People often have a love/hate relationship with EUC riders.

When EUC riders decide to ride on the main roads, they tend to get more respect from cyclists.

This makes sense considering that many cyclists would like to enjoy the bike lanes in peace, without having to worry about the fully armored EUC riders.

First off, here’s why the stereotype of EUC riders in bike lanes has come about:

That said, riding in the road is often a better place for experienced EUC riders.

A Reddit post in r/SeattleBike did give props to EUC riders for taking up space in the main roads.

TITLE: Saluting the Electric Unicycle

Main text:

Yesterday, I saw not one but two electric unicycles taking the lane on main roads (at different times and places around town), and it made me appreciate the role that electric unicycles (more often the scourge of multi-use paths) can play in the War on Cars, when in the hands of heroic and brave operators.

So, to the rare electric unicycler who puts life and limb on the line to take the lane on main roads: You, my friend, have EARNED your full-on black motorcycle helmet with a matte finish and reflective visor, for you have, indeed, become the epic badass that every other e-uni user imagines themself to be, as they rip along the BGT at 28 mph.

I, a pedestrian and acoustic cyclist, salute these heroes.

Considering how cyclists are often perceived to be critical of other users, this signifies major props.

Responses:

I have seen some of these that are capable of speeds over 40 on main roads. It seems in a way more dangerous than a motorcycle, but maybe people should be allowed to risk their lives with these?

At this point, I’m for whatever gets people out of their single-occupancy two-and-a-half-ton rolling ecological disasters.

Yep. Was thinking this the other day. I don’t care if you’re using an electric suesscycle, I’m happy you’re not in a car.

 

Real life gizmoduck.

 

So there you have it, save the Bike Lanes for the actual cyclists.

And yet, personally, I’ll use a mixture of both street and bike lanes because many roads simply do not provide an, “out, when necessary. I have no problem riding in the roads where cars go 20-40 mph if I have at least some type of shoulder available to me.

I tend to slow down and try to be respectful of other users in the bike lanes when I do decide to ride there. If a cyclist is going super slow (less than 10 mph), then I will drop my speed to about 15 mph for the pass. I find that a lot of cyclists can maintain 20 mph though. I also tend not to pass on downhills or when there are a fair amount of pedestrians out and about.

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That said, sometimes in the wet, cold mornings, there are hardly any other users and I go pretty fast.

So if I have offended any riders in Seattle, especially on the 2nd Ave bike lanes, I apologize. Remember, I’m not in a car and I’ve been hit by one before.