I've had many conversations with cyclist's that in one way or another come down to "why do they hate us?" In that sentence the "they" are automobile drivers and the "us" are cyclists. I think the answer often is that while yes, sometimes cyclists are the targets of rage on the road, we're not uniquely targeted. In the clip above Louis CK explains this quite well in language that may not be safe for your workplace. None of his examples involve cyclists, they all involve minor slights and disproportionate response. As the saying goes, it's funny because it's true.
Now I am not saying that you should go out an ride your bike like a jerk because it doesn't matter what you do. You shouldn't run a red and cause a driver to slam on his brakes because a) it's stupid and b) it's adding to the general level of bad behavior in the world. Tarik Saleh came up with two rules for his bike club and they're good ones:
1) RIDE BIKES
2) TRY NOT TO BE AN ASS
That "Try not to be an ass" rule is a good one and it's worth putting into practice however you're getting around in the world.
Keep 'em rolling,
Kent "Mountain Turtle" Peterson
Issaquah WA USA
7 comments:
And right on cue, this happened to illustrate your point.
http://ipayroadtax.com/no-such-thing-as-road-tax/i-knocked-a-cyclist-off-his-bike-i-have-right-of-way-he-doesnt-even-pay-road-tax/
When we are alone in the car we have a tendency to think we are alone in the world. It's important to take a deep breath, relax and, be calm while behind the wheel. It's for everyone's safety.
"Try not to be an ass." Is a good rule for everyone to follow. Cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, all humans in general.
I don't know weather to laugh or cry Kent. Yes, It's funny because it is true, and for the same reason it is also terrifying!
As a cyclist who commutes every day in a big city and a tourer who is getting to ride with his wife for a year, it scares the hell out of me that people carrying that much pent up aggression might have to slow down to pass me on a busy road and get 8 seconds behind in their angry lives!
But then again, a guy cut me off in his truck the other day and the first thing out of my mouth was nothing that should be repeated here. Hmmm?
Good post.
Wow Kent, almost a month since your last post. Hope you're out on an epic adventure, and will be giving us lots of reports and pixels upon your return.
I'm with fatbob....
Very true. There is a debate going on in the UK here about road deaths. They have reduced dramatically and are the lowest since records began, except for cyclists. They are on the increase. Is it because there are more of them or is it because the government are not making the necessary improvements to the road that is needed. Discuss!
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