What's With All The Morons Sticking Half Their Car Out On The Sidewalk?

[dankup]

Just read that other "what's with all the morons" thread and realized I also have a pet peeve. I rarely walk, I either drive or ride my bike. I pretty much only drive to work, and bike anywhere else I need to go to provided it's a close destination. Yes I bike on the sidewalk because there are too many idiots on the road that can't and don't give enough space for bicycles, not to mention 75% of my biking is done on back roads where there are very little cars or none at all. Anyways, when I do go on a busy street (Bathurst, Steeles, Finch, Dufferin, etc) I see idiots stick the front half of their car out of an intersection, a gas station, grocery store entrance way, etc. If I keep going I'll just crash into the car so I obviously turn either left (and go in front) or right (and go behind the car). I usually go behind because I'm afraid that the idiot driving will start to creep forward. I mean the road is packed with cars, nobody will let you through, yet you insist on standing to block the sidewalk for pedestrians and the occasional scooter, bike, rollerblader, etc. Whenever I see that I usually yell at them as I'm biking by (especially now that it's summer and most windows are down) and I don't say the prettiest things; I can't type because of forum rules.. It's not like these drivers are going to merge into traffic once they turn, I've seen some cars stand for a good minute or two blocking the sidewalk for everyone else. What's with drivers coming off of small streets onto larger, more busier roads, and only looking in the direction they want to turn for pedestrians; the road has two sides to it and I have to constantly keep an eye out for a speeding moron who only looks right and turns right and I have to jam on my front brakes so he doesn't run me over. Not saying I shouldn't do it either but people have to realize there's more to driving than sticking the key in the ignition with a G2 or G license. Rant over. Thoughts?

[Darryl]

While I don't disagree with your complaint, I think it would be a lot easier to have sympathy for you if you weren't one of those "morons" who rides their bicycle on the sidewalk.

[sandikosh]

Just read that other "what's with all the morons" thread and realized I also have a pet peeve. I rarely walk, I either drive or ride my bike. I pretty much only drive to work, and bike anywhere else I need to go to provided it's a close destination. Yes I bike on the sidewalk because there are too many idiots on the road that can't and don't give enough space for bicycles, not to mention 75% of my biking is done on back roads where there are very little cars or none at all..... Rant over. Thoughts?

Sidewalks, just like Trix, is for kids. Your incessant whining have no pity on me.

[iownyou]

Just read that other "what's with all the morons" thread and realized I also have a pet peeve. I rarely walk, I either drive or ride my bike. I pretty much only drive to work, and bike anywhere else I need to go to provided it's a close destination. Yes I bike on the sidewalk because there are too many idiots on the road that can't and don't give enough space for bicycles, not to mention 75% of my biking is done on back roads where there are very little cars or none at all. Anyways, when I do go on a busy street (Bathurst, Steeles, Finch, Dufferin, etc) I see idiots stick the front half of their car out of an intersection, a gas station, grocery store entrance way, etc. If I keep going I'll just crash into the car so I obviously turn either left (and go in front) or right (and go behind the car). I usually go behind because I'm afraid that the idiot driving will start to creep forward. I mean the road is packed with cars, nobody will let you through, yet you insist on standing to block the sidewalk for pedestrians and the occasional scooter, bike, rollerblader, etc. Whenever I see that I usually yell at them as I'm biking by (especially now that it's summer and most windows are down) and I don't say the prettiest things; I can't type because of forum rules.. It's not like these drivers are going to merge into traffic once they turn, I've seen some cars stand for a good minute or two blocking the sidewalk for everyone else. What's with drivers coming off of small streets onto larger, more busier roads, and only looking in the direction they want to turn for pedestrians; the road has two sides to it and I have to constantly keep an eye out for a speeding moron who only looks right and turns right and I have to jam on my front brakes so he doesn't run me over. Not saying I shouldn't do it either but people have to realize there's more to driving than sticking the key in the ignition with a G2 or G license. Rant over. Thoughts?
:facepalm: Fail for riding on the sidewalk

[gman]

Too many morons riding bike on the sidewalk way faster than a normal pedestrian.

[afretes]

Sidewalks are for pedestrians.

