I've been riding in the city for a few years and it's never been too bad. People tend to be pretty aware and if they see me coming they wait for me to cross the street. Cars would move a little bit further to the side and give me a lane to ride in even if there isn't one designated. All in all I thought this whole "riding in the city is crazy!" attitude was just paranoia. I never had an accident. I would fall sure, but it was because I was new at riding a bicycle and would get freaked out for no reason or lose my balance and not be quick to get it back. Something that would be my own fault.
So now I have this new bike. It's a real grown-up bike and I feel really happy to not be riding in a banana-seater anymore. I felt like now I was a "real" city biker...
Well, it turns out the only reason people were friendly on the road was because of the banana seat bike! They would notice it! On this adult bike all of a sudden I'm just another annoying hazard they have to drive quickly by and just another person on a bike that has them waiting that extra second to cross the street. And not only that! I have NEVER had this many bruises while riding since I first learned! First a car gets way too close and I almost ram into a parked car. Then a bike messenger literally crashes into me. Cars that see me riding now honk their horns to get me to hurry the hell up so they can turn on that corner cause god forbid they have to wait an extra 30 seconds! Pedestrians don't wait for me anymore. And if they do I get evil looks and "come oOOOoon" 's
I have huge bruises on my knees…elbow…side and thighs. I look like I've been in a fight!
Hrmph.. I swear.. growing up sucks!
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