holiday traffic

Yesterday was a holiday in the USA. This is one of three holidays when traffic in the bicycle lanes is heavy. The busiest occasion is Christmas morning, when everyone wants to try out their new bicycle. The second busiest is New Years day when everyone begins their short lived annual commitment to changing their lives.

I see two reactions from the year round riders. Some seem to become more aggressive. Those riders seem to be annoyed that so many amateurs are in their way. Some then seem to try to show just how much superior they are to the new riders.

I prefer the other approach. I try to slow down in anticipation of the unexpected. The new riders do not understand the rules for bicycle lane. The new riders to not have the strength or speed to keep up, and often block other riders without being aware. I try to give the new riders more space. I try to be more tolerant.

Perhaps I associate more with the new riders because of the number of times I have stopped riding to focus on work and then essentially been a new rider all over again.

I also think it is important to encourage the new riders in the hope they might enjoy themselves and make riding a habit. I believe that if more people rode bicycles they would be more careful when they drive their cars. Deep down inside, I wish everyone would get on a bicycle at least once a year. It is a lot of fun.