I was driving home the other night. I drive a freeway on the west side and then go through downtown and out on main streets on the east side. After I got off the freeway, I am in the middle of downtown where the lights are set to trigger on time if you're going 17mph. The speed limit is 25, but there really isn't a point of going over 17 unless you really like heavy breaking.
As I came over a hill, I saw someone riding a bicycle in the middle of the right lane. The thing is, he was only about 25 feet in front of me when I saw him. He was wearing black and riding on a bycicle with no reflectors and no lights.
As I came to the first light (wasn't in sequence yet)... I rolled down the passenger window and said to the bicyclist: "Its difficult to see you... you need a light or something."
His response: "You're stupid and your car is ugly."
I was somewhat stunned by the reply. Especially since my car is anything but ugly.
When I got home I told my wife about the encounter and she explained to me about a group of byciclists downtown that protest about the streets not being bicycle friendly (BTW.. Portland is considered one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the nation) and they take it upon themselves to ride around and let everyone know it.
The story just seems to be too much of a euphimism for all the protesting I see going on these days. Talk about becoming desensitized.
MiniD
