from behind you...
At the end of the day, tracks/pathways/roads are for everyone to enjoy... some people are just so hellbent to suck the fun out of someone elses day because their life is just to crappy...
Happy & safe travels, Hobo 👍😁👣
Wow, thanks for the detailed information Robert! Yes, your telling of who has the right-of-way is how I have always been taught throughout my life. It just makes sense! Happily, most motorists still abide by this way of thinking. Those who don't, those who are hostile, seem to have devolved into a mindset where they believe paved roadways are just for them, just for petroleum powered vehicles traveling at high speeds. The three times I have had negative reactions from selfish motorists have all been in rural locations with no witnesses. Even though these unsettling encounters do not result in any physical harm, they still tend to make us shy to use the roadways next time we want to ride. What I have been doing lately is just stopping when a car is coming, thereby eliminating any chance they would feel I was impeding their progress ... seems to be working so far. Thank you for sharing!
steve
@@EZSteve ... Thankyou for your reply... yes, much easier to just pull over to the side at times...
Trivial ~ I've just got myself 2nd hand trike to practice on for the next 12months... as I'm planning a travel journey from Sydney (home) to Cairns (up the east coast of Aus), venturing through the backroads... its about 6000klms - round trip, just meandering along to Vlog it all... (i need to work on my shyness in front on the camera, also - 👍😁)
Happy travels to you, mate...
Robert/Rob/Bob 👍😁👣
Sorry that happened to you! Please don't take it personally. As society unravels people are certainly getting meaner. Then there is also the widening gulf between cyclists and motor vehicles, some of it caused by uncourteous city cyclists. Stay safe ...
You make a great point about not taking it personally! Of course, it is a challenge, but thinking it through reveals that the couple didn't even know me, so yes, it just has to be blind anger for whatever reason. I have seen some city cyclists do some unwise maneuvers, and I think that does get motorists upset, and for some drivers, they may then think all cyclists are like that. Thanks for your commentary!
steve
True, most problems on the road are from ignorant people.
And happily, these people are very rare!
steve
All it takes is one jackass with an attitude to ruin your day. I travel by motorcycle and have been riding for 45 years without an accident. I'm nearly 63 years old, and I don't ride irresponsibly. I have driving lights to make me more visible, but they're mounted down low, about 20 inches from the pavement so they don't shine in the eyes of oncoming motorists. I ride the speed limit and always try to keep in mind how to best make myself seen by other motorists. I don't have loud pipes, because I know that doesn't really help you be noticed, and I think it makes people angry too. Obviously I'm doing something right, 45 years no accidents.
In 2015 I was on a trip from Atlanta to Salt Lake and back. Going through Colorado near Grand Junction on Interstate 70 I was riding on the inside lane, and started to pass an older couple in a Ford Crown Victoria that were under the speed limit. As I started to pass them he swerved over toward me on purpose. He was looking right at me when he did it, and by his expression I could tell he wanted to scare me. He had this snide sarcastic look on his face. He literally came within two feet of hitting me. I was nice, I was pissed off but have had things like this happen before and ignored it.
In hindsight I've thought to myself what if I carried a box of nails with me, and had emptied them in front of his car as I passed him, but then I thought NO causing that old fart to maybe have a blowout and loose control of his car, would be just as bad if not worse than what he did.
Why can't everyone live and let live, and not be shitty to one another ?
Thanks for sharing your experiences! You are so right about how this type of angry human can ruin one's day. Out of the blue, a person like this happens along, and whammo, your day is really spoiled big-time. It is a good thing that these types of occurrences are rare, at least in my experience. Not only have I been recumbent trike riding and touring for the past 14 years, I have also been a die-hard motorcyclist like yourself, both road bikes and dirt bikes. I have ridden thousands of miles on motorcycles, including commuting to work for years (BMW R90S cafe racer), and no one ever deliberately cut me off or tried to hurt me. I did have a lady once in a business area of downtown L.A. run a stop sign, taking away my right-of-way, but it was not deliberate (it was so close that when I slammed on the brakes of my Harley-Davidson Sportster, my front wheel rubber actually knocked off her passenger side front hubcap). She just wasn't paying attention. Another time on a freeway, while riding home from work on my BMW, an old man drifted over into my lane (he was in the slow lane of a four lane freeway), so I moved over one lane. But then, he did it again, so I moved over one more lane, and was now in the fast lane myself. Unbelievably, he began the drift again into this final lane, at which point I was really pissed, so with the boot on my right leg, I slammed it into his driver's door (I was much younger, long ago, and was not so mellow as I am these days, haha) ... Well, this boot in his door finally got his attention in a big way. The old guy simply never saw me because I was on a motorcycle I suppose, and he was used to only checking for cars. I may have been in his blind spot now that I think back on it. But after I kicked the door of his Mercedes in, I hit the throttle and sped away through traffic, never seeing him again. Would I do this again? No way. I was immature in my late twenties (that was over 40 years ago). But other than those two incidents, all my motorcycling years were without incident. The nice thing about being on a motorcycle when something happens is that I had the immense power to speed away, but on this human powered recumbent tricycle, I am a sitting duck!
