One thing I prefer about bike commuting over driving a car is the personal nature of being on a bike. Cars are so impersonal.

Think about this: when was the last time you were standing in line at a bank, and you might be looking down -- writing up a deposit slip or digging through your purse for a pen (or even in a checkout line at a grocery store) -- and a gap opens to the person in front of you, and someone else darts in and cuts in between you and the person in front of you to take that space?
Never happens??
Then why does it happen all the time in a car? You let one car length gap form b/t you and the car in front of you -- when you're lined up to get on the highway, for instance -- and some nameless, faceless, schmuck cuts you off. They do it because they can, and they don't have to look you in the face to do it.

So anyway, I had been pondering that lately. And as I was riding in this morning, I saw a police officer getting out of his parked car in front of me. As I ride up closer, I recognize him as this guy, Ed, who is frequently at our LBS. He's friendly with the owner and is often telling tales of folks he's dealt with while on duty. He's hysterically funny (and can talk your ear off!). And it's scary, too, some of the folks he's dealt with! So I pull over, and we start chatting. For nearly 15 minutes! We're laughing, we're talking - everything from drug busts to triathlons to the heat. Funny. If I had gone by in a car, we never would have so much as waved. I would have missed out on a really great interaction with someone.

I really like my bike rides.