I took the scenic route home after working on my new-to-me bike. The sun was going down, and the air felt glorious.
I put my helmet on, put my front and back lights on, and I cut over to Central and rode to the water. I rode the road, because that’s primarily where bicycles are supposed to be (bicycle lanes aside).
While waiting for a red light to turn, a security guard cheered me on. “Go cyclist person!”
I turned onto Bayshore Drive. While pedaling and feeling the breeze on my skin, I realized I love riding my bike soooo much!!!
Not long after that realization I heard a vehicle speeding behind me. Assuming he didn’t see me and my little bike light, I flashed peace fingers at him (or her). I still heard the speeding vehicle, so I did it again. I heard the vehicle slow.
I rolled up to an intersection as the light turned green, and I signaled for a left turn, following the car in front of me. We turned onto 2nd Ave N.
I pedaled to Beach Drive. The light was red, and I slowed to a stop behind another car. As the speeding vehicle passed me on the right, a man hollered:
“Get out of the road you Lance Armstrong riding idiot!” Or something like that anyway.
Uninformed motorist in St. Pete, FL
“I’m where I’m supposed to be,” was my peaceful response, as I waited my turn to go until the light turned green. The speeding, white, Toyota SUV took a right while I continued straight. I wish I’d gotten his plate number.
It occurred to me on the ride home how hilarious his intended insult was. He just compared me to Lance Armstrong, one of the best riders ever. (The comparison is quite hilarious. Me in my jean shorts and on my 1990’s Cannondale with a rack on the back. Don’t forget the head- and taillight!) Lance Armstrong would have held his ground on the road too!
Anyway, in case you weren’t aware, there doesn’t need to be a sign around for this to be true. The normal law-of-the-land is that bikes can take the lane the same as the car. Sometimes you might see Sharrows or “Share the Road.” They mean the same as this sign. And you need to give us 3 feet (some are moving to 5 feet) clearance if you pass us.
Thanks.