The Chainlink

Hello. You, male biker on a road bike with Brooks saddle and pannier, and I got into an argument this morning. I want to explain my behavior and apologize. I did hear your bell behind me. I also just had passed a car leaving a parking space. I didn’t know what your bell indicated. I ring my bell for lots of reasons: to give a “heads up” to pedestrians; to alert a driver with a car door open; and to bring a smile to a child’s face. Even though I had ear buds in - awaiting a call from a surgeon - I heard your bell. I just didn’t know what it meant. When you passed, I was surprised and - likely curtly - asked for an “on your left”. You stated that you rang your bell and that was enough. I was taken aback - first by fear of hitting another biker and secondly by your angry response. I also noted your anger with my ear buds - likely not directed just at me. 

The stop sign approached. I know that I didn’t have the right of way, but I made a judgment call. Stop at a stop sign where an angry male was awaiting me or go through the stop out of turn. I went. I was shaking from our exchange at Lake. You approached me again, yelling at my biking. I turned onto Washington and did what I always do - follow traffic laws the rest of the way. 

I am am fully accountable for my choices and behavior. I’m sorry that I yelled cursory language at you as you biked off down Clinton. I also am sorry to the drivers of cars and others. I am embarrassed. I value everyone’s lives and safety. I violated my own values. It’s hard to sit with. 

But I ask you to consider this: As a woman biker in Chicago - 25 years and counting - I am used to being harassed by male pedestrians, drivers and bikers alike. I arrive to work scared about once every three weeks and it has nothing to do with my biking. I call my husband crying, and he listens. I take a few days off, walking to work, and then try again. 

Im not saying that you were going to harm me. It’s just scary out there, and I wanted to offer another perspective. 

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In cities with lots of cyclists, there is rarely conversation between them.  They just assume that others are nearby - especially so, if they hear a bell.  But in the US, people often are not used to other cyclists being near, and often don't hear or pay attention to a bell.  I like to try my bell first, but when it's ignored, I follow up with a friendly, "Hi, I'm on your left".  I wish I could just ring the bell and be understood; but when it isn't, I don't get angry.  Chicago is still in its infancy as a cycling city.  We should cut each other a little slack.

I know this thread is several days old, but I just want to say you shouldn't apologize.  Just because someone honks to let them cut in doesn't mean you have to.  That is basically what he did.  You both screamed at each other, and parting ways should've been it.  Him waiting for you at the next stop sign, that is very scary and over the line.  

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