From the time I was hatched back in Nickerson, Kansas, I knew right from wrong, up from down and which side of the road to walk on most of the time. When it came time to ride a bike I knew which side of the road to do that on also. When walking I walk on the left side of the road so I can see and avoid the oncoming traffic. If it becomes necessary, I can step into the ditch.
When I drive that is done on the right side of the road because that is where I belong. When I ride my bike, I ride on the right side. My bike is the same as a car or motorcycle. It makes sense to me. If a car comes up behind me, it can slow down if there is oncoming traffic or speed up and pass me. I bring this up for several reasons. Last evening I went out to fill up the car so I did not have to do it in the blinding blizzard this morning which is neither here nor there. On 25th Lane the inevitable occurred. There was a car coming towards me on the left side of the road. And there was a bike coming towards me on the right side of the road. Neither one was going to give an inch so I just stopped.
And this brings me to the next part of the equation. Our city fathers, in their infinite wisdom have spent tax money painting bike lanes all over our fair city. I have yet to see a bike rider in those lanes and the bikers I talk to refuse to use them because they are not suicidal. Bikers still ride on the sidewalks and dart across the street in the middle of the block. On fifth street, which is one way going east. They have 2 bike lanes, one going east and one going west. Parking is in the middle of the street. And yet on Mark Hamal heading towards Santa Fe, the parking is against the curb and the bike lane is between the parking and the traffic lane. I would not try that one, because a door is going to open right in front of me and there I go. When you get to Santa Fe you will need to run over the cyclist if you want to turn because the bike lane abruptly ends there.
Now to my rant. Wouldn't it have just been easier and a whole lot cheaper and less confusing to teach people how to ride a bike on a public road? We have to have driving lessons and a drivers license, why couldn't they require the same for a bike? Now I am getting pretty damned old here and I am sure at some point they are going to revoke my license, but I can ride a bike! Or I could ride a bike except for that balance thing that seems to go south with age. I do know one thing, sooner or later, if I keep driving in town and anyone is stupid enough to use the bike lane, I am probably going to run over them. And since I said this, it will no doubt be pre-meditated!
You know, I kind of hate this getting old because now I can see where the government is screwing up and I am just to tired to give a shit! You have a good day!
