Anecdotal research suggests that people are being let off-leash without adequate training to perform basic activities such as walking on sidewalks or through airports and busy city centers. I’m assuming this expands to shopping malls, but I never go there so I can’t be sure. It’s easy to blame the mobile phones which apparently grow from our hands, but even when no phone appears to be involved, the same problem exists: people wander about without any apparent awareness that anyone else might be in the vicinity.
Take, for instance, the gentleman who wandered off the Plane Train at SEATAC airport the other day. As he detrained, he stopped to investigate which of the 4 identical escalators best satisfied his fancy. I’m not one to criticize someone’s escalator scrutiny – you can’t over think these sorts of things – my issue is with the choice to stop just outside the exit of the train, completely unaware that he was blocking the way for the other passengers still left on the train.
It isn’t that these are bad people. We’re a product of our society and society teaches us that being a self-absorbed asshole is the right way to go about your life; there’s no limit to what you can accomplish when you don’t give a flying fuck about how those accomplishments impact other people. Which brings me back to my original point: we’re not getting the right training in order to avoid being assholes.
Riding a bike in general and riding in a group in particular teaches you all sorts of things about external dependencies and the trickle effect that our actions have on those around us. Rule #59 extends beyond just riding in a straight line, but to riding predictably and informing those riders who are dependent on you of dangers and obstacles. Cyclists develop a situational awareness that becomes second nature with practice.
I therefore propose that we modify our free-ranging policy to include a provision that mandates all humans be required to take a bicycle racing class and spend significant time riding in a group at speed before being allowed into the wilds of society. Don’t change your line when walking on a sidewalk without peeking over your shoulder. Don’t stop dead in your tracks without checking if someone is behind you. Don’t take a right-hand turn without warning when driving in the far left lane. Don’t block doorways. Don’t knock people in the head when you’re walking with a 2×4.
And for the love of Merckx, take off your headphones.
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@Ron
I'm surprised it hasn't been posted yet:
My morning commutes on the bike start early to avoid the crazy cell phone using, coffee guzzling drivers and consists of small village roads, a narrow wind-y flat followed by a wide climb and a 65kmh descent nestled in with the traffic, a short (legal) interval on the Interstate topped off by a couple of kilometers on the MUP. Without question, the stretch that requires the most awareness and concentration is the MUP. I especially dig the guys or gals (they all do it) who amble along three or four abreast yakking about last night's game or today's mah-jongg tournament.
@frank
The other day I saw a guy almost ride off a curb, looking over his shoulder yakking away to his ride mates. Fortunately I called the precarious situation to his attention just in time; otherwise he was going over the bars.
This. Jezuz H Merckx, this. This is one of the reasons I just can't do group rides anymore (see the description of the upcoming Seattle Summer Cogal, STV.) The world is just chock full of these fucking assholes. No concept anywhere in their miserable little minds of the world about them. The incidences are too numerous to recount.
@Ron
Learning to hold your line on a bicycle might help with this sort of situation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pgm8I0B8bY
@Duende Maybe he had a Schleckanical...or he's never ridden a bicycle in the rain over painted lines. Counter steer man, counter steer.
@Nate
Didn't the moron sue the mall or something, if I remember right? Love the commentary. Who are they, mall security personnel? That must have really brighthened up their day!
I read this just as I came back from a trip to Costco...if this belief elevates one to Grumpy Old man status then its' 'You kids get off my lawn!" time for me...that or I start giving everyone throat punches.
@Duende
That is just the best - I see these kind of morons all the time. The ones with the red cars are the ones with the biggest (smallest?) issues.
Many posts in this article strike a chord - commuting/ headphoned walkers/ dogs/ being tangled in an un-retracted leash that I didn't see in the gloom/ actually hitting a mutt that decided to turn right just as I reached it. It wasn't wearing earbuds either. All part of the joy of getting to ride to work. The weapon of choice is now the CX bike so I can happily ride verges to avoid many of the hazards ahead. Having a bell fitted and using it irrespective of whether it's heard or not absolves me of culpability if some muppet on 2 legs listening to Michael Buble doesn't hear it. When in non commuting ride mode it's tarmac all the way irrespective of any available cycling 'infrastructure' so pedestrian hazards are reduced. I do my bit to try to educate when I ride in a group, it's how I was taught and as a coach only right I continue the role. A few sessions on a banked track soon sorts out the strong bike riders but generally crap bike handlers from those who can actually hold a line and look before moving! Not as many as you might imagine.
FYI Belfast and Dublin did a great job of hosting the Giro despite the weather, I've a plentiful supply of memories and photos but sadly the 'orange budget airline' were not happy with attempts to get some large event sign souvenirs on their aircraft. BTW Hilden Brewery Dunlop & Hume beer, specially brewed for the event. Nice.