Duck on Wheels
05-22-2006, 05:40 PM
Thought I'd start by mentioning some courteous drivers, folks who contribute to Madison being the #1 bike city of its size in the US. Riding a bike route through quiet residential streets, I paused at an intersection to catch my breath and check my route. I pulled out into the gutter area and unclipped both feet. Nevertheless three drivers (one bus, two cars) who came up behind me seemed quite prepared to wait for me. Happily, I noticed them promptly and waved them on with a smile. I was thinking of sending only this positive note to the forum, and maybe also to the local paper, until ...
On the way home I came to an intersection where the right lane has a forced right turn. Since I was headed straight ahead, I stopped in the right hand side of the left lane and waited for the green light. Just as the light turned, some jerk passed me on the right and pulled in ahead of me. Good enough clearance (if only barely) that I didn't have a heart attack or get swerved off balance. Nevertheless, somewhat unnerving and highly irritating. In all fairness to Madisonians, the driver was probably from out of town since he clearly didn't know either the intersection or the local speed limit. Or maybe he was just an idiot.
On the way home I came to an intersection where the right lane has a forced right turn. Since I was headed straight ahead, I stopped in the right hand side of the left lane and waited for the green light. Just as the light turned, some jerk passed me on the right and pulled in ahead of me. Good enough clearance (if only barely) that I didn't have a heart attack or get swerved off balance. Nevertheless, somewhat unnerving and highly irritating. In all fairness to Madisonians, the driver was probably from out of town since he clearly didn't know either the intersection or the local speed limit. Or maybe he was just an idiot.