Bike on path or 30a?

[iqueequeg]

I noticed last time I visited that some of the more serious bikers (of the type without engines) rode on 30a instead of the bike path. Is it proper bike path etiquette to go on the road instead of the path if you're going fast?

[TreeFrog]

I noticed last time I visited that some of the more serious bikers (of the type without engines) rode on 30a instead of the bike path. Is it proper bike path etiquette to go on the road instead of the path if you're going fast?

A lot of the bike path is too bumpy for road bike (as opposed to a mountain bike or cruiser) at speed. If you're on a bike with skinny high-pressure tires, 30A is the only way to ride at the proper speed. It's also more than a little scary passing a walker at 20 MPH, for both cyclist and walker.

The fat tires and lower speed of cruisers and mountain bikes are fine on the bike/walking path.

[Smiling JOe]

A lot of the bike path is too bumpy for road bike (as opposed to a mountain bike or cruiser) at speed. If you're on a bike with skinny high-pressure tires, 30A is the only way to ride at the proper speed. It's also more than a little scary passing a walker at 20 MPH, for both cyclist and walker.

The fat tires and lower speed of cruisers and mountain bikes are fine on the bike/walking path.

Ditto!!!

[Mermaid]

I'd like to add that after a week of riding bicycles on 30-A, it's really important to keep your wits about you as you approach driveways and crossroads, whether you're riding on the road or the path. I've noticed that cars are looking for other cars, not bikes. Be careful or you run the risk of being road kill.

[GVM]

Can someone clarify? Are bicyclists required by law to observe stop signs...such as at the intersection of 395 and 30-A...or can that breeze on through where there's a white striped pedistrian area?

[Smiling JOe]

Can someone clarify? Are bicyclists required by law to observe stop signs...such as at the intersection of 395 and 30-A...or can that breeze on through where there's a white striped pedistrian area?

When bicycles are ridden on the road, they are required to follow the same laws as motor vehicles. If they are being pushed across a crosswalk, they are to follow the pedistrian rules. In most cities, it is against the law to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk. Here, we have a multi-user path, often referred to as the bike path, which allows for bicyles and pedistrians, but no motorized vehicles.

Please do not run over all of the improperly operating bicylists pedaling all over 30A. They are tourists and do not ride bicycles often, nor do they know the basic rules in our lovely little town -- Well, most of them don't. Put on your thinking cap, and realize that you could easily kill them by hitting them in your car, so slow down and expect the unexpected. Getting upset will only cause more stress in your life. (okay, I am done talking to the mirror. :oops:)

[SlowMovin]

My understanding is that bicycles in the road must act like, and be treated like, any other vehicle. That does mean stopping at marked intersections. It also means they are not allowed to pass on the right (like they always do) and cars/trucks are not allowed to pass them in a no-passing zone (like they always do).

I drive 30-A every day. A lot. It is no less bumpy than the bike path--the potholes are pretty bad. The traffic is also bad. If you don't like passing a pedestrian at 20 mph then you're really not going to like having a dump truck at 45 mph passing you. And the rednecks behind the wheel don't like it much either, especially after sitting behind you for several minutes.

[Smiling JOe]

My understanding is that bicycles in the road must act like, and be treated like, any other vehicle. That does mean stopping at marked intersections. It also means they are not allowed to pass on the right (like they always do) and cars/trucks are not allowed to pass them in a no-passing zone (like they always do).

I drive 30-A every day. A lot. It is no less bumpy than the bike path--the potholes are pretty bad. The traffic is also bad. If you don't like passing a pedestrian at 20 mph then you're really not going to like having a dump truck at 45 mph passing you. And the rednecks behind the wheel don't like it much either, especially after sitting behind you for several minutes.

...but I bet you have not ridden a road bike on the bike path for any distance, or else you would know there is much difference.

There is nothing more exciting and nothing closer to death than a speeding log truck passing you while on your bicycle, riding the open road.

[GVM]

My question wasn't clear. If the bicycle is in the bike lane/sidewalk...does the law allow the bicycle to proceed without stopping when they come to the flashing red light on 30-A at 395? I'm not gonna run over any one, I'd just like to know the law.

[Smiling JOe]

My question wasn't clear. If the bicycle is in the bike lane/sidewalk...does the law allow the bicycle to proceed without stopping when they come to the flashing red light on 30-A at 395? I'm not gonna run over any one, I'd just like to know the law.

Hopefully, I understand your question. If not try rephrasing it giving more specifics.

If the bicyclist is crossing the street, (north side of 30A at the 395 intersection) the bicycle is required by law to stop at the crosswalk, dismount, and cross the street as a pedestrian.

[beachmouse]

For the most part, I'd rather take riding next to the cars going 45 over the people on the bike path. Cars move in fairly predictable ways, even when they're violating a traffic law or two. I can normally figure out what's going on with even a moderately distracted driver. But the bike path... is the eight year old in front of me suddenly going to slam on her brakes leading to someone going over their handlebars? is the jogger coming toward me going to veer left or veer right so we can pass each other? How to you navigate when there are five different people moving at all different speeds all getting to the same point on the path at once?

