I am just a Regular Joe who likes to ride. I don't have a fancy bike or fancy gear I just like to ride. People honk, yell, peel out, call me names, give me gestures, even though I am courteous and ride safe, use my traffic signals and am courteous to other pedestrians. I don't trust motorists, I never have because one shouldn't assume that they know you are right in front of them whilst they text on their phones. I was questioned by an officer yesterday, why I was riding on the side walk. I politely explained that Bailey was a dangerous street to ride on and that twice I had almost kissed the bumper of a fast moving SUV. I explained that unless the city of Fort Worth puts a bicycle lane on that street, then I'll choose to ride on the side walk and least keep a safe speed to consider any pedestrians on that sidewalk. Then explained that the parking along the side walk should be illegal since that street is narrow to begin with. He left me with a courteous "Well Be Safe Then" and sped off. I wish this town would get off their asses and start getting these lanes put down on these streets. I feel the eyes when I ride through town, I feel the anger and the bad energy from these afternoon rush hour motorists who are just jealous that I am passing them in traffic on 7th on my bicycle while riding an empty bicycle lane. I know this because they speed up to try to beat me to the next light. Really? Do you have to prove that your 2011 Ford F150 can beat my human powered two wheeled vehicle? It's just sad. But it be so. So be careful out there fellow Regular Joe/Jane cyclists!
