Bike It

I'm not a biker - I'm a pedestrian. I understand the appeal of the bike, but I don't have the dedication or the constitution to bike to work. I take my life into my own hands just walking, I figure I'll leave biking to the better equipped.

Except....

As gas prices rise I see more and more of the "accidental biker." I've determined that they're accidental because they didn't intend to bike, but due to circumstances beyond their control they're biking. And they bike in the most bizarre get-ups: suit pants and a muscle shirt and no helmet. A dress that is hiked up, sandals and no helmet.

Mostly they don't wear helmets. And while the old adage about something being as easy as riding a bike, apparently bike riding isn't as easy as one might think. As a casual observer I see a lot of wobbling on bikes too big for people on bikes too small for peple, a lot of fast pedaling without getting anywhere and the dreaded drift.

Just this week I've seen people nearly die, but I don't think they were aware how close they came to certain death. And they did it in a sundress and cute sandals. If you're riding a bike, you might take a second look at it to make sure it is going to work best for you. Learn about how the gears work and for the love of all things good, wear a helmet.

I don't care if you dress like a bumble bee and wear clicky shoes. Mostly I care if you laid out by a Prius.

Labels: 2008, Boston, weird stuff