you guys are downers

[chipcom]

Now that I have proven to be a mere mortal, I think I'll go play in traffic. Chasing headlights is an artform, ya know. :(

[chipcom]

Marine's never quit. :)

(Ok, but we ain't so good at counting)

[tomcryar]

Page 3! I hope Foley's not reading--he'd be so jealous.

[Ms. Tude]

So I read a couple threads here in A&S today, about being hit by cars and people being killed and such. Then I went out on my bike and rode for a couple hours, mostly just to ride, but to run some errands as well. Normally this would be very relaxing and enjoyable, but all the negativity I picked up from the threads in A&S made me paranoid and uptight. Basically, I was nervous enough to not enjoy my ride. I also felt that being so paranoid decreased my ability to flow with the traffic I was riding in, making me hesitant- not a good thing at all. I think that the constant focus on death and injury may turn some people off from using their bicycle as an effective means of transportation. I'm not neccessarily trying to instagate here, as I have learned a few things things from this forum. It's just an observation.


Wow. I wish I lived in a clean perfect world.

Unfortunately it's a reality --- and with reality comes being/becoming more aware of what can happen to you on the road and how to deal with it and try not to make it happen.

[tomcryar]

Exactly. Cycling on a daily basis is not all bells and streamers and smiling families riding on a road devoid of vehicles. It is about facing the very real dangers of people who try their best to get us off the road and out of their way. It's about trying to navigate our way through a sea of vehicles, which at any given time can hurt us--intentionally or by accident. And accidents do happen every day. If what someone reads here puts them off cycling, so be it....but if it helps them to be more aware and responsive while riding, then job done.