Honestly, I think it's best just to not say anything.
If I had a nickel for every time someone said "Hey, I'm a cyclist, and
what you are doing is wrong," I'd have... well, I'd have about 25
cents. But all manner of comments come from people who instantly judge
you because of something real or fictitious. I've had bikers on the
bike path yell at me for not having a light, even when I've had it and
it has been on or when it had run out of batteries or whatever. I've
had drivers yell at me for being in a left-hand turn lane waiting to
turn left. I've had people yell at me to get on the sidewalk. It's
ridiculous.
Now, you may have been correct, but that biker may have been
justifiably defensive--who knows how many times he has been yelled at
for being on the road?
Bottom line: I don't think the solution is to shout annoyed-sounding
comments at each other. Safe cycling classes would be the way to go.
Don't know how we can go about making those classes more common and
widespread, but I think that would be the appropriate venue for
teaching appropriate cycling behavior.
Peter
On Dec 2, 2009, at 8:52 AM, Patrick Lenon wrote:
You know how when people complain about obnoxious bikers, and (most
of) you think, "I never do that, who are they talking about?"
Well, I met him this morning.
Out walking my dog before work on my very wide street, and some guy
comes down the sidewalk on his bike at 15-20 mph. Street is
completely empty. I pull off to the side and give him the universal
"give me a break" pleading gesture and say, "Can't you ride in the
street?" and turn to go on my way.
Screech of bike tires. I turn and he's pulling out his earplugs. I
notice that he is wearing a wool cap in lieu of a helmet.
"I been hit by two cars and a bus!"
Gist of the ensuing conversation was that, 1) I do not value his
expertise on the topic of safe bicycling, and 2) If he'd take his
ear plugs out maybe he could hear the bus before it hits him, and 3)
He should keep his bike off the frickin' sidewalk.
He seemed unpersuaded.
So, did I overreact, or should I invest in spike strips for the next
time he comes barreling down my sidewalk?
------------ Patrick Lenon
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