JozeMozes: I had exactly the same reaction! This person needs to do some real soul searching...
And to 916WI: I am many things, but "clueless" be not one of 'em - LOL! Seriously, try re-reading some of the other comments on this page, and think about what has already been said. It sounds to me like you may have some anger issues or other unresolved personal problems which are clouding your outlook on life. Take care of yourself.

Woop! Woop! Woop!
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We have a winner of today's stupidiest comment award. 916WI congratulations:
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"Parked cars or kids running out from behind trees are not the responsibility of the drivers that are abiding by the speed limit."
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Man alive I pray you slam into the brick wall of common sense or drive over that bridge of no return with such a crappy attitude for others.

Give extra space to pedestrians and bicyclists, especially children. They can move into your path quickly and without warning. Do not share a lane with a pedestrian or bicyclist. Wait until it is safe to pass in the adjoining lane. Bicycles are vehicles, and are entitled to a full traffic lane. Give a bicycle at least three feet of room when you pass.
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http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/doc...

Don't be so clueless Dave......If the speed limit is 25, 99% of the people are going to be driving 25.....If it's 30, they're going to be driving 30....I'm definitely going to be in that 99 percentile. Parked cars or kids running out from behind trees are not the responsibility of the drivers that are abiding by the speed limit. My parents taught me to look both ways and be visible when crossing the street--it seems like a couple of you want to turn city streets into a play area for your children--That's really not a good idea:)

916WI: Like many people who shouldn't be in possession of a driver's license, you lack one important quality. And that is judgment. Sure it's okay to drive the speed limit when conditions warrant. But it's NOT okay when there are any of dozens of reasons: lots of parked cars, bad visibility, bikes, kids, a police officer on the side of the road. In fact, many states have had to pass laws specifically telling people to move over and/or slow down when you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. This law was passed for people who lack judgment and therefore need everything spelled out for them, after so many policeman and others were hit (or narrowly missed being hit) by cars.

916WI, There is nothing unreasonable with a family going on a damn bike ride down their street with no curb, gutter, sidewalk, trail or parking lot. It isn't a matter of being lazy and how quick you make ASSumptions.
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The speed is clearly marked 25, its residential and posted everywhere kids at play. With me on my bike following my daughter we have morons that refuse to slow down or contemplate being considerate. That is my issue. I have had vulgarities yelled at me by cowards in their cars or trucks while pushing a baby stroller. I suppose by your reasoning I cannot be on a residential street. Bah! Wake the Frack Up!
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I hope you do not fit the category but I do so despise others who feel it is their sole right in an automobile to be on a road unimpeded. If someone hits one of my kids they will understand dread like every good parent knows.
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What the hell is wrong with some of you.

I won't be running for government office... but I just feel that it is easier to live life easier if you breathe slowly, laugh when things are funny, and care a little more about the person next to you... even if you don't know them. The world is full of some crazy people I know, but 9 out of 10 times, even a smile from a stranger, can make my day brighter...

far be it from me to agree with Super Dave...BUT Good post!
Bikers have the right of way!

Superdave.....you're so right--I see so many people driving 10mph in a 30 mph residential zone--constantly scanning left and right just ready and waiting to slam on their brakes when that kid runs out into the middle of the street or the pedestrian jumps out from behind the tree......get real! Most people travel at or slightly above the speed limit. It's a fact of life--get used to it. The point of going off on this tangent was to say the last place that young children should be playing on their bikes is in the middle of a street. If you feel comfortable sending your kids out to play in the street, by all means, have at it:)

Chemical_6...the voice of reason. Interested in running for government office?

916WI...the only place there is a minimum speed limit is the interstate system.

etownguy...it is difficult to only use trails to commute, but I make the most of them for sure.

SuperDave...your right, we are smarter and better looking because we don't jiggle when we walk.

Flying_Monkeys...your right, different attitude for sure. Riding bike changes your perspective, makes you feel good.

Sooner or later we will all tire of feeding the 4000lb cars and 6000lb pickups. Think ahead, the petroleum will not last forever.

World population 1950: 2.5 billion

World population 2010 projected: 6.8 billion

World population 2050 projected: 9.1 billion

How DENSE can we get?

916WI: You said "If the speed limit is 30-35mph, cars have every right to do that and you have to expect that they're going to do that". No, they don't. The speed limit is the MAXIMUM speed that is allowed. You still have to open your eyes and be aware of pedestrians, bikes, motorcycles, kids playing ball, pets, etc. You do NOT have the "right" to mindlessly drive at the speed limit, regardless of everyone else.

