I've been riding bikes all over Miami since 1988.
In the past ten years, I have developed a personal system of Aggressive Defensive Bike Riding that has helped to keep me alive amongst some of the worst car drivers in America.
The funny thing is, if you follow these techniques, people will get confused as to why you're doing what you're doing and hence the title of this post. Everyday bike riders are the most visible form of traffic in the community; and during rush hour, the fastest, and the cheapest.
No matter what you do, you're going to encounter, confront, and have to deal with the reality of lame ass idiots and crash dummy dumb fucks who don't give a shit if you live or die. It is what it is. Just another funny obstacle.
The majority of people are actually cool and therefore a majority of your interactions will be too.
Being an everyday bike rider in a car dominated society offers a front row seat to various aspects of social psychology, your careful study of which through the lens of self interest and safety will help to keep your wheels on the road and rolling forward with the momentum of sound logic and good decision making.
Here I will outline a few key points that anyone can utilize to hopefully stay safe out there, wherever you are.
- When Possible, Face Vehicular Traffic Head On.
The most dangerous position to be in on a bike is to be blind to vehicular traffic. Why would anyone on two rubber wheels and forty pounds of metal feel safe with 45 to 70 miles per hour of combustible gas powered thunder flying past their back while those same drivers are texting, eating burgers, and living in the distraction of these modern times. If you are facing traffic as you travel, you can make observations and determinations about driver behaviors and respond accordingly.
- Exercise Free Speech.
If the streets of Miami are my gym, then my own voice is my soundtrack. Very important to jar drivers into engaging with reality through vocal cues and eye contact, which I do via extemporaneous musical compositions, concrete poetry, and philosophical musings. We live in the world's great bastion of free speech, and if you have philosophical musings out loud in China, you could spend the rest of your life in prison. Most people on earth dream of being able to speak their mind out loud in public. It is a fuckin honor. Freedom rules, exercise is the only way to build muscle. Never let your free speech atrophy. Always enjoy and practice the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution while riding bike for a total mind and body workout.
- Avoid Bike Lanes On Major Thoroughfares.
Unfortunately, most bike riders who are killed in car accidents are hit while riding on the street.
- Respect All Pedestrians and Their Right of Way, But Utilize Sidewalks Strategically When Appropriate
Never fly past people on sidewalks and always quit pedaling and give them right of way, or avoid them completely by turning into the grass or stop completely when it is logical, but utilize sidewalks for travel to keep a buffer zone between yourself and the dangers of vehicular traffic.
These are the four main components of the Katel Aggressive Defensive Miami Bike Commuter System. ALWAYS pay attention and never wear headphones while riding a bike in Miami. If you value safety, efficiency, and your life, these techniques may just keep you alive long enough to optimize your cardiovascular health, circulation, hand eye coordination, mental stimulation, and inspiration like only bike riding outdoors can.
Situational and environmental awareness and attention-getting interactions, as well as careful observation of driver behaviors are paramount. Never trust a car to follow the law or do the right thing. They will run lights, make bad turns with no signal at high rates of speed, and often default to disdain for your mode of travel, but if you pay attention, create attention, and relieve tension, you'll be far more likely to keep it moving through the streets for as many years as you want.
If you ride at night, wear a light. Headlamps are cheap (ten dollars, rechargeable), and effective.
Enjoy!
I've had cars and been a driver and im known worldwide from PBC to Monroe County. Dont get it motherfuckin twisted, i do this shit for real. Have fun and be safe out there. See you in the streets.