Oh yeah, well.... In the spirt of self gratification and snickering amongst
my cyclist peers, I thought I'd forward to obra my reply to Mr. Schram too.
Enjoy, if you're bored and have free time on your hands...
__________
Hi Ken,
Hope you're enjoying this splendid summer weather. I sure am. I thought I'd
cater to your taunt, and give you the benefit of a feedback reply.
First off, I'll say outright that I am a cyclist that commutes daily to
work, rain or shine. My route fortunately allows me to ride within bike
lanes for 2/3rds of the distance. Once I get into downtown, it's me in the
lane, just like a car. Stop light after stoplight.
I have found that it can save me a little time if I run red lights, but have
chosen to resist the urge in order to set a cooperatively positive example,
and to help reduce the level of automobile induced stress that already
exists out there.
I will explain why cyclists ride along the stripe between cars. This is
actually the safest, and most efficient manner of travel during rush hour
traffic. When it is bumper to bumper traffic, people in cars generally are
frantically trying to change lanes and sprint for the next red light. They
do not use their blinkers, have coffee in one hand, are talking on cell
phones, and thinking about finding parking spaces. When they spot the
parking space, it's often a sudden sharp movement, that is very difficult to
anticipate. Often the driver forgets to look over his shoulder before
cranking it over across the space a cyclist is theoretically supposed to
travel in. How's that for a broad generalization? It's very accurate,
actually.
I have found that in general, it is safer to pass a car on my own terms,
travelling at a rate faster than the sub-10 mph pace of rush hour, rather
than to take my fair position on the road, in the lane. I get honked at and
cut off much more frequently when I ride patiently in the middle of the
lane. If there are cars all around, bumper to bumper, side to side, I know
that there is nowhere for them to go. I know that it is very unlikely that
those shiney SUV owners want to scratch or dent their precious image
investments, so they maintain a straight line. In a three lane street, I
often ride the stripe on either side of the middle lane. When I pass through
on the stripe, I monitor the brake lights, front wheels, and driver body
language for hints or clues that I may be in danger. This has worked well
for me. It works well for the bike messengers too that have to live in this
mess all day long.
By the way, there is a reason for having bike messengers. It is a faster and
more economical way to deliver important documents and packages. If you
don't believe in this, then you have the choice to have your packages
delivered by car. This takes much longer, and brings with it additional
expense. If it's that important, you have the right to vote with your money,
and pay a higher fee for deliveries. Otherwise, you're actually supporting
those "menacing", yet efficient bike messengers.
I couldn't agree more with you about having police officers cite cyclists
who make seriously dangerous and menacing decisions while out on the road.
It bothers me too. I'd like to see them cite drivers the same way. These
irresponsible actions are the examples that become the focus of negative
discussions about car/cyclist interactions. The old saying, that it only
takes one rotten apple to spoil the bunch applies here. The same example you
have made could be applied to the subject of menacing car drivers, as I have
described above.
I would like to add that commuting by bicycle is a very healthy alternative
to driving. It gives you the chance to get your blood pumping out in the
fresh air before and after the confines of the office. It is a more relaxing
and peaceful activity. It is highly efficient, and a socially responsible
activity that should be supported on a greater scale. The amount of
resources that are wasted in the name of automobile use is staggering.
Thanks for your article. In the classic journalistic move, you seem to be
interested in getting people riled up in order to get support or a reaction.
I hope you have enjoyed my reaction. Have fun reading the rest of them. I
would like to encourage you to consider writing an informed article about
the flip side of your chosen subject matter. Maybe you could gain some
helpful perspective, and in turn, actually write something that contains
some intelligent insight which contributes to this community of people that
we live in. Otherwise, you're really just complaining, and isn't it
embarrassing that you get paid to do that?
Chris Brandt
Portland, OR
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