Why every cyclist needs a pool noodle

Side note: I commute to work on a bike occasionally. My commute isn&#x27;t long (~3miles) and I try to be considerate and move to the side when possible, stop at stop signs, not run lights, not sneak up while waiting at stop lights, and stay off the sidewalk. You know: behave like a considerate driver sharing the road.<p>The reason I do this is because all the bikes I see when I drive are flagrantly disregarding traffic laws and acting like they own the road. These pool noodlers seem like they are doing more of the same.<p>I wish they got pulled over by cops more often because all they are doing is endangering everyone else who is actually sharing the road.<p>Cyclists are why I have a dashcam.

I cycle and also occasionally tow (which puts me in the group of annoying slow road users). My frustration with these type of articles is they only ever ask for the road to be shared, but do not share the road themselves. As a slower road user you should also be considerate of other road users. An example would be when towing and driving at a more sedate pace, when it comes to passing lanes - SLOW DOWN - to allow the pile up of cars behind you to pass. However most people simply maintain their speed, ignorant of the building frustration behind them. By slowing down you might add 30seconds to your travel time, but give 10-20 people back minutes to their travel time (a net win for society!).<p>In this case if the cyclist periodically slowed down and moved to the shoulder when going downhill (or in general), the pile up of cars and frustration might be mitigated.<p>&quot;Through my eyeglass-mounted mirror, I watch cars inevitably pile up behind me. When the terrain flattens out and I move back to the shoulder, a stream of cars pass me.&quot;<p>I&#x27;d argue that the pool noodle may have unintended consequences, and will most likely increase road rage. It seems to scream EMPOWERMENT (&quot;taking back the road&quot;), but I think it leans more towards SELFISH BITCH.

This also deters the user from speeding between two lanes of traffic that has stopped ... a deed that carries with it some risk and that probably irks some drivers.

I&#x27;ll have to admit, that&#x27;s pretty clever and the best actual use for a pool noodle I&#x27;ve ever seen. I still don&#x27;t understand what exactly you&#x27;re supposed to do with a pool noodle.

The sad thing is that the type of driver that comes closer than 3 feet to a cyclist has a good chance of being the type of person who would be enraged by this. Could result in more conflict than its worth.

Use a metal pipe. Drivers care more about scratching the paint of their car than they do murdering a human.