Too Close for Comfort
If you’re lucky enough to have a bike lane, you’re still probably not lucky enough to have a comfortably wide luxurious bike lane. And even with the words “Bikes Only” coupled with cute little stick figure cyclists, you’re probably spending a good deal of time avoiding things in your lane that are not bikes. Space is precious.
So I’m surprised that sometimes when I’m in the bike lane there is always a cyclist who decides to pass me within the narrow bike lane.
Sometimes on the left, or worse, on the right. And even in intersections when the light turns green where cyclists are most unstable as they start moving. They silently sneak up on me without a word of warning. Just once I wish they would yell–
Or if that’s too long, maybe just shout–
And sometimes when they pass so close that I can feel their arm hair I want to say–
i give >3 feet when passing. if that means i have to be out of the bike lane and into traffic, so be it. all it means is that i check over my left shoulder before i pass. i am strong enough and patience enough that slowing and waiting for clearance is no big deal.
I caught up to a cyclist who had passed on my right in the bike lane and asked him why.
He said he didn’t want to get out in the car lane, so it was easier to squeeze in next to me. So what he was basically saying was, “Now it’s your ass, not mine.”
Thank you for ALL your commentaries! You make me take myself less seriously! Now, if someone could draw for all the aspects of my life!
note to self buy ms bikeyface dinner before passing her. i like this idea
If you’re the one passing, then you take the hit and pass outside! That’s just etiquette.