I started cycling to work about a week ago. Not every day (don't want to kill myself too quickly), but a few times a week. I've lived here for four years. I lived in Holland before moving here and I cycled everywhere there with no fear and no helmet. I moved here and parked my heavy, 3-speed Batavus in the cave where it stayed until a few weeks ago.
I finally decided that cycling to and from work was important enough for me to overcome my fear of the car/moped drivers in this town. I haven't been too adventurous, yet. I have made it to work and back on a combination of bike paths and roads, at times crossing a three lanes to make my turn. I have been careful on tram tracks, though they still make me nervous. And I wear a helmet.
One thing that I have noticed in my limited experience as a cyclist (albeit a very, very slow one) is that when I need to cross traffic, or have the right of way and cars need to let me go first, inevitably it is a car with French plates who pauses. This is not a criticism of drivers with license plates from countries other than France, just my own observation that the French drivers are the ones who have stopped for me. The French drivers seem more conscious of with whom they share the road and I greatly appreciate that. Thanks for being aware!
Next week, I may actually try cycling from Eaux Vives to Cornavin. If anyone has any tips, I'd greatly appreciate it! :)
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French Drivers
Apr 30, 2007 @ 11:16
The text you are quoting:
I started cycling to work about a week ago. Not every day (don't want to kill myself too quickly), but a few times a week. I've lived here for four years. I lived in Holland before moving here and I cycled everywhere there with no fear and no helmet. I moved here and parked my heavy, 3-speed Batavus in the cave where it stayed until a few weeks ago.
I finally decided that cycling to and from work was important enough for me to overcome my fear of the car/moped drivers in this town. I haven't been too adventurous, yet. I have made it to work and back on a combination of bike paths and roads, at times crossing a three lanes to make my turn. I have been careful on tram tracks, though they still make me nervous. And I wear a helmet.
One thing that I have noticed in my limited experience as a cyclist (albeit a very, very slow one) is that when I need to cross traffic, or have the right of way and cars need to let me go first, inevitably it is a car with French plates who pauses. This is not a criticism of drivers with license plates from countries other than France, just my own observation that the French drivers are the ones who have stopped for me. The French drivers seem more conscious of with whom they share the road and I greatly appreciate that. Thanks for being aware!
Next week, I may actually try cycling from Eaux Vives to Cornavin. If anyone has any tips, I'd greatly appreciate it! :)
misskateApr 30, 2007 @ 11:16
I finally decided that cycling to and from work was important enough for me to overcome my fear of the car/moped drivers in this town. I haven't been too adventurous, yet. I have made it to work and back on a combination of bike paths and roads, at times crossing a three lanes to make my turn. I have been careful on tram tracks, though they still make me nervous. And I wear a helmet.
One thing that I have noticed in my limited experience as a cyclist (albeit a very, very slow one) is that when I need to cross traffic, or have the right of way and cars need to let me go first, inevitably it is a car with French plates who pauses. This is not a criticism of drivers with license plates from countries other than France, just my own observation that the French drivers are the ones who have stopped for me. The French drivers seem more conscious of with whom they share the road and I greatly appreciate that. Thanks for being aware!
Next week, I may actually try cycling from Eaux Vives to Cornavin. If anyone has any tips, I'd greatly appreciate it! :)
misskateApr 30, 2007 @ 11:16
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Re: French Drivers
Post 1
Apr 30, 2007 @ 14:10
1. Small streets are definitely better, even if it means taking a longer ride;
2. Avoid tram lines - It might look tempting but I know quite a few people who fell because of the lines;
3. Clearly indicate where you want to go with your arm;
4. Be spacious, in small streets ride in the middle of the street (drivers are actually afraid of us :) )
5. Whenever you feel insecure... just ride on the sidewalk (it is safer for you and for the drivers - although maybe not for the pedestrians :) )
Good luck!
2. Avoid tram lines - It might look tempting but I know quite a few people who fell because of the lines;
3. Clearly indicate where you want to go with your arm;
4. Be spacious, in small streets ride in the middle of the street (drivers are actually afraid of us :) )
5. Whenever you feel insecure... just ride on the sidewalk (it is safer for you and for the drivers - although maybe not for the pedestrians :) )
Good luck!
The text you are quoting:
1. Small streets are definitely better, even if it means taking a longer ride;
2. Avoid tram lines - It might look tempting but I know quite a few people who fell because of the lines;
3. Clearly indicate where you want to go with your arm;
4. Be spacious, in small streets ride in the middle of the street (drivers are actually afraid of us :) )
5. Whenever you feel insecure... just ride on the sidewalk (it is safer for you and for the drivers - although maybe not for the pedestrians :) )
Good luck!
zenbrain, Apr 30, 2007 @ 14:10
2. Avoid tram lines - It might look tempting but I know quite a few people who fell because of the lines;
3. Clearly indicate where you want to go with your arm;
4. Be spacious, in small streets ride in the middle of the street (drivers are actually afraid of us :) )
5. Whenever you feel insecure... just ride on the sidewalk (it is safer for you and for the drivers - although maybe not for the pedestrians :) )
Good luck!
zenbrain, Apr 30, 2007 @ 14:10
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Re: French Drivers
Post 2
Apr 30, 2007 @ 19:14
...they drive without licence nore insurance in worn off tires and break less cars ;-P
(just teasing the frenchies here !)
(just teasing the frenchies here !)
