Sunday Morning Blog

July 31, 2006

Recent events, appreciating being in one piece

I haven't found the motivation to climb back on my bicycle since I was cut off and run off the road on the way to work last Wednesday. It is not that I am still in pain (just a bit sore), but I have to admit that I might be a little scared. If it weren't for that dome of plastic that I keep atop my head when I ride, I honestly don't think that I would be here right now. That scares me. I would hate to lose such an important part of my life (cycling), but drivers have really gotten much more combative toward cyclists and much worse in their general driving habits (even in the 5 or 6 years since I have been cycling on the road). The day after the accident, I had a new helmet FedExed to me, but I have yet to take it for a ride. Perhaps it will just take time, but in all honesty, I just want to move somewhere less congested. I am really tired of the increasing number of self-centered, oblivious people with whom we are now sharing this little spit of land we call home.

Oh, and if you think that piece of plastic on top of your head is just for that professional cyclist look-- think again. I have a helmet I can show you with a crack running through it that most definitely would have been my head. Street smarts are definitely important for riding out there, but nothing can afford you better protection than a properly fitted helmet... especially in the face of incidents during which street smarts and riding skills will do nothing to help you. I'm not trying to scare anyone. I'm just warning everyone of the real danger we face when we get out there on the road.

Posted by capecodcyclist at July 31, 2006 06:03 AM