i swore i would never become a biker for a variety of reasons:
- driving behind them gives me anxiety (especially when they are not wearing helmets);
- i was hit by one when i was on a run and had the right away at a light, causing me to slam into an elderly woman and the biker just kept going;
- i was followed by a biker in manayunk who yelled into my car window, while i tried to explain that he was in my blind spot and biking in between a very narrow strip of cars on a curvy road with a creek below (the discussion was very productive) and then i pulled away because traffic started again and i was left with the image in my rear view mirror of a frantic biker trying to catch up to me while i sped off because my heart was racing;
- and because i have not biked in years and the thought is disturbing.
and then i came across a super cute, retro looking bike. (bike is currently being shipped, pictures to follow)
and suddenly all i can picture is me cruising through the streets of philadelphia, stopping at my friends' respective places in different parts of the city, picking up some items at the grocery store to be placed in the basket i decided to purchase as well, and riding only in the bike lanes so i eliminate as much anxiety as possible (i will have limited access as i remain only on red lines and may never make it to my destination but whatever) and not having a panic attack while cruising around the city and not suddenly falling over directly into the path of an oncoming car and having my face decapitated...some fantasy huh? ...HUH?!
my question is: what do i need to know? any and all advice appreciated. despite my bad feelings towards and bad experiences around bikers, i'm going to join forces with them to make my city commutes a little bit easier. i don't know if this is stockholm syndrome in real life, but i'm willing to find out.
* editor's note: my cousin just reminded me that i was also one time followed by a bike cop who frantically flashed his light into my side mirror to slow me down. another incident to help you understand my aversion to bike(r)s.
hahaha bikes are the bomb..now you can join me in my bike to bars throughout center city!!
ReplyDeletebut remember its illegal in philadelphia to ride your bike on the sidewalk!!
Wearing a helmet makes the bikes less cute, but spilt brains ain't cute either. Protect your noggin.
ReplyDeleteOh also, not to scare you, but be careful riding too close to parallel parked cars. There's been a serious of accidents from people who open their drivers side door without looking as bikers ride by.
It's okay with me provided that: 1) you always ride on the sidewalk - I will defend you in court and I have never lost a case; and, 2) you use training wheels - I will buy them with my pension. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteUse a U-Lock locking up your bike around the city. the cable locks do nothing. Have fun!
ReplyDeletethanks for the helpful feedback!!
ReplyDelete