Cycleology: Does this make you uncomfortable?

If yes, I agree. Biking can present some unforeseen and uncomfortable situations. But, I could argue that any other mode of transportation could as well…those much needed windshield wipers that streak the driver side of the windshield. So yes, there are times when I am biking and find my situation compromised.

I stay informed to lessen these occurrences by checking the weather forecast. We all know how reliable forecasts can be. I do my best to dress for the expected and if the expected is outside my comfort zone then I choose public transportation or the family car.

I know some of my peers feel I bike when conditions are undesirable (for them) and they wish I would not bike. Depending on my time and/or their level of concern, I opt to not bike. I find much disappointment in myself when I listen to advice from others on when not to bike.

Sometimes, I notice when I take public transportation to meet [fill in the blank], that other person is sometimes uncomfortable about my choice of transportation. So uncomfortable that I am told that I will be picked up and returned home; even when I reply that it is not necessary and not my desire. Occasionally to win my choice of transportation, I create errands that I need to run so I won’t be home. Making it easier to say, “Let’s just meet at the destination.”

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean to worry anyone by choosing to bike when it is outside their comfort level. Sometimes, I enjoy friends picking me up. I just want to choose when I bike, even knowing it could turn out to be a bad choice. I don’t want anyone to feel they need to rescue me from a public transportation option. I enjoy public transportation. Advice will be considered and pickups will be accepted, but I just want to choose when that happens based on my comfort level, not theirs.

The way I view it is majority of the time, I am inside a car wishing I was on my bike verses being on my bike and wishing I was in a car.