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Okay, I’ve done it. I do it frequently. However, I ensure that I slow down and look and I never put myself or drivers of undesirable vehicles in danger. I also never even inconvenience undesirable vehicle drivers.

I never rode on many club rides. I guess I always felt a little uncomfortable around those rides because I didn’t have a Cervelo and $250 wrapped around my body in the form of spandex. When I did finally join the first club ride of the year in the spring of 2003 in northern Indiana, I got exactly what I expected. Somehow, since we were in a large group, traffic laws did not apply. We consumed the whole road, disregarded traffic lights and stop signs and were generally only interested in ourselves. That was my first and last club ride.

While cyclists rant and rave about how undesirable vehicle drivers have no respect for cyclists, cyclists rarely chide each other for irresponsible riding behavior which leads to disrespect. We frequently only focus on our own interests and think we have more right to the road than others. I feel even the League of American Cyclists places too much blame on drivers and not enough on cyclists.

One of the main reasons that club rides are mislead is the jokes that are usually the best riders in the group. They are faster than most in the group and they know it. I find them hilarious because match them up with a pro and they got nothin’. Especially the lame-os in northern Indiana. It’s like a grown man spiking a football and doing a touchdown dance after mowing down a team of peewee football players.

The most common reason I run a stop light is because I cannot set off the sensor to get the light to change. I think this practice is safe and keeps traffic flowing normally. However, on my daily commutes the traffic, even in mid-town Memphis, is pretty light. In a more congested city, this practice may not be so safe. As for stop signs, if there are other vehicles present, I most certainly stop and wait my turn, just like an undesirable vehicle.

My message to cyclists: Ride respectfully and you will earn respect. Ride like a jerk, be treated like a jerk.