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Really Great Article from the BBC
A couple of weeks ago, the BBC ran a fascinating article into the psychology of why so many drivers hate bicyclists. I know many motorcycle riders also hate bicyclists as well, but the fascinating bits in the article is how many of them also apply to motorcycles. In many ways, I see this as a huge factor into why lane splitting is so feared and deemed illegal in 49 states:
The psychology of why cyclists enrage car drivers
The OTHER Two Wheels
Disney World Marathon January of 2013
2012 was a year long focus on getting healthy. Much of this was driven by the challenge of running a marathon with my brother. This year, that focus will continue, and part of that is to expand upon my own healthy living. I have always been a recreational cyclist, but this year, I am expanding the bicycles rotation in commuter vehicles in my life. Using it to get to work, and the gym, and to do some light grocery shopping. In order to accommodate this, I have begun the process of refurbishing my old mountain bike and turning it into a commute friendly bike.
This is important to me, as like the scooter, I view it as another step in getting another car off the road, and raising the awareness of alternatives. It is also an important step in staying healthy and fit.
This coming summer, instead of just running for my own health, my brother and I decided that we wanted to run for something more. We sat down and decided that this year we wanted to raise money for cancer research, as it is something we both want to see addressed with a real cure sooner than later. After some research, we found an organization that was set up to do just this. So this year, our big run is the Disneyland Half Marathon in Anaheim, CA.
Time Off as a Learning Tool?
Well, it has been basically 8 weeks between days that were viable days to ride safely. The weather since the holidays around these parts has been equal parts, wet, cold and windy. I can generally handle any two, but all three mixed together, and, well the car just seems like a better idea. It doesn't really help that in there I was, sick for 2 weeks, and hurting from the marathon for another 2. Today however, everything came together and I got to pull out the bike and ride to work.
Oh my word did it feel good. Vehicular Therapy. The sounds, the feel, the wind, it all comes together to bring about a nearly instant smile. Did I care that it was a mere 32 degrees? not even a smidgeon. The sun was out, the bike was under me and the roads were out there to be ridden. It was glorious.
Within a couple of miles though, I realized something else.
The pure joy of riding doesn't hide the fact that being off the bike for a bit, letting the brain gnaw on some things, I've forgotten how much more alert the experience of riding is. Just a few weeks of being in the cage, and all of those creature comforts, and I see again how 'tuned' out even the most aware and sensitive drivers become. Radios, phones, other people, even the climate controls are distractions. The isolation from the road, the sounds of traffic and the odors that indicate things in the roads, it is so easy to forget that there are other people out there dependent upon our attention. As I rider, I know these things. I see them every day I ride. Yet, in just a short time, those distractions claimed my attention as well. Only upon getting back in the saddle do you see just how much those distractions cost in terms of safety and awareness.
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