TADA! You are now invisible to the rest of the world!
I'm talking brain dead cellphone using drivers, tunnel vision drivers, short drivers, tall drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers, tail gaters, bicyclists, and ESPECIALLY CAB DRIVERS! Oh and let's not forget PEDESTRIANS aka zombies. Pedestrians who look RIGHT AT YOU (or not at all) and just step right in front of you. Sometimes even waiting until the very last second to just JUMP right out! Seriously, it was like Murphy's Law out there today "If they can cut you off they will cut you off... or do some other dumb thing that puts you in danger." It's funny too how many people seem to try and beat you to turns or try to speed up when you want to switch lanes.
I know, I know, I know, all the books, classes, and others here warn you about it but MAN! To see the truth in action is amazing. It's wild how many drivers just know they have the right of way PERIOD. It's like some crazy arrogance-you don't matter-you're just on a scooter/motorcycle type of thing.
I'm definitely installing that new air horn ASAP! I was riding in the center of the center lane, not showing any signs that I may want to switch lanes, when Mr. Cabby to my right decides that one whole lane is just too much lane for me. He then begins to come over on me. I honk (that HORRIBLY cute little honk). He keeps coming. Not being in a situation that allows me to escape safely, I lean on that horn with all my might trying to will bass into its voice. He actually (finally) turns his head towards me and looks at me like I just annoyed the hell out of him. Me? Annoyed him! Really?!
But guess what? Yep, he still continues to try and share my lane. So I have to open the throttle up and jet out of harms way because there's a car to my left so I can't safely switch lanes and the cars behind me don't want me to brake (that or they like the smell of my butt which explains why they're so close behind me)That's just one example of many from today's adventures in city driving. The moral of this story: Stay Alert! Don't assume that people see you or will give you the right away (even if you just KNOW they see you) and as the famous quote goes... "DON'T PANIC"
Please the next time you're in your car pay more attention to what's around you and give scooterists/motorcyclists the respect they deserve.
Ok Ok... so other then the crazies, the idiots, and the CRAPPY Detroit streets today was actually a beautiful day for riding. Nice weather and good sun. Toured the neighborhood (downtown Detroit) and the cultural center. WOW... you really get to see (and SMELL) more things on a scooter. Definitely put some miles on today!
