Why do Americans hate cyclists so much?

Question

A few years back I was visiting friends in Idaho/Utah. To cut a long story short I was a student at the time and chose to cycle to the shops, friend's houses etc. Everywhere I went people just blew their horns at me despite my best efforts to keep out of the way. It was usually fat morons in gas guzzlers who were the worst offenders. In Ireland cyclists have as much right to use the road as motorists. Why not in the US; "The Land of the Free".

In response: Most of the cycling I did was in Twin Falls, ID and in Salt Lake City. I made every effort to stay to the the right, giving myself approximately 0.3m from the footpath. I dunno, I'm not saying everyone was bad but boy did I feel intimidated at times, and no, this is nothing to do with anti-Americanism.

Answer 1

Some places in the US are positive toward cyclists. For example, the town where I grew up (a university town) has bike paths and lanes everywhere, and as long as cyclists are riding intelligently and obeying the laws, people driving cars are very courteous and generally yield to the cyclists.

Then there are other places which were not developed with bicycles in mind. They don't have bike lanes or paths, and so almost everybody drives. On the rare occasion when they encounter a cyclist and perhaps have the slight inconvenience of having to slow down to pass him, they can become irritated. They feel entitled to the road, and don't appreciate anyone getting in their way.

So I conclude that it has to do with how a particular town has developed. If it developed with cyclists in mind, then people are courteous toward the cyclists. If it developed with transportation entirely provided by cars, then they are discourteous toward cyclists.

Unfortunately much of the US has developed mainly with driving cars in mind. We can thank the auto industry for that. I recall watching a documentary which showed the prominence of cable cars in the early 20th century, which were replaced by loud, smelly, polluting buses for no good reason except the auto companies had the money and influence to make it happen.

Answer 2

Hello,

I am sorry you had such unpleasant cycling experiences in Idaho and Utah.

Some people in the US--especially those who don't do sports--have no respect for cyclists. I know this all too well, as I've been an avid cyclist for many years.

Why are SOME Americans like this? Because they are impatient beyond words, which translates to being childish and selfish. Yes, I am an American, and I say this with certainty. Heaven forbid a driver is slowed-up temporarily for having to pass a cyclist!

I've lived in three states, and cycled on the TransAmerica Bicycle Route from VA to CO. Overall, the difference between attitudes of drivers toward cyclists vary wildly between locations.

Overall, my favorite motorists were people in Kansas and Virginia and Florida. Almost all of them were kind, patient, and courteous.

But I've had unpleasant experiences at least once just about everywhere. In VA, a cement truck forced me off the road intentionally. In Missouri, a yahoo threw a plastic bottle at me. A Kentuckian screamed, "Get that thing off the road!" His tone sounded murderous.

I haven't cycled in Utah or Idaho, so I'm not qualified to comment on motorists in that area.

Many American motorists need to grow up. Also, many cyclists also need to mature, as I've seen quite a few riding two abreast on a two lane road holding up traffic, going through stop signs with traffic all around, or darting in and out between cars parked along the side of the road.

Sincerely,
CycleMan

Answer 3

Americans are just rude when it comes to honking horns and getting annoyed at traffic generally.

In Europe, when people honk their horns - it is usually informational - "here I am" - "look out" - "I'm over here, don't change lanes"

In the US, when people honk their horns - it is usually angry, "get the hell out of the way", "what the hell are you doing", "I am really pissed that you cut me off"

Biking on the roads is legal everywhere in the US, generally - perhaps not on some freeways or places that have alternate bike paths, but as a general rule, bikes are permitted - and not permitted to ride on the sidewalks. People who are mad at you are people who never ride - and since riding is much less common here than in Europe, when combined with the general meanness of the honking - it is bad for cyclists.

Some regions in the US have very high concentration of cyclists and the tolerance is much greater. Utah/Idaho is sort of a redneckish area and I am not surprised that the tolerance for bicycles was lower than normal.

Answer 4

I dont know what everyone is talking about. I've never been honked at once. I've never had anyone swerve at me. I've never been run off the road. I've never been hit. I've never even come close to getting in an accident with a car. I've had nothing but pleasent experinces with drivers. I ride in mid size town some but mostly on country roads with NO shoulder. If anything i shake my head in wonder at how far over people seem to think they have to drive to pass me. Often as not they are on the opposite side of the road getting into the strip of gravel. When in town people seem to wait absurdly long to allow me to pass or to see where I'm going or what not. And again they seem to move over so far I'm more worried about Their saftey than mine. I live in Illinois. About two hours south of Chicago. When I first started riding I was worried by all the horror stories I heard. And no doubt my day will come. But I've had people honk and nearly run me off the road while I was in my car. The closest I've ever come to getting in an accident while riding my bike is when I nearly hit a deer that ran out in front of me. and that was my fault. Not the deers. Maybe the Americans I've dealt with are diffrent than the Americans You've dealt with. Or maybe being American has nothing to do with it. god forbid!

Answer 5

You've answered your own question: They're fat morons in gas guzzlers. Honestly, what would they know about using their muscle other than pressing a gas pedal and lifting a Big Mac?

Check out Critical Mass.org and try to start one in your community. It can make a big difference in others perceptions of cycling.

Answer 6

I live in Idaho. Im a cyclist.

Drivers hate the cyclists that dont have the sense to get off the road and back up traffic. If your not one of those people then I wouldnt know why they were honking, Ive not experienced that.

Answer 7

I agree, Lemond is a jerk. Right after Landis won the Tour, Lemond praised him for a great comeback and the fact that he was clean. Then he was one of the first people to say he thought Landis was guilty when the announcement about the T/E test was made public. I figured he wouldn't start hating on Landis until he either won a fourth Tour, or won the overall by less than 8 seconds.

Answer 8

I live in a fairly rural area in NW PA and have not had too much trouble with cars. I do know that there seem to be a lot of impatient arrogant people that are rude to everyone, not just bikes. Seems to be getting worse as time goes on but all we can do is try to be even more patient and kind ourselves to make up for it. Keep on peddling.

Answer 9

Not tried cycling in America, but from the posts I would sugest that this is a redneck issue. Rednecks, as I understand it, are no longer just people from a certain region and of Celtic origin, but thick, fat and drunk (Pick up truck is essential).

The problem is, reading between the lines, small d**k syndrome. These people are insecure in their own lives and feel that, by taking it out on someone who will not hit be able to hit back, it will somehow make them happy/better.

Solution - strap a Kalashnakof to your back. This, in Redneck terms, is a clear indication that you are not to be messed with. If they flip coins at you or honk, then if I understand my American traditions corectly, you are entitled to shoot em. Yea Haw on that :)

P.S. I wonder if the American branch of Cammelback do a backpack with a sling for assualt rifles?

Luck

Answer 10

I've had rednecks in pickup trucks throw quarters at me as they passed with a mighty macho roar. I'm as far on the side of the road as I can be and there is no traffic coming the other way to inconvenience them. They just want a way to show how powerful they are in their metal monsters. They also flip me a single raised middle finger. I think they are indicating their IQ.