I think I am a safer driver because I ride.

First of all, when you are in a car, you are going so much faster! Whoa!

So I have been driving pretty slowly lately. Likely saving gas.

I think I am also much more aware. In a car, you can't hear approaching cars, or other telltale signs of something happening. You are isolated. When I used to drive to work I'd play the radio, loud. Now I can't bear to have the radio higher than a low drone. I crack my window so that I can "hear." It's disconcerting to be in a box!

I was walking this weekend with my MIL at a streetfair and as she walked behind, I kept pointing on the ground - tree root! curb! stairs! - funny.