Thread started by Gav at 07.31.09 - 5:54 pm

While riding today I saw some guy, probably not much older than I am, blow through a stop sign despite the fact that there was a car ready to cross it. Just as he rolled through he made some sound, I guess imitating a police siren. He was riding fixed but I didn't see if he had a brake, so I can't tell if was too lazy to slow down or couldn't.

Do a lot of people do this and do they expect to alert others, especially those with the right of way, that a they are going to blow the stop sign? I saw the same thing last week on CubCamp in downtown when some guy tried to roll through a red crossing in front of the group. That time he had bird noises like he was a raven.

What are these people thinking? I guess I missed something

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I try making that noise to drivers that don't see me... not necessarily to run a stop or a red light, but if they might cut me off. I actually did that today, and of course, it didn't work. The guy almost plowed right into me. I don't think bells work much either. People in cars can't hear much with the windows rolled up. It's even worse if they're listening to music or have the AC on. Actually, it's okay if they're alert drivers, but there are a lot out there that aren't.



imachynna
07.31.09 - 6:03 pm

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First of all, brilliant thread title!

Second of all, if you are going to scream at a car, it's much better to make the high pitched bird call for several reasons. Not only are higher frequency tones always more audible above lower tones to the human ear (to an extent), it's also a lot easier on your vocal chords to make higher pitched sounds as opposed to lower.

If you scream with your gut and make a low pitched growl at a car, not only is it going to be quieter but you'll also be way more likely to lose your voice by the end of the night if you continually make that noise.

There is always a sweet spot (different for everyone) that allows you to produce the loudest and most powerful sound without hurting your vocal chords.

Personally I love the bird call, it's becoming a great way to hail friends that you may see riding, and occasionally you can alert a car of your presence :)



jonnyboy
07.31.09 - 6:17 pm

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jonnyboy
07.31.09 - 6:19 pm

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sounds like T.O.R.E. kaaaawwwwwWWWWWW



sancho1
07.31.09 - 9:28 pm

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lol. yeah i used it today too to make sure a car didn't hit me, but i definitely was not running a red. he had his window down so i just wanted to be heard/seen.

those fuckers are assholes (the ones you mentioned). they can't expect the world to stop because they say so. ugh.






tomato
07.31.09 - 10:00 pm

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Try using a police whistle. Much more affective and easier on the lungs.



User1
08.1.09 - 2:22 pm

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plus there are rumors of something called safety mob for whistle blowers



profoscurity
08.1.09 - 2:24 pm

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When you get in trouble and you don't know right from wrong
Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle!
When you meet temptation and the urge is very strong
Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle!

Not just a little squeak, pucker up and blow
And if your whistle's weak, yell, "Jiminy Cricket!"
Right!

Take the straight and narrow path
And if you start to slide
Give a little whistle! Give a little whistle!
And always let your conscience be your guide



alicestrong
08.1.09 - 5:18 pm

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that ways a great kaw. if anybody can fill me in, where did the caw originate and how did some figure out that it made sense to use on the streets. i agree that it would register to drivers and i think is fun to do.



mechazawa
responding to a comment by jonnyboy
08.2.09 - 4:33 am

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