Dealing with bike-lane blockers in Toronto

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  • Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
  • Hey folks! Thanks for checking out this video. It has really taken off recently, and I appreciate all the views likes and comments. Note, I have a NEW channel with more of this kind of content over at:
    bit.ly/3jWvGmU
    Come on over there and check it out!
    *********
    In this Sept. 24, 2020, ride I took Toronto's then-new Bloor and Danforth bike lanes from Dundas West to Woodbine, and had some hair-raising moments with lane-blockers, pedestrians and trying to pass slower cyclists.
    This is kind of an update to my first Bloor-Danforth lanes video in late August:
    • Dodging ebikes on the ...
    I'm really stoked about these protected bike lanes that now ALMOST extend from Scarborough to Bloor West Village. But there are some challenges for cyclists, due to the design and the behaviour of motorists and others.
    Strava Record: / strava

КОМЕНТАРІ • 743

  • @benfsinger
    @benfsinger  3 роки тому +46

    Hi folks, thanks so much for all the interest and comments on this video! I appreciate the opinions, even if I disagree with some of your takes. Bike and bike lanes surely seem to be one of the more divisive issues around road use and road safety in general. Also, I have a newer channel with more and better bike ride content. If you are interested check out: ua-cam.com/channels/Oe0SXg_eWh0W_dYnbmHDIQ.html

    • @jawoo2228
      @jawoo2228 3 роки тому +5

      you didn't actually "deal with" bike lane blockers, you just whined a lot

    • @robertosanchez8793
      @robertosanchez8793 2 роки тому +3

      It's a automobile world. You take your life in your own hands. Also, you're not following all the rules of the road yourself so...

    • @trentdabs5245
      @trentdabs5245 2 роки тому

      Just ride on the road it's easier
      Vancouver is the same way

    • @bochog7587
      @bochog7587 2 роки тому

      @@robertosanchez8793 true 😆

    • @FUGP72
      @FUGP72 2 роки тому

      Always fun to see assholes like this post something the theythink will get positive comments of people expressing sympathy for what they have to go though, but quickly finding out that like every other aspect of your life, you are AL ALONE in this. Again...like every other career, you are failing badly at this UA-cam attempt.

  • @Jeff_P-1988
    @Jeff_P-1988 3 роки тому +354

    As a Dutchman, all I can say is crap infrastructure provokes crap driving.
    Good Infrastructure is designed in such a way that all forms of traffic can coexist happily.
    The one in the video appears to be designed in such a way that it's not only easy but sometimes even necessary to inconvenience one and other.

    • @liokin229
      @liokin229 3 роки тому +12

      I have no idea why our roads are like this. I'm hoping to take an internship or maybe even work in Amsterdam to try to learn from the best so I can try to make my home a better place.

    • @Robertahausen
      @Robertahausen 3 роки тому +1

      sir, you are absolutely correct...

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      IN CANADA, VELOCITIZED DRIVERS TERRORIZE CYCLISTS. CYCLISTS DON'T WANNA KNOW.

    • @paxundpeace9970
      @paxundpeace9970 3 роки тому

      Sure you no not just bikes and bicycle dutch

    • @BMarie774
      @BMarie774 2 роки тому +1

      Yeah other countries are a culture shock in that way. Like Denmark for a example lol. A fluid means of transportation…? What?! No! Certainly that’s not possible.

  • @chokhou
    @chokhou 2 роки тому +125

    I just cycled 100km thru the city today and I have to say that taking your time will reduce the chances of an accident. I experienced all the same situations you did and patience made my ride enjoyable.

    • @moreseun
      @moreseun 2 роки тому +7

      yes it definitely pays to pick your spots for speeding and realizing that riding in most dense places in the city requires patience :)

    • @arbiter8246
      @arbiter8246 2 роки тому

      @@moreseun just throw your ego out the window

    • @two-sense
      @two-sense Рік тому

      That's because you're not an a-hole like this guy.

    • @gaelicd8328
      @gaelicd8328 Рік тому

      At least you guys admit to speeding. Let's be fair and in that regard cycling was designed for recreation, getting from A to B at leisure. What we're seeing from many today is full blown racing speeds designed for speed tacks with absolute disregard for other users.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  11 місяців тому +2

      Wow, bravo on your long ride! It must have taken some time if you were going that slow. I have places to go, and people to see. I'm out here trying to stay alive and live my life, not have leisurely rides. So I don't really need you to tell me how to ride. I have never had an accident, with one exception that was caused by a bike failure, but you do you my friend!

  • @denali637
    @denali637 2 роки тому +137

    I'm about halfway with you on this. It looks like some higher-speed bike infrastructure might be nice in some parts, but the reality of good urban cycling infrastructure - like good urban car infrastructure - is that it is *not* particularly high speed. On city streets in the world's most bicycle-friendly cities averaging 10-12mph is about all you could hope for.
    Which is fine, because you probably don't want to show up for work sweating buckets after riding 20mph for half an hour or more...

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  2 роки тому +33

      That's interesting, thanks. For the record I was rarely, if ever, doing anywhere near 20 mph in this video. Not sure what speed it looks like I'm going, though the GoPro wide angle might make it look faster. I probably aim for about 20 kph (around 15 mph) on city streets. I go faster if I can and want to, but the point is when a car or other obstruction pulls out and blocks a cyclist, it doesn't really matter whether you're going 10 or 20. The point is the design should discourage it and the driver culture should get smarter.

    • @xWink
      @xWink 2 роки тому +7

      This is completely untrue, Vancouver is the most bike friendly city in Canada and I average 30+ km/h on most bike lanes, with some even being safe at 60 km/h.

    • @neddyseagoon9601
      @neddyseagoon9601 2 роки тому +7

      @@benfsinger you know that 15mph is about seven times faster than walking, right? Did I see you use the pavement somewhere?
      The commenter wanted even faster cycling infrastructure. Why not the same for cars and trucks?
      You constantly observed problems during your ride which was great, but unlike when driving a not much quicker in traffic, car, how often did you stop pedalling and racing toward them orincrease risks by swerving around them without slowing down?

    • @johanwittens7712
      @johanwittens7712 2 роки тому +37

      @@xWink if you're biking at 60km/h, you're not commuting, you're racing. Even in the Netherlands people would call you a nutjob that needs to get off the bike lane since you're endangering every other normal bike commuter at that speed.

    • @xWink
      @xWink 2 роки тому +4

      @@johanwittens7712 some of our bike lanes are car lanes blocked off solely for bike/pev usage, so higher speeds are completely reasonable and there is tons of passing distance.

  • @muyaho420
    @muyaho420 3 роки тому +139

    This video demonstrates so well what it's like to bike in Toronto and how NOT to design bike lanes.

    • @LACKanime
      @LACKanime 3 роки тому +3

      In America bike lanes are a luxury

    • @Robertahausen
      @Robertahausen 3 роки тому

      don't see this guy running for office so who care what he thinks...or you....

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      DO YOU STOP AT STOPS SIGNS, jYL?

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      @@LACKanime DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS, LACK?

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      @@Robertahausen DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS, SS? I WANNA KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO CHAT. KIDS NEED TO SEE LAW-ABIDING ADULTS BUT DON'T.

  • @crimson177
    @crimson177 2 роки тому +33

    This is why I end up ignoring the bike lanes in London half the time. It is dangerous to keep going re-joining traffic like that.

    • @moreseun
      @moreseun 2 роки тому

      exactly right!

  • @deleuze369
    @deleuze369 3 роки тому +34

    It’s true they are far from perfect but honestly a welcome improvement. Going slower when you are in a shared bike with riders of different skill levels and experience may prevent you crashing into a slower commuter . High park , the Don or Humber accommodate faster speeds and have space to maneuver .

