The Cynic Says……

Ok, so everyone knows I cycle by now… Well, I have to be amused by these douchebag idiots that drive by me hanging out their window yelling “get off the road” or something of that nature when they pass me while I’m cycling. Fact is, I am where I’m SUPPOSED to be… ON THE ROAD! Being a cyclist, I’m not supposed to be on the sidewalks; that’s reserved for pedestrians. Granted, no cop is going to write me a ticket for being on the sidewalk, but being there puts me at a distinct disadvantage when trying to get around town. It’s easier for me to turn right from the right hand lane of the road than it is from the sidewalk. If I do it from the road, I do it just as a car would. If I do it from the sidewalk, I have to actually stop and make sure no car is turning as well otherwise I run the risk of getting “right hooked”. I guess people do it because it gives them a feeling of power or something. They’re in this two-ton hunk of metal belching pollution into the atmosphere and wasting precious resources and I guess somehow they feel as though only cars should be on the roads. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but cyclists have as much right to the roads as everyone else does. What kills me is how car-centered our culture has become. People will drive their car a block away to visit their neighbor! What the fuck? People will drive their cars 2 miles to the video store to pick up some movies… a mile to Burger King to eat… and then spend $30 a month to go the health club and run on a treadmill or cycle on a stationary bike for a couple hours a week. Why not just buy a bicycle and use it for those 1-2 mile short trips? Then you kill two birds with one stone. You’re getting legitimate exercise and getting whatever errand done at the same time. Not to mention you’re saving wear & tear on your car and saving in gas money since that’s the point in time when a car is least efficient. I could sit here for an hour extolling the virtues of the bicycle over the car, but I won’t waste the space. Just suffice it to say that with the reduced stress (no waiting in traffic, people cutting me off, road rage) and extra cash (no gas, insurance, maintenance, car payments, etc), I’m a much happier person and that’s what matters most. Honestly, if driving around a 3000lb hunk of metal that sucks gas and money makes you happy, more power to you. To me, the supposed benefits of having a car don’t outweigh all the negatives. Hence, I do not own one and don’t plan on owning one anytime soon… and sorry to burst your bubble but I’m not gonna “get off the road” just so you can get to your destination 2.03 seconds earlier.