steve
Sounds more like very unpleasant people :)
You are quite right Kevin! Unpleasant people have an underlying mindset that causes them to be adversarial when things do not go as they expect or want. I was not expected by this driver, and he had to slow down a little, which caused him significant mental distress, and his way of dealing with this was displayed in his uncivilized primitive behavior. I wonder if his wife was merely following his lead, or if she also suffers from the same psychology as her husband. In modern times, a person such as this can be quite dangerous when he is in charge of a fast moving mass of two tons or more!
steve
Many entitled people willing to make jerks out of themselves when it is car vs. trike or bike. I tend to stick to hike and bike trails but even there I have encountered irrational individuals. A woman yelled at me because she had her dog on a long leash that crossed the whole path so I had to use evasive maneuvers ...still somehow it was my fault...I expect many more problems now that bikes and trikes become electrified...
I think that electric trikes will cause more issues due to the speed potential, although if the car speed limit is low enough, say in residential neighborhoods, it could be a benefit. But on bike and pedestrian paths, electric trikes definitely could be problematic if the rider used the electricity to go faster. Yes, when people in cars behave like this, they make themselves look foolish, but I wonder if they ever even consider this, or if they are so blind to their own selfish behavior that all they see is that "bad" cyclist. I wonder if once they get home, they begin feeling any remorse at what they did.
steve
I live in NC and have had people stop in the middle of the street to vent that I was slowing them from getting to work. 0.o People that do this are whackjobs, don't let them get to you. God help any that think to go any further, I carry when I ride now.
Yeah, that guy I talked about in the white truck with his wife slowed to my speed on the rural country road so that they could chew me out like that! So far, I have not met up with them again on my rides, but now, I just stop and let the occasional car drive past, which seems to be easier for some drivers.
steve
I had a trike for 3yrs. Terratrike traveler. A hard ride on bike paths which we use unless on a rural road with light traffic. Mine was a rough ride, no suspension. Crossing intersections, slow down, hit it wrong and you're on your side.
I added E to it with a 26" rear wheel to keep up with my wife on her new E-bike. That made the ride even worse! I sold it and bought a Rad Mini 4 almost 3yrs ago. We winter in FL. Where we are there are side walks and bike paths. Also a marked bike lane along main roads and local highways. I don't trust a car/truck coming up behind me doing 45-70 not knowing if the driver is paying attention, high, drunk, too old to drive etc. I see them coming in my mirror and still don't like it!
We're not cross country, it's 10-15 to 40 mi day trips. Back home in Mi. we have bike paths on old rail going everywhere! Donated by the wealthy business owners that are said to be tax evaders by a curtain party !
You wouldn't catch me riding on a back road highway in Ca. or Or. Lots of crazy people there that think their above the law, which has gotten worse in the last few years !
Where we ride here in FL and Mi., 99.999% of drivers must be riders because they are considerate. There's always one or two that you could reach out and touch as they pass.
Never had anyone honk or give me the Bird in the 4500+ miles on my Rad or even in past years ! Maybe you should leave the Left coast for safer riding ! ! !
Even here on the west coast, that figure you cited of 99.999% of car drivers being super courteous holds true, as I mentioned in the video. In the 14 years I've been riding trikes, I've had only three incidents of rude drivers, the first two of which were really very mild. It is only this most recent incident spoken of in this video that seemed way over the top. I personally do not understand how political leanings would have anything to do with how courteous or rude a driver is, but have you found in your experience that political affiliation affects your riding with motorists? Anyway, I think it is more a factor of big city daily riding in heavy traffic, where tempers might be short ... but then, this video incident occurred on a quiet rural road with no traffic, so who knows. I have been passed by literally tens of millions of cars in my 14 years, in large crowded cities and out in the middle of nowhere, so to have only three drivers with issues of sharing the road it pretty good odds. Think I'll keep riding with those odds, haha.
steve
The only angry interaction this west coast liberal has had in 60 years of riding in California is outlined in my longer note above. In my 60,000 miles of experience, the biggest risk has been the attitude of the cyclist, so I always rode defensively and tried to make my presence as little inconvenient to motorists as possible. I'm alive and healthy, so I guess it works. It would probably work as well on the east coast, in the south, or even in that bastion of left wing iniquity, Ann Arbor.
