tales from the bicycle, part 1

i almost hit two pedestrians the other day that were jaywalking into the middle of the street on 2nd ave in the east village. there's a painted separated bike lane that they just stepped right into, not looking and walking like dinosaurs. i called out "heads up!" from a ways back and slowed when i realized they weren't listening. one saw me and jumped forward, but the other didn't until i was almost on top of her and it scared the crap out of her. when i slowly passed i said "careful!" in a really light sweet voice and continued on my way. her friend then yelled "you don't have to be such a BITCH!" to me. i stopped my bike. i turned around and yelled "i was actually being NICE. you're the one being a fucking BITCH." a bystander called out "hey let's all just get along!" then i rode home, trying not to let it bug me, but it did.

so this whole thing got me thinking. they were like my mom, just not quite up to speed. i could have been much worse to those women. i could have been the one to yell bitch to begin with, i could have not given them any warnings at all and given them an actual reason to be scared. i wasn't even at that level though, but i guess that by even wanting to ride in the designated bike lane without hitting people i'm a bitch? jesus. also, i think they irked me so much because i don't want to be doddering and unaware of the world around me like them when i'm older. i probably won't - i'll be awake and grumpy instead. and still riding my bike.