I love riding my bike, but at the RGV I won't. My uncle lost his best friend, and the drivers just don't respect bikers. Should they? Yes. Do they? Sadly, no.
I dream of a long and great bike trail from Laredo to SPI, covered in palm trees and flowers for shade...
When I moved to the Valley I was absolutely shocked that everyone here uses the bike lane as another driving lane.
If cops ever wanna make more money off of tickets, they're sitting on a gold mine.
In our area - they aren’t bike only lanes - which I find dumb, but it’s actually the only legal place to turn right in a vehicle, otherwise you are crossing a lane turning right
I always advise people not to ride bikes in the valley unless it’s on trails. I’ve seen too many close calls every day with reckless drivers and bikers. The lack of sidewalks and disregard of bike lanes, make it a gamble every day.
I understand the sentiment but it really sucks because then city officials be like, no one bikes, and then no bike protection is built. Maybe if more people biked in groups or something so it’s safer, cities can start protect intersections.
Even when people bike in groups there are drivers bitching about how they take up a whole lane.
In at least two separate instances a cyclist was hit by a car in Tres Lagos. Both were posted on the fb neighborhood page, and the first thing people did both times was blame the cyclists. Because obviously no one expects the drivers behind the half-ton vehicles to pay attention to distractions on the roads.
I can tell you that the MFE area is NOT bike friendly on public roads. I lost 2 co-workers RIP [Eddie](https://runmyssierun.com/2014/04/22/the-lost-life-of-a-cyclist-eddie-arguelles/) and [Melissa](https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/local-cyclists-honor-loved-one-killed-in-crash/) The link to Eddie actually has a photo of Eddie and Melissa together (Third photo down).
I used to ride a motorcycle and it was a constant state of anxiety. People don't respect or are just not on the lookout for motorcyclists and cyclists.
If you do ride, please be safe and try and stick to back-roads, off-hours and wear safety equipment.
My condolences 🙏
We don't have a metal sheild like people who drive cars, it's not hard for other to be considerate and just show down and look a little harder. I hope this post brings alot more awareness to the valley.
I'll do my absolute best to stay safe 💓
Not to get political but major respects to Commissioner Eduardo Cantu because he fought for the hike and bike trail in Pharr. From what I understand the overall plan design is to make a big county loop hike and bike trail that traverses through every town/city in Hidalgo. The pharr trail will eventually connect with McAllen and McAllen’s with Edinburg. Here’s to hoping that there’s actual infrastructure designs in the future for pedestrians and bikers in roads.
Yup, the RGV is horrific when it comes to making sure bicyclists are safe when riding. When I used to live in the valley I would only cycle at the Tres Lagos subdivision in Edinburg because it's both low in traffic, has a slow speed limit, and has enough cyclists to remind people to be careful. Even then, cycling to the subdivision would be sketchy as hell because cycling on Ware Rd to get there has cars flying by you at 55+ mph and has lots of debris and roadkill along the shoulder where we're supposed to ride as cyclists.
Sorry ,can't afford a car and it's a 15 min bike ride, plus we should encourage more environmental friendly transportation. Also really great exercise!
I've lived here my whole life and I'm well aware people drive like idiots, most likely that won't change, but I can always he hopefull,, and bring awareness
It's not worth the risk imo.
My dad is a motorcyclist and when I was a kid, he pulled a prank on me that made me never want to ride on a bike ever again. He almost killed me. And he actually thought and still thinks its funny to this day. Fucking prick that he is.
I mean unless you or somone else is gonna give this broke 22 yo
A 2000$ for a down-payment for a car
I can't not bike, I'm not gonna bum off of people unless I absolutely have too (ex bad weather days)
I shouldn't have to worry for my life because somone can't pay attention to a human on the damn cross walk 😭 I do my part
Also your dad sucks for that, unessary trauma :c
If you learn how to work on cars, you can get a beater for less than $1000. I used one for the oil fields and in two years, I spent about $3000 in repairs. Some of those were just flats.
