Things I love Thursday – Bike edition
Today, I fell off my bike. Thrown off into the street by street car tracks, literally turning onto the street I live on. This is common. I’ve gotten the impression that this happens to people often enough that it’s known at the hospital. When JC fell off his bike around this time of year, and broke various bones, we were at the hospital and when he said “I fell off my bike…” the first question was just “street car tracks?” So yeah. I wasn’t surprised as I was falling. But I was pretty mad.
Shaw street isn’t busy, but it was busy when it happened. It took me a few seconds to get up, and get off the street. Why is this unpleasant event on my Things I Love Thursday post? On my way down I screamed several expletives at the top of my lungs and it felt amazing. As far as I can tell I haven’t broken anything but some skin and ripped a pair of jeans. Someone came out of their condo and asked if I needed help. I’m okay. Just a few tears, a big swollen knee, and a slightly bruised ego. Also helmets are essential and I’m glad I was wearing one. I’m also thankful that I’m okay.
I absolutely loved biking to and from work today. Incidentally it’s the first time I’ve done this. Yesterday I picked up my new bike from Urbane Cyclist, my first non-bixi Toronto bike. There is this amazing quality to moving myself 7-10km away from my home to work. There is this odd sense of empowerment. I don’t need to take the bus or the subway, I can get myself from point A to point B in a quarter of the time it would take me to walk.
I feel pretty passionate about the right to cycle, but I feel equally if not more passionately about the right to cycle safely. Following road rules isn’t just following the rules of the man, it makes you more predictable, and keeps you and other people safe. Please, if you’re a cyclist, just follow them. You are a vehicle. You are not a pedestrian/cyclist hybrid.
I love that I am okay, I have a great bike, and I had a great ride. And I’ll do it again.
I’ve been cycling to work for 3 years now and love it. In my first year, I think I fell off 3 times. Twice because of street car tracks. Once because I lost my balance on a bumpy road (Jarvis and Shuter). Funnily enough, the only time I had to go to emerg was when my bike fell next to me, digging the gear cogs deep into my skin. I always feel the need to explain that no, I did not fall off my bike.. my bike fell onto me! Anyhow, I love 9km from work and really love cycling to work to. My accidents have taught me to play safe, avoid street car tracks, and areas where car doors can be opened. But most importantly, to continue to cycle! 🙂
(glad to hear you’re ok, though)
Janet – honestly, I think I needed to hear this. Sadly, I haven’t been back on my bike since I fell off of it. But maybe I’ll try again tomorrow 🙂
Thanks!