If you’re a reader of this blog, you may already be privy to my views on public property. As a tax paying citizen and business owner, I own a small slice of a lot of things in this country (and so do you). Parks, schools, fire departments, libraries, universities, fighter planes, museums…
And roads.
Sometimes I ride my bike on these roads. Not as much as I wish I could (#priorities), but plenty enough. It’s a healthy endeavor and gives one a liberating sense of moving unnaturally fast.
In fact, the invention of the bicycle two centuries ago put humans near the top of the “Fastest Creatures on Earth” list. #screwyoucheetahs Bikes are one of the most efficient modes of transportation ever invented, and some people say riding your bike makes you look more attractive and enhances your sense of humor...this is probably not scientifically proven but I’m inclined to believe it anyway.
I tip my hat to those awesome folks who ride their bikes to Autumn Arch. It makes my day when a group shows up and asks if they can lean their bikes against the wall (yes, you certainly can). They obviously know how to have a good time. I have also noticed that these folks tend to be incredibly good-looking and hilarious….coincidence? Probably not.
But there is also a supreme risk to riding bicycles - cars. And more specifically, the people who drive said cars. You and me included.
Two days ago, my friend was hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle. The driver fled the scene leaving my unconscious friend on the side of the road.
If this doesn’t get your blood boiling, I question your humanity. In this particular case, my anger stems not just from the specific incident, but also the complete disregard for owning a mistake. It’s dishonest, selfish, and completely un-American.
Taking a step back, all drivers own this mistake. Sure, most of us have never injured another person with our car, but some of us inevitably will. We accept this risk as a cost of participating in a modern society. It’s so easy to become complacent, but it is crucial for all of us to remember that we control the safety of those around us when we’re cruising around town at 50 mph in a 3,000 lb steel cage.
Everyone finds it annoying to be stuck behind bike rider (especially when we have the power of an internal combustion engine at our toes!). But they own the road just like you and I do. The impatient alternative is this: you risk ending someone’s time on this earth.
So this short post is a simple plea:
Be responsible.
Be patient.
Be vigilant.
When driving.
When riding.