Had a guy on the bus yesterday change my mind about road bikes

I've always been the type to roll my eyes at cyclists taking up the whole lane during rush hour. This older dude sat next to me on the 4:15 bus and just calmly explained why he does it - says if he hugs the curb, cars try to squeeze past at 40 mph and he's had three mirrors clip his elbow. He showed me a scar on his arm from last May. I still think some riders are reckless, but I get the lane thing now. Anyone else have a conversation that flipped how you see commuting?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_emery9d ago

Wow, ok, three mirrors? That sounds like some made up street cred stuff to me. I ride a bike sometimes and I've had cars get way too close, but getting hit three times? That's either the worst luck ever or he's riding like a total jerk and baiting people. Honestly, most drivers aren't trying to clip you on purpose, they're just bad at judging space. Plus, taking the whole lane when traffic is backed up is just gonna make everyone mad, which makes it more dangerous, not less. I'd need to see that scar and hear the whole story before I buy that as a reason to block traffic.

elliot_taylor9d ago

Whoa, THREE mirrors clipped his elbow? That's INSANE, I can't believe people are that careless with their side mirrors. I've seen some close calls but actually hitting someone and just driving off is a whole other level of dangerous. Makes you really think twice about judging the lane position.