JozeMoses--No perspective needed, friend. Even though you live on a "quiet residential street" you don't own it. If the speed limit is 30-35mph, cars have every right to do that and you have to expect that they're going to do that. I'm sorry, but regardless of where you're at, taking the training wheels off of a little kid's bike and then letting him go ride around in the street is a completely asinine idea.......Don't be lazy--take him to the park or the bike trails.......

I'm sure glad my better half rides every chance they get!! They are a totally different person when arriving home after a stressful day at work when they are on their bike!! Unless the brainless are trying to run them off the road!! Take an extra few seconds to see the rider's perspective, and IF you are a rider, make sure you are following the rules of the road too. It's pretty simple! And... NO... all trails do not lead into Jville from surrounding communities. How often do those little sedan's have to wait for a semi to shift??? Are you gonna try and make a point with THEM too? Stay safe all you bikers! And pray for riding in DECEMBER too!!

916WI, thank you for sharing your lack of parental insight. I live on a otherwise quiet residential street in Turtle Township where only an occasional moron feels that they alone own the road.
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Try lobbying all parents in my circumstance to take their children to a trail or park to ride their bike every time they want to. You need some perspective friend. I hope it isn't at the expense of a pedestrian.

chemical-6 nailed it right on the head. Thank you for some calm common sense.

Get a membership to a gym then join a spin class.

How would you bicyclist like it if someone in front of you was riding a bike at a quarter of the speed as you? You would probably get frustrated and want to pass.....right?

First thing's first, safety. Doesn't matter how much you stick up for your rights, a car/truck/motorcycle is much heavier than your tricked out "Armstrong-mobile". You may win a verbal debate, but not a physical one.

If you feel the need to ride a bike in this area.....do it off road on trails or you are risking your life.

By the way, I was wondering how that minimum speed is enforced as well.

Good for you Janesvillean. Hope you file a complaint for each license plate you jot down. It establishes a record which, when coupled with other complaints, substantiates a pattern of abusive, intimidation with a motor vehicle.
I had no idea there were nincompoops out there who:
1. Don't know basic rules of the road. Bikes/Cycles have equal rights to the road along with cars/trucks. That's been the rule for decades so don't understand why people stupidly assume otherwise.

2. Bullies getting sick jollies out of playing chicken. Guess calling about Prince Albert in a can got old for them and their mentality.

3. And my favorite....wah-wahing about waiting behind a biker before they can pass. What, like all of ten seconds? Or maybe, gasp, a whole minute? When was the last time you saw a skeleton in a car waiting to pass a biker? Like never so work on your childish lack of patience, it just reeks of self-centered entitlement. Unless you planned on doing doughnuts on the exact same piece of road the biker is occupying, wait to pass safely, do so, and be on your merry way. If you can't handle that, you probably should never have been given a driver's license.

And you bikers, when you see other bikers being stupid, TELL them the Driver's Manual applies to them too, particulary the part about not blowing through stops signs, or coming up beside me resting your hand on my car while you wait for the light to change.

I guess I am a little confused... Why do motorists get annoyed with people on bikes? That just seems weird to me to waste your emotional energy on something so miniscule. I see people riding their bikes all the time and I don't usually think anything of it. In fact I guess sometimes I smile thinking that they are probably out enjoying the weather like I would rather be doing.
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I think that some people need to just relax. Some people are in such a hurry to speed thru life and not stop to just enjoy the scenery and take things a little slower.
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If people drive defensively and just pay attention, this bike and car thing shouldn't be such an issue. Plus how lame is it to get pissed over someone else's mode of transportation or health equipment... seems pretty stupid to get mad at something so simple

bike trails in Janesville are not dedicated bicycle trails either. They are for walkers, runners, in line skaters, dog walkers etc. Many times they are wearing Ipods and can't hear "on your left". You tell me where a cyclist can go to train and maintain 18-22 MPH and not have to worry about taking out someone on the bike trail?
Long distance triathletes, and those that road bike race, need places to train on the road. So we do and we will continue. Please watch out for us as we will be watching out for you. For those that have never had the pleasure of riding 100+ miles on a bicycle in one day, you should.