[ryosayku]

Just read that other "what's with all the morons" thread and realized I also have a pet peeve. I rarely walk, I either drive or ride my bike. I pretty much only drive to work, and bike anywhere else I need to go to provided it's a close destination. Yes I bike on the sidewalk because there are too many idiots on the road that can't and don't give enough space for bicycles, not to mention 75% of my biking is done on back roads where there are very little cars or none at all. Anyways, when I do go on a busy street (Bathurst, Steeles, Finch, Dufferin, etc) I see idiots stick the front half of their car out of an intersection, a gas station, grocery store entrance way, etc. If I keep going I'll just crash into the car so I obviously turn either left (and go in front) or right (and go behind the car). I usually go behind because I'm afraid that the idiot driving will start to creep forward. I mean the road is packed with cars, nobody will let you through, yet you insist on standing to block the sidewalk for pedestrians and the occasional scooter, bike, rollerblader, etc. Whenever I see that I usually yell at them as I'm biking by (especially now that it's summer and most windows are down) and I don't say the prettiest things; I can't type because of forum rules.. It's not like these drivers are going to merge into traffic once they turn, I've seen some cars stand for a good minute or two blocking the sidewalk for everyone else. What's with drivers coming off of small streets onto larger, more busier roads, and only looking in the direction they want to turn for pedestrians; the road has two sides to it and I have to constantly keep an eye out for a speeding moron who only looks right and turns right and I have to jam on my front brakes so he doesn't run me over. Not saying I shouldn't do it either but people have to realize there's more to driving than sticking the key in the ignition with a G2 or G license. Rant over. Thoughts?

:facepalm:

[Voltex]

Just read that other "what's with all the morons" thread and realized I also have a pet peeve. I rarely walk, I either drive or ride my bike. I pretty much only drive to work, and bike anywhere else I need to go to provided it's a close destination. Yes I bike on the sidewalk because there are too many idiots on the road that can't and don't give enough space for bicycles, not to mention 75% of my biking is done on back roads where there are very little cars or none at all. Anyways, when I do go on a busy street (Bathurst, Steeles, Finch, Dufferin, etc) I see idiots stick the front half of their car out of an intersection, a gas station, grocery store entrance way, etc. If I keep going I'll just crash into the car so I obviously turn either left (and go in front) or right (and go behind the car). I usually go behind because I'm afraid that the idiot driving will start to creep forward. I mean the road is packed with cars, nobody will let you through, yet you insist on standing to block the sidewalk for pedestrians and the occasional scooter, bike, rollerblader, etc. Whenever I see that I usually yell at them as I'm biking by (especially now that it's summer and most windows are down) and I don't say the prettiest things; I can't type because of forum rules.. It's not like these drivers are going to merge into traffic once they turn, I've seen some cars stand for a good minute or two blocking the sidewalk for everyone else. What's with drivers coming off of small streets onto larger, more busier roads, and only looking in the direction they want to turn for pedestrians; the road has two sides to it and I have to constantly keep an eye out for a speeding moron who only looks right and turns right and I have to jam on my front brakes so he doesn't run me over. Not saying I shouldn't do it either but people have to realize there's more to driving than sticking the key in the ignition with a G2 or G license. Rant over. Thoughts?

:facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm::facepalm:

Knows it's illegal to ride on sidewalk, still does it and gets mad at other motorists. **** logic.

[flyz]

didn't you know cyclists own the road and sidewalks?

[Zephyr22b]

they will be owning the air space soon. *****ing airplanes!!

[yao416]

Call the PEO next time.

[epik89]

Drivers don't care about cyclists.

Me including.

[dankup]

Lol you guys, it's not like I zip around pedestrians knocking over their bags or riding over their kids. If I see a pedestrian well ahead of me I'll move onto the grass patch on the left of the sidewalk and right of the road (if you know what I mean). No, I'll never bike on the road. I slow down traffic, cars don't legally drive around me (they drive BESIDE me). It's a lot safer for me to go on the sidewalk than the road. If drivers would actually change lanes and then change back ok.. but we all know they don't (props to the guys who do) but it doesn't happen often. I know it's illegal but illegal is safer in this case. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong and trying to defend myself.. I ride on the sidewalk for a reason. Forget me riding on the sidewalk for a second, this happens to pedestrians too. Whenever I walk to the grocery store, bus stop, etc, there's always a few dudes that pull out halfway, and stop.

[qaz393]

Private property is 50/50

[dankup]

Drivers don't care about cyclists.

Me including.

See!! Then again it's fine because you don't see me on the road.

