Pedestrians always complain about waiting at bike lanes, intersections and for bikers on the road in general. Sure, bikers can be a source of irritation from time to time, but what do the cyclists think about us? Step into the shoes of a cyclist with these 9 thoughts that all bikers have, and find out what it is that biker's really think about while on the move.
1. "I'm really, really trying not to hit you."
It takes a keen eye and a good amount of energy to spot foot-traffic and avoid any accidents. Besides, the last thing I want on my hands is a damaged bike, or worse yet, a lawsuit. Nope. Just trying to get to class, people.
2. "People who do this..."
These people are truly my worst enemies. Not to mention that they violate the unwritten rule of the respectful biker's code of conduct. C'mon man, can you really not just take another twenty to thirty seconds and just adjust your bike properly! Really, it's all I ask.
3. “I’m on the edge of the road. You can just pass me.”
Seriously, I promise you that I'm not some sort of dangerous object from which you have to keep your distance. You don't have to drive slowly behind me. Please just pass, I'll be fine.
4. "Jesus, take the wheel."
Every time I see an intersection with people, I pray that I won't hit anyone.
5. "Finally made it... now, where can I park?"
It's harder than finding city parking sometimes. New York has nothing on me.
6. “Do these people even understand how scary the bike lane is?"
In 2015, 18,844 cyclists were injured in reported accidents, of which 3,339 were killed or badly hurt, just a few facts and figures I think about while cycling.
7. "That guy cycling in front of me knows exactly how I feel."
I know that the guy biking in front of me (or the one to the side of me) has no idea who I am, and neither do I. But I do know that, deep down, we have some sort of special cyclist connection, and that he really does understand my biking pains.
8. “Ok, so should I wait for these people to cross or should I just go?"
I am haunted by internal conflicts at almost every road crossing. Should I wait for them to cross? Should I go first? Ok that person is starting to move maybe they will stop and wait for me. Ok they stopped, I'm gonna cross... no wait, they started moving again abruptly... ok, ok... just make up your mind people!
9. "I biked through three feet of snow for an hour. What did you do today?"
And you call ascending Mount Everest a feat? Try biking two miles home in the freezing and plowing through gargantuan piles of snow, all the while getting stuck in the white fluff. Biking in heavy winter is an incredibly arduous task, and probably a better calorie burner than your gym routine.
