Open Rant: Rude Bicyclists

Please note, I am not referring to the vast majority of safety-conscious bicyclists who share the road with me, whether on my bicycle or while I drive.  This is an open letter to some bicyclists I see regularly.

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Dear "Riders:"

Yes, I use "Riders" in quotes to emphasize what you are doing.  You are "riding," often three across, on a road at the busiest time of morning (between 8 and 8:30), in a very congested area filled with people trying to get to work, get to school or just, well, GET somewhere. 

You don't bother to stop at stop signs, you do not yield at yield signs and you apparently believe any road designated as a bicycle friendly road is for your sole use, never mind that it is actually a road to be shared. 

I am sure you could tell me many tales of how you've been abused as riders, how cars came too close, how people tried to run you off the road.  I sympathize, I do, I ride my bicycle too and for many years, it was my primary form of transportation, even on the shoulder of a 55 mph highway.  Yes, I get it, I do.

What I do not get is your insistence on behaving like a pack of wild animals on wheels.  Swerving into traffic when you want to chat with whomever is ahead of you in the bike pack, blocking traffic while traveling 2-3 abreast and disobeying nearly every traffic law known just to have your ride?  

A few helpful tips for you "riders" and the people that share the road with you.

1. Ride single file. 

2. Obey traffic signs.  Yes, This Means You.  It is extremely distracting (and dangerous, I might add) to stop at a stop sign and have a flurry of bicycle activity on my right as not one of you bothers to stop.

3. Perhaps try to ride at a less congested time.  I know this sounds crazy as all get-out, but between 8-8:30 on a college campus (as well as between 4-5) is a madhouse.  Cars, people, bicycles, motorcycles, skateboards -- you name it.  Everyone trying to get somewhere.  Iffen you would ride a little earlier (say 7:30) through campus, you'd be safer.  Even 9 would be safer.  Just a suggestion from me to you.

4. Cars would be glad to share the road with you if you would be willing to share it with them. 

5.  Keep wearing your helmets.  The more you ride the way you do, the more likely you are to need them.  Trust.