After watching a couple of stories run on local news about the Wednesday Night Ride in Tulsa, I had this whole big thing typed out. I vacillated between raging at the injustice and thoughtfully debating and arguing. I wanted through sheer force of will and words to somehow fix what is broken in our society in many more ways than just the ongoing and increasing issues between cyclists and motorists.
But seriously – of those who take time out of their busy lives to read this blog, I’d probably just be preaching to the choir.
So the only things I can really think to say is that as with any minority – and make no mistake, as a road cyclist, you are part of a minority – consider:
- The more of us there are, the more visible we become, and the harder it will be to ignore us.
- The more we behave lawfully and respectfully, the harder it will be to hold prejudices against us.
- The more successful interactions we have, the less acceptable it will be to diminish us.
There is no quick fix, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop riding. It just means we all have many more miles to go.
Be the change you want to see in the world. And stay safe out there.
Semper equitare.