Originally Posted by JeffB502
cm=Critical Mass.
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My commute home:
On my ride home about a quarter til midnight I came across a man riding a childrens bmx bicycle with no lights (but at least he had the stock reflectors) in the 55mph narrow 2-lane road section of my commute. He was riding less than a foot from the edge of the pavement, begging to get squeezed off the road. As I approached from behind he pulled off onto the dirt shoulder when he saw the light from my 15W halogen light. I consider the shoulder too dangerous to ride on, so I always remain on the road in that area.
I slowed down to his speed (about 10-12mph) and pulled into the left tire track from center lane position. I encouraged him to take the right tire track and ride with me so people coming from behind could see a bicyclist was in the road and so he could see where he was riding by sharing my headlights. His English was obviously limited but he understood, said thanks, and started riding alongside.
An 18 wheeler started coming up behind us, and he instantly went back to the shoulder. He looked at me like I was crazy as I held my line. The guy in the truck laid on his horn as he slowed down for me. I've always loved the sound of large trucks' horns, so I gave the driver a friendly wave then motioned for him to pass, which he did.
As my newfound friend and I entered the lit section of the road I had to turn left while he headed straight. I suggested he get some lights...he said yes but I'm not really sure if he understood.