Reckless Cycling in January (Comments: 5)
Author: Adam
Date: 4 February, 2009
Category: Road Stories, Rochester
I don’t like to get too judgmental about how people cycle – as long as they’re predictable enough to not endanger me, they’re free to ride helmetless, unlit, and unaware of the road to their heart’s content. There is, in fact, a continuum of safety, and a range that each of us bicycle users fall within depending on the day and our mood. One person may not use a helmet on good hair days, while another is willing to ride in a snowstorm.
I find that complaining that someone isn’t safe enough rarely does any good, whether it’s directed at the person or the general blog audience. But last month I saw two feats of cycling so reckless I have to share them here, dear readers.
1. Winter TV Haulin’
Don’t sneeze!
I got stuck behind this fellow on my way to a friend’s house. I was in the bit of a rush, but I didn’t dare try to pass him as he weaved back and forth along poorly plowed back roads, television set delicately balanced on his handlebars. He nearly wiped out about three times as I followed him, and had to stop at one point when he hit an incline. I took that opportunity to pass him, say “Hello,” and not look back.
2. Drunken Cycling
John 2:12
I saw this bike outside a bicycle-themed restaurant/bar in Chicago and wanted to tell the woman who rode in on the bike that her sticker was interesting. She replied with slurred speech and breath thick with the smell of alcohol. In fact, I rarely see people this drunk in public, and can’t say that I’ve ever seen a cyclist so intoxicated. As we were leaving, she was having trouble strapping something onto the back of her bike.
Let’s here some of your recklessness cyclist stories in the comments.
5 comments to “Reckless Cycling in January”