How Was Your Commute Today?

[Melalvai]

Then he proceeds to tell us that we need to be more considerate of everyone else, that it's "rush hour", look at all the cars around us (we were at a signal!!!), and he can't believe how inconsiderate we are riding in the street at this time of day. We had NO issues with cars at all ...This, coming from a guy riding on the sidewalk, darting out into the street unexpectedly as he crosses the street from one sidewalk to the other, and WE'RE inconsiderate?

Even if you did slow someone down a little you have a right to the road, and as you already know it's much safer and actually more considerate than sidewalk cycling. I think you will feel less frustrated with this uneducated and biased cyclist if you become a League Certified Instructor and start teach the bike class in your area.

[kfergos]

Even if you did slow someone down a little you have a right to the road, and as you already know it's much safer and actually more considerate than sidewalk cycling. I think you will feel less frustrated with this uneducated and biased cyclist if you become a League Certified Instructor and start teach the bike class in your area.

I found that since I've become an LCI, I've had to struggle against accosting bad bicyclists I encounter on my daily commute! It's agonizing to watch people blaze through red lights or meander in and out of parked cars, thinking that's the way it should be done. Unfortunately there's no good way to prove that I actually know what I'm talking about -- it's hard not to sound like a bossy know-it-all when you're telling somebody what they're doing is unsafe.

I mention all this cuz I just had to restrain myself again this morning as a lady in a hideous jacket circa 1996 zipped past me and through a red light. Argh!

[Melalvai]

I found that since I've become an LCI, I've had to struggle against accosting bad bicyclists I encounter on my daily commute! It's agonizing to watch people blaze through red lights or meander in and out of parked cars, thinking that's the way it should be done. Unfortunately there's no good way to prove that I actually know what I'm talking about -- it's hard not to sound like a bossy know-it-all when you're telling somebody what they're doing is unsafe.

I mention all this cuz I just had to restrain myself again this morning as a lady in a hideous jacket circa 1996 zipped past me and through a red light. Argh!

Well, that is a possibility too. I feel less inclined to correct people on the spot because I think "another example to use in a class!"

[JennK13]

I found that since I've become an LCI, I've had to struggle against accosting bad bicyclists I encounter on my daily commute! It's agonizing to watch people blaze through red lights or meander in and out of parked cars, thinking that's the way it should be done. Unfortunately there's no good way to prove that I actually know what I'm talking about -- it's hard not to sound like a bossy know-it-all when you're telling somebody what they're doing is unsafe.

I mention all this cuz I just had to restrain myself again this morning as a lady in a hideous jacket circa 1996 zipped past me and through a red light. Argh!

I can understand that, but the guy was clearly NOT an LCI. My husband asked if we cut him off or something, but we didn't do anything - he was literally upset over the fact that we were in the street, and his sidewalk riding was the proper way to be "considerate" to drivers. I have a part time job as a Group Ride Leader, so I'm very conscious about being safe and following the rules of the road, especially since the "kids" riding with me this morning were one of my younger interns, and the 17 year old son of another staffer (I feel responsible for them, so I'm extra safe and lead by example). And we are in Colorado, where we have a 3 ft law for cyclists.

At any rate, sounds like the lady that blew past you needed to be spoken to about her fashion sense alone

[JennK13]

Warm and humid commute, but it was a short commute as I had to drop my car off at the dealership for service, then ride to work - barely 3 miles. It's funny, though - when they called and said my car was done, and I pulled my bike out to go pick it up, I had 3 people offer me a ride instead, like riding a bike is a burden. I'm like "Thanks, but I enjoy riding - I'm good"

[7rider]

As much as I'd like to deny it, I cannot escape the fact that the light is changing. In the morning, when I get up, it is now dark enough in the house to need to turn on lights. This afternoon, although I had plenty of daylight left (and it was hotter than Hades), I couldn't help but notice the change in the quality of the sun. The angle has changed and the shadows are very different vs just a few weeks ago.
As much as I'm melting in the heat this summer, I do so enjoy the long days and plentiful light.