Too funny Janesvillean! What exactly do you do with the license plate numbers that you take down? As far as the comparison the mentality of a frustrated driver caught behind a bicyclist doing 40 mph under the speed limit honking their horn, to the mentality of a rapist is absolutely laughable!!!!! Just keep taking your license plate pictures:)

As far as I am concerned, bikes ALWAYS have the right of way over cars. That bike in front of you is not "in your way", any more than a car in front of you is "in your way". (I know this goes against the primary thought process for some of you speed freaks).
And don't forget, bikers are saving you money on health insurance (by getting exercise and keeping health care costs down), gasoline (by using NONE and thereby reducing demand), road maintenance (by causing virtually no wear and tear to the roads).
Not to mention the fact that we are smarter and better-looking than non-bikers. Okay, that last comment was a bit over-the-top :O)
But I know some of you hate those of us who bike, just like some of you hate joggers, even when they're on the sidewalk and not affecting you. You know you should be doing more for your health, but it's easier to climb into the SUV and hit the drive-thru on the way to Wal-Mart. Maybe you should get that old bike out of the garage, put some air into the tires and try to ride around the block a time or two. Heck, you might even like it!

w8nc,
I assume cars won't follow the rules of the road as well. It's call defensive driving.

Well, you bike haters better know that this biker takes down license plates, and uses a cell phone camera when necessary.
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I've had all sorts of things yelled at me. I've had cars honk right as they pass. I've had things thrown at me. I've had -- and this happened just about 10 days ago -- cars see me on the OPPOSITE side of the road, rev their engines and cross the center line to pretend they're playing chicken. You learn to anticipate where you might need to ditch in these cases. Basically, it's a power game, the same kind of power game as rape and torture. It exhibits a vast number of people who are deficient in their personal equipment, if you ask me, and need to compensate.
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The law gives me the road. You'd best comply with the law. If you hit me, yeah, you are going to have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life, even if it's just me taking you for everything you thought you were going to leave to your kids.

Joze Moses......Any parent who lets their child ride on a city street after just removing the training wheels from their bike is 100x the idiot when compared to someone driving 35mph down that same street........Take the kid to the bike trail or one of the many parks in town........

Bigmike....There are over 25 miles of dedicated, paved bike trails just in Janesville, so you could probably start by going there.......After that, maybe the Sugar River Trail and then over to the Kettle Moraine.......

Drivers shouldn't have to assume that bikers aren't going to follow the law.

I don't have a problem sharing the roadway with bikers. I drive extremely cautiously around them and assume that they will not abide by the rules of the road. When they do I am pleasantly surprised. When they don't I'm driving safely enough to avoid killing them. We may have equal rights on the road but the bottom line is that my car is more likely to kill them than their bike is to kill me. That's something I don't want to have to live with whether I was in the right or not so I drive accordingly.

I'm fine with bikers using the road. However, they need to watch for cars as much as drivers of cars need to watch for them. They also need to obey the traffic laws as well... like stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic lights. I almost hit a biker when I was making a right turn, because I stopped at the stop sign and they didn't. I knew they were approaching behind me and I assmed they would stop for the same stop sign I was at. Unfortunately they did not. Fortunately, I did pay attention and was able to stop in time not to hit them. Funny thing is, they gave me a dirty look. Also, if there is a bike lane the biker needs to USE it. This weekend I saw some bikers driving on the sidewalk when there was an available and open bike lane. If you want to be a biker, you need to obey the laws and if you want to drive a car, you need to obey the laws as well.

So why don't you bike haters tell me where the bicyclists are supposed to go to be able to ride 75-100 mile rides on the weekends? We try to stay off busy roads where possible. We do our best to stay visible. The same people complain about spending money on the bike trail.
Bikes have the same right to the road as cars. Pay attention.

Wow some of you morons just don't get it. In your busy it is all about me life you have forgotten COURTESY.
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I see it all to often riding and driving Rock County roads.
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Idiots who park over a sidewalk forcing the children and myself into the road.
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Idiots who think that the bike lane is for passing left turning cars on the right.
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Idiots in cars who fail to realize that it takes 2 seconds to wait for oncoming traffic before passing a cyclist or pedestrian safely.
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Idiots driving in residential neighborhoods with no sidewalks or bike lanes who insist on doing 35 mph because it is all about them, blowing past your kid who just had her training wheels removed.
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By some of your admonishments I guess I should have purchased my home close to bike trails, bike lanes or sidewalks. Of course you are probably the same idiots that will whine when the city wants to increase your taxes to add that same infrastructure so you can OWN the road.
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This is one time that I am profoundly grateful for the lawmakers in Madison who author laws that protect some of us from those that think slowing down for people or construction workers is a waste of their time.
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You get jail and a lawsuit for a reason. True I don't get my kid back so I will see you when you get out in two years Mr/Mrs Important :O)

