A Traffic Suggestion Not Congestion

Nothing to do with post. Just a calming presence.

Pulling a left on my bike out of the alleyway at the top of the back lane behind our house onto the street, I failed to check to my right to see if there was any oncoming traffic. Legally it’s not something I’m required to do as it is, starting at that point, a one way street heading south. Technically speaking there should not be anyone coming from that direction. But, in most cases I do check as bikes frequently ride up the wrong way of the street as well the odd lost car driver, so turned around that they’re unaware that they’ve broken the law.

On this particular occasion, however, I failed to take the proper precaution before heading up the street. From just back behind me came this bird-like call. A short little greeting letting me know that I was not alone on the road making my way north. It had something of a finch quality to it. Perhaps even the titmouse. Pleasant without the slightest hint of aggression or nastiness. Wordlessly I was informed of the close proximity of another cyclist.

Quickly swerving to my left, I instinctively apologized to the other rider as he pedaled past me. The apology was graciously accepted and he headed off into the night. No harm, no foul.

Why can’t this be the tone taken in all interactions on our streets, roads and lanes? Enough with the indignant horns, angry bells and bellicose verbal taunts. We’re all just trying to get to our respective destinations in sound body and mind. It ain’t a war out there, people, regardless of what some of our campaigning pols are trying to hype.

If somebody does something wrong, makes a wee mistake or even simply gets overly pushy, let him have it with nothing more than a gentle reminder that you’re there and have been mildly inconvenienced by their inattentive (or selfish) actions. We’re all just simply trying to share the space with each other. It would make for a more pleasant trip whether behind the wheel of a car, atop the seat of a bicycle or strolling along on foot.

— ornithologically submitted by Urban Sophisticat