I jumped on my own bike and found out that, even as an experienced cyclist, I have some old habits I need to break.
And old habits die hard. It’s one sad, pathetic cliché, but it describes my biking routine all too well. And it starts with the most essential biking gear: a helmet.
I don’t always put it on, and that, admittedly, is a habit as bad as smoking. But once I strap it on, here’s how the ride to and from work begins and ends in rush hour.
Highlights from Phillip's Ride at Normal Speed
Phillip's Entire Ride in a Minute and a Half
Now this isn't something you should do, but I'm taking a shortcut, riding down a one-way street in the wrong direction. I do this for only a couple of blocks I know, it's no excuse.
Phillip, this is not copacetic. I'm passing through a red light where I don't see a soul. Once again, old habits die hard.
Boston drivers live up to their name. Quite a few fail to signal when turning. Some drive much too close to cyclists. Others open doors without looking as cyclists pass by. Some break unexpectedly as we hurtle down hills. But cyclists and I speak from experience as you’ve just heard have our own share of bad habits.
The difference, of course, is that cars are bigger and heavier, and so there’s no contest when you’re trying to share the road and neither party gives. So I'm going to do my part to break the worst of habits and try to negotiate a truce with drivers; a give and take for the right of way between the gas powered machine and this pedal driven tool; to try to make the roads safer, for everyone.
