Rules of the road

It was bound to happen eventually. After an early season of absolutely no troubles with idiot drivers I had my first encounter with an old curmudgeonly driver who aparently has little affection for bikes.

I was out on a nice 30-mile jaunt with about five miles to go to the finish when, coming down Rte. 22 in Scarborough I encountered some roadway that was definitely not easily navigated on two skinny wheels. I weaved my way through it and managed to stay upright but then, dead ahead, a huge pothole. One that would have certainly sent me butt over handlebars (or worse) had I ht it.

So I veered about two feet to my left. And then I heard a horn blast.

Now, before I write anymore let me say this: When Im biking I do my very best to obey the rules of the road. I stop at stop signs and traffic lights and I stay on my side of the white line whenever possible. When I'm behind the wheel of a car, I understand that I have to use extra care when aproaching a cyclist from behind. He or she is already dealing with plenty just to keep the bike upright; they don't need to worry about me, too

Apparently, Mr. Man in Scarborough didn't get the courtesy memo. After blowing his horn (which is a danger in itself to a cyclist) he slowed down and drove along side of me so he could yell out his window that I should have slowed down to LET HIM BY ME. Huh?

Hey guy, ever heard of the Bicyce Coalition of Maine? This organization has created rules for riders and drivers that have been accepted as law by the state. Rule No. 1: Do not blow your horn at a cyclist. Rule No. 2: Allow cyclists a three-foot berth when passing. One rule on the BCM page says: Recognize situations and obstacles which may be hazardous to cyclists, such as potholes, debris, and drain grates. Give bicyclists adequate space to maneuver." I could go on, but it's easier just to send you to BCM's rules page.

Here's the deal: I do not have eyes in the back of my helmet. So, I don't know how close you are when you're coming up behind me, how much of a hurry you're in or if you're one of those "I don't like bikes" kind of people. So, I have to hope that you're willing to take a little responsibilty for my safety. Just a little care and courtesy would be nice.

Really, guy, I didn't veer around that enormous pothole to tick you off; I did it because I wanted to make sure I returned home from my ride in one piece. Believe me, I have no desire to die while wearing padded shorts -- not from hitting a pothole at 15 mph or because you don't know the rules of the road.