Correct brwe......It is an asinine law. It's a law that leads to situations exactly like this. You put a 50 pound bike up against a 3000 pound car which is traveling the same roads over 40 mph faster while telling them that they are "equal" in terms of their ownership of that road--is completely stupid and lacks any amount of common sense. If the bicyclist in his fancy little spandex suit with his flashy helmet could keep that thing at a constant 55-60mph they would have a case. I know people can be issued traffic tickets for going too far under the speed limit--are bicyclists exempt from these laws?

right, wrong, dead. you make the call

I am an just for fun bike rider and just participated in the MS Bike to the Bay, which is a 150 mile round trip ride. The "professional" teams that we rode with were very cautious and aware of vehicles around them. I wish I could say the same for some of the vehicles. We were "flipped off", honked at, yelled at, and pushed almost to the ditch. I think common courtesy is needed by both cars and bikes!! How do you feel in your car when a semi edges you over???!? Scary right!

cookiedough- Your line of thinking is akin to a (This part of the comment removed by Gazette staff)!

I ride as far right as possible to be courteous to the faster traffic.

I wish that motorized traffic would be courteous and at least keep their vehicle between the lines.

People operating heavy machinery at high speeds should not be dialing their cell phone, texting, putting on makeup, playing with their stereo, or reaching for a beer.

I'm going to start recording some of the things I witness and hand it over to the sheriffs dept...there are some seriously impaired drivers out there!

As the petroleum supply dwindles and gas prices increase, there will be increasing numbers of bicyclist, scooters, mopeds, and other slow moving traffic on the road.

Drivers need to pay attention to where they are and what their doing.

2-trains of thought here. The law is as been spelled out here by most of the posters--our legislators, in their infinite "wisdom", have decreed that bikes have the same rights as motorized vehicles. That doesn't change the fact that it's an asinine law!

whats funny is i live in this area and these bikers are CRAZY. They go in groups up and down hilly roads....no regard for traffic coming either way. I have almost hit a few myself.......just because there was a hill i couldn't see them. They need a bike trail out there or something. it is ridiculous. Now a 16 year old kid is scarred for life thinking he cost someone their life.

Sounds like Spikesmom needs to get a clue too! They think cyclists should cower in the gutter because they are too important to have to yield for anyone.

cookiedough....learn, before you hit a cyclist and you going to court for mansaughter charges. They have just as much right being on the road as you.

cookiedough - be prepared for all the bashing you are about to receive. I was posting on the sidewalk story about pedestrians that don't have enought common sense to actually walk on the sidewalk, if one is available, instead of the road and taking up a large portion of it as well, sometimes impeding car traffic. People have been ripping me a new one ever since. Bicyclists and pedestrians may be entitled to the roadway along with motor vehicles, but it's still easier for the bike riders and the walkers to get out of the way and give motorists more room. Common sense? Yes. Do people want to hear it? No.

Get a clue cookiedough. It is up to the cars to slow for bikes and safely pass them. The WI DOT say they have the right to be on the road and should NOT ride at the edge. They don't have to go to the right of the white line as you say. Would you like big trucks to shove you to the edge because your smaller? Instead of eating cookie dough, maybe read some rules of the road info posted by the WI DOT.

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehi...

Wow
cookiedough, you have ZERO clue. Probably same goes in life.
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Are you honestly that dumb? Astounding.

cookiedough...Where did you learn the rules of the road? For your review, I am providing you with a link to learn the "Rules Of The Road", so maybe you will not endanger, nor be such a traffic bully, to the cyclists. The bicyclists actually own the whole lane, the same as your car. Whew, you scare me! http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehi...

sorry to hear for the loss. My sympathies go out to the family and friends. I'm sorry to say, but it probably was an unfortunate accident that surprises me it does not happen more often. I frequently travel PD from Belleville/New Glarus to Paoli and see several 100 bicyclists riding the side of the rural road daily. Some even hug the white line and do NOT get over another 1-2 feet closer to the gravel and even drive side by side. I am NOT going to slow down or speed up if there is an oncoming car coming my way since it is the bicyclists duty to get over to the right of the white line instead of to the left or even on the white line on the side of the road. I frequently blare the horn in advance of them if they are over too far to get hit. I wish the govt. would outlaw bicyclist in large groups like this on rural roads since they do not belong there and are very lucky more deaths do not occur. I for one riding a bike with a car going 60 mph by me 2 feet away is not very comforting. I have a few times just outside of town 1/2 mile or less road the rural roads and if a car is coming from behind me, I slow DOWN really slow and get in the gravel or very close the edge of the gravel to not get hit. Common sense, but the bicyclists I see on PD are in it for speed and such and are lucky more deaths do not happen. Sorry to say, but true.