(photo by maureen didde)

Responsible Cyclists

Seagull’s post about a guy playing a ukelele while riding a bicycle reminded me of one of the things I love and appreciate most about Portland—responsible cyclists! After living in a city (*cough*Austin*cough*) where a lot of people rode bikes everywhere, but few did so responsibly, safely, or courteously, I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed coming to Oregon where cyclists routinely:

1. Drive in their designated lane
2. Wear helmets and other safety gear
3. Use lights on their bicycles for night biking
4. Signal!
5. Yield to pedestrians
6. Obey stop signs and lights
7. Follow all other traffic rules as if they were cars, as they are supposed to, not some bastardization of vehicles/peds as it suits them

Thanks, Oregon cyclists, for making my driving experience less nerve wracking…and for practicing responsible cycling to keep yourselves safe.