Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Chico resident gripes about Chico drivers

In this Chico ER letter to the editor, middle school teacher, Pamela Beeman, complains that Chico drivers blow through lights, cut cyclists off, and generally suck.

Personally, I've had very few bad experiences with drivers in Chico. I've been soaked and given the bird once or twice, but nothing worse than that. I'm a hyper-aware rider, but perhaps I've also been lucky.

In the Bay Area on the other hand, I feel like I take my life into jeopardy every time I ride - even on my short commute to work. In fact, I rode to work this morning for the first time in a couple of weeks (been sick), and a lady cut me off with the old 'right turn without looking' - to the point where I stopped by putting my foot on her bumper... and then gave her a healthy knock on her driver side window to let her know her error.

Anyway, is it just me, or are Chico drivers generally bicycle friendly? Oh, and I don't recommend riding a bicycle with vertigo. I won't be doing that again.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I put in a fair amount of miles on the roads in and around Chico and I find it very safe.

Most drivers are courteous and mindful of cyclists, but of course there are a handful of those who don't realize we exist or refuse to acknowledge we belong on the road.

In the years I've been riding, I've only had one scary experience and a few close calls. But like you, I think I'm overly aware of what drivers are doing.