My turn today to take the Books by Bike trailer to the farmers market. Had to pick it up downtown where it had made a guest appearance at some function over the weekend. Towed it to our branch first.
As I was approaching our parking lot entrance, a Prius dawdled alongside me. I didn't think much of it since occasionally drivers want a closer look. Then, it right-hooked me to pull into our parking lot. I had enough space to turn with him so that I didn't T-bone his door.
It never occurred to me to be angry. I just rode to the bike rack by our front door and waited while I locked up. Guy comes up the side walk and I said, "Well, that wasn't very polite."
"I'm sorry," he replied. "I didn't see you."
"Respectfully sir, I saw you look at me. I know you saw me. And even if you didn't, at 15 MPH if you missed seeing this much rig and me in safety yellow, with a headlight on and flashing lights at each end, then you probably shouldn't be driving to begin with."
The story changed to, "I saw you, but then I couldn't see you any more." Apparently, he thought Scotty had beamed me up.
He went inside, repeating "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
It really sunk in when I came inside and went behind the circulation desk to get the keys for the back. He realized I wasn't just some dumb SOB on a bike. Now he's dealing with the City.
The "I'm sorrys" continued. Reading his name of my co-worker's screen, I interrupted.
"Look Mr. Xxxxxxx. Let's just consider this to be an educational moment. Next time when you're turning right, wait behind the bike. Let the bike go first instead of speeding up to turn in front of it. Next time, it could be a kid, who isn't expecting such a bonehead move, and isn't ready with a countermove to avoid collision.
"What would you say to his parents when they found out you crushed him under the rear wheel of your Prius after he ran into your side door because you failed to yield and cut right in front of him?"
And I walked away.
My co-workers were stunned. First, by finding out what had just happened, and second because there was no yelling.
And I had a wonderful rest of the day. The peaches at the farmers market were perfect. And the tomatoes, divine. I have to wait to try the leeks. I have a wonderful recipe for Braised Leeks with Potatoes, Carrots and Chicken.
Here's what he "couldn't see":
