|
|
|
Help a brotha out! |
|
|
Written by Zach Magoon
|
|
Tuesday, 09 May 2006 |
Help a brotha out! If you see a cyclist on the side of the road, for god's sake offer up some assistance. Even if you don't have a tube or a pump or any technical know-how, at least ask if the person is ok, offer them a cell phone, or just some words of encouragement. I always ask, "are you all set?" That's all is takes--a little courtesy goes a long way. That person might be late for work, or dinner, or have a small child at home that they need to care for, who knows?
What prompted this rant is that I had a flat the other morning. And as I changed it, three cyclist rode by--two of them staring and one not even acknowledging I was there. That's just crummy. What if I had forgotten a tube or a tire iron? I'd be hoofin it home, cursing that jackass on the hybrid Bianchi the whole way. Maybe he was late for work and couldn't stop--cheap excuse. What would it take a minute? And what about the other two monkeys who didn't stop or ask if I was ok--I don't know. Just unfriendly, I guess. I do know that we cyclists need to help each other out. If you see someone on a bike broken down, ask them if they need help. You don't even need to be on a bike! If you're driving and see someone broken down, pull that gas hog over and offer some assistance.
I had a bad crash on the road last year and a nice guy stopped to see if I was ok. At least 4 cars saw me go down, including the one that almost hit me as I skidded ten feet on the pavement, but none of them stopped. My knees were bleeding really badly as well as my elbow and my jersey was ripped on the shoulder. This guy stopped and got out of his car to see if I was in any state to ride. He even offered to drive me to work or to the hospital, but as it tuned out, the bike and I were ok. People like that inspire me--inspire me to help out others and that makes me feel good. So if you see some poor sap on the side of the road, just ask if they need help.
A side note to one of my previous entries--the city of Portland has purchased at least two Natural gas buses! I wrote in an earlier entry how nasty the fumes were from the diesel buses and I guess they took notice. It's amazing how quickly they implemented it though--I mean getting approval from the city, purchasing the buses and building a natural gas terminal usually takes months, but they seemed to do it in a couple weeks! My simple commuter files must carry a lot of weight around City Hall. Yeah right. Anyhoo, I was riding behind one of these beauties and it was odorless--so nice. Congrats Portland!
Ride on,
Zm |
|
|
|
|
