27. And Again!

Almost door'd again, third day in a row. I was not riding fast so had plenty of time to maneuver, but what is going on?

26. almost door'd again

This time the door opened just as I passed. If there had been a car in front of or behind me, squeezing me to the side, there would have been a major impact. Is someone trying to tell me something?

25. Door'd

Almost got door'd today, ironically by a emergency response vehicle, in front of a hospital. Mad at the driver? Only during the 10 sec adrenalin rush, then calm and admission that when I open a car door, I rarely look in the rearview mirror to see if a cyclist is coming up along the side of the car. My only excuse is weeks can go by without being behind the wheel (Sage usually drives when we're together)

24. Illogic

I'm not as careful with my bike helmet as I am with my bike and sometimes leave it relatively unguarded, thinking who would want to steal my sweaty old helmet. Duh, the same type of dude who goes around stealing helmets probably does really care about sharing someone else's sweat. So, back to the yellow bucket until I buy a new one.

23. Opportunity of a Lifetime

You may have thought that casting a vote for the first African-American president was a singular event, but Seattle has upped the ante: we have the opportunity to elect the first real pro-bike mayor of a major city (disclaimer: I don't really know if this is true, but it sounds good). He has promised to give up the mayor's black SUV and ride his bike around the city for mayoral functions (though no San Francisco, Seattle has some tough grades). He has won the endorsement of the local bike club and has promised to upend plans for a multi-billion tunnel under city streets to replace a crumbling viaduct. When asked how suburban drivers would get in to the city, candidate McGinn replied, "Let them ride bikes."

22. Commuting Econ 101

Last year with gas prices at all-time highs, and strong sales tax revenue (the primary income for Sound Transit) funding more routes, ridership continued its multi-year growth. But this year has seen an end to that growth. Some of the decline may be newly unemployed not needing a bus to anywhere, but the more important factor is probably lower gas prices (i.e., a cheaper car commute). Having taken the bus because of high prices, new riders experienced the convenience, the low stress, and the savings of public transportation, but without committment to the idea of public transportation. Most Americans use public transportation only when they can't afford the car.

21. Pride Goeth

Remember my boastful, "bring it on," referring to my disdain for winter weather (no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing)?

Well, there's a missing factor in the equation: bad weather forecasting. Twice this week I wore rain gear based on weather forecasts, then rode hot and sweaty in rain gear. And yesterday, the forecast said sun, and I was soaked coming home with cloth pants and a light windbreaker. So I'll leave a sacrifice on the altar of the winter god and meekly forsake my pride.