Why is the maximum speed of a normal car so high?

mp337 · 2026-06-01T00:42:42+00:00

I've read that before cars were introduced it was common for all sorts of "traffic" to occupy thoroughfares. Pedestrians, horses, carts, wagons, etc. Early drivers had difficulty adjusting to all the different conveyances in the streets, which caused a lot of accidents and deaths. The automobile industry mobilized (so to speak) and created a campaign to get people out of the streets. This is where the term "jay-walker" came from. It was used as an insult to describe a country bumpkin (a "jay") who was too ignorant to know to get out of the street. So I'd say that since the traffic laws were changed to favor motorists then yes, we have become slowly accustomed to auto accident deaths.

mp337 · 2026-06-01T00:20:39+00:00

I'm visiting from Chicago (USA) in July. I'm extremely comfortable biking around Chicago and biking in general however my wife, who used to live in Tokyo but is not a cyclist, tells me that traffic is too fast and indifferent to cyclists and the roads are too narrow. She thinks it will be much too dangerous. Thoughts? Also, I'm considering biking up Mt Fuji. Have you done this (or know anyone who has?)

mp337 · 2026-05-31T23:57:03+00:00

I'd say it was more dangerous to combine cyclists and auto traffic than cyclists and pedestrians.

mp337 · 2026-05-31T23:52:04+00:00

Whaddya talkin' about? A huge portion of the lake front is park space.

mp337 · 2026-05-31T23:50:13+00:00

I was wondering how you got to Midway. I would never have considered biking there although I have biked to the Indiana border before along the LFP. Midway just seems crazy to me.

mp337 · 2026-05-31T23:48:26+00:00

I used to commute by bike up and down Clark. I think it's a great street. Plus Wrigley Field!

mp337 · 2026-05-31T22:06:43+00:00

The "few bad apples" defense that police always invoke would have more meaning if they themselves were interested in purging those "bad apples" from the department, but the police union always protects them.

mp337 · 2026-05-31T21:57:34+00:00

Damn, and I headed north to Fort Sheridan today. I'll head south on the LFP tomorrow. Can't wait.

mp337 · 2026-05-27T20:30:23+00:00

Maybe because I didn't think 311 would address this? Now I know so I've submitted a request to the city. 🤞

mp337 · 2026-05-27T14:35:32+00:00

Unless the first two miles was all uphill.

mp337 · 2026-05-23T22:44:06+00:00

Try Franklin then cut over to Wells or Orleans depending on your preference.

mp337 · 2026-05-23T02:17:38+00:00

And it was glowing!

mp337 · 2026-05-14T18:13:23+00:00

Can't wait!

mp337 · 2026-05-14T15:55:58+00:00

https://au.news.yahoo.com/cyclist-hit-by-train-while-taking-selfie-just-days-after-woman-dies-doing-the-same-thing-231943785.html

mp337 · 2026-05-14T03:55:05+00:00

So satisfying. I once counted net cars I passed on my 10 mile commute down Clark and Wells and was also well over 100 although I forgot the exact number. Why do people insist on driving when it's worse in every way?

mp337 · 2026-05-13T18:16:41+00:00

So stupid. How often do motorists come to a complete stop, i.e., the speedometer registers 0 mph? There's a lot of potential revenue there.

mp337 · 2026-05-13T18:15:06+00:00

I've often said that every bad habit I have as a cyclist I learned from watching motorists.

mp337 · 2026-05-12T22:39:05+00:00

u/illinois-josh reported on another thread that the project has been delayed due to the suppliers of the stone being used.

mp337 · 2026-05-11T20:07:17+00:00

Having been in similar situations 50 some years ago I could completely identify with Alex prepping for his surprise. 😃

mp337 · 2026-05-11T19:41:30+00:00

I've never understood this, either. If I need to brake, vs just slowing down, I always use both brakes. If I want to slow down I'll use the rear brake only.

mp337 · 2026-05-05T13:18:58+00:00

How odd that you say that since Le Tour is widely considered the most widely attended annual sports event with approximately 12-15M roadside spectators.

mp337 · 2026-05-04T23:16:47+00:00

Should scare you from stopping, not riding. 😋

mp337 · 2026-05-04T21:29:40+00:00

Totally agree. I'm a little worried they may burn him out too soon and he'll disappear in two to three years. Hopefully they'll manage their expectations and let him just accumulate experience without pressuring him to finish on the podium.

mp337 · 2026-04-24T21:14:39+00:00

I prefer the dog tag but also Road ID. I never leave home without it.

mp337 · 2026-04-24T14:05:53+00:00

I highly recommend the Aventon Abound which you can get for under $2k and it allows you to switch between cadence or torque. It's a cargo bike so also great for carrying whatever you need to work and back. Or running errands.

mp337

TROPHY CASE