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Old 02-17-05, 09:52 PM
  #26  
JohnBrooking
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Southern Maine
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Bikes: 2006 Giant Cypress EX (7-speed internal hub)

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I chose the closest to my feeling, which is that I am mostly not intimidated by traffic, and I do believe that almost all drivers want to avoid hitting me. Actually, I've never really encountered any who act like they want to hit me, hardly even much vehicular intimidation. I think part of it is is riding in Maine (motto: The Way Life Should Be), which I'm certain is a way better riding environment than some of you are talking about, and I'm thankful to be here. (<tourism pitch>Come visit us sometime! Lots of great biking events, scenery, lobsters, and nice people too!</tourism pitch>)

Plus, I've only been riding 2-1/2 years, so it could also be that my time just hasn't come yet.

I think sbhikes makes a good point, that most drivers are nervous of what we are going to do. I was just talking to my mom on the phone tonight, and she said almost the exact same thing: "I'm always afraid they're going to swerve into me." Which is one reason I'm always so careful to do everything correctly and predictably, to try to counter some of those negative impressions people get from those OTHER bicyclists.
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