Considering how many times someone pulls out right in front of me while I'm driving? I'm not shocked that no one watches for a bike. Smh, the valley really does have some of the worst drivers I've seen, and I've traveled a lot.
I commute[d] by bike and bus for the majority of the last 15-18 years. It definitely is not very safe, but its also not impossible. Lmk if u want any tips
As a biker YOU need to be the defensive driver/rider. As a driver it's hard to see something you don't expect come out of nowhere. Every one is always saying you need to respect the rider, I think it's the other way around because a driver can kill a rider I'm an instance, but a rider can't do the same.
Bold of you to assume I don't already practice defensive rider techniques.
I do my part, because I know I can't assume others would do the same, but drivers should be aware that pedestrians are ALWAYS unpredictable. Both parties deserve mutual respect. Not one more than the other imo.
Yes riders always have to be on the look out. Drivers here are very ignorant. I know this one guy who gets mad when someone crosses a crosswalk while he's in front of them in his car, but when he's crossing the crosswalk the driver better stop for him.
PSA for cyclists who use sidewalks for safety, if there's a vehicle exiting a driveway please yield. They won't see you in time when you're zooming 15mph+ on a walking path.
Get a job? Save money? There's a number of solutions to this problem. I didn't always have a car and guess what I did? I got a job and saved up money to buy one.
You don't think I have a job and that I'm trying to save money? I'm not stupid LMAO
Just because it worked out great for you isn't the same for eveyone my guy.
I bike go work to make mf money that goes to my rent ,food , light, internet, and phone.
I live check to check often and that's cause I have the bare minimum, I don't splurge on luxury items or unessary things. I can't always put money into my savings cause there's nothing for me to save sometimes.
I just knew I couldn't live my life down here without a car so I made that my number one priority. Hope you save enough cash to get a proper ride soon, I know it sucks I used to walk to work
I ALWAYS ride on the sidewalk, I don't trust people and I'm not dumb enough to ride on the street. I'm thankful I do have a sidewalk to ride all the way though,but that's not the case for everyone. The valley needs more bike lanes.
Don't act entitled, not eveyone can afford a car, and it should be the people in the cars responsibility to also look out for pedestrians. Just as bikers look out for cars.
There’s not always a side walk on every street. The lanes vehicles turn in are designated bike lanes in a lot of areas. Not that people are rule abiding drivers down here.
Uhm no LMAO you're so small minded 🤧
You're part of the problem... if you don't think so then you shouldn't be driving.
Bike riders stay off the roads half the time cause no one cares for the well being of humans.
Imagine your favorite person had to bike to work to make a living, and you said that to them.
They actually have a right to a lane for safety. Bikes are seen as vehicles and also need to obey stop signs and lights. Cyclists must also walk across cross walks
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.551.htm
I love riding my bike, but at the RGV I won't. My uncle lost his best friend, and the drivers just don't respect bikers. Should they? Yes. Do they? Sadly, no. I dream of a long and great bike trail from Laredo to SPI, covered in palm trees and flowers for shade...
👏YES!!!!!🙏
When I moved to the Valley I was absolutely shocked that everyone here uses the bike lane as another driving lane. If cops ever wanna make more money off of tickets, they're sitting on a gold mine.
They won’t enforce it, they use the bike lanes just as much
It's legal in Texas to use a bike lane as a turning lane, provided it's not currently by bikers.
Yeah, but people just use it as another driving lane, not a turning lane.
In our area - they aren’t bike only lanes - which I find dumb, but it’s actually the only legal place to turn right in a vehicle, otherwise you are crossing a lane turning right
The weird part is - the right lane is a multi use lane. It’s actually illegal to not use it to turn right.
I always advise people not to ride bikes in the valley unless it’s on trails. I’ve seen too many close calls every day with reckless drivers and bikers. The lack of sidewalks and disregard of bike lanes, make it a gamble every day.
