Today I had a experience that shocked me. One of my friends posted something on facebook that I just could not believe. The exact quote was "you know what really grind my gears? People on bicycles holding up busy roads. Or people on bicycles on winding country roads"
Now as a cyclist I feel very strongly about cyclist right to the road and safety on the road. My friend is not a cyclist and I bet just does not understand what it is like to be out on the road on a bike. The comment resulted in a debate that went on most of the day about whether bikes belong on the road or not.
I spent the day thinking about how to show him that not only do bikes belong on the road but that people should stop taunting us thinking that it is funny. My main concern is that if I can not convince a friend of this, how can we possibly change all of the drivers out there that we don't know. I know that I don't have the answer but maybe the place to start is to get more folks on bikes. I know that once I got on a bike I realized a lot more about driving and how to safely pass bikes when I am in my car.
So talk to your friends and get them out on a bike. Even if it is just for 1 ride. You never know....they may decide that they really like riding.
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2 comments:
I know exactly what you mean about the difference in driving once you start riding a bike. I actually commute by combination of car and folding bike, so I drive and ride in close proximity every day. I'm always amazed that people aren't more careful too - cyclists are people!
Thanks LBJ. It is amazing what happens when you get on a bike and see the road as cyclists see it. Plus you notice so many more cool things when traveling on a bike that you don't in a car.
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