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +3

      Thanks for the comment! I agree, I am happy about the lanes too. Caution is required, though I always try to give a wide berth to slower riders. Just curious how this video came to you because it's taken off in the past week, and I'm not sure why! I actually have a newer channel at bit.ly/3jWvGmU if you care to check it out! Tx!

    • @deleuze369
      @deleuze369 3 роки тому

      @@benfsinger it popped up in my feed tonight actually . Will check your other out . Be safe

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      CYCLIST WEAR EAR BUDS AND CAN'T HEAR BELLS SIGNALING PASSING.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      @@deleuze369 DO YOU HAVE TIME DO TALK? DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS, MITCH?

  • @johnkimball5872
    @johnkimball5872 3 роки тому +38

    They aren't blocking the way your just going alot faster

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +8

      The cars? When they are blocking a bike lane, it doesn't matter how fast a bike is going. They are blocking it. #science

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      THEY WEAR EAR BUDS AND CAN'T HEAR HIS LITTLE BELL, JOHN.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      @@benfsinger DEFLATE THE TIRES, MR MONTY PYTHON.

    • @johnkimball5872
      @johnkimball5872 3 роки тому

      @@martinkent333 yes

    • @johnkimball5872
      @johnkimball5872 3 роки тому

      @@benfsinger oh yeah you are correct.

  • @brucebenson5908
    @brucebenson5908 2 роки тому +25

    He never told us what his emergency was that caused him to speed through the bike lanes.

    • @Chasam93
      @Chasam93 2 роки тому

      He wasn't using the fastest gear and he had already paid for it. It is clearly an emergency... And he is a dbag

    • @KekusMagnus
      @KekusMagnus 2 роки тому

      only an entitled car driver who has never commuted by bike would think he is "speeding"

    • @brucebenson5908
      @brucebenson5908 2 роки тому +1

      @@KekusMagnus Actually I have lived in Bologna for several years, commuting daily within the city center on my bike. This guy is in some great rush, making things less pleasant for others. Just watch him. Just listen to him. The problem with the Net is silly comments like this one from people who are mean-spirited.

  • @duckicanuck
    @duckicanuck 4 роки тому +55

    Argh where that cyclist cut off the pedestrian!! That intersection is horrible for it. Three cyclists did the same last week and actually made a poor women twirl on the spot as they went both sides of her & fast. Just bad manners & dangerous.

    • @ejungleska
      @ejungleska 3 роки тому +5

      the cyclists around U of T are horrible, especially by Varsity Stadium and that Tim's. Absolutely no respect for pedestrians. The guy who posted the video seems to be a decent guy, but he's far in the minority.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +17

      Why thanks. I do my best! There are poor cyclists out there for sure. It's not cool. At the same time I try to keep in mind that even a terrible cyclist is unlikely to cause serious injury or death to anyone other than themselves. Better etiquette will come with more normalization of cycling as a mode of safe transport. Until then, while cyclist are considered part of some "fringe" and feel unsafe and marginalized on the road, bad behaviour will be more common.

    • @andy-the-gardener
      @andy-the-gardener 3 роки тому +1

      made her twirl on the spot. like on a cartoon lol

    • @Pandastico0
      @Pandastico0 3 роки тому +3

      he didnt cut off anyone lol, he passed like 3s before and wait for the pedestrian at the next crossing to cross. yea he shouldn't cross a red but he didn't endanger anyone. On lights like this, if there are no pedestrians crossing I usually go aswell bcos there's 0 danger to it and imo even safer than stopping

    • @Robertahausen
      @Robertahausen 3 роки тому +1

      carry around a stick and put it in the wheels... they slow down

  • @juanvalencia2323
    @juanvalencia2323 2 роки тому +14

    You should follow the bike path all the time, in zig zag you will get an accident soon. Just be patient and follow the line.

    • @drivers99
      @drivers99 2 роки тому +5

      I don’t know man, going left of right turning traffic seems better than getting run over

  • @GilesWendes
    @GilesWendes 3 роки тому +12

    Those lanes are so thin! They didn't expect them to be used?

    • @will_rides_bikes
      @will_rides_bikes 2 роки тому +1

      There is no room at all to pass, even if the slow cyclist sticks to the right as close as they can. I've ridden these lanes a few times and find it safer to ride with traffic if it's moving.

  • @robp1316
    @robp1316 3 роки тому +11

    In some places the cars had no choice but to be blocking the cycle lane whilst they waited to see if it was safe to proceed out of the side road or carpark etc. Do cyclists not have to stop when crossing a side road that isn't controlled by traffic lights?

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +9

      That wouldn't make any sense, as travelling on a major road you cross dozens if not hundreds of side roads. Some have signals, and there I stop. Cars turning out from the side roads have the obligation to see if it's safe to turn without obstructing lanes, bike or otherwise. It can be tricky at times due to parked vehicles, and we should be understanding, but for the most part car drivers pay little attention to cyclists and pull out, cutting us off in the process. When one SUV edged out and blocked the bike lane, I urged him to go ahead, because I could see the road was clear.. It might sound "rude" but there is no other way to communicate when on a bike and dealing with closed-windowed, oversized vehicles.

    • @rogerwelyki1370
      @rogerwelyki1370 3 роки тому +6

      I noticed that you zip in and out of your bike lane very quickly and I really really doubt that you use any hand signals at all. Unfortunately, you seem to be one of the self entitled people that because you ride a bike you deserve to go unimpeded anyway you want. Unfortunately there are other people that live and drive in the same areas and you need to be aware of them because you were the one that’s going to die if you get hit

    • @rickwalker7900
      @rickwalker7900 3 роки тому +1

      @@rogerwelyki1370 wtf what kind of shit you pulling

  • @sweeney7050
    @sweeney7050 2 роки тому +5

    Bike lanes are great until there are knobs like you bombing around, you dont see the dutch riding like you in a city, you'll bring speed limits and more restriction to the lanes.

  • @mil3ston3s
    @mil3ston3s 2 роки тому +6

    I can’t tell if I’m adding years onto my life by cycling, or taking them off because of frustrations like the ones in this vid.

  • @LinhVu-jt5di
    @LinhVu-jt5di 16 днів тому

    I am in san jose california. I cycle a lot daily. I commute. They have expressway 45-50mph. I love it. I dont have to deal with pedestrians pets, other cyclists (rarely), parked cars, bike lanes, protected bike lanes, etc. I only have to deal with one thing: fast moving cars, in and out of freeway overpass or underpass (they call it on ramp and off ramp). Do you have any solutions to on ramp off ramp situations? I can ride minimum 15mph max 20mph flat surface on these expressways. These expressways have few traffic lights.

  • @M3ntalbug
    @M3ntalbug 3 роки тому +13

    2:55 "I assume I don't have to tell you you're blocking the bike lane, right?" I like how you phrased that 😁👍

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      DEFLATE THE TIRES.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      Dude, do you stop at stop signs? Do you have time to chat?

    • @fe7kh
      @fe7kh 2 роки тому

      Its a car centric city w Uber delivery. Wtf do you want? Have you ever ordered delivery?
      Its not: youre blocking the bike lane.
      Its: let's share the space.
      Pyscho

    • @cmmartti
      @cmmartti 2 роки тому

      @@fe7kh Have you ever ridden a bike in Toronto? The laws are quite clear: it is illegal to drive, stop, or park in a bike lane.

    • @fe7kh
      @fe7kh 2 роки тому

      @@cmmartti share the road and go around. It's also illegal to blow thru stop signs and red lights yet cyclist do all the time.
      No one is parking their delivery truck far away, to delivery the food to your favorite restaurants.
      Until the city plans better, just have to share.

  • @bokhans
    @bokhans 3 роки тому +48

    Why do bikers think they should be able to ride uninterrupted? If I drive a car I sometimes end up behind other cars and I don’t start honking my horn and start screaming screaming. fing rude this guy. Yes I am a biker myself have done some really long rides, 4670 km and 5200 km so I think I know what I am talking about.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +17

      Congrats on your long rides. Very impressive. I don't have an expectation to ride uninterrupted, but I do have an expectation that cars don't cut me off of illegally park or drive in bike lanes. I hope that helps!