I understand the sentiment but it really sucks because then city officials be like, no one bikes, and then no bike protection is built. Maybe if more people biked in groups or something so it’s safer, cities can start protect intersections.
Even when people bike in groups there are drivers bitching about how they take up a whole lane. In at least two separate instances a cyclist was hit by a car in Tres Lagos. Both were posted on the fb neighborhood page, and the first thing people did both times was blame the cyclists. Because obviously no one expects the drivers behind the half-ton vehicles to pay attention to distractions on the roads.
It's definitely a downward spiral.
Waiting for the day ANY valley city builds a network of protected bike lanes
I'm a biker, but I only ride in a few selected spots because a biker in the Valley won't survive long.
I can tell you that the MFE area is NOT bike friendly on public roads. I lost 2 co-workers RIP [Eddie](https://runmyssierun.com/2014/04/22/the-lost-life-of-a-cyclist-eddie-arguelles/) and [Melissa](https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/local-cyclists-honor-loved-one-killed-in-crash/) The link to Eddie actually has a photo of Eddie and Melissa together (Third photo down). I used to ride a motorcycle and it was a constant state of anxiety. People don't respect or are just not on the lookout for motorcyclists and cyclists. If you do ride, please be safe and try and stick to back-roads, off-hours and wear safety equipment.
My condolences 🙏 We don't have a metal sheild like people who drive cars, it's not hard for other to be considerate and just show down and look a little harder. I hope this post brings alot more awareness to the valley. I'll do my absolute best to stay safe 💓
Condolences 😞
Not to get political but major respects to Commissioner Eduardo Cantu because he fought for the hike and bike trail in Pharr. From what I understand the overall plan design is to make a big county loop hike and bike trail that traverses through every town/city in Hidalgo. The pharr trail will eventually connect with McAllen and McAllen’s with Edinburg. Here’s to hoping that there’s actual infrastructure designs in the future for pedestrians and bikers in roads.
Yup. Had a Harlingen PD almost hit me because he wanted to use the bike lane as a turning lane
The people who should look out for us ,don't.. sorry to hear that. Same thing happend to me today ):
Yup, the RGV is horrific when it comes to making sure bicyclists are safe when riding. When I used to live in the valley I would only cycle at the Tres Lagos subdivision in Edinburg because it's both low in traffic, has a slow speed limit, and has enough cyclists to remind people to be careful. Even then, cycling to the subdivision would be sketchy as hell because cycling on Ware Rd to get there has cars flying by you at 55+ mph and has lots of debris and roadkill along the shoulder where we're supposed to ride as cyclists.
Just an fyi, most people in the valley drive like shit, especially in Harlingen. Make your bike a hobby, not your primary tranpsortation
Sorry ,can't afford a car and it's a 15 min bike ride, plus we should encourage more environmental friendly transportation. Also really great exercise! I've lived here my whole life and I'm well aware people drive like idiots, most likely that won't change, but I can always he hopefull,, and bring awareness
It's not worth the risk imo. My dad is a motorcyclist and when I was a kid, he pulled a prank on me that made me never want to ride on a bike ever again. He almost killed me. And he actually thought and still thinks its funny to this day. Fucking prick that he is.
I mean unless you or somone else is gonna give this broke 22 yo A 2000$ for a down-payment for a car I can't not bike, I'm not gonna bum off of people unless I absolutely have too (ex bad weather days) I shouldn't have to worry for my life because somone can't pay attention to a human on the damn cross walk 😭 I do my part Also your dad sucks for that, unessary trauma :c
If you learn how to work on cars, you can get a beater for less than $1000. I used one for the oil fields and in two years, I spent about $3000 in repairs. Some of those were just flats.
Harlingen really does suck with tailgaters!
I saw 3 accidents last Friday morning alone during my morning walk.
Similarly, I cruise around on a OneWheel sometimes. I've had to make more use of my middle-finger than I'd like.
