During my ride, several concerned citizens (as Mark put it), slowed down and let us know exactly what we were doing wrong. I just love these concerned and caring people. The only thing is that they are wrong.
The first occasion was between Gaston and Yamhill. Mark and I were riding two abreast, talking and on the shoulder. The driver slowed down and while other drivers behind him honked, he yelled at us "single file, you have to ride single file." We just said thank you and waved and he went on his way.
The second occasion was between Lafayette and Dayton. The road had a painted white line but no real shoulder. We were riding single file at the time. The driver slowed down and shouted to us, "Hey, you can't ride a bike unless there is a shoulder. No shoulder, no bike ride. You can't ride here." Again, we thanked him and waved as he went on his way.
Finally, my neighbor across the street got stopped while riding in our neighborhood and told that he was riding too fast and had to slow down. Cars drive 25 mph in the neighborhood but a bike is too fast riding at 18 mph. Wow!
I will say that second to Cali, Oregon has some of the most bike friendly drivers - although misinformed and willing to show their ignorance - yet friendly and kind to cyclists.
No comments:
Post a Comment