Well here's another Paul adding a response. I relate to a lot of what has been shared and appreciate many of the thoughtful responses. Also, I'm another cyclist getting up there in years beginning about age 35 with my first good bike. It's hard to get my mind around it but I am about 3 years ahead of original poster Paul so this is the year the big Seven Zero arrives in the B-day column for me. But I feel at least 10 or15 years younger than that so that's a blessing.
Dallas, TX and the surrounding suburbs have grown and continue to grow in population and traffic tremendously. I share the same concerns in riding my bike(s) out there that many have expressed. The seemingly frantic rush most drivers seem to be in along with the cell phone use is a scary combo indeed. Helmet, mirror attached, riding very defensively, waiting to see if there is a red light or stop sign runner b4 proceeding are all part of my riding strategy. I stick to slower speed limit residential streets when not on a pathand know the area to get around pretty well. Many of my errands are done via bike. As to sidewalks if it seems a car is crowding me or being impatient I don't hesitate to get up on it. Like Leah, I'm courteous to walkers and stop and defer to them but rarely encounter walkers. I've encountered no irritation with that and most likely happiness with the driver that I got out of their way. When deemed safe I get back on the street. I like what Patrick M said about a little prayer at the beginning of a ride. Cycling means enough to me to take the known risks. I could see in the future giving it upbecause of physical limitations as I get older or suffering a pretty severe bike accident might put me off it. The idea of meeting my demise when riding occurs to me occasionally but also the idea of going out doing something I love is not off putting. I'm one that is actually looking forward to the next life. I hope there are bicycles there. (The good place not the other place.) That demise would be preferable to sitting on my sofa eating ice cream and kicking off with a heart attack or stroke.But then again I do like ice cream hmmm? I better cycle tomorrow to burn calories to justify Saturday night ice cream. At any rate OP Paul all the best with your decision regarding your cycling future. Thanks for bringing up an interesting topic. Safe riding to you all.The Riv Bike list rocks! Paul in Dallas,TX When one gets old do they get more long winded? What age is official geezer status age? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/701E938F3417AD78.3d8ada7b-7085-473f-8567-8081e04c249b%40mail.outlook.com.