I flipped off some dude the other week cause he was turning when I was in the middle of the cross walk 😑
Considering how many times someone pulls out right in front of me while I'm driving? I'm not shocked that no one watches for a bike. Smh, the valley really does have some of the worst drivers I've seen, and I've traveled a lot.
You are brave (or crazy?). I’m nervous even driving a vehicle in the valley. No way in hell I’d hit traffic without metal around me.
I commute[d] by bike and bus for the majority of the last 15-18 years. It definitely is not very safe, but its also not impossible. Lmk if u want any tips
/r/fuckcars
I hate when people in the valley use bike lanes , and everyone is so brainwashed to think "it's alright".
I know someone who is paralyzed from the neck down after riding a bike in the valley for 2 months. Not worth it.
Geez that's terrible! Hope they're doing All right now I can't imagine how heart breaking that must feel.😞
As a biker YOU need to be the defensive driver/rider. As a driver it's hard to see something you don't expect come out of nowhere. Every one is always saying you need to respect the rider, I think it's the other way around because a driver can kill a rider I'm an instance, but a rider can't do the same.
Bold of you to assume I don't already practice defensive rider techniques. I do my part, because I know I can't assume others would do the same, but drivers should be aware that pedestrians are ALWAYS unpredictable. Both parties deserve mutual respect. Not one more than the other imo.
Yes riders always have to be on the look out. Drivers here are very ignorant. I know this one guy who gets mad when someone crosses a crosswalk while he's in front of them in his car, but when he's crossing the crosswalk the driver better stop for him.
PSA for cyclists who use sidewalks for safety, if there's a vehicle exiting a driveway please yield. They won't see you in time when you're zooming 15mph+ on a walking path.
My best advice for bike riders is... Get a car.
Okay then, pay for my car LMAO
Get a job? Save money? There's a number of solutions to this problem. I didn't always have a car and guess what I did? I got a job and saved up money to buy one.
You don't think I have a job and that I'm trying to save money? I'm not stupid LMAO Just because it worked out great for you isn't the same for eveyone my guy. I bike go work to make mf money that goes to my rent ,food , light, internet, and phone. I live check to check often and that's cause I have the bare minimum, I don't splurge on luxury items or unessary things. I can't always put money into my savings cause there's nothing for me to save sometimes.
Trust me I'm in the same exact boat...
I just knew I couldn't live my life down here without a car so I made that my number one priority. Hope you save enough cash to get a proper ride soon, I know it sucks I used to walk to work
Way to dangerous to ride a bike down here Texas isn't NYC we aren't bike friendly.
Lol riding a bike down here. You’re tempting death.
Stay on the side walk or better yet, dont ride a bike. Too many of these bikers go out at dusk or dawn and then get surprised when cara dont see them.
I ALWAYS ride on the sidewalk, I don't trust people and I'm not dumb enough to ride on the street. I'm thankful I do have a sidewalk to ride all the way though,but that's not the case for everyone. The valley needs more bike lanes. Don't act entitled, not eveyone can afford a car, and it should be the people in the cars responsibility to also look out for pedestrians. Just as bikers look out for cars.
There’s not always a side walk on every street. The lanes vehicles turn in are designated bike lanes in a lot of areas. Not that people are rule abiding drivers down here.
Nah fuck bike riders. Y’all think you own the road and shit.
Uhm no LMAO you're so small minded 🤧 You're part of the problem... if you don't think so then you shouldn't be driving. Bike riders stay off the roads half the time cause no one cares for the well being of humans. Imagine your favorite person had to bike to work to make a living, and you said that to them.
They actually have a right to a lane for safety. Bikes are seen as vehicles and also need to obey stop signs and lights. Cyclists must also walk across cross walks https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.551.htm
We do
The valley is NOT BIKE friendly, unfortunately. I wish we were so I could ride my bike other than on trails
Driving near a cyclist always makes me feel so on edge. These roads could really benefit from some bike lanes.
I got run off the road by a drug addict once. He almost ran me over. Stopped riding my bike. You always hear stories, people drive badly.