    • @kaycee557
      @kaycee557 3 роки тому +4

      @@benfsinger You think you have the right of way over pedestrians, too. What gave you that notion?

    • @sebastiand1816
      @sebastiand1816 3 роки тому +4

      @@kaycee557 Because its dangerous? You also don't just cross the road when a car is going to hit you or would have to slam the breaks.

    • @kaycee557
      @kaycee557 3 роки тому

      @@sebastiand1816 Pay attention. I didn't say that.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      Get-there-it-is effects pilots and city slicker Karen cyclists, Hans. Wiki it. It is a big part of road rage, along with velocitized drivers terrorizing cyclists.

  • @zaranski1889
    @zaranski1889 11 місяців тому +1

    Unfortunately, the North America never solve the problem of the bad bicycle infraestructure. A good bicycle infraestructure is way more than just painting the street with green.

  • @davidbarts6144
    @davidbarts6144 2 роки тому +6

    Sounds like you need to adapt a 6-volt automotive horn to your bicycle (or just purchase one of the ready-made such solutions out there).

  • @hippoeug
    @hippoeug 3 роки тому +8

    I think you could be more forgiving. I’m not saying you’re in the wrong, but for example cars edging out.
    They might have been stuck there for a long time and just need to eventually edge more and more into the traffic, inadvertently getting into the bike lane.
    I’m from a country where there isn’t much bike lanes, so I’m not sure either. Just my opinion

    • @thebrooklyntc
      @thebrooklyntc 3 роки тому

      If you think this guy could be more forgiving you should check out Zero Enigma on UA-cam. Don’t even want to imagine what your comments would be like on his videos hahaha

    • @girshin
      @girshin 3 роки тому +1

      You have to edge to see what’s coming. Often you’ll see an opening, move up and a car pops out from behind an obstacle and then you have to stop and end up in a bike or pedestrian lane.

    • @heroslippy6666
      @heroslippy6666 2 роки тому +3

      @@girshin If you have to edge into bike lanes and sidewalks, then the streets are designed poorly. Visibility should good enough to be behind the crosswalk.

    • @stinkyham9050
      @stinkyham9050 2 роки тому

      @@heroslippy6666 That's nice, so what do you think us drivers should do? Maybe we could get out of our vehicles and start building a new road right then and there just for us. We have to edge out or we can't see what's coming including a cyclist.

    • @heroslippy6666
      @heroslippy6666 2 роки тому

      @@stinkyham9050 Complain to your city that the roads are poorly designed. Parts of the world have road safety figured out. The US is stuck in a mindset thinking that car accidents are a part of life and that nothing can be done. Places in Europe have gotten this figured out decades ago. Roads can be built safer. Visibility can be improved around corners. Physical obstruction may have to be removed, but it can be done.

  • @cycleyyz
    @cycleyyz 4 роки тому +15

    Our protected bike lanes don't really facilitate efficient traversal. Proof is in how often you had to leave them/how many obstacles there were.
    I personally avoid cycling on Bloor/Danforth and leave it to the less confident. They will have a better experience if im not there too.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  4 роки тому +4

      Yeah for sure. I totally get your take. I also don't use them that much, but it's hard to find a more convenient east-west route across downtown!

    • @cycleyyz
      @cycleyyz 4 роки тому +2

      @@benfsinger I use Dupont/Davenport west of the Don. Dundas (getting worse) or Cosburn east of it. Yes, it can be out of the way, but its faster since you don't need to slow down as much.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  4 роки тому +1

      ​@@cycleyyz you'd have to be pretty fast to make it worthwhile for most of my rides! But I know you are! Also, Dundas is being closed for all of October at Howard Park, so that's gonna make things fun!

    • @SuperJoeaverage
      @SuperJoeaverage 4 роки тому +1

      @@cycleyyz good choices. I have used milverton going east and found it to be a great ride.

    • @cycleyyz
      @cycleyyz 4 роки тому +1

      @@SuperJoeaverage except that there are no lights across each major intersection - bit of a pain. Mortimer is OK.

  • @da.j.9096
    @da.j.9096 2 роки тому +7

    Most people will be too passive or shy to call out a driver in the bike lane. I say if this guy wants to do it, he probably speaks for many frustrated cyclists and will hopefully help correct some of that behaviour to avoid future accidents. All fun and games until someone gets killed.

  • @matthewgibbs6886
    @matthewgibbs6886 2 роки тому +2

    did you win the race

  • @MisterJZ
    @MisterJZ 2 роки тому +27

    Riding that fast in the city and along a bike lane shared by different levels and types of cyclists is reckless.

    • @adammacer
      @adammacer 2 роки тому +7

      Right? It's not your personal race track..

    • @blake-gl4wn
      @blake-gl4wn 2 роки тому +6

      He should just stay in the “car lane” i reckon.

    • @matthewgrice5411
      @matthewgrice5411 2 роки тому +6

      So bike commuting should just be illegal? Maybe like he is trying to show better and more infrastructure is needed. 15 MPH is not reckless!

    • @MisterJZ
      @MisterJZ 2 роки тому +5

      @@matthewgrice5411 Not at all. Calling for much needed infrastructure improvement is great but what is not good and reckless is going 15mph on infrastructure that cant accommodate that speed, creating a dangerous situation for other cyclists and himself. Hope you understand.

    • @garyboyle695
      @garyboyle695 2 роки тому +1

      @@MisterJZ 15 miles an hour is not fast, how fast do you think he should be going, as fast as the slowest person so there is no overtaking?

  • @DeclanCW
    @DeclanCW 2 роки тому +4

    @1:28, the car didn't cut you off, it was making a left turn as the green was ending to clear the intersection. However, all the more reason we need fully separate bike infrastructure, Toronto is so bad, forcing bikes to contend with cars as a second class form of transit on the same road network.

  • @Joseph_-jf4hn
    @Joseph_-jf4hn 3 роки тому +34

    I feel for the bikers when people block the lane, but like what happened in the video I can’t stand those bikers that run the lights or almost hit pedestrians crossing the crosswalk on a light

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +10

      Agreed, both are bad. I would say though that the chances of those cyclists actually killing someone are very low to nil. I've heard of it but it's extremely rare. Cars are much deadlier. It's just physics, but I don't condone rude or dangerous cycling either!

    • @davidjones-vx9ju
      @davidjones-vx9ju 3 роки тому

      @@benfsinger someone standing in the bike lane is not going to kill anyone

    • @nostalgia815
      @nostalgia815 3 роки тому +4

      I can't stand cyclists who don't stick to the cycle lane.

    • @shadowgarr7649
      @shadowgarr7649 3 роки тому +6

      @@nostalgia815 But you're ok with folks blocking or driving in bike lanes?

    • @nostalgia815
      @nostalgia815 3 роки тому +2

      @@shadowgarr7649 Is that what I said?

  • @papasitoman
    @papasitoman 2 роки тому +9

    Splitting lanes, weaving in and out of bike lane then regular traffic lane, speeding past people who are moving to “slow” for you then having the gall to get angry at practically everyone else on the road-pedestrian or motorist or biker. Great job, mate!!

    • @ropeysubstance1719
      @ropeysubstance1719 2 роки тому

      you're mad at a cyclist for splitting lanes? are you unable to steer your car and maintain a straight line or something?

    • @MervynPartin
      @MervynPartin 2 роки тому +2

      Your comment is spot on. I was about to add a similar comment, but you beat me to it. This typical behaviour of an entitled cyclist is an accident waiting to happen.

