Road Rage is a TAPTS original series.
Part 1: Cyclists vs. Drivers
Part 2: Drivers vs. Cyclists
Part 3: Pedestrians vs. Cyclists/Drivers
Visitors to Portland frequently comment about how nice we Portlanders are. A friend visiting from NYC actually made a comment about all the niceties: “It’s starting to freak me out!” Portland is also recognized as one of the country’s most bike friendly cities. And even though a rare 20 minute hold up in traffic will send any seasoned Portland driver into a full on panic attack, LA this is not.
However, the cyclist versus driver war has erupted into irrational levels of general madness. Since everything else about people’s lives is so… well… nice, are we just hating motorists because of the potential threat they can cause to our lives due to their cell-phone/child-rearing/food-eating vehicle experience? I realize some cyclists suck but I’m convinced that every driver operates a mass murdering vehicle of death.
People, I drive and I bike – and I have personally sucked at both at one point or another. I have ran stop signs in neighborhoods. I have used sidewalks and other non-designated “safe” bike lanes (cycling is an improvisational art!). I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen motorists run red lights without considering the damage that he/she could cause to others. At least when I cut corners, I’m only putting myself at risk.
So for all you motor vehicle operators out there, start paying a little more attention to where the *expletive deleted* you are *expletive deleted* going. Not only do you have a responsibility to your passengers, but you are obligated to SHARE the road with others. Just because you drive a 2004 BMW doesn’t mean you can cut me off therefore putting my life in danger because I wasn’t going 10 miles over the speed limit.
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As a somwehat cyclist myself-it always amazes me that cylists will wear headphones in traffic.
As a somwehat cylcist myself-it awlays amazes me that cylist will wear headphones in traffic.
Oh, I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop…
You’re right. We should all share the road. However I think you’re missing the point. BMW drivers suck. When someone purchases a BMW some trigger in the head is tricked and the driver thinks they’re above everyone else. Cheers to you German engineers!
Ha. Try riding a bike in Vancouver, Washington. That’s a much more interesting experience. Why is there not yet a post about how Vancouver is one of the things about Portland that suck? After all, that’s where both Lars Larson and Tonya Harding live.
Ah, the age old argument. You lose when you pretend to know what is in the mind of the other. Wait, I forgot, this blog is about stereotyping and broad generalizations. I’ll move along now.