Re: [Mpls] Walking, Biking, Driving in Minneapolis

[Bob GUSTAFSON]

Apparently my attempt at humor failed regarding the rules of biking and I now stand accused of asserting that it is the responsibility of bike riders to stay out of the way of automobiles. Apparently I have also been understood to imply that bike riders belong out of the way up on sidewalks or somewhere that will not hinder the arrogant gas guzzling polluting car drivers of the world.   That is not what I said or meant to imply.   Let me reword what I said so I am clear. Cars are BIG. Bikes are small. Cars hitting bikes will hurt bikes more than the cars. The laws of physics explain this. Mothers understand it. Mothers tell their children to be careful when riding bikes around cars.   That's all I said. As far as I'm concerned you can ride where you want, and pay no attention to cars if you wish. But what would your mother say?   All of that said, let me be clear that when I drive I try to watch out for things I might hit whether that be cars, bikes, people or anything else for that matter. I probably worry more about big vehicles that might hit me, but I worry about hitting other things as well. When I am on my bike however, that does not mean I ignore cars because I think they are worried about hitting me. I instead try to watch out for them, and try to second and third guess what the driver will be doing. This might not be the way I would like to see the world run, but getting back to the laws of physics and the Cars are big, bikes are small thing, it just seems to make sense.   If I interpret her correctly, Robin dreams of a world where no cars exist and when this age of Aquarius comes we will apparently all make healthy choices and ride bikes everywhere. She has through her sense of reasoning decided that "bike commuters are modeling the best behavior for the whole of society", and therefore I must assume that she believes the rest of us are modeling the worst behavior by driving our cars.   So be it.   I will be leaving soon for the list get together, driving my car, having a drink or two and eating bar    hors doeuvres for my dinner. Not very healthy activity but I'm ok with that. I am also ok if others choose to ride their bikes there, drink plain water and eat vegies. I will try to leave some vegies for you, and will be extra vigilant so that I watch for all bike riders as I drive.     If you are coming by bike, please also drive careful so we can share some political gossip when we all get there.   Bob Gustafson 13th