Its Tough Out There

The POD has been working very hard at bicycling to and from the office. While the shower now available at his office has been gratefully received by all. However, he is concerned by the attitudes of the drivers on the road. It seems that the higher gas prices, the bad traffic and the bad pavement have resulted in ill-tempered drivers that pay little, if any attention, to anyone else using the road -- whether it be bicyclists, pedestrians or other drivers. Just the other day the POD counted three cars in a row that simply blew through the stop sign at the intersection where the POD and two small POD's were waiting to cross. (We know enough to make eye contact and make sure that they stop before entering the intersection). The causes were myriad. At least one of the drivers was on their cell phone. The SUV driver just appeared to be crazy. And the third driver was just not paying attention. (They blew through the next stop sign as well).

Now POD understands that Stop Signs can be frustrating. When POD bicycles, he always stops at the lights and always slows at stop signs (but if its an all way stop and no one is coming, he doesn't stop) . He wishes, sometimes, that he didn't have as many stop signs. But Stop Signs are necessary because of the lost and easy view of speed limits. Cars seem to think that 45 is okay on city streets when the traffic is not bad.

So cut me a break. Pay attention out there. Put down your phone, your cup of coffee, your can of beer and your Ipod.