Two thoughts I had during my bicycle-commute to work this morning:
- "Wow am I out of shape. It shouldn't be possible to sweat this much."
- "Idiot." (aimed at several cars)
Not much else to add to the first thought. Hopefully that one will occur to me less and less often in the coming weeks. My legs just aren't used to the punishment yet.
But, about the "idiot" comment. Oregon drivers just do not know how to deal with cyclists. Here's a hint: treat us like any other vehicle.
Now, that doesn't mean you have to stay behind me...I've got my own lane most of the time. Feel free to pass. And even when I'm in your lane, you can go around without driving on the opposite shoulder (really, I'm not that fat!). If you come to a four-way stop and notice I'm also approaching it...wait for it...read my mind here...TREAT ME LIKE A CAR!!!!! If you're there first, GO. If you're on the right, GO! Stopping and giving me the wave (grounds for summary amputation of that hand) just slows everybody down. Do you really want to follow me? (the four-way stop I hit most frequently is me going straight, car turning left to go the same way I'm going)
One more thing. If there's a bike lane, stay out of it. Please. Or at least check to see if I'm there before you run me over. Pretty please? I get blocked by cars several times a month by thoughtless drivers (and I use that term completely literally). You've got mirrors for a reason.
Let me close by saying, "It's not totally your fault. It's only almost totally your fault." Cyclists around here don't always know what they're doing, either. Some of us ride on the sidewalk (no, we shouldn't!). Some of us ride through crosswalks (shame on us!). Some of us ride the wrong way in the bike lane (drivers, go ahead and give those guys a little nudge. Tell them I told you it was okay).
So, it's understandable that you may not be comfortable sharing the road with those big, scary, two-wheeled vehicles. Just try to do better, mkay?