The text you are quoting:
...they drive without licence nore insurance in worn off tires and break less cars ;-P
(just teasing the frenchies here !)
Hobbes, Apr 30, 2007 @ 19:14
(just teasing the frenchies here !)
Hobbes, Apr 30, 2007 @ 19:14
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Re: French Drivers
Post 3
May 1, 2007 @ 03:14
hum....
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Re: French Drivers
Post 4
May 1, 2007 @ 10:40
are one of my major pet peeves in this town. It's dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. Bicycles don't belong on sidewalks unless you're pushing your bike with a flat tire.
I look forward to the day when Geneva takes it's "cycle friendly" philosophy seriously. As they add more and more tram lines, I hope they are adding cycle lanes as well. As it is, there is no easy way to get from Eaux Vives to Palladium without crossing tram lines and they do make me nervous.
The small streets is a good idea. I really need to go pick up the map of bike routes from the tourist office. I will need to be cycling around Cornavin later this week, and I'm not looking forward to it.
I look forward to the day when Geneva takes it's "cycle friendly" philosophy seriously. As they add more and more tram lines, I hope they are adding cycle lanes as well. As it is, there is no easy way to get from Eaux Vives to Palladium without crossing tram lines and they do make me nervous.
The small streets is a good idea. I really need to go pick up the map of bike routes from the tourist office. I will need to be cycling around Cornavin later this week, and I'm not looking forward to it.
The text you are quoting:
are one of my major pet peeves in this town. It's dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. Bicycles don't belong on sidewalks unless you're pushing your bike with a flat tire.
I look forward to the day when Geneva takes it's "cycle friendly" philosophy seriously. As they add more and more tram lines, I hope they are adding cycle lanes as well. As it is, there is no easy way to get from Eaux Vives to Palladium without crossing tram lines and they do make me nervous.
The small streets is a good idea. I really need to go pick up the map of bike routes from the tourist office. I will need to be cycling around Cornavin later this week, and I'm not looking forward to it.
misskate, May 1, 2007 @ 10:40
I look forward to the day when Geneva takes it's "cycle friendly" philosophy seriously. As they add more and more tram lines, I hope they are adding cycle lanes as well. As it is, there is no easy way to get from Eaux Vives to Palladium without crossing tram lines and they do make me nervous.
The small streets is a good idea. I really need to go pick up the map of bike routes from the tourist office. I will need to be cycling around Cornavin later this week, and I'm not looking forward to it.
misskate, May 1, 2007 @ 10:40
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Re: French Drivers
Post 5
May 1, 2007 @ 10:51
I obey the traffic rules, indicate when I turn, and I do my best to leave others plenty of room to pass me.
Good point about Mont Blanc bridge. I don't consider that to be just a trottoir, but a multi-use non-motorized vehicle path. When it gets crowded, I get off and walk my bike across. I would rather do that than fall off or hit someone. And people don't hear bike bells. Either they just don't pay attention, or they have headphones in. Pedestrians can be so oblivious. ;)
Good point about Mont Blanc bridge. I don't consider that to be just a trottoir, but a multi-use non-motorized vehicle path. When it gets crowded, I get off and walk my bike across. I would rather do that than fall off or hit someone. And people don't hear bike bells. Either they just don't pay attention, or they have headphones in. Pedestrians can be so oblivious. ;)
The text you are quoting:
I obey the traffic rules, indicate when I turn, and I do my best to leave others plenty of room to pass me.
Good point about Mont Blanc bridge. I don't consider that to be just a trottoir, but a multi-use non-motorized vehicle path. When it gets crowded, I get off and walk my bike across. I would rather do that than fall off or hit someone. And people don't hear bike bells. Either they just don't pay attention, or they have headphones in. Pedestrians can be so oblivious. ;)
misskate, May 1, 2007 @ 10:51
Good point about Mont Blanc bridge. I don't consider that to be just a trottoir, but a multi-use non-motorized vehicle path. When it gets crowded, I get off and walk my bike across. I would rather do that than fall off or hit someone. And people don't hear bike bells. Either they just don't pay attention, or they have headphones in. Pedestrians can be so oblivious. ;)
misskate, May 1, 2007 @ 10:51
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Re: French Drivers
Post 6
May 1, 2007 @ 13:59
As one of the "national sports" of local people is to yell at french drivers :)
Remy
Remy
The text you are quoting:
As one of the "national sports" of local people is to yell at french drivers :)
Remy
RemyS, May 1, 2007 @ 13:59
Remy
RemyS, May 1, 2007 @ 13:59
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Re: French Drivers
Post 7
May 2, 2007 @ 21:12
:) how true... our old GVA streets are really not designed to accommodate bicycles, let alone the many fools that ride them recklessly...
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:) how true... our old GVA streets are really not designed to accommodate bicycles, let alone the many fools that ride them recklessly...
swisskiss, May 2, 2007 @ 21:12
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Re: French Drivers
Post 8
May 2, 2007 @ 23:13
That is very interesting. As a pedestrian, I have observed that it is usually the other way around. Cars with French numbers hardly ever observe pedestrian crossings, or is it just me?
The text you are quoting:
That is very interesting. As a pedestrian, I have observed that it is usually the other way around. Cars with French numbers hardly ever observe pedestrian crossings, or is it just me?
Molula_M, May 2, 2007 @ 23:13
Molula_M, May 2, 2007 @ 23:13
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