Uneasy Rhetoric

To atone for my less-than-stellar showing during bicycle commute month ( rode 94 of a pledged 100 miles, and most of those miles were on two consecutive weekend pleasure rides), I am determined to commute by bike every day this week. Having made this decision, and told others about it, I am struck by something peculiar: people now insist on telling me their scary bicycle stories. I’m sure those of you who ride have had the same experience.

Almost as soon as “I rode my bike” leaves my lips, the stories start. Almost everyone knows somebody who fell off their bike, got hit by a car, hit another bicyclist, broke bones, dislocated shoulders, twisted ankles, and/or destroyed their beloved bike. Heck, I even know someone who got banged up pretty badly taking a fall. I’ve had a scrape or two.

I realize that these stories are frequently just lame rationalizations for not taking the initiative to ride, but I still find them jarring. It’s almost as though these storytellers don’t think I am aware of the dangers of bicycling. Don’t they know that I am hyper vigilant, even paranoid, when I ride? I would hazard to guess I am more vigilant for more seconds of my ride than a driver is for his. Are they trying to scare me? Or are they just making conversation? (Of course, if I rode without a helmet, then such stories would be justified.)

So, I propose this. The next time someone tells you about their grueling commute, about how much it cost to fill up the gas tank, try saying this:

“I used to drive to work, but I know too many people who’ve been in accidents. I once knew…”

I doubt the driver will get the hint, but it will be nice to turn the tables just a little.