The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

More Than 50 Years on the Bike — And This Still Hasn’t Changed I’ve been cycling American roads for over five decades — from the flatlands of Lubbock, Texas to the brutal climbs near San Diego. And despite all the improvements in gear, roads, and technology, one thing still hasn’t changed enough: Many drivers still don’t know how to safely share the road with cyclists. But here’s the thing — it’s often not due to hostility or impatience. A lot of it comes down to a simple lack of knowledge. Most drivers have never been taught how to interact safely with cyclists. They don’t understand how much space a cyclist needs to stay upright. They don’t realize how a car’s wind draft can destabilize a rider. And they often misinterpret a cyclist swerving as careless, when in reality, we may be dodging potholes, debris, or unexpected crosswinds. Driver’s Education Is Failing Cyclists Young drivers are taught how to parallel park and merge onto freeways. But few are ever taught how to share...

Why You Shouldn’t Hate Cyclists You’ve probably heard someone say it—or maybe even thought it yourself: “I hate cyclists.” But where does that frustration come from? What is it about cyclists that makes some drivers so angry? Let’s break down the common complaints, why they’re often unfair, and how a little understanding can go a long way in making the road safer for everyone. 🚦 Common Reasons People Dislike Cyclists Here are some common grievances: “They take up space on the road.” “They don’t follow the rules.” “They’re just trying to be difficult.” But are these frustrations really valid across the board? Or are we judging an entire group based on the actions of a few? 🤔 Why It’s Unfair to Hate Cyclists Cyclists are just as entitled to the road as any other vehicle. In many areas, it’s actually illegal for them to ride on sidewalks. They’re not trying to slow you down or annoy you—they’re just trying to get where they’re going, safely. And in many ways, they’re actuall...