In the Wrong... Lane!

Wonder if you find yourself weaving down a one way street, narrowly avoiding cars, and just being a total derelict, no harm, no foul, right? Yet this weeks Tosh.O episode reveals otherwise. For those unfamiliar, Tosh replays Youtube highlights, accompanied by witty, peanut gallery remarks. I nearly lost it when this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=Ghs3Cr2gWTQ&feature=related appeared on the show, satisfying curiosities as to what happens when a careless cyclists and a portly pedestrian collide.

I typically give it up for the cyclist; however, point goes to the pedestrian today. If you notice, the cyclist is clearly going the wrong way. He carries a piece of paper in his right hand, causing him to hesitate on the back brake squeeze. Perhaps there’s no accident if the pedestrian crosses in the crosswalk, but never the less, two people walk away sore. Fortunately, no one got seriously injured, and both parties accepted blame, but what do you do if you find yourself in an accident?

Here in Boulder most people would help you up and cook you dinner, but if you hit an A#$h0!e play it cool. I’ve never resolved a situation in anger, so take a second, collect yourself, and refocus. If you are responsible, offer an apology and be mature.

However, if you get blindsided by a wondering space-cadet, take some action. Again, relax; check your bike for problems, if there’s an issue ask the person for an e-mail or phone number. If you’re hit by a car you should collect insurance info. Bicycles deserve street cred. Drivers assume hitting a bicycle is like running over a squirrel, as long as we limp into the woods and die peacefully, they’ll feel just fine.

Ultimately, it’s about awareness. I’ve never hit a car, pedestrian, cyclist, or skater, so when I hear stories about bikers getting hit, I question if their partially responsible. I’ve dodged thousands of accidents because I see idiots from miles away. Avoiding collisions requires keen senses, take out the headphones and tune into your surroundings, it’s no Kelly Clarkson jam, but you’ll survive the ride.