Let’s face
it. Biking in Boston sucks. The drivers are nuts, the roads are narrow
(although I have to admit, they are trying to add bike lanes. PLUS!), and there’s
just a lot of people to get in your way. I hate to start this paragraph like
this, but I remember the first time I decided to start commuting in Boston very
vividly. Why not save some money,
exercise, and get to Citysports (where I worked) probably faster??? Well, lets just say I witnessed an unfortunate
accident. None the less, I decided to
not commute by bike after that.
Despite this
accident I would rather not describe on a blog, I eventually got hooked on
bikes. I now commute over 30 miles a week in Boston and then ride another 100
or so in/around Boston. I’ve had countless close calls and only one
accident involving a car (one involving myself and my bike only haha). Keep in mind a few things when
commuting/riding in the City………
Be aware of
EVERYTHING around you. What’s ahead,
what’s to the side, the other side, the lights, the people, etc. When it’s busy, a car or person can jump out
from surprise (or a blind spot).
Don’t wear
headphones. I admit sometimes I have them in one ear. I am dumb.
Use lights
when it’s dark. Make yourself known.
Don’t be
surprised if you start talking to cars. And
swear a lot. WHAT THE F**K???? USE YOUR BLINKER!!! They probably can’t hear
you, but if it makes you feel better do it.
Just because
you are in the bike lane doesn’t mean cars don’t think they can join in
too. The ones that float into the bike
lane are my favorite (and by favorite I mean I hate them so badly). I’ve
actually slapped my hand on cars to let them know…hey you are in a bike lane…and
um there’s a bike coming? Or just use
your rearview mirrors better.
Bikers (or
cyclists whatever) aren’t perfect either.
I sometimes run lights just so I don’t have to clip out. But when it comes down to it, we are on a
bike. You in a car. Let’s all just chill
out and get along.
Wear a
helmet. Really? You aren’t cool by not
wearing one. You may think so, but you
won’t feel it when you hit your head somewhere. Or wait, you will totally feel it. ouch
Watch out
for car doors. When you see a person sitting in a parked car along the street…be
extra careful. Some people are smart and
look in their mirrors, but some are not. They might even yell at you after
hitting the door…then drive off!
Get
comfortable in tight spaces. It takes a little practice riding between parked
cars and cars that are stuck in traffic.
But, when you get good at it….you can say….haha suckers….you are in a
car stuck in traffic and I am biking faster than you! And not as fat as you!
Clip out
early if you aren’t used to clips (if you even use them). If you don’t need to stop well whatever just
clip back in. At least you were
prepared.
Expect to be
yelled at. Even by bikers with baskets when you don’t even do anything. People will yell at you for riding too far in
the lane, riding side by side with a friend, or for being ridiculously good
looking in spandex. Embrace it. It’s
entertaining. Plus, they are too stressed out about something that’s going to
go away in 5 sec.
Expect to be
honked at. People are just jealous you
are biking and they aren’t. It’s okay.
Don’t be
dumb. If there’s a red light and traffic
crossing, DO NOT GO. DUH. I’ve watched
bikers just think they rule the road and cut off cars who DO actually have the
right away. Don’t be stupid. You do not
rule the road if you are a douche. You only rule the road when you are awesome.
Wave to
other cyclists/bikers. Be friendly and overly excited to see someone else out
there. It puts a smile on faces. Plus we have to stick together, yo.
Offer help
if you see someone on the side of the road (with a bike….and maybe other
people). Once I stopped out of
exhaustion to rest and someone asked me if I was okay. It was heartfelt. But I was fine.
Bring a
debit car and ID. You never know when you might stop at a bar for beer. Oh, and
so people can identify you if you get into an accident. But the first is more
important.
Massholes
will always be massholes. Be ready for anything.
Oh, and watch out for potholes. and don't carry an umbrella.
Don't be like this guy.
Most important, have fun.
You get places quicker and get some good exercise in.
Yay biking!
No comments:
Post a Comment