As I've mentioned before, I bike around the city as my primary form of exercise, and sometimes also as a mode of transportation. And some cyclists do some things that get on my nerve to no end.
I can not, for the life of me, figure out why some cyclists think listening to music via their smartphone or iPod or what have you is a good idea. Cycling requires you to be completely aware of your surroundings. You need to know what's going on in front of you, and have a good idea of what to expect from behind you and from your sides as well.
I also think, as cyclists, we have more of a burden to practice safe standards, especially on multi-use trails such as the Monon Trail and the Cultural Trail. They aren't just for our safety, but for the safety of joggers and walkers. And if a crash does happen, it's likely the person that is hit by a bike that will get hurt the most, rather than the person on the bike.
I'm really not much of a fan of joggers listening to music either, but they aren't likely to be passing people, and when they do, they don't need the space that a cyclist does. They really only need to be concerned about what's in front of them.
Seriously, politics in this state is B-O-R-I-N-G! We need a scandal, stat!
Here are the two comments that were left on the previous entry:
ReplyDeleteFrom Paul Ogden:
But, Matt, if you're in a bike lane you're completely safe from traffic and thus can listen to IPods. (Sarcasm.)
From IndyDem:
I agree Matt. But I think the first thing that has to happen is the understanding that if you share the road, you share the rules. Just because you're on a bike doesnt mean you can ride how ever you like. This way, that way, stop, dont stop, bob and weave in traffic.
And the same goes for motercycles.
And btw. the bike lanes are a death trap.