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quidditchgrrlI was thinking about this blog entry today while I was out riding (even before the wipeout), and boy, do I need to make it, if only to blow off steam.
People need to remember and follow a few simple rules when they're out enjoying the urban outdoors:
1. Abide by the rules of the road. Do not cross against the light or block car traffic. There's a reason why some motorists try to run cyclists off the road - they're getting revenge on the cyclist that blocked their right turn last week. Nevermind it wasn't you...you represent all cyclists.
2. DO NOT stop at the top or bottom of a hill/grade to have a damn klatch/reunion/block party. The rest of us are trying to shift, pedal and watch the trail. Trying to do that while you're a) blocking 75% of the path b) letting your kids/pets run around c) talking loud enough that we can't call to the cyclists ahead or behind us and d) refusing to effing MOVE is really tough and really dangerous.
3. If you do stop, move off the trail and watch your kids and pets. If you are talking, you are not going to be able to respond, and kids/pets need to be out of the way of high-speed vehicles. Yes, 12 mph is high-speed.
4. All rollerbladers are hereby banned from wearing headphones, and for anyone else who can't keep their volume low enough to hear what's going on around them.
5. If you see someone wipe out or fall, for the love of Pete, ASK IF THEY NEED HELP!
I wiped out big time today near Antrim Park. I had to swing wide to get around another cyclist and hit loose gravel, and went down hard. The breath was knocked from me and I ended up with road rash on my elbow (better there than my head, eh?). I was thrown clear of my bike, headfirst, at about 10mph. This was in the construction area, which is about 10' wide (meaning narrow).
Three people rode by me without stopping. Double-ewe-tee-eff?! I guess I was conscious, therefore not in need of help! I picked myself up, dusted off, fixed my bike, and rode the 2.5 miles back to the car, cursing those people all the way. That's cold, to ride right by someone lying on the ground.
I am going to be soooo sore tomorrow. My torso, leg and the back of my arm is bruised. The scrapes aren't so bad:
People need to remember and follow a few simple rules when they're out enjoying the urban outdoors:
1. Abide by the rules of the road. Do not cross against the light or block car traffic. There's a reason why some motorists try to run cyclists off the road - they're getting revenge on the cyclist that blocked their right turn last week. Nevermind it wasn't you...you represent all cyclists.
2. DO NOT stop at the top or bottom of a hill/grade to have a damn klatch/reunion/block party. The rest of us are trying to shift, pedal and watch the trail. Trying to do that while you're a) blocking 75% of the path b) letting your kids/pets run around c) talking loud enough that we can't call to the cyclists ahead or behind us and d) refusing to effing MOVE is really tough and really dangerous.
3. If you do stop, move off the trail and watch your kids and pets. If you are talking, you are not going to be able to respond, and kids/pets need to be out of the way of high-speed vehicles. Yes, 12 mph is high-speed.
4. All rollerbladers are hereby banned from wearing headphones, and for anyone else who can't keep their volume low enough to hear what's going on around them.
5. If you see someone wipe out or fall, for the love of Pete, ASK IF THEY NEED HELP!
I wiped out big time today near Antrim Park. I had to swing wide to get around another cyclist and hit loose gravel, and went down hard. The breath was knocked from me and I ended up with road rash on my elbow (better there than my head, eh?). I was thrown clear of my bike, headfirst, at about 10mph. This was in the construction area, which is about 10' wide (meaning narrow).
Three people rode by me without stopping. Double-ewe-tee-eff?! I guess I was conscious, therefore not in need of help! I picked myself up, dusted off, fixed my bike, and rode the 2.5 miles back to the car, cursing those people all the way. That's cold, to ride right by someone lying on the ground.
I am going to be soooo sore tomorrow. My torso, leg and the back of my arm is bruised. The scrapes aren't so bad:
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(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-26 11:34 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 12:13 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 12:14 am (UTC)That's a nasty looking cut. You are going to be sore tomorrow. Oi. Pamper yourself.
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 01:30 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 02:02 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 02:24 am (UTC)*hugs and more hugs*
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 02:56 am (UTC)That's CRAZY that they just whizzed past- asshats!
Kudos to you for pushing on though!
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 04:27 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 01:26 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 04:37 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-27 10:29 pm (UTC)One of the many reasons why I'm thankful for my job that keeps me away from the general population.
Hope you're not too sore. :(
(no subject)
Date: 2007-08-28 08:23 am (UTC)*Hugs* I hope you feel better soon and heal quickly.