You know, every time I say that, I feel like I’m cussing myself, because, yes, I AM a driver. Although not as bad as the others on the road. (Dont’ we all think that?) However, I came up with a good idea–I think–for people getting and renewing their driver’s licenses.

Put them on a bike for about two to four weeks on the road.

Think about it. If drivers became cyclists, I think not only would they learn just how badly they treat us, but they might, just might be more cognizant of us on the road when we share it.

Take for example this morning when I rode into work. This one driver was on my left, I was in the bike lane which was on the right. I am going at a pace right alongside him, and he speeds up to try to make a right turn. He nearly had me roll right into the right side of his car, thus causing yet another collision between me and hardened steel on four wheels. Asshole!! Now if I give him the benefit of the doubt and he has his blinker on, I can’t see it alongside him on the right. And just so, what is the harm in giving me the two seconds you’d give to a pedestrian to let me pass? Really, what is the problem?!?! Why do drivers feel they have such an entitlement to the road?

Or how about cars that double park in the bike lane? Which forces we riders to turn out into traffic in order to avoid the car sitting in the bike lane, which is oftentimes parked right under the black and white sign designating the bike lane for bikes only. Why is a car being steps from a doorway more important than my fragile body being forced into traffic? Why can’t the car turn down the sidestreet? God forbid they can’t sit and idle in front of whever building they’re sitting in front of. (And the last time I checked, idling engines are non green.) It’s almost laughable, but since my accident, I can’t laugh at it–I get angry and frustrated.

I think if I put that driver that almost turned into me today on a bike a put him in the same situation, he may think twice about turning without looking. Let that mofo try to reapply for his licence then. Or how about I email him a picture of the hole in my knee I got from being hit by a car, then put him on a bike for a while, then let him renew his license…

I can’t get over how drivers talk on their cell phones, eat, gab with their frinds in the car, or just plain are ridiculously retarded enough to make a right turn while looking left or vice versa. I have seen it with mine own eyes!! I know that the next bad thing that may happen to me (if I so choose to let it) is that I get into yet another twist with a car and I go after the car with my chain and lock. I’d break every window and light on the car to teach the driver and every other driver that saw it a lesson: that we bikers will not be intimidated and we have just as much a right to the road as they do!! However, like I said, the bad thing that would happen is either I get arrested for destroying private property or the driver just kicks my ass.

I wish I had an answer for making drivers treat us better (other than destroying thier precious cars with chain and lock), but I do not. I also think that it takes more than putting up those (super-awesome) signs that say “Share the Road”. I think my idea is good, as putting folks in actual situations teaches them more than having them sit in a five hour class watching a video in which Christopher Reeves is walking around talking about driver’s safety.

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