@@OslerWannabe I think that strategy would work well anywhere, as you say, Robert. I see this driver anger issue as not political at all.
steve
thank god we have miles of flat paved bike trails here in central fl. we have plenty of stupid people here too. the trail insures that they never come in contact.
Thanks to your governmental agencies realizing the importance of supporting cyclists and pedestrians, you have a great setup! Where I live, there is only one short old bike path that takes about ten minutes to ride. This is a small town, and the government does not see a return on a bike path investment, unlike in big cities where there are so many cyclists that they feel compelled to support them. I love trails because, as you say, cars can't get to you! They are so relaxing. Yesterday, I spent an hour riding a few miles of gated community streets, all retired people, all friendly with smiles and waves, just about as good as a bike path.
steve
@@EZSteve at one time central fl was the most deadly place for riding a bike.
@@consciouscoma85 Yes, I have heard that it was dangerous there in the past.
I bought a FLY6 rear camera for this reason in case I need proof of what happened.
Hi Gary,
That''s not a bad idea actually. I did a video not long ago with my camera pointing rearward, which shows the traffic coming up from behind and passing. For the video, I muted the traffic sounds and added music instead, but in your situation, you would keep the sound component of the video for proof of an irrational driver. You'll have to keep the batteries charged for each ride of course. Here is the link to my rearview video:
th-cam.com/video/m8lpF3DfHDo/w-d-xo.html
Keep the camera angled slightly outward like I have it so that you get the cars instead of a lot of roadside shrubbery.
steve
@@EZSteve Hi! Thanks for the link! One thing is that if you set your lights to flash all the leds at once it's brighter than having them flash one at a time in a pattern.
Also you "leg wraps" where did you get the them? And do they serve any purpose other than visibility?
th-cam.com/video/_ddfoGZVEOo/w-d-xo.html is an at night view from my camera
@@garyp.7501 I have two different types of tail lights, two of each type, so I can't get all four to flash simultaneously. But I can get each of the two types pretty close to each other's rhythm. I've tried synchronization and also alternating, but usually, I just turn them on and however they align, I'm fine.
Those are Leg Shields, which I have been wearing for years now. I did not buy them for visibility. In fact, my original pair is black, so they don't show up at all. I wanted them to look inconspicuous, more like a high top boot than sticking out like a sore thumb. I only fairly recently got this yellow pair when the company (two brothers) began to offer yellow, and I thought that would be better for the trike because trikes are lower to the ground than bikes. My original black pair I used on a couple of my bicycles.
The Leg Shields were purchased for, and are designed for, keeping the pants of a cyclist out of the chain when riding. That is why I originally bough a pair, so that my pants would remain clean and not flap around in the wind, because I wear normal clothing while cycling, not skin tight spandex like all the "cool" riders do.
Here is a link to a talk I did about these Leg Shields last year, right after I got the yellow pair. There is a link to the brothers' company if you want to purchase a pair. These things are super efficient at keeping your lower legs warm in cold riding conditions, which are quite common where I live. But in the summer, I loosen them up to vent warmth, and if the day is a hot one, I wear the Leg Shields ankle wrap version instead.
Full Leg Shields talk:
th-cam.com/video/7qaKgznhBro/w-d-xo.html
Ankle strap Leg Shields talk:
th-cam.com/video/lRV9NHWmRkk/w-d-xo.html
steve
@@garyp.7501 Impressive tail light display!
I don’t understand why some people just enjoy being mean. Where’s the joy in acting so rudely?
Hi Jean,
I think that mean people are somehow not happy with their lives or themselves. Something internal must be bugging them, or they are behaving like their role models taught them (parents perhaps). The best news of all is that these people are really far and few between (in my personal experience), so getting over a shouting incident is a fairly quick process for me. My dad always taught me to be respectful of others, and that is what I carry with me throughout my life ... he was a great role model.
steve
Your dad taught you well.
JUST EXAMPLES OF 'YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID"
Right-On Fred! You sure can't fix that, haha!
steve
Three different honking/swearing events? Those are just the extroverts which are a tiny minority of the haters.
Yeah, I try not to think about it any more than necessary (when someone does this). I'm a happy laid-back type of guy, and really do my best to avoid nasty or malicious people.
steve
⚔️💪😎🏴(stroke)
Not sure Tom what "stroke" signifies in your comment, but I would have not been too disappointed if that driver had had a stroke when he was assailing me, haha.
steve
So you are going aloud comments now?
Feel free to comment to your heart's delight! Comments are "on", with the newest comments appearing at the top.
steve
Get a 360-degree selfie camera. Put them on the internet forever.