    • @KekusMagnus
      @KekusMagnus 2 роки тому +1

      @@MervynPartin entitled car users have all the road to themselves and still manage to blame cyclists

  • @jsmariani4180
    @jsmariani4180 2 роки тому +12

    I used to be a city bicyclist, and somehow lived through the period. Way too dangerous. Now, if I ride in the city at all, it's a mile or two on back streets or alleys.

    • @mabriff
      @mabriff 2 роки тому +2

      I used to commute by bike in Boston between '99-'13, long before there was a single bike lane in the city. I got doored about 4-5 times, and went over the hood of a turning car twice. But luckily no serious injuries during that period. I have no idea how I survived lol.

  • @lettyzane2720
    @lettyzane2720 3 роки тому +27

    Dear lord
    This is the most stressful commute ever

    • @neon_tom
      @neon_tom 2 роки тому

      It's not really a commute, the video is a collection of different major bike lanes across the city. If one were commuting in Toronto I would recommend taking side streets and staying off main roads as much as possible.

    • @traviskitteh
      @traviskitteh 2 роки тому +1

      You think this is bad, try Chicago's Old Town district at 3pm. You can't even use the bike lanes due to the swarm of uber drivers clogging the lanes while waiting for their pickup. Also, pedestrians trying to reach those ubers fling themselves into traffic.

  • @CrazyDingoMan1
    @CrazyDingoMan1 2 роки тому +3

    I would say 4:31 is kind of a lose lose situation. If the car had stopped further to the right it would have blocked the sidewalk, and if it had stopped any further yet to the right, the driver wouldn't have been able to see oncoming traffic well enough, thus potentially resulting in the white car getting t-boned by another car. Point being it looks like a shit spot to have to pull out of.

  • @godlivinginhere
    @godlivinginhere 2 роки тому +2

    no speed limit in the bicycle lane? seem so fast..........

  • @bmorepanic
    @bmorepanic 2 роки тому +21

    Poor designs, but also poor behavior on the part of the cyclist towards pedestrians.

    • @diffened
      @diffened 2 роки тому

      bmorepanic, yeah, he treated that space as his own personal and don't dare cross it or go slow. Forced that old lady off her bike and onto the kerb. In cases where bit suited him, he swerved out into the road to pass but in that case it was "get the eff out of the way, I'm coming through regardless." In many cases he really came across as an arsehole.

    • @stinkyham9050
      @stinkyham9050 2 роки тому

      This guy is the quintessential cyclist that feels superior to all others and ignores the rules while get pissed off at people for ignoring the rules.

  • @1skepticme
    @1skepticme 2 роки тому +10

    How selfish of the entire world not to get out of your way, and allow you completely unfettered access at all times.

    • @two-sense
      @two-sense Рік тому

      Yes, I think we should all stop what we are doing, and dedicate the rest of our lives to making this guy happy.

    • @raccoonman6358
      @raccoonman6358 Рік тому +1

      How would you like it if I made a semi truck block an entire interstate? You’re so selfish if you dont want me to do that, I need to park somewhere!

  • @portugueseloveconnection
    @portugueseloveconnection 2 роки тому +5

    I ride Bloor everyday. got to the point of adding a air horn to my bike. bells are underrated for city riding

  • @whitecloudmountainminnowpr6353
    @whitecloudmountainminnowpr6353 2 роки тому +6

    I don't get why you feel like noone is allowed to get in your way .

  • @wsbygt
    @wsbygt 2 роки тому +7

    Hey dont be an idiot and respect the rules like stoping at red lights. Dont give roadies a bad rep.
    Cheers and ride safe!

    • @blooptastic
      @blooptastic 2 роки тому +5

      The problem with that is the rules often don't consider anything that's not a car even as an afterthought.
      Where I live, there are plenty of stop signs in places where you'd only ever stop a bike if you have a death wish, and red lights that will happily stay red all day if there isn't a car in front of them. I routinely *have* to run red lights even on my motorcycle because I literally couldn't get anywhere otherwise.
      If everyone should follow the rules, the rules need to work for everyone.

    • @wsbygt
      @wsbygt 2 роки тому

      @@blooptastic That´s not my reality and does not make any sense to me. Honestly, where do you live?

    • @blooptastic
      @blooptastic 2 роки тому +1

      To be clear, not making excuses for the guy in the video. He should've stopped for the pedestrian!

    • @wsbygt
      @wsbygt 2 роки тому

      @@blooptastic Thats all I´m saying man. If it was me crossing the street would pissed off with this idiot. Imagine having a crash with your beloved bike because some idiot is busy yelling at others with total disregard about traffic? I do talk and confront drivers but I live by example too.

    • @goldenking2046
      @goldenking2046 2 роки тому +1

      @@wsbygt anywhere in america that isn't a city

  • @trevcam6892
    @trevcam6892 2 роки тому +4

    Have you ever thought that vehicles often cannot see if it's safe to pull out from a side road without having to pull on to the bike lane?
    If I'm driving and a pedestrian is on a collision course with me do I just keep up the same speed and to hell with the paperwork? No, I slow down and take evasive action. Don't bicycles have brakes these days?
    Priorities in order of merit:
    1 Pedestrians
    2 Bicycles
    3 Motor vehicles

    • @heroslippy6666
      @heroslippy6666 2 роки тому

      A strode is poorly designed if you have to be in the bike lane/ cross walk to see around the corner.
      Some places will even require certain amounts of visibility around corners.

  • @greyguy.960
    @greyguy.960 2 роки тому +1

    Has anyone opened a car door to you yet? As in leeds Britain they don't all the time.
    It's becoming Saver to ride in traffic than riding the cycle lane. Plus pedestrians into it all the time.

  • @littleripper312
    @littleripper312 2 роки тому +1

    Love seeing parents out biking with their kids on the back, always makes me happy to see that.

  • @viktorasandritsos573
    @viktorasandritsos573 2 роки тому +5

    1:28 same thing happened to me today, almost got very seriously injured. This video shows exactly what I hate about the Toronto bike lanes. I think Yonge street should be converted into one big bike lane

  • @antiwhatever5391
    @antiwhatever5391 2 роки тому +1

    Our issue here is the bike lines being directly to the LEFT of parked cars…I can’t even hardly utilize the lane without fear of someone just pulling out or my ass getting doored haha but if I ride in the car lane…I get yelled at…

  • @nealrobinson7054
    @nealrobinson7054 3 роки тому +10

    I am plagued with people opening Dar doors, I got shunted twice last week.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +3

      It is never ending. I've learned to give them a wide berth, but still get caught at times. Check out my newer channel here: bit.ly/3jWvGmU

    • @daifromwales9543
      @daifromwales9543 3 роки тому +3

      Really? It happened to me once in pouring rain after 20 years cycle commuting in London (England).

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      THAT YELLOW VEST IS UNSIGHTLY, BUT SAVES YOUR ASS. I THOUGHT FOLKS WITH KEYS ON A CHAIN TO THEIR PANTS WERE SIMPLE, UNTIL I LEFT MY KEYS IN THE DOOR MULTIPLE TIMES.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      @@benfsinger THAT YELLOW VEST MAKES CYCLISTS SEEN, BUT CYCLISTS PREFER BLACK CLOTHES, FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON PEDESTRIANS WEAR DARK CLOTHES AT NIGHT. PLAIN SUICIDAL. ONE CLOSE CALL CURED ME FAST.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      @@daifromwales9543 HERE IN CANADA, CYCLING FOLKS WEAR DARK CLOTHES AND BLOW STOP SIGNS. THE DRIVER PARKED NEAR A CORNER, LOOKS AND SEES NO CYCLIST. THEN THE CYLIST BLOWS A STOP SIGN AT HIGH SPEED AND COMES INTO DOORING RANGE IN ONE HALF A SECOND. CARS NEAR CORNERS NEED TIME TO REACT. IF THE CYCLISTS STOPPED, THE VELOCITY IS SLOWER AND EASIER TO SPOT. BLIND SPOTS LIKE CORNERS ARE NOTORIOUS FOR DOORING. CYCLISTS WHO GET DOORED ARE RARELY VISIBLE. THE DRIVERS WEAR SUNGLASSES. OK DAIF?