[gman]

Lol you guys, it's not like I zip around pedestrians knocking over their bags or riding over their kids. If I see a pedestrian well ahead of me I'll move onto the grass patch on the left of the sidewalk and right of the road (if you know what I mean). No, I'll never bike on the road. I slow down traffic, cars don't legally drive around me (they drive BESIDE me). It's a lot safer for me to go on the sidewalk than the road. If drivers would actually change lanes and then change back ok.. but we all know they don't (props to the guys who do) but it doesn't happen often. I know it's illegal but illegal is safer in this case. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong and trying to defend myself.. I ride on the sidewalk for a reason. Forget me riding on the sidewalk for a second, this happens to pedestrians too. Whenever I walk to the grocery store, bus stop, etc, there's always a few dudes that pull out halfway, and stop.

If you want to ride on the sidewalk, ride it in the speed like a walking pedestrian and that is what car driver expects to see on the sidewalk. They don't expect pedestrian moving in the speed like a bike. They don't expect pedestrian maneuvers like a bike (i.e. can't stop). Also, unlike road, it is harder for driver to see further away on the sidewalk. There are trees, signs, bushes, fence, and even other pedestrians, etc blocking the full view of the sidewalk from the driver. Driver needs to pull out half way sometime so that they can see the full view of the road. Think about where the driver seat is. I wonder if you ever drive a car. If you did, you should know why without coming here to make a post.

You have problem only because you cannot maneuver your bike like a normal pedestrian on the sidewalk (and I don't expect any bike rider does).

[wal3145]

Lol you guys, it's not like I zip around pedestrians knocking over their bags or riding over their kids. If I see a pedestrian well ahead of me I'll move onto the grass patch on the left of the sidewalk and right of the road (if you know what I mean). No, I'll never bike on the road. I slow down traffic, cars don't legally drive around me (they drive BESIDE me). It's a lot safer for me to go on the sidewalk than the road. If drivers would actually change lanes and then change back ok.. but we all know they don't (props to the guys who do) but it doesn't happen often. I know it's illegal but illegal is safer in this case. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong and trying to defend myself.. I ride on the sidewalk for a reason. Forget me riding on the sidewalk for a second, this happens to pedestrians too. Whenever I walk to the grocery store, bus stop, etc, there's always a few dudes that pull out halfway, and stop.

Do you have any idea how much effort it takes to maintain a lawn? You riding on grass wears it out! If you ever ride on my grass and I catch you, I will take your bike and add two more wheels to make it a wheelchair for you to use!

[dankup]

Do you have any idea how much effort it takes to maintain a lawn? You riding on grass wears it out! If you ever ride on my grass and I catch you, I will take your bike and add two more wheels to make it a wheelchair for you to use!

Can't tell if you're kidding.. explain how this is your grass: http://ioj.com/v/qsirh It isn't your front lawn. Never knew you go out of your way to water the grass at the bus stop.


If you want to ride on the sidewalk, ride it in the speed like a walking pedestrian and that is what car driver expects to see on the sidewalk. They don't expect pedestrian moving in the speed like a bike. They don't expect pedestrian maneuvers like a bike (i.e. can't stop). Also, unlike road, it is harder for driver to see further away on the sidewalk. There are trees, signs, bushes, fence, and even other pedestrians, etc blocking the full view of the sidewalk from the driver. Driver needs to pull out half way sometime so that they can see the full view of the road. Think about where the driver seat is. I wonder if you ever drive a car. If you did, you should know why without coming here to make a post.

You have problem only because you cannot maneuver your bike like a normal pedestrian on the sidewalk (and I don't expect any bike rider does).

The car is stopped well before anyone is there. Gas stations don't have any bushes around, the sidewalk is clear of signs and bushes and the driver can see fine. I know what you mean and I agree, there are tons of driveways with brick walls making it hard to see and cars need to get out a bit to have a clear view - there are also many times when this isn't the case - I have no problem for cars to move out when there's something in the drivers view and yes, I do drive.

[Manatus]

Whenever I walk to the grocery store, bus stop, etc, there's always a few dudes that pull out halfway, and stop.

So you walk behind the car. I do it. I do it at intersections too if there's a driver coming out of a side street and he's waiting to go (and there's a break in traffic), I walk behind him so he can go. I don't really see what the big deal is, it's just a bit of a courtesy so that everyone can get where they want to go faster. The way I see it, cars have only a few places that they can go. He can't mount the curb and cut into traffic, whereas a pedestrian can walk anywhere with just a little bit of an inconvenience.

