Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.LittleBigMan
06-13-01, 12:43 PM
I confess. I am not the calm, composed, in-control bicycle commuter I pretend to be. I have noticed that traffic has had an effect on me as a cyclist.
As a driver, I had to learn to calm down in traffic. Everyday had some crazy move by another motorist getting me riled. I made dumb mistakes if I didn't calm down.
As a cyclist, I am far more relaxed. But still, I've noticed that traffic has had one lingering, and subtle, effect on me: the urge to go faster.
This may not be bad in many cyclists' view, but why should I let traffic push me? It is purely psychological. How could I ever hope to cruise any faster than 25 mph? And realistically, it's more like 18 - 20. I simply will never match the cars at their strong suit.
Wouldn't I be better off learning how to take it easy, at least at my own pace? After all, catching motorists at the next light seems to make it all worth while! :D
As a driver, I had to learn to calm down in traffic. Everyday had some crazy move by another motorist getting me riled. I made dumb mistakes if I didn't calm down.
As a cyclist, I am far more relaxed. But still, I've noticed that traffic has had one lingering, and subtle, effect on me: the urge to go faster.
This may not be bad in many cyclists' view, but why should I let traffic push me? It is purely psychological. How could I ever hope to cruise any faster than 25 mph? And realistically, it's more like 18 - 20. I simply will never match the cars at their strong suit.
Wouldn't I be better off learning how to take it easy, at least at my own pace? After all, catching motorists at the next light seems to make it all worth while! :D