Since I started this blog 357 days ago, these are some of the things that have happened:
- I replaced 1,188 miles worth of car trips with bike trips.
- I still drove a lot more than I should have.
- I was hit by a car.
- I was nearly hit by a board thrown from a second floor window.
- I met new friends online and on the street, who encouraged me.
- I met angry motorists, who yelled, "Get off the road!"
- I waved to other cyclists.
- I wished there were more cyclists to wave to.
- I sweated a lot.
- I shivered a little.
- I almost witnessed a motorhome vs. riding lawnmower accident.
- I accidently left my bike lock at home almost a dozen times.
- I tried to finish "Effective Cycling" by John Forester.
- I finished "The Art of Urban Cycling" by Robert Hurst.
- I got caught in the rain.
- I got my pants leg caught in the chain.
- I developed basic bicycle maintenance skills.
- I developed a great respect for professional bicycle mechanics.
- I was startled when motorists blew their horns at me.
- I startled motorists by blowing my horn at them.
- I became used to seeing cars parked in the bike lane.
- I learned that some cyclists hate bike lanes.
- I frequently regretted getting behind the wheel.
- I never regretted getting on my bicycle.
Above all, I came to realize that using a bicycle for life's everyday tasks is not really such a big deal. Riding to work, to the grocery store and to other everyday destinations has been relatively easy for me. What started out as a significant lifestyle change is now the norm. That's not to say that my fellow citizens have also become avid utility cyclists. The choice I made last July makes me a rather odd specimen among my neighbors, my friends and my coworkers. But it's become normal for me.
And that's why I must decide, in the next couple days, what to do when the Bike Year ends. Should I continue the blog? If so, what direction should it take? I welcome suggestions.
5 comments:
May I suggest Bike Decade? ;) Seriously I think this blog has been an inspiration to people who really want to cut down on their auto usage. I say keep it up.
"May I suggest Bike Decade?"
Or Bike Life?
When you get around to writing, this is one of the more thoughtful, interesting bike blogs I read. Keep riding, keep writing.
I've enjoyed reading this and hope to be able to continue to do so. :)
What they said. It will be neat to see how you build on a successful first year. I admire what you're doing. Having grown up in Knoxville, TN, I have some idea of the climate (in all senses of the word) you've been up against. Just don't name it Cycler's Life, that's taken ;-) All the best!
Say it ain't so: don't go! Bike Decade! Bike Life!Bike Universe!
Not only do I LOVE reading your blog, it really inspired me, and helped keep me going on days when things with engines looked mighty good. And, when friends have suggested that I am the only one with the determination/craziness level necessary to shift to bikes, I send them the link to your blog. I am sure your stories and observations have lead a lot of people to bike more (and maybe even park in bike lanes less)
Hope you keep the great stories and insights in this blog going
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