And I do my best to stop at all the stop signs, though I'll admit to the occasional 'Michigan roll stop' when there's no one else at the intersection so I don't have to worry about the dread zero speed bike crash if I can't get a shoe unclipped in time.

[Jdarg]

I have a "dinger" on my bike. If you are sharing the bikepath, let the pedestrians know that you are coming up behind or beside them. Either yell, or ring-a-ding ding them.

[Smiling JOe]

I have a "dinger" on my bike. If you are sharing the bikepath, let the pedestrians know that you are coming up behind or beside them. Either yell, or ring-a-ding ding them.

I always give a courtesy shout, " on your left!" well in advance, but that doesn't do any good with ipods shoved in people's ears.

For the road, I will have to say that I disagree with part of beachmouse's note. I no longer find automobile drivers' actions predictable. I attribute this to people yapping on cell phones. Riding on the road today is much different than it was even five years ago. Now, everyone has a cell phone and seem to use it while driving.

[RiverOtter]

I always give a courtesy shout, " on your left!" well in advance, but that doesn't do any good with ipods shoved in people's ears.

For the road, I will have to say that I disagree with part of beachmouse's note. I no longer find automobile drivers' actions predictable. I attribute this to people yapping on cell phones. Riding on the road today is much different than it was even five years ago. Now, everyone has a cell phone and seem to use it while driving.

Myth Busters did a bit where they tested driving distractions while talking on cell phones verses driving at .08. At .08 the drivers did a better job navigating the course

[Smiling JOe]

Myth Busters did a bit where they tested driving distractions while talking on cell phones verses driving at .08. At .08 the drivers did a better job navigating the course

I bet they did much better, even if they were trying to light a joint while holding the beer between their legs. Just a few weeks ago I saw a girl yapping on the phone pull up to a stop sign and stop. An old man was crossing in the crosswalk in front of her while pushing a shopping cart. I knew she saw the man because she looked right at him while yapping away. Well, at least I thought she consciously recognized him, but I was wrong. She proceeded to apply pressure to the gas pedal on her new mustang while appearing to look directly at the man. I had my window rolled down and yelled at her as I about had a heart attack. She narrowly missed the elderly man as he jumped back a few feet, probably having a couple of heart attacks. The driver did stop, but was still yapping on the phone. The man seemed okay, but shaken, so I didn't stop. When I came back by 15 minutes later, both were still there, looking like they were waiting for the cops. I just don't get it. Just another reason not to ride my motorcycle around here. I would be much better off riding in the mountains at 100mph up and down the curvy roads. Okay, maybe not -- I like to exagerate sometimes, but my story is 100% truth.

[RiverOtter]

I just did a 30 mile ride on YES ON 30A. I was not the only road bike riding off the bike path. I can now honestly say that there are more rednecks, or road rage filled mouth breathers here in South Walton than in the Nooga. I have ridden 2 lane country roads filled with "Deliverence" style housing and never encountered so many rude and reckless necks. What surprised me the most was they were FL tagged cars not visitors. I ride the white line and am amazed at how many people act like it's such a big deal to pass a bike. If thier driving skills are that bad they should be an a cruiser bike on the bike path.

As for riding on the bike path, Slowmovin, the bike path is much rougher than 30A. People that walk and ride for pleasure on the bike path also seem to have the same rule. No matter if you are a family, friends, lovers, strangers or swarn enemies they seem to walk and ride 4 abreast. And lets not forget about the cars exiting their driveways as stated above are not looking for bikes especially fast bikes.

I'll keep riding on 30A. I don't get all tourqued when the necks toot their horns or slap the sides of thier trucks. I just keep riding. I actually get a little chuckle out of their actions. These are the same neck Earnhardt fans that think they can drive better than Jeff Gordan who they secretly dream about while sucking down another Natty Lite.


Rant off.

[jessifunn]

just in case.....sorry i threw a water bottle at you riv-o.

[Smiling JOe]

What is up with all of the exercise, River Otter? I thought you were all about horsepower. I guess that adventure race has really got you stoked, and that is good to see.

[Miss Kitty]

RO...you spell real good on that new computer! Sorry those a$$e$$ were giving you trouble. I do like your attitude! Keep on biking!

[RiverOtter]

just in case.....sorry i threw a water bottle at you riv-o.

LOL!! There was a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee . He was pointing to the bike path as he passed me and blew his horn. I waved back but he kept on going

[RiverOtter]

What is up with all of the exercise, River Otter? I thought you were all about horsepower. I guess that adventure race has really got you stoked, and that is good to see.

Don't get me wrong I DO STILL LOVE THE HORSE POWER!!! I was so stoked by the Adventure Race though. Like I said I was able to do things I never thought I could do and now (as is usual with me) I am pushing he envelope until I crash

[RiverOtter]

RO...you spell real good on that new computer! Sorry those a$$e$$ were giving you trouble. I do like your attitude! Keep on biking!

