Watch Out!

Yesterday I thought it would be a good day to ride my bike to work since that is what Mike got me for my birthday. It was the perfect day, nice and crisp and cool in the morning and sunny but a little breezy in the afternoon; a great day for a ride. On the way to work there wasn't much traffic because, as you might expect, there aren't a lot of people on the road at 7:30 on a Saturday morning. The way home was a completely different story.

I was amazed at how many people were completely unaware of my presence. What was even more astonishing was the attitude of certain individuals that I had no right being out there on a bicycle. One man watched me go across the cross walk and press the button to cross at the other cross walk. He was waiting at the red light to turn right (southbound) and I was waiting right next to him to go straight across (eastbound). When the light turned green he gunned it and nearly hit me. Did he have any idea that I had the right-a-way? He actually glared at me like I had no right being there!

Most of my scary encounters were waiting at lights with people who were turning right. So, I guess the message I would like to get out there is watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. I find that sometimes (when I am driving a vehicle) I don't look to my right before I turn right; I am so focused on looking to my left at oncoming traffic to see when I will be able to turn out that I forget to look to my right to see if anybody is there. Let's all be a little more cautious. My bike-riding experience on Saturday was eye-opening!

It did feel good to get on a bike again though. I haven't done it since I was pregnant. I love my new bike and I am looking forward to getting out there again (even with all the crazy and inconsiderate drivers). Thank goodness there are also cautious and courteous people out there as well.

I would like to give a little shout out to Rebecca who did a triathalon a short time ago. You are awesome lady!