The Cyclist’s Mantra

Written by cycleguy on June 10th, 2009

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Anyone who has read my blog over the past year or more knows that I am a cyclist.  To be more succinct, a road cyclist.  That, to be honest, has its good points.  I don’t have to worry too much about endos from branches across the path or a branch taking me out or even running into a deer (although I did have a deer run out in front of me several years ago.  Can you imagine that headline?)  I don’t get muddy or have to wear full-finger gloves for protection.  The downside to the way I ride can be summed up in one word:  Jerks in cars.  Okay three words with emphasis on jerks.   Yesterday was a case in point (I tell this knowing it will scare my wife).  I was tooling along on a back road when one car passed me and I could hear another coming from behind.  This truck decides to pull up alongside me, probably about 2 feet max away from me and honk his horn.  I ride on the side of the road so this jerk had the whole other lane to go around me but nooooooo he had to pull his stunt.  Another  truck was right behind him and fortunately he pulled over.  I have had cars/trucks cut me off as they went around thinking it was funny getting so close.  I had one car full of teens have one of the guys put his arm out the window and get within about 6 inches of my shoulder.  What I wouldn’t have given at that point to have been able to grab his wrist (but it would have probably caused me serious hurt).  Several years ago I had a car going the opposite direction throw a full cup of some drink at me and miss my face by inches.  It was so close I could hear the liquid sloshing around. They slowed down to see “their damage”  but weren’t man enough to stick around when I stopped and turned to look.  They high-tailed it out of there.

Probably right about now you are saying, “Well Bill that is the hazard of your sport.  You want some cheese with that whine?”  I will grant you the whine session is true.  But it does fry me when some idiot in a 6000 or more pound death machine plays chicken with my 205 pound frame on an 18 pound (give or take some) bike.   You see, when I took my driving test it also included the rules of treating a cyclist, the turn lanes for a cyclist, etc.  Basically, the above bumper sticker is the mantra that is supposed to be observed.  I signal a turn.  I don’t assume the car is going to let me get over.  I stop at most stop signs (and roll through some).   I definitely stop at red lights.  There is quite a discussion going at some sites and blogs like this one about cyclists rights.

All that to say this: I don’t know how many of you are cyclists but if you see one give him some space.  Try to remember that if he is observing the rules, he is probably a conscientious cyclist and is just asking for a little respect and safety.   Keep an eye out for them on the road just as you would a motorcycle.  Keep in mind that he has his back to you and is virtually defenseless.  Put away your texting, twittering, etc while you drive (I would not mind at all if that was outlawed) and pay attention.  A friend of mine named Mark is still having back problems from a teenager who ran into him because he wasn’t paying attention.

I rode 32.5 today because I am on vacation.  I started it yesterday.  I plan to ride almost every day.  Jo and I will be leaving tonight for Knoxville to visit our oldest daughter, who is having surgery Friday.  We plan to stay till Monday so my blogging may not happen.   “Have Bike Will Travel” is my motto.  We would appreciate it if you would take a moment to pray for our safety and also to pray for Tami’s surgery on Friday.  I will plan to keep you informed if I can.  Thanks ahead of time.

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. Toby says:

    Prayers headed your way Bill!! Have a great time!

    But let me say this: My inner sinner would definitely be present if a teenage hand was within reaching distance. Then, of course, I would have probably pulled him out of the car and caused all kinds of damage. All that to say…..you’re a better man than me!
    Lots of cyclists over here though and, due to this post, I will probably give em a lil more room from now on.

  2. cycleguy says:

    T: Thanks for the prayers. My inner sinner wanted to do the same but fortunately reason won out. To grab his arm would have put me in a seriously bad position with the car going faster than I was. No way could I have stayed up. Thanks for dropping by.

  3. Jim says:

    Just prayed for ya! Be safe and enjoy!

  4. Heidi Reed says:

    Said a prayer for your cycle safety, for your trip, and for your daughter. For the record, I try very hard to watch out for bikers and cyclists. I am driving a missile on wheels with 3 of my most dearly beloved strapped in car seats. I should do a post on people who play chicken with kid-filled minivans. It’s all around us. 🙁 Boo!

    See you soon, friend!

  5. cycleguy says:

    Thanks Jim. Appreciate it.

  6. cycleguy says:

    Heidi: Please do a post. There are some dumb cyclists also…think they own the road. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

  7. Prayers said for you and Tami…

    Gods speed in your trip…and riding…

    Glad you said there are some jerk cyclists…I think the majority of them live near me! They, too, need to read the rules of the road…it doesn’t belong only to them!

  8. cycleguy says:

    Thanks for the prayers Steve. You are right. There are some who need to read the rules of the road. They make it bad for the rest of us.