  • @freddiekb1004
    @freddiekb1004 2 роки тому +1

    Do you think delivery drivers (and other workmen for that matter) are at fault when parking/stopping in the bike lane? Do you think they shouldn't?

    • @axelnils
      @axelnils 2 роки тому +1

      The streber should be designed in such a way that it is more convenient NOT to stop in the bike lane. In the meantime, park on a side street or alleyway if there’s one within a a couple hundred feet or so.

    • @hendman4083
      @hendman4083 2 роки тому

      Just because you make deliveries, does not mean traffic laws don't apply to you.

    • @freddiekb1004
      @freddiekb1004 2 роки тому

      @@hendman4083 Fair response. What do you suppose delivery drivers should do in those situations?

    • @ultrablue7018
      @ultrablue7018 2 роки тому

      @@hendman4083 I've worked as a delivery driver in an urban environment it's very hard you need to meet certain standards of x amount of packets per hour and driving around finding a parking space wouldn't work. I know it might be annoying but being a delivery driver can be very tough. Often you literally don't have a choice. Urban city design needs to think more for delivery drivers it's just gonna be increasing drivers are not at fault. It's the company and city design

    • @hendman4083
      @hendman4083 2 роки тому

      @@ultrablue7018 It still doesn't mean traffic laws don't apply to you. You cannot pick what law is convenient for you, and what law isn't.
      When delivery drivers start breaking the law to meet their quotum, their employers will never get the message that the set goals are impossible to reach.

  • @outbackwack368
    @outbackwack368 2 роки тому +2

    Remember, pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way, not self-righteous asshole bikers. And yes, I ride 100+ miles a week.

  • @batmscot6149
    @batmscot6149 2 роки тому +16

    I wish more people would do this rather than just moaning .Your being helpful and it's possible someone might listen and learn something .Thanks from the islands in the hebrides in Scotland .

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  2 роки тому +1

      Hey I appreciate that! I've gotten so much hate from this video (though more views than I ever do). I wonder why it's gone so much to the UK, as I live in Canada and have never biked over there. Love to some time though, Cheers from here!

  • @matthewgrice5411
    @matthewgrice5411 2 роки тому +11

    So jealous of the little infrastructure you all have, we have less in most places in the US.

    • @rafangille
      @rafangille 2 роки тому

      i’m in san diego and we’ve recently added lots of similar infrastructure

  • @jasonb6860
    @jasonb6860 3 роки тому +6

    If you're cycling in a city with bike lanes, one thing you have no right to complain about is slower cyclists. Commuters need to get places without being drenched in sweat. Heck commuter bikes are designed to actively discourage speed and increase comfort. In downtown Montreal, during rush hour, it isn't unusual to be following 10 other very slow cyclists as you're going home. Bike lanes, frankly, need speed limits during peak use hours.
    But what you can complain about is that your bike lane isn't side enough to let you pass slower cyclists.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +1

      Where did you see me complain about slower cyclists? I am mentioning that it is difficult to pass them in the bike lanes, so I find ways around them. I didn't complain once. People have the right to go their own speed. That said, they should be aware of their surroundings and not stop in the bike lane or obliviously wander into it without checking.

  • @jasonarthurs3885
    @jasonarthurs3885 2 роки тому +1

    Whenever the opportunity is forced upon me, I pass on the left when I sense a pending right hook.
    I'm thinking of sporting a tunic that reads "Pass behind me asshole!"

  • @DragonSkaterrr
    @DragonSkaterrr 3 роки тому +1

    hey man when i get my camera i will record the bike lane blockers in netherlands, u would think that the netherlands has good infrastructure for bikes but no

  • @micha3lilluminati
    @micha3lilluminati 2 роки тому +4

    All the more reason I’m against bike lanes on or near major roadways even if they’re “protected “ motorist turning or coming onto the main roadways can’t see and have to block bike lanes in order to drive onto the streets… urban planners need to get rid of the bike lanes all together and create bike trails and bike paths so that cyclists can have there own complete space free from cars and other motor vehicles having bikes on the roadways is dangerous they can’t keep up with the vehicle traffic and you can’t see bikes half the time, I ride motorcycles and cars don’t see you on a motorcycle so they definitely will not see you on a bicycle

  • @torink8229
    @torink8229 2 роки тому +6

    Your approach is more on the gentle side, I would have been much angrier and more assertive since the negligence i’m seeing is what is causing bike deaths. Good on you for calling em out.

    • @two-sense
      @two-sense Рік тому

      Would you have made all those lane changes without ever signalling, just like him? Yes, negligence does cause bike deaths. It's your choice. If you want to break the rules of the road (when was the last time you saw a cyclist stop at a stop sign?) then, in an interaction between your 20lbs of aluminum and 2 tons of steel, you know who will die don't you?

  • @AmbachtAle
    @AmbachtAle 3 роки тому +11

    If you can't pass in the bike lane, it is too narrow, I'd give it a D . For deadly.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      Ring that bell - oh yeah, big city slickers have illegal ear buds. Duhhhhhhhhhh

  • @NoirpoolSea
    @NoirpoolSea 2 роки тому +2

    If you want to act like a motorist who think bikes don't belong in the street, why don't you just ride in the street with the cars and leave normal bicyclists in the bike lanes alone? I am a biker and folks like you give bikers ovefrall a bad name. Your video just gives power to motorists who don't even want the city spending money on bike lanes and shrinking their precious road ways. ..or you could just relax and look at Not Just Bikes and see how it is really done. True. our bike infrastructure is not a good as the Netherlands but you don't have to act this way. What is your hurry?

  • @andyscholman8963
    @andyscholman8963 3 роки тому +16

    let the roadbuilders come look in netherland

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +5

      I am sending them over! The problem is they might not come back!

    • @daifromwales9543
      @daifromwales9543 3 роки тому +2

      Most Netherlands cities have wider roads except in the historic centres.

    • @brammeijboom1873
      @brammeijboom1873 3 роки тому +3

      @@daifromwales9543 Nope, been studied. www.aviewfromthecyclepath.com/ has some info about that.

    • @daifromwales9543
      @daifromwales9543 3 роки тому

      @@brammeijboom1873 It is undeniable that London is huge, hilly and windy. Especially hilly and windy. My most obvious cycling destination is one mile away. Uphill all the way. The pleasure is not worth the pain. OK I enjoy my veteran cycle in the local park, although I can never trust oncoming cyclists to pass on the left, which leads to some scary confrontations. And I cannot carry my arthritic mother in law to church on a bicycle. Work is 7 miles (10k), over hills and against the sun on the way in, and against sun and wind going home. Incidentally cycling (like most heavy exercise) is bad for your teeth and gums!

    • @emiel1976ep
      @emiel1976ep 3 роки тому

      They did and came upp with this crap!
      It isn't a joke, they really looked ad the Netherlands and Copenhagen, but clearly didn't understand how to do it!

  • @grahamsowerby6087
    @grahamsowerby6087 3 роки тому +18

    You've said it all! Passing slower cyclists!! From what I've witnessed of cyclists it' s a constant I'm faster than you race! You are not on the toure de France even though your licra bodies might suggest it! Use cycle lanes which at great cost have been installed for your safety and treat red lights like they mean something!!!!!

    • @sebastiand1816
      @sebastiand1816 3 роки тому

      Just No

    • @hickster222
      @hickster222 3 роки тому

      Bikers are quite happy to hold up cars but don't like getting held up themselves do they.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      Cycling weasels crave death. Are you related to Gary Sowerby? Cycling weasels crave cash payouts for small traffic accidents. Do you stop at stop signs Graham? Do you have a minute to chat?

