Here is my wishlist. That:
1. Drivers would stop honking at cyclists as they approach them from behind. We are on bikes. We can hear your damn car a mile away. Honking is startling, and increases the likelihood of a mishap. Also, if you are trying to passively-aggressively tell me to move over onto the unpaved shoulder, or just taking out on me some weird resentment of cyclists, shove it!
2. Cyclists would also obey the 'rules of the road'. Use your hand signals. Be aggressive. Those of you who don't give us a bad name and make drivers feel like they have to honk at you.
3. Cyclists would not bike on the sidewalk. This is (unless in the case of some bizarre emergency or out of necessity) a cowardly move. Please, you're ALLOWED to be on the road. What's worse, you're now doing to pedestrians what you hate having done to you by drivers. For gosh sake's, don't yell at the pedestrian on the sideWALK to get out of the way! You're loony!
4. Pedestrians would not simply walk out into traffic, crosswalk or no. Do not ASSUME the car will stop for you. Maybe there is sun in their eyes. Maybe there is something distracting them. Maybe their view of you is blocked by another car. Do you really want to take that chance?? Make eye contact with the driver.
5. People just generally milling about would stop generally milling about and look the heck up and realize there is stuff happening around them! That goes for you, groups of 10-15 teen girls and boys who insist on walking side by side and don't care if someone comes up near you, trying to get by. Likewise, if someone is carrying something heavy, especially if that something heavy is related to their JOB, please move your buns! Most likely that person could even use a hand! At the very least, say 'Excuse me' in a pleasant tone when you need to get by someone. Don't just plow people over. If you are carrying a large bag, be aware that you are doing so and don't whack others with it, and if you accidentally do so, the 'oops, sorry' thing is great - ignoring the fact that you did it DOES NOT FLY! We know you felt that bump!!! If you insist on walking ever so slowly because you are having a chat on your cell phone, at least allow others to walk around you. There is no need to take up an entire aisle, particularly if you have a shopping cart!
Alright, I've had a frustrating transportation day. I'm over it now. It is very clear that I have, more than any other kind of rage, 'sidewalk rage'. It's a true phenomenon. Google it.
