I was riding my bike south on Oxford, passing the Coburg intersection. Yes, I was on the SIDEWALK at this stage. I do this because there is barely enough room for two cars on that intersection and it was rush hour and I’m carrying a toddler (and if you’re in the right lane, I’m sure you all know the sudden dip to the right as you go through the intersection, which freaks me out even in my car). Anyway, I’m on the sidewalk until the HUG trail, which starts at South Park. I’m never aggressive, I go slowly, I don’t ring my bell at pedestrians and I go around them extra carefully, on the grass. I have a TODDLER in my bike seat, for God’s sake! I don’t expect a medal for taking care of my toddler that I CHOSE to bring into this world, oh no no no—I just want to get to work while getting some exercise and burning a bit less gas.
So on this fine morning, a man old enough to know better reluctantly makes space for me on the sidewalk but mouths something at us, which I figured wasn’t good, even as I THANKED his GRINCH ASS for making the room on the sidewalk. I said “Excuse me?” and he glared at us and repeated “Ride on the FUCKING sidewalk!” right into my toddler’s face. Now, I’ve done my fair share of swearing and other stuff so I’m not some delicate flower, but c’mon, seriously? You’re going to be a passive aggressive JERK and make room for me and THEN swear at me and my kid as you slowly stroll to wherever you’re NOT rushing to on a weekday?
I hope you find yourself on my side of this one day, but I’d be happy if that Oxford bus just clipped your pinky toe with all the ROOM that it has to get by! -Just trying to get to work on a bike in Halifax safely
This article appears in Jun 19-25, 2014.
Oh my GOD! Your use of CAPS was annoying to READ.
Two things:
1. Pretty sure the guy didn’t scream in your child face; maybe yours.
2. Don’t ride on the sidewalk. Aside from being illegal (kid or not), it’s meant for people to safely walk. If you can’t drive on the road, don’t.
Mr. M is right. Do not ride on the sidewalk; playing the toddler card doesn’t excuse you.
I would’ve added the word CUNT.
What is it with all the cyclists on the sidewalks after all the attention this gets in the press. Why do people assume the rules apply to everyone but them. This OB probably has a dog they let run loose in a leash-only dog park.
If you have to go on the sidewalk, can’t you get off your bike and walk it, why do you have to keep riding it?
Get off the fucking sidewalk. And that little bell is to warn people in front of you. It’s cyclists like you that gives others a bad name. And yes I don’t care if you have your kid with you. No, I take that back. If a dip in the road scares you and you are afraid of traffic, what the fuck are you doing putting a child’s life in that environment. What a maroon.
Your kid was probably the only thing that saved a stick from being shoved into your spokes :p
I wonder if she owns a “dribbling” cat.
For once I’d like to see a car drive on the sidewalk and use the excuse “if cyclists can do it….”
Heh.
I would burn gas instead of endangering your child like that. I bet you cycle across crosswalks and think that red lights don’t apply to you either.