[kmehrzad]

As much as I'd like to deny it, I cannot escape the fact that the light is changing. In the morning, when I get up, it is now dark enough in the house to need to turn on lights. This afternoon, although I had plenty of daylight left (and it was hotter than Hades), I couldn't help but notice the change in the quality of the sun. The angle has changed and the shadows are very different vs just a few weeks ago.
As much as I'm melting in the heat this summer, I do so enjoy the long days and plentiful light.

I totally agree. When I get up at 5:30 weekdays, it's definitely darker, and I need to finish my evening ride about 30 min. earlier now. I've also noticed acorns are dropping, woolie bear caterpillars are everywhere (which usually occurs later in the year), and fruit at the local orchards this year have been available for picking about a month early. I'm wondering if we'll have --- I shudder to say this --- an early winter?

[Catrin]

... I'm wondering if we'll have --- I shudder to say this --- an early winter?

The censor didn't block this out??? Early Winter???? Let's not go there even in our thoughts. We LIKE the long days, and the sunshine, and all the pretty flowers & green stuff, and...and...and.... not having to cycle in warm clothes! Ok, so I will add the heat to the list.

At least we have a few more months so let's bike like mad while we can and maybe start looking for warm bike clothes on sale because everything is too large now...

[Cait]

I'm wondering if we'll have --- I shudder to say this --- an early winter?

I think I could handle this actually. Maybe it was because I started riding in the winter but I much prefer cooler weather (I know I'm crazy), especially for commuting so I'm no so sweaty.

As for my ride to work...chased by a dog. This happens to me way more than anyone I know. I started carrying doggie pepper spray but its not worth the effort. It doesn't hurt them but I would still feel bad, plus I'd probably just end up spraying myself.

[Melalvai]

I got my first parking ticket on my bicycle today! I was mad for a moment, then I thought it was funny. The great thing about my new job is that over and over again, they've shown me how reasonable and responsive they are. So now I'm confident that when I explain "I can't use the provided bike racks because there aren't actually bike racks provided on this side of the complex", that they'll put in some bike racks.

I never lock up to a rail or signpost, if a bike rack is available reasonably close.

Now if I could only get a speeding ticket on my bike...

[redrhodie]

I got my first parking ticket on my bicycle today! I was mad for a moment, then I thought it was funny. The great thing about my new job is that over and over again, they've shown me how reasonable and responsive they are. So now I'm confident that when I explain "I can't use the provided bike racks because there aren't actually bike racks provided on this side of the complex", that they'll put in some bike racks.

I never lock up to a rail or signpost, if a bike rack is available reasonably close.

Now if I could only get a speeding ticket on my bike...

How did you get a parking ticket on your bike? How did they know whose bike it was to write the ticket? It's not like your bike has a license plate. Where were you parked?

[HillSlugger]

on my ride home I pulled up alongside a car, in a European accent the guy complimented me for biking, asked me how far I ride, and then asked me if I'd marry him. High point of my day so far

[DebbieOSablada]

on my ride home I pulled up alongside a car, in a European accent the guy complimented me for biking, asked me how far I ride, and then asked me if I'd marry him. High point of my day so far

ooooh... excellent !!

[Melalvai]

How did you get a parking ticket on your bike? How did they know whose bike it was to write the ticket? It's not like your bike has a license plate. Where were you parked?

It was one of those stickers saying use the bike racks. We'll take away any bikes locked the the railing. It's an egress issue, which I understand. Still--there are no bike racks on that side. And the facilities manager just called me and regretfully explained that there is no place on that side of the building to put a bike rack because you can't obviously take away a FACULTY member's parking space. Eh. I'm super annoyed about this. Ordinarily I try to welcome opportunities to walk farther. But I go over there to check on my rats frequently, and to have to walk so much farther every single time is going to eat up a lot of my day. I'd be better of driving.

Where is Yehuda when I need him?

[malkin]

Another bug vs. cheek head-on. This time, a hard shelled one. Maybe one of those disgusting box elder bugs.

I better start keeping my mouth closed or I'll be choking on them.