Total Serious Happy Thread

[alphabassettgrrl]

Sometimes I think it's best if the pedestrian doesn't know I'm there, but I kind of feel that it's rude. So I honk. If I wait until I'm within voice distance, I'm past them almost before I get through the phrase "passing on your left".

Had a good one the other day- woman with kids was going the opposite way. *Squeak* goes my horn, and the kids see me. They *ding!* back, and everybody goes their merry way with no collisions. Kids learned that you should announce yourself (for the most part), they didn't hit me (which can happen; kids are unpredictable about their course), and I expect they felt a littel validated because someone acknowledged their existance. So yeah, for the most part, I *squeak* to announce myself most of the time.

[MouseWife]

I struggle with that every time I come upon someone. Will it freak them out if I tweak my bell? Kids are very unpredictable. Even if they are going past you and seem okay, they can wiggle out of control. I think that is true, you gave them recognition! I try and always respond when kids say something to me, acknowledge their presence, their value. :0)

I've found that you have to use a bell. Of course, I ride the bike paths which are shared with people. The Strand, the Boardwalk, and, any bike path is always shared with walkers, skaters.

In the street, maybe not so much. I think you need a brick in that case, to get through to some of the ignorant drivers. Or rather, I wish I HAD one when some of them pull out in front of me like I'm not even there. Happens when I'm out walking, too. These moms, running late, on the route the kids walk to school on, running stop signs without looking. If me, an adult, thinks it is safe to cross, a child would most definitely and maybe not stop!!

Crazy huh? You'd think people with kids would look more for kids? I always look for bicyclists/motorcyclists/walkers/runners.

ha ha maybe I'm too distracted of a driver if I'm always looking for these people?

[CoasterMatt]

I usually just pedal as fast as I can and scream "OUT OF MY MOTHERF***ING WAY, GRANDMA!!!"

[MouseWife]

ha ha Matt! I have spewed some expletives at some stupid people who cut me off. I don't think it is very nice to crash on your bike. If someone ever makes me crash, I am taking them down with me!!

But, I do make sure I do the speed limit as well as wear a helmet.

Do you guys all wear helmets? Only once did we cruise about without them. It felt good but wearing one isn't too bad.

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by MouseWife

Do you guys all wear helmets?

I still need to get mine. I finally did take her out for the first test-drive late this afternoon - just around our parking lot so I could get used to it. But, once I hit the road, I will have my helmet.

[MouseWife]

Well, honestly, I didn't smile, Matt.

Good habit, Teresa. We've always tried to wear them as an example to the kids. It isn't such a big deal. It may feel awkward at first, especially if you are just getting used to a new bike, spinning it around a bit.

It can suck, though, when you ride to a destination, remove your helmet and have helmet head. :0( I do carry a baseball cap for that.

Are they still called baseball caps? None of mine actually sport a team name...

[Snowflake]

Yay! I sold out of books at the Silent Film Fest! WooHoo. The best part wsa, not everyone in line who bought a copy was a person I know!

Lashbear, your books will be on the way later this week!

[CoasterMatt]

But in keeping with the spirit of the thread, I make sure to smile.

[Cynthia]

I am seriously happy today, fab weekend & now I get to make a neeto dress for a deco event, life really is wonderful

[Betty]

My DH has a 2nd interview tomorrow afternoon. Come on new job!