Not Asking for It
The other day I was biking to work when this happened:
I wouldn’t think anything of it if it happened once. But I’ve noticed my attire seems to prompt certain responses in other road users.
How do I know it’s not just an off day? Because I have the ability to change clothes.
Some days I’m this cyclist:
And later that same evening I might be this cyclist:
I’m called out on my appearance daily as I go about my business on public streets without the cover of a car.
Even “ordinary” attire has drawbacks.
It’s no surprise that most days I find myself dressing to get the reaction I want when I bike. Or at least the most benign reaction.
But no matter what I’m wearing it’s still just me: complex, multi-dimensional, and in awesome shape.
So true! I’m still getting used to being so visible on a bike. Sometimes it’s cool, but — like you pointed out — sometimes it’s not. Oh, well. Thanks for the laugh!
…. if my profession was city host.
I get that running. Soaked with sweat, obviously trying to beat this hill and some idiot stops to ask directions to wherever. And I am a nice guy so I help. Once as I was helping out one driver while I was standing on the yellow line, a second driver pulled in behind me to ask their own directions.
That was it.
Now my answer is “Pull over, dig out your phone and use the GPS.”
I have to say I’m a bit perplexed over the offense at someone passing me. There are times when someone has passed me only for it to reverse as we ride. Maybe one of us was bonking. Maybe one of us is faster on hills.
And, for whatever reason, dorks in cars seem convinced that male cyclists are gay, only they don’t choose to say it in a nice way.
That’s why I loved living in the Netherlands, people just rode their bikes. No fuss…