Yeah, that's an idea, but in my situation, these negative encounters with rude drivers are so infrequent that I feel no need to film continually, which in itself becomes a pain of sorts, having to deal with camera stuff (batteries, memory cards). In 15 years, I've had just three of these unpleasant occurrences, and what I do now is just pull over and stop on rural roads if a pickup truck is coming (cars are so infrequent that it's no big deal to just slow to a stop and then start again after the vehicle is down the road. Thanks for the suggestion!
steve
Poor sound.
Yes, most definitely! My garage has a rather hollow sound, even with the stuff I have on the wall to help. My older camera has no remote microphone ability, so I am talking through the air rather that on a mic clipped on my collar, as many people with newer and more expensive cameras have.
steve
Folks must think trike riders are old and, therefore, deaf! Motorists can be very selfish and in their own worlds.
I guess I am what most folks think is old, but at least my ears still function well, haha. Yep Bill, motorists can sometimes be quite self centered, and rude. Fortunately, they have been rare for me.
steve
7 years in and I've never had anything like this happen. So glad I don't live in that part of the country.
In fifteen years of riding so far, I have only had three negative experiences, this most recent one being the most alarming. In my interstate rides, where I have literally been passed by millions of cars and trucks over the years, the drivers are courteous, and respectful of my presence. I doubt that this part of the country is any different than other parts of the country with regards to the mindsets of individual drivers. Courtesy and respect from drivers has been my overwhelming experience as a recumbent trike adventurer.
steve
Sound quality is poor on all your videos.
Yes, on many garage videos, that is true. My camera does not have any option for external or remote microphones, so all speech is delivered through the air to the camera, and when in the garage, the sound quality suffers. On my videos where I am next to the camera, showing something on the bench or trike, the quality is excellent because my mouth is only inches away from the mic input area.
steve
Most people are good. Sorry you had a bad experience.
Yes, you are absolutely correct ... most folks are indeed good people! These bizarre encounters with drivers encumbered by unhealthy attitude issues are rare, which is why I continue to ride in the presence of motorized vehicles. Thanks for your comment.
steve
Ummm having lived in Portland and going to the coast every chance I could get I know the roads you’re talking about. Narrow, twisty and zero shoulder. Driving a truck with a trailer on those roads are dangerous to begin with. Having to pass a trike that doesn’t make room for them is irresponsible on the trike rider. Just because you can see far ahead doesn’t make it safe for them to go into the oncoming traffic lane to pass you. What are they supposed to do if an oncoming car comes whipping around the corner? Hit the oncoming car head-on or take out the cyclist? They are putting in more and more bike trails off of the road. Maybe research and see if you can get on some of those. Btw I have a TerraTrike recumbent and am studying how to do distance rides with it. So I get it! But if it were me and as you say…there wasn’t a lot of traffic I would have done everything possible to get as far off the road to let them pass safely!!! There’s always two sides to every story.
Hi Darlene,
My strategy at this point on my regional rides on remote country roads with very few cars is to just pull over and stop.
This particular driver in this instance had to slow down in the curve for about 5-7 seconds, at which point the road opened up, and he passed me (after matching my trike speed long enough to dispense his inappropriate verbiage and honk his horn again as he sped away).
There was no significant shoulder here where I could have pulled off the road, so if I had stopped, I would still have presented an impediment to his speed. Judging by his extreme anger, I would imagine he would have still reacted poorly even if I had been parked as far to the right as possible.
I guess the question based on your assessment of an irresponsible triker not making room for the vehicle driver would be how could that have been accomplished? If I had been parked as far to the right as possible, I would still have been in the lane quite a bit, which would have necessitated his progress being slowed. I think the fact that he had to slow down for a cyclist is what angered him.
We do not plan for when cars come along, and the only way to make sure a triker, or any cyclist, is never an impediment to a car driver is to stay off any roads with little to no shoulder altogether. I have ridden thousands of miles over the years, and often the roads with huge shoulders are the main throughways with lots of interstate and regional traffic, which is not very relaxing from a cyclist's viewpoint.
By the way, this North Fork road where this incident occurred is quite different than the Coast Range roads from the Portland metro area to the coast. The North Fork road is not a throughway for anyone but local residents, and the traffic is nearly non-existent for the most part, whereas the Portland to coast roads are all heavily traveled (and often not cyclist-friendly at all).
steve
PS: I have spent time in city council meetings, working with them on expanding cycling lanes in the region, and also with Lane County in their plan to make the county roads safer for human powered people. The proposed plans will hopefully materialize sometime within the next ten to twenty years. It is a long-term, and long-awaited solution.
And if you are interested in knowing the ins and outs of taking a long distance recumbent trike tour, you may be interested in a book I wrote in 2012, called "The Overland Triker" which details many aspects of riding cross country on a trike. Here is a link if interested:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-overland-triker-steve-greene/1125626491