Disrespect

OK guys,

I'm sure you've heard of all these rants on blogs and on Twitter and everywhere all the time, but I have to do one. In fact, I think I've already done a blog on this topic, but it deserves to be visited again and again. It's about the obvious disrespect and hatred that motorists feel against cyclists, anywhere.

Today, I went for a chill little ride around downtown Raleigh, NC. I live about 10 miles from there, and so I rode easy out there, visited a bike shop, and then rode home. Well, on my way there, I was heckled by several motorists, either by them flicking me off out the window or honking at me and yelling expletives out their windows as they passed. Now, usually this doesn't bother me, due to the fact that I'm a serious cyclist and accept that most people in the world are like this and it's a part of cycling. But it's been strange over the past few weeks, heckling seems to be happening more frequently. I'm not sure if it's just me riding, or just people being bigger douches. But regardless, I've noticed it happening to me a lot more. So, today, I was a little irritated by the hecklers on the road, but I was fine with it. So, as I made it into the city, I went to the bike shop and picked up a classic hat, something I've wanted for the longest time!! I'm so excited, and actually am wearing it while writing this. Anyway, I left the bike shop and explored the city a little, then headed back to the road home. Something that I noticed though, was that when I was riding my bike down the streets of Raleigh, and all over, I was happy. This is something that is amazing to me, because I just love the fact that cycling can let go of all of the stress that's weighing on your mind and you can just feel better. I felt absolutely amazing rolling down the streets, just smiling in the sun and enjoying the air going by me. Then, as I got to the last left turn, I moved over to the left of the lane due to some bad roads, and just as I looked up, the truck in front of me had almost completely stopped. I grabbed my brake levers as hard as I could. My back wheel skidded out and I went into the back of the truck with my shoulder, and almost rolled into an oncoming car in the opposite lane. However, I was able to save it and pull up the bike.

This is ridiculous. I've had my fair share of close calls with cars passing me super close, but I've never come into contact with one at that high a speed before. It was honestly terrifying, and I was shocked for the remainder of the ride home, just scared out of my mind. This is something that we have all thought before, just how unreal it is that motorists will seem to attack us like this. Runners and cyclists alike, who have the right to use the roads as much as motorists, all are discriminated against. I don't think it is fair to all of us who do our best to stay in shape by exercising on the roads, and it doesn't make sense at all. I absolutely HATE when people say that cyclists don't respect the roads because we occasionally run red lights and pass cars on the left when stopped. It doesn't make sense! We deserve a free pass on those occasions because every single day we deal with some excess stress from asshole drivers. I can't stand it. Now, I can rant on forever, but I won't waste your time. Thanks for reading, and if you're a motorist that wants respect, you first have to give us cyclists respect first. Once you respect us, we'll respect you.

Happy training.