Cycle-ology: Falter

Falter (verb) start to lose strength or momentum; move unsteadily or in a way that shows lack of confidence.

I believe a new season is upon us, which I refer to as “Falter”.  When Fall has been confronted by Winter. Piles of leaves collect in the streets, ready to be picked up by the city service, are now covered in snow. Icy snow. Leaves that have not departed branches hang frozen in time and await for a breeze to free them upon snow drifts.

The “Share the Road” signs can seem impossible. Curbsides are filled with frozen hills of ‘falter’ mixture. Cars are parked all cockeyed and the actual driving surface has narrowed. Street corners demand wider turns due to the conditions. Sharing has become a challenge.

Yet, I will not falter!  ‘Share the Road’ is still in place and I claim my portion of the road for my choice of transportation. Inconvenient as the roads may be, I will not lessen my choice of travel. During these road conditions, I feel a cyclist’s choice of travel is unwelcomed.  Even with the curbside ‘falter’ debris my lawful area of the road is still available. Cyclist are never expected to hug the curb (yet, I tend to when the street is narrow); cyclists are to ride a safe distance along curbside parking. Distance provides room for exiting drivers without ‘dooring’ a cyclist.

I know the ‘Share the Road’ sign is not taken as seriously as the speed limit sign. I assist by wearing bright colors; not to ride in defiance but to help others see me sharing the road. No matter if the sky is light or dark I utilize my light fixtures. As I turn on all of my flashers and blinkers adorned on my bike, I like to hum a tune ‘This lil light of mine; I’m going to let it shine…” It’s a happy tune. I don’t cycle to make a statement; I cycle out of pure choice.