    • @garyboyle695
      @garyboyle695 2 роки тому +2

      Maybe drivers can drive without using their phone, running red lights, change lane without indicating, ignoring give way lines and pulling out dangerously on to oncoming traffic. Drivers are the biggest menace on the roads not cyclists.

  • @stinkyham9050
    @stinkyham9050 2 роки тому

    Ya well, it's not exactly club med for us drivers either. Especially driving a large service van around Toronto.

  • @psycholist724
    @psycholist724 Рік тому

    This video is the best evidence I've yet seen in favor of lane-holding.

  • @tiaxanderson9725
    @tiaxanderson9725 2 роки тому +1

    Don't know why this was suddenly recommended to me. I just finished and liked a bunch of animated videos...
    Anyway, as a Dutchman this is stressful and I *know* this is leagues better than most cycling infrastructure in NA :0

  • @TeddyFaceFiver
    @TeddyFaceFiver 2 роки тому +1

    This guys asking to be knocked off. Hows about taking your time and being patient instead of barging your way through like you own the place

  • @johnbowles4754
    @johnbowles4754 3 роки тому +4

    Looks more dangerous there than in East London, I was very lucky only one bad tangle with a hit and run driver, a few bones fractured but I Was still alive unlike so many other cyclists in my area who died.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +2

      I've seen some pretty crazy videos from London, much busier and narrower roads, but perhaps more awareness of cyclists because there are more of them. I don't think London is a good role model for Toronto, but there are always things to learn from each other! Glad you lived to tell the tale. Safe riding!

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому +1

      Lawless capitals like London and Toronto practice social negligence. It is like a fifth column.

    • @paxundpeace9970
      @paxundpeace9970 3 роки тому +1

      London is really crap those two way systems are to narrow and then in a hard curb

  • @marksousa8595
    @marksousa8595 2 роки тому

    I stop and I don't see any bikes coming I try to merge onto traffic I wait to merge but than bikes come they freak out . I'm more than happy to share the road. ( bloor and Clinton)

  • @norwegianblue2017
    @norwegianblue2017 2 роки тому

    We have some urban bike lanes in San Diego. Almost never see them being used. Here in San Diego we have these things called hills and there is this huge ball of fire in the sky that can get quite warm. A friend of mine tried to make bicycles his primary mode of transportation. When we would come over to visit he looked like he fell in a swimming pool he was so sweaty.

  • @AB-hu2uw
    @AB-hu2uw 2 роки тому +1

    I respect bike lanes, but what about the car drivers who see you leaving the bike lane to take up space on the road a bit slefish don't you think !

  • @lukamarko978
    @lukamarko978 2 роки тому

    What... There are byke lanes in your country...?

  • @gilesfaraday
    @gilesfaraday 3 роки тому +25

    You appear to be a little impatient and somewhat judgemental of other road users. Perhaps a bit more consideration for others and less on how quickly you can complete your journey.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +8

      Yes, I do get impatient and judgemental with people breaking laws, blocking bike lanes, cutting me off and otherwise putting me at risk.

    • @thebrooklyntc
      @thebrooklyntc 3 роки тому +1

      Haha if you think this guy is judge mental and impatient (which he isn’t) then you’d get a kick out of Zero Enigma on UA-cam haha.

    • @tommen81
      @tommen81 2 роки тому

      @@benfsinger But the white car waiting to make a left turn at 4:32 did nothing wrong, right? He can't see if he waits further back and you got around him just fine. Don't take too much stress and ride safe. You are right about cars stopping/parking on bike lanes just because they are lazy to walk a couple of meters. They shouldn't do that.

  • @antiowarr9467
    @antiowarr9467 2 роки тому

    My boss moved out of the city because of this reason BIKES and laid off 19 workers that didn't want to move, but at lease people in the next town got the jobs and they are more relaxed driving around now.... STRESS

  • @jaredweinfurtner9976
    @jaredweinfurtner9976 2 роки тому

    checkout how the Dutch use bicycle lanes and how slow they ride during their commute. if you want to go the speed of cars around pedestrian areas, then occupy a car lane.

  • @andrewhodgkins2292
    @andrewhodgkins2292 9 місяців тому +1

    If any nation is serious about environmental issues then the bicycle must be given a higher priority

  • @Soundbrigade
    @Soundbrigade 2 роки тому

    Our small town (Vänersborg, Sweden) are making some efforts to build bikelanes here and there. Sometimes they do it according to the "Rabbit Bible" (Correct) but sometimes the efforts results in disaster.
    When watching the video I notice however that the Toronto bike-lane is much smaller than ours, but I see the same problem - lanes used for parking or for pedestrians or signs, posters, roll-ups/downs, flags or a great place to smash beer bottles.
    There was one thing in particular that made me smile in recognition - pedistrians crossing a bike-line WITHOUT looking out. If travelling (I am old and worn out) at 20-25 km/h, I can certainly kill someone who steps out in front of me. People don't cross a road like that ...

  • @gillesguindon1044
    @gillesguindon1044 3 роки тому +7

    Why are complaining about parked vehicle in the bike lane?It’s ok for cyclist to go from bike lane to roadway but not ok for traffic to use your lane to pass slower traffic.Then people wonder why accidents happens.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +2

      You have stated the law well, thank you!

    • @alheadbme
      @alheadbme 3 роки тому +5

      Yes. It is ok for a cyclist to go from the bike lane to the roadway but not ok for traffic to use the bike lane. You seem to have a good understanding of the law.

  • @jannetteberends8730
    @jannetteberends8730 3 роки тому +6

    Most of the video I was holding my breath. What a dangerous journey.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      DO YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS? DO YOU HAVE TIME TO CHAT?

    • @jannetteberends8730
      @jannetteberends8730 3 роки тому

      @@martinkent333 you mean on a bicycle? I’m from the Netherlands, I never saw a stop sign when on bike. The channel not just bikes made a video about it. ua-cam.com/video/42oQN7fy_eM/v-deo.html
      And I don’t chat at all.

  • @robertblue3795
    @robertblue3795 2 роки тому +1

    as a daily bicycle commuter I can't stand riders like this guy.

  • @greyfreeman5537
    @greyfreeman5537 2 роки тому

    Bicyclists: more bike lanes pls
    Me: uses the traffic lane every time, all the time

  • @Rose_Butterfly98
    @Rose_Butterfly98 2 роки тому

    I don't like closed bike lanes because it makes overtaking hard.
    We have only one bike lane in my country, and it's a road patrolled by police so very few incidents of people parking on them. Although I've had to go around at least one.
    There were others trying to get in and stop as well, but there was enough of a gap so I just squeezed through.
    Because I have extreme right of way in that scenario and if I slam into their open door I can easily sue enough to buy 10 of my biked.

  • @jekker1000
    @jekker1000 3 роки тому +2

    glad to see the city where I live in is not the only one being extremely shitty planned and built. But the cars seem to bee much more calm than here. Where I live, they accelerate (even though there is a red light or a stop junction 100 m ahead) like crazy. Only at the last 5 m they do start to break. Oftentimes you can not see if this asshat in a car accelerating like a crazy horse on meth does not see you, wants to kill you or is emergency breaking hard before you so you might pass with an inch of space and a heart attack. I. Hate. It. Also car drivers passing you with 10 inches space to the left. How can a human being be so shitty?

  • @carbonunit6573
    @carbonunit6573 2 роки тому +4

    Welcome to Toronto. With hundreds of miles of bike lanes you will never have trouble finding a place to park.

    • @bmw803
      @bmw803 2 роки тому

      Hundreds of miles of bike lanes that are 99% unused and useless, because not properly designed.

