It's to your credit that you own up to this, but you're not the only reason people hate bicyclists. It's largely because they've become an easy and acceptable target for disproportionate ranting and outrage. Few drivers go around ranting about how often other drivers do shitty things in traffic, but it's far more acceptable to go around spewing bile about how bicyclists in general don't wear helmets, blow through stop signs unsafely, etc., whether it's generally true or not.

I agree geyser. Biking is my main mode of transportation. I have to disagree with a few points too. I hear more complaints of drivers vs. other drivers and road rage seems to be more common among them. However, although I am among the many Portland cyclists, I think many of those riding bring it upon themselves. Many bikers are quick to anger and yell at cars for the most trivial of things, thus making themselves a target.

To Anon, no worries. Becoming a good rider takes time and before long you'll be flying up those hills and navigating traffic like pro.

Wait til you get creamed on the road... You will understand the reason for the 4 wheeled variety.. Its interesting, for every motorcycle/bicycle accident I have actually seen... They are always sorry. Mkay, Butters.

"Few drivers go around ranting about how often other drivers do shitty things in traffic"-- really? This is the original definition of road rage.

I commute and have ridden my whole life. No helmet = biker's business, better if organ donor. Running stop signs = fine if nobody around or done slowly like a rolling stop.

But if you can't "change lanes" on a bike, go the right way on one-way streets, stop sensibly, ride on the right, or keep upright-- maybe you should practice far away from traffic.

What deserves derision? Not yielding to pedestrians, riding at speeds obviously beyond skill level or in dense areas, riding 2 abreast in a lane, texting+riding, etc

@Spoolo: No helmet = not OK, you want people to have to step around someone's grey matter while walking down the sidewalk?

Also, it's slippery.

Just remember to make sure your helmet is properly fitted go to your local bike store if your unsure how to get the helmet fitted correctly. B/C if your showing to much forehead or it's not tightly on your head it will actually strangle you when there's a blow to the head (fall down/ hit something). ALWAYS wear a HELMET it can fit dreads or big hair. NEVER buy/wear USED helmets, once it's crashed buy a whole new one. The integrity of the helmet has been compromised. Also have super bright WHITE lights in front & RED lights in the back of your bike.

Hahahaha! Nice one, Anon. Well played.