So, you've decided to ride your bike...

(Please note this is not a slam against those who ride bikes. It is a slam against idiots.)

You bike to work. That is commendable. Riding a bike in the city is something I choose to avoid. It isn't because I like to cause pollution that I drive my car. To put it plainly, I am a spazz and do not trust myself when operating such a simple vehicle especially when said vehicle was not designed to give me a false sense of security in the form of doors and a roof of some sort. What you do on a daily basis is praiseworthy, because it is very dangerous. I am a firm believer in cyclists' rights as I know and love many people who ride bikes to and from work every day. So, let it be said, I am watching out for you. But would it kill you to watch out for me and other motorists as well? Or yourselves for that matter? I'm fairly certain the answer to that question is- no, it will not kill you, and thank goodness for that!

Cyclists make me nervous because, for every one person I see on their bike with both hands on the handlebars, their eyes on the road, signaling before they make each turn, I see about three doing the exact opposite. They're swerving in and out of the bike lane, they're showing lack of concern for their own well-being, and they're texting or chatting on their cell phone while riding one-handed in high traffic areas. Since when did your bicycle become your free pass to be a jackass? The last time I checked, the only people who have an excuse to go about their day performing feats of lunatic daring and idiocy while leaving the responsibility of their own safety in the hands of other people are children and, even then, I question whether or not I agree with such practices. Your safety is important to me but you are also an adult and, if you don't necessarily care about getting to and fro in one piece, why do I have to then take all of that weight onto my shoulders?

I am on the roads every day, and I know that people drive cars like idiots, some people ride bikes like idiots, and even pedestrians are known to walk like idiots. We're only human after all. I am not the bully just because I am in a car. I am doing my part as a responsible motorist by looking out for you, but is it too much to ask for us to all look out for one another? I am tired of seeing news articles about serious and fatal bike accidents throughout the city. As a concerned friend, I lose sleep over it and it breaks my heart. But know this- it doesn't matter if you hit someone or you are the one on the receiving end of the blow; only the details of an accident determine whether or not you are the victim or the asshole.

Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians- keep your eyes open and be safe!