    • @norwegianblue2017
      @norwegianblue2017 2 роки тому

      Not true. Here in San Diego they took one of the most popular streets for restaurants and shopping and removed all the parking and put in bike lanes that nobody uses. Businesses hated it because most people in the city are never going to go there again because they have nowhere to park. From where I live it would be nearly an hour and a half to get there by light rail and bus. It takes 16 minutes in my car. We will never have the population density that Amsterdam has and we are a much larger city. Toronto is nearly 4x the population of Amsterdam!

    • @bmw803
      @bmw803 2 роки тому +1

      @@norwegianblue2017 That's exactly what I tell everyone. If you want people using bike lanes, they need to go somewhere. Its bits and pieces of bike lanes that arent connected.

  • @tortellinifettuccine
    @tortellinifettuccine 2 роки тому

    truly disappointing to see the usa and Canada have this problem. infustructure in Canada and usa was built a long time ago, and it's never really been kept in check.

  • @JustaGuy_Gaming
    @JustaGuy_Gaming 2 роки тому +2

    To be fair you broke a lot of rules yourself and honestly most cars barely follow normal traffic laws. Most bike laws got passed so recently they weren't even on a driving test for most drivers. They just renew their license over and over again without taking a test. I think in the USA you only have to do it once every ten years or so.

  • @andrepoiy1199
    @andrepoiy1199 2 роки тому

    How do you approach a right turn with a bike lane? The proper HTA way is for the motorist to block off the bike lane to prevent a right hook, but cyclists have also yelled at motorists for blocking the lane...

    • @stinkyham9050
      @stinkyham9050 2 роки тому

      I'm not sure why they can't stop behind our car and wait like any other car would have to do.

  • @timpope7274
    @timpope7274 3 роки тому +10

    You display much anger. Try to relax and share with others. Then you may experience joy. All the best to you. Stay safe.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      Get-there-it -is, is a dangerous problem with Karens. Wiki, Dicky!

  • @victorysgoodlife679
    @victorysgoodlife679 Рік тому +1

    If this guy thinks this is bad. Shit he won’t survive New York bicyclist 🚴‍♀️

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  Рік тому +1

      Hey, I'm that guy. I actually survived two years living and riding in NYC. Thanks for the vote of confidence though. Take care!

  • @ericslade4374
    @ericslade4374 3 роки тому +1

    So is it ok for a car to pass another car in the cycle lane

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +1

      Not legally, no.

    • @martinkent333
      @martinkent333 3 роки тому

      Eric, do you stop at stop signs? Do you have a minute to chat?

  • @alborzdmavandi8190
    @alborzdmavandi8190 2 роки тому +1

    I'm so sorry for Canada. Most things about a good Canada are not true, Including clean cities - beaches, and forests. It's a big lie. The first time I arrived in Vancouver in 2018, I was shocked. As soon as I left the airport door, I saw tissue, disposable glasses, and other garbage left in the city. The further I went, the more I saw them. Before I moved to Canada, I lived in Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Serbia, The United States, and for a short time in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Netherland, Germany, and England, but I have never seen the amount of garbage that people leave in different Canadian cities. Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec are no less than Vancouver. Canadian and Canada Governments don't care about this tragedy. I think everything that says about Canada as a clean and powerful culture is not true. You don't need to travel to Canada to see this. Just watch some videos about walking in downtown Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Quebec. You will find the truth. Impossible for you to walk in a Canadian city and you don't see the dark side of that. Everywhere you will see garbage. You will never see this in Europe, Australia, the United States, Japan, and Korea. This amount of waste is not even seen in Malaysian, Indonesian, or Thailand cities. It is impossible for you to use public transport and not see a lot of garbage at stations or on the route. You will be surprised to find a lot of garbage even in the woods - by the rivers and on the beaches in Canada. I wish the Canadians woke up and had no enmity with their country.

  • @tman695695
    @tman695695 2 роки тому +1

    the city easily had the ability to do 2 way bike lanes on both richmond and adelaide and fumbled that shit hard

  • @alexdobrogost9503
    @alexdobrogost9503 2 роки тому +14

    Man, in a car it's really hard to make a left turn into traffic sometimes without pulling up through the bike lane....not to mention dangerous without being able to see what you're about to turn into. I dunno why this guy's so arrogant that he can't slow down or go around cars without shouting something every time... I feel like your stress levels must be maxed out

    • @StealthyDead
      @StealthyDead 2 роки тому +3

      Anywhere a bike lane is present, the dimensions of the road and clearances allow to see far enough without encroaching on the lane. Drive better.

    • @HazardousMoose
      @HazardousMoose 2 роки тому +1

      Leaving the bike lane to go around other traffic means you'll have to merge into a car lane. That can be dangerous if the drivers aren't paying attention, especially if they drive considerably faster than you. Plus it usually forces you to slow down. Which you might not mind much in a car, having the engine to the work. But on a bike constantly needing to slow down because others are obstructing your lane just isn't fun. I mean how to drivers react, when a car merging in front forces them to slow down? Sure he could be a bit more relaxed about it, but the grievance is understandable.

  • @GDoggProductions
    @GDoggProductions 2 роки тому +1

    Brilliant video, I think after the fourth time seeing the hint about out.out risking getting hit by a right hook car, it's now drilled into my head to just go and pass them on their left, great video

  • @johanwittens7712
    @johanwittens7712 2 роки тому +4

    As someone who cycles daily in a bike friendly city, seeing the stunts this cyclist pulls with his bike are so cringe. He's not an advert for good biking "etiquette" as he uses the term himself. In fact lots of things he does would be illegal here in my country of Belgium, and the Netherlands bike heaven too for that matter, and would be viewed with serious criticism even by Dutch cyclists.
    0:15 passing slower riders. If a bike lane isn't wide enough to pass, that's bad design. But even in the Netherlands you can still find those on occasion. And in that case, you stay behind the person and only overtake when there's a safe chance. But simply moving into aft approaching traffic is extremely dangerous, reckless, and annoying to drivers who already have limited visibility and cannot predict your movements since you're leaving the bike lane willy nilly when it suits you. And in my country and the Netherlands it would even be illegal since if there is a bike lane, you're obligated by law to stay in that bike lane, and are not allowed to leave it unless there's no other option because of for example a car blocking it. But swirving out of the bike lane into aft approaching traffic simply to pass someone you decided isn't moving fast enough to your liking is just as impacient, uncoutious, and annoying as a driver getting ticked off by a cyclist on "their" road, or a driver overtaking dangerously and recklessly because the car in front is judged to be moving too slow. It's a Big no no, and illegal here. If there's a slower rider, just chill FFS. It's not a race.
    1:17 yes right hooks are dangerous but can be made better with protected intersections. It's seems this is something they haven't discovered in Toronto apparently... :). But in this case the driver was clearly waiting for the cyclist to pass, not even encroaching in the slightest on the bike lane. Making again a sudden manoeuvre to move into aft approaching traffic, is extremely reckless, dangerous, and annoying to drivers who again cannot predict your movements. Simply slow down a bit, approach with caution, and move past on the right FFS like you're supposed to.
    1:28 Cutting it late is always extremely dangerous. As a cyclist you always need more time to cross an intersection than a car. As soon as you see orange, stop FFS. It's the law too by the way, and you HAVE to stop on yellow if it's safe to do so. Again taking risks for no good reason other than speeding through not wanting to stop or even slow down. No excuse for the car not letting the bike go through first though. He's oncoming traffic just like any other vehicle would be, so cyclist had priority.
    2:30 Starting the "tricky" crossover before the crossover actually starts is not making it any safer for him as a cyclist, is again leaving the bike lane which is not allowed, and is moving into traffic, and is again making your movements as a cyclist extremely unpredictable for drivers around you. Again, just no.
    4:07 Same as before. Yes it's a dangerous right hook, but driver was moving extremely slow and was clearly aware of the bike approaching. And even if he wasn't, would it pain the cyclist to slow down a bit to let the car turn first since the car might not have seen the bike in his blind spots? Seriously. Chill FFS. A commute is not a race.
    I'm sorry but to a Belgian who cycles every single day like me, or most Dutchies, this looks like a very impatient cyclist that has some legitimate gripes, but mostly does everything that drivers find so annoying and gives cyclists a bad name. I mean even I'd get annoyed as a cyclist myself, if I saw him speeding past me in the car lane on his race bike not bothering to stick to the cycle lane.
    If you have bike lanes, stay in them. Drivers need it to predict what a cyclist will do and where they'll be going.
    And again it's a commute, not a friggin' race. Slow down if you have to, don't race like a maniac all the time, and don't do extremely dangerous and unpredictable manoeuvres simply because you don't want to slow down even then slightest.
    5:30 He's not riding safe. Not in the slightest.
    5:18 Something else, but on my commute had a very similar construction site for months on end. But here a shared bike and car lane like that would be (and was) turned into a cycle street, with bright red paint, automatically lowering the max speed to 30km/h, shares teeth and priority signs for cars upon entering the lane giving priority to cyclists entering and then cycling there, and making it illegal for cars to overtake any cyclist on the entire lane. It greatly increases the feeling of safety for cyclists, and I never felt unsafe on a major construction site on a major artery road in my city, even though I was right in traffic.