It was only 6 cars but still 5 more than I have encountered in the neck haven of the Nooga

[DD]

Don't get me wrong I DO STILL LOVE THE HORSE POWER!!! I was so stoked by the Adventure Race though. Like I said I was able to do things I never thought I could do and now (as is usual with me) I am pushing he envelope until I crash

I'm proud of you, RO. You should come on over to SoWell on SoWal and motivate those of us who are a little reluctant to "push the envelope".

[RiverOtter]

I'm proud of you, RO. You should come on over to SoWell on SoWal and motivate those of us who are a little reluctant to "push the envelope".

Envelope pushing is what I do best

[DD]

Envelope pushing is what I do best

[Ocean Lover]

30 mile ride, impressive. Starting in Seacrest and ending where? BMB?

[John R]

Just another reason not to ride my motorcycle around here. I would be much better off riding in the mountains at 100mph up and down the curvy roads. Okay, maybe not.

it's true, you would be better off. there's limited cell coverage in the mountains, and people are more aware of their surroundings, imo.

jr

[Smiling JOe]

Envelope pushing is what I do best

[bike_love]

I'm a Cat 3 road racer here on vacation for the week and have decided that riding 30A is the only way to not kill children on the bike path. Since 30A isn't a great option either I have decided riding 98, albeit boring, is better for everyone's heath. It has a bike lane / curb from San Destin to Panama City. I've ridden the 40 mi round trip both ways from 30A and 98 and had no problems (averaging 20mi/hr both ways). It is even sick but I sort of liked when there where a bunch of cars because the side draft would push me up to 27+ mi/hr.

[seacrestkristi]

bike love. Grayt thinkin' That is fast

[RiverOtter]

I'm a Cat 3 road racer here on vacation for the week and have decided that riding 30A is the only way to not kill children on the bike path. Since 30A isn't a great option either I have decided riding 98, albeit boring, is better for everyone's heath. It has a bike lane / curb from San Destin to Panama City. I've ridden the 40 mi round trip both ways from 30A and 98 and had no problems (averaging 20mi/hr both ways). It is even sick but I sort of liked when there where a bunch of cars because the side draft would push me up to 27+ mi/hr.

Awesome! But watch out for the above mentioned haters

What are you ridding?

[Seabreeze]

Bike + Hwy 98 = Death wish + insanity

You can quote me on that.

[Gidget]

Bike + Hwy 98 = Death wish + insanity

You can quote me on that.

It can be very dangerous. Timing does help. When we are on our 'road bikes' we never ride on the 'bike path' - I feel that is best left to walkers and joggers and those cruising on their slower bikes (what I like to call my "beach bike") We take our road bikes up 30A to 83 and on to 98. BUT we do it very early on Sunday mornings and we have mirrors and bells and helmets and lights and never ride side by side.

I jog, walk and take my 'beach' bike on the 'bike' path so I can identify with all three and all three have their frustrations and dangers. If you are walking or jogging, say next to your partner and someone RACES up behind you on their bike without warning OR with not enough warning (like saying it right when they are approaching) then it can not only scare the crap out of you, but it can be very very dangerous. One step to the left would leave everyone in a tangled mess.

The safest way to approach this is for those out for a fast ride to use 30A as early in the day as possible. If that's not possible then at the very least get a good loud bell and use in plenty of time to give warning. If I am riding my 'beach bike' on the path - I use my bell and if I don't see some sort of recognition that the walker/jogger heard me, then I use it again until I know that they know I am there. Those who are riding their fast bikes need to understand that you can't just go racing past someone - that's just nuts - you must assume the pedestrian doesn't know you are there until you have some sort of recognition from the walker/jogger - a look behind, moving over, etc... Same goes for "on your left" - gotta be said in plenty of time and loud enough so that people can move over, and variables like the breeze and traffic noises make the bell, IMHO the better choice. I always thank those on their bikes who give me plenty of warning, because so often, many don't.

[kitlit]

LOL!! There was a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee . He was pointing to the bike path as he passed me and blew his horn. I waved back but he kept on going

Wasn't me! I promise! I generally have no issues with the road bikers, so long as they are being courteous and not riding two or three astride (which, yes, I've seen many times...)

I have much, MUCH bigger issues with the morons who decide to start walking across 30A (nowhere NEAR a crosswalk) with their children, coolers, and assorted beach gear, cutting me off and forcing me to come to a complete stop and wait for them despite the fact that I am the only car on the road, and it would only take a second or two for me to pass by and then we could all be on our merry way... /rant off/

Anywho! Carry on bikers! We've had some beautiful weather lately, and I'm jealous that y'all are out there enjoying it!

[MrMentalFitness]

"...rude and reckless necks..."

I'm sorry, but if that ain't Shakespearean in it's poetic delivery, I don't know what is.

"Alas, poor Yoric, he was but a rude and reckless neck."

[Zebraspots]

I ride on the path except when it is full of people (in places like Seaside or Watercolor or Rosemary). Far safer and a better surface in most cases.