Today I went on a 30 mile ride, within the first four miles I almost got plowed by a Trail Blazer on the Bay Trail. I understand that in this part of the trail it is a bit industrial as Subaru and Honda have shipping yards there. However, the SUV blew past a stop sign and I had my hands on my aero bars and didn't have my breaks ready and just missed being side-swiped and being road kill. In the past I have had a semi trailer truck push my bike off the bike lane, I've been cut off (its hard to just stop when you are literally fastened to your bike via clip shoes). I get that people get annoyed by bikes but here are a few points to consider: the first point (the main point), a car versus a bike. We know who is going to win. What point is being made by pushing a bike off the road or cutting them off? I see it as a car weighs over a ton and the bigger the vehicle the heavier it is…me on my bike weighs approximately 160 pounds. If I get hit, I get hurt or possibly seriously hurt. The nonsensical point that a driver is trying to make is lost. Secondly, a bicyclist is on a bike not driving they are getting exercise. No matter how fat, skinny, slow or fast they may be they are burning calories. As a driver of a vehicle just remember people are out there trying to better themselves. Third and last, I know bikes can get annoying and sometimes get in the way but take a deep breath and settle down and remember we are all human. I know not all drivers try to hit and run over bicyclists and I know that a lot of bicyclist do not follow basic traffic rules but just remember if you're angry-- you're car is powerful and can seriously injure a person operating the bike. For drivers who are aware that people are running, biking, skateboarding, etc and are cautious, I appreciate it. If you get all riled up at people biking, skating, etc. chill out and be nice.
Jeannine
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