    • @skynet160
      @skynet160 2 роки тому

      Ok so I am a cyclist too. I ride my bike at 30km/h to go to work. You are saying that it's not allowed to cycle on the road. It's also not allowed to cycle that fast on the cycle lane. So what should I do? Slow down or use my car to be able to go to the maximum speed limit in town? Nonsense. As usual, all about cars!!!

    • @3crowsfarm16
      @3crowsfarm16 2 роки тому

      You have been spoiled by good infrastructure.
      Good design encourages compliance.
      Bad design requires non compliance. You just don't get it because you are so used to good design.
      I've met plenty of Dutch and Belgians and love them all, but they don't follow rules any beter than the French (a low bar).
      They follow the bike rules because they are the easiest most logical way to go

  • @JWvanderLeest
    @JWvanderLeest 2 роки тому +2

    Compared with the bike lanes in the Netherlands yours are too narrow for a bicyclist taking over. I calculate 75 cm per bicyclist. And to ride comfortly a bicycle lane should be at least 2 meters.wide. That's almost as wide as a car lane which I estimate 2,5m . Please inform the city planners to reserve an entire car lane for bicyclists only and separate it from cars to reduce accidents.

    • @jasomkovac9115
      @jasomkovac9115 2 роки тому

      Not sure bout taxes over there, but in the states property tax, gas tax, tax on purchase price goes to the infrastructure. Bikers had a shit fit when someone suggested taxing them. I'm sorry, but not interested in putting another lane in for bikes.

  • @falcoperegrinus82
    @falcoperegrinus82 2 роки тому

    The sustain on that bike bell... you can go and have a bite and youll still be hearing that one

  • @PNH750
    @PNH750 3 роки тому +7

    The parking and cycle lanes don't leave any reasonable drop off places for taxi or disabled passengers. By solving one issue it has created another. Likewise I don't understand the aggressiveness towards pedestrians trying to cross these roads. For example, is a mother pushing a pram while holding onto other children supposed to be able to leap out of the way on oncoming cyclists. This video highlights what upsets many pedestrians. Cyclists riding through Red lights, across busy Zebra crossings and onto and along pavements.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  3 роки тому +4

      Hi there. I'm glad friends from the UK are seeing my video! I'm a bit confused though. I'm not sure where you saw me riding on "pavements" (we call them sidewalks). And by crossing "zebra" crosswalks, do you mean crossing them in perpendicular fashion like all road traffic must? I don't see how that's a problem as long as I yield to pedestrians who are crossing, which I do. Yes I pointed out an example or two of cyclists riding badly, but that was among dozens and dozens of cars cutting me off, parking in bike lanes and otherwise endangering me. So it's interesting what you focused on. Of course I wouldn't expect a mother pushing a pram to be able to jump out of the way, however I would expect her to be cautious when pushing her young children into the path of oncoming vehicles or bikes. What you see as "aggressiveness" I see as assertiveness. I'm not swearing at anyone (well, rarely) but I am letting them know I am coming. We all have a responsibility to keep our heads on straight, and walking blindly into a bike lane or roadway is not a wise idea. I have yet to hit anyone though, so I feel like I am doing all I can do to ride safely around pedestrians and more vulnerable road users. Thanks for your comment!

  • @drivemenuts3011
    @drivemenuts3011 2 роки тому +1

    I would have just remained on the road for 80% of the video.
    Every time you switch between lanes is dangerous. Just don't do it and stay on the road instead.

  • @philroo1
    @philroo1 2 роки тому

    Is it the law that all cycle lanes must be in the door zone in Toronto?

  • @moth.monster
    @moth.monster 2 роки тому

    I ride a motor scooter. Legally, I'm supposed to ride in the bike lane. But it's just not safe to fight with car doors like that.

  • @frank6250
    @frank6250 Рік тому

    I understand that there are different points of views, drivers, cyclists, parking etc, and that everyone is fighting for real estate but the bike lanes with the street parking on the left are accidents waiting to happen if you're biking with some speed. Most passengers are not going to make sure no cyclists are arriving and people just casually walking over the lane to and from the car and with the limited visibility it's thought to react.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  Рік тому

      Interesting point of view. To be honest that really isn't the main issue with those lanes. Of the many close calls I've had that's one of the rarest scenarios. Sometimes doors do open into your path but the design usually leaves enough of a buffer to make that less of a problem. The biggest issue is cyclist viability from cars travelling on the road, when it comes to intersections. Right turns are difficult to manage for cars and cyclists have to watch for right hooks. That can be mitigated with "protected intersections" which use barriers to enforce turning radii and slower speeds that make drivers more likely to see cyclists.

  • @blooptastic
    @blooptastic 2 роки тому

    When nothing else does, a good smack on the hood or windshield, preferably leaving a dent or crack, usually gets their attention.

  • @A_Canadian_In_Poland
    @A_Canadian_In_Poland Рік тому +1

    Did you ever feel like purposefully running into the motor vehicle blocking the lane? It would be their fault in almost every case.

    • @benfsinger
      @benfsinger  Рік тому

      Feel like? Sure. But I've only ever done it by accident. The risks to myself both from the collision and a rageful driver, not to mention potential legal consequences would be far too great.

    • @A_Canadian_In_Poland
      @A_Canadian_In_Poland Рік тому

      @@benfsinger I lived in Ottawa for 7 years and rode a bicycle when I was there; maybe I was just bolder. I cut a pool noodle to 98 cm and mounted it protruding out the left side of my bicycle (overall very effective at enforcing passing distance, although a few vehicles hit it from time to time) and also installed an electric 10 inch vibrating bell (which usually worked much better to get attention).

  • @vincewhite5087
    @vincewhite5087 2 роки тому

    Can you report the cars?

  • @conradvancouver7276
    @conradvancouver7276 2 роки тому +2

    When a road hog is blocking you, don’t go to his stinky backside. Take your time and go slowly around the front where they can see you clearly and give them the stinky eye - whether you are a cyclist, and even better, a walker, on crutches, or in a wheelchair. Take your time.

    • @heroslippy6666
      @heroslippy6666 2 роки тому

      I'd rather not be road kill because people are oblivious to their surroundings when driving. If you are not in a car, then you are invisible.

  • @space_114v2
    @space_114v2 2 роки тому

    The reality is there simply is not enough space on many T.O roads to accommodate bike / lanes and this vid illustrates this perfectly. Riding a bike downtown is just plain dumb epically with the piss poor level of driving aptitude that's out there . Have fun ride away until you get run over ...