Strange thing happened on my morning commute. I had reached the end of a bike trail and was waiting to cross a major intersection to get to a sidewalk that crosses a busy bridge (for DC folks - this is where Custis Trail meets the Key Bridge). I normally ride in the street but during weekday rush hour, this particular bridge is an exception for me, along with all other cyclists I have seen.

I heard someone calling from behind me and a middle aged (mid-60s) woman was speed walking up to me. She caught up and asked me to walk her across the street.

I was a bit puzzled as she seemed perfectly healthy and wasn't that old. Plus I'd just seen her booking it. Still, I am a gentlemen, and I unclipped and escorted her across.

While we were crossing she began talking about how she'd seen a number of cyclists hit trying to cross that intersection, and she wished the cyclists would just dismount and walk across. When we were halfway across, another cyclist (safely) rode past us and she remarked that she hates "it when they ride past you while you're trying to cross."

At this point I realize I've been duped into uncliping, dismounting, and delaying my commute/workout, but I didn't feel like getting into an argument with a crazy person who honestly seems to have meant well. Once we got across I disengaged as quickly and politely as possible, got back in the saddle and rode on my merry way.

Has anyone else ever encountered anything like this?