[dankup]

So you walk behind the car. I do it. I do it at intersections too if there's a driver coming out of a side street and he's waiting to go (and there's a break in traffic), I walk behind him so he can go. I don't really see what the big deal is, it's just a bit of a courtesy so that everyone can get where they want to go faster. The way I see it, cars have only a few places that they can go. He can't mount the curb and cut into traffic, whereas a pedestrian can walk anywhere with just a little bit of an inconvenience.

I totally agree and I clearly said I do that (I'm not going to go THROUGH a car). I'm just saying inconsiderate drivers that see pedestrians or anyone on the sidewalk for that matter can (and should) let them go by first before sticking half a car length onto the sidewalk is all :) Props to the few that actually back up when they see they're blocking the way, I really appreciate it and wave a thank you as I'm passing by. No one is asking to mount the curb and cut into traffic, wait your turn (right of way) and then proceed slowly.

[MitSl]

[QUOTE=dankup;15146768]Can't tell if you're kidding.. explain how this is your grass: http://ioj.com/v/qsirh It isn't your front lawn. Never knew you go out of your way to water the grass at the bus stop.

I know alot of people who water and maintain that part of their lawn, myself included, it may not be ours officially, but still contributes to how our properties look like.

Its hard for cars in many areas to see what is coming down the street without crawling forwards and possibly covering the sidewalk, if you drive you would understand this.

If you really have a big issue on cars sticking out, please feel free to use the road.

[dankup]

[QUOTE=dankup;15146768]Can't tell if you're kidding.. explain how this is your grass: http://ioj.com/v/qsirh It isn't your front lawn. Never knew you go out of your way to water the grass at the bus stop.

I know alot of people who water and maintain that part of their lawn, myself included, it may not be ours officially, but still contributes to how our properties look like.

Its hard for cars in many areas to see what is coming down the street without crawling forwards and possibly covering the sidewalk, if you drive you would understand this.

If you really have a big issue on cars sticking out, please feel free to use the road.

No I'm cool with it, I avoid them it's just something I don't like to see. As a matter of fact I do drive and talked about that issue a few posts above. My bad on the grass thing, it's nice to see people maintain that part of the lawn even though it's not theirs but I meant the grass on busy streets with 2 lanes going each way, not the small back roads. The small back roads I go on don't even have sidewalks to begin with so I have to go on the road :)

[Manatus]

I totally agree and I clearly said I do that (I'm not going to go THROUGH a car). I'm just saying inconsiderate drivers that see pedestrians or anyone on the sidewalk for that matter can (and should) let them go by first before sticking half a car length onto the sidewalk is all :) Props to the few that actually back up when they see they're blocking the way, I really appreciate it and wave a thank you as I'm passing by. No one is asking to mount the curb and cut into traffic, wait your turn (right of way) and then proceed slowly.

Right, but what I'm saying is that it's generally much easier for a pedestrian to cross a side street, than it is for a driver to turn from a side street to a major road. Therefore if a driver has the opportunity to make the turn due to a break in traffic, I don't have a problem with the pedestrian having to delay walking across by a few seconds, compared to the driver having to wait maybe a few minutes for another break in traffic. I know that the law says the pedestrian has the right of way, I just feel from my personal fairness perspective that in these kinds of situations I have a lot of sympathy for a driver who's been waiting for an incessant flow of traffic to let him in, and then just when he can go... oh look, it's someone taking their sweet time to prance across like it's a Sunday stroll. Not saying that you do that (obviously if you cycle then you get out of the way pretty fast), but I think life's easier if there's a bit of courtesy on both sides rather than some people who think it's their right to block the road for as long as they want.

[dankup]

Right, but what I'm saying is that it's generally much easier for a pedestrian to cross a side street, than it is for a driver to turn from a side street to a major road. Therefore if a driver has the opportunity to make the turn due to a break in traffic, I don't have a problem with the pedestrian having to delay walking across by a few seconds, compared to the driver having to wait maybe a few minutes for another break in traffic. I know that the law says the pedestrian has the right of way, I just feel from my personal fairness perspective that in these kinds of situations I have a lot of sympathy for a driver who's been waiting for an incessant flow of traffic to let him in, and then just when he can go... oh look, it's someone taking their sweet time to prance across like it's a Sunday stroll. Not saying that you do that (obviously if you cycle then you get out of the way pretty fast), but I think life's easier if there's a bit of courtesy on both sides rather than some people who think it's their right to block the road for as long as they want.

I'd love for that to happen but I see too many drivers actually driving and then stopping a meter away from the street waiting for a chance to turn into traffic rather than driving up to the sidewalk, looking both ways, then proceeding if they see the way is clear.