Posted on http://bikejournal.com by bandjhughes
Until I switched jobs two weeks back, I've been commuting to work
along the same route for years. One segment is a 1/2 mile downhill
stretch through apartment complexes. There are a lot of people
(especially young kids), so posted speed limit is 20 mph. Since it's a
relatively steep downhill the only way to stay less than 20 mph is to
brake. I usually coast down the hill in the mid 20's. If I pedal at
all, I'm over 30 mph and can even hit more than 40 mph without much
difficulty. A few years back they added speed bumps at a couple spots
to try to get cars to slow down.
When traveling along this stretch I take the full lane. I do this for
a couple reasons: first I've had pedestrians step off the sidewalk
right in front of me without looking first, plus I'm going well over
the speed limit anyway so nobody should be passing me. However some
motorists seem to believe they must pass every bike on the road no
matter what. At least once a week a motorist will pass me along this
stretch. When I see this is going to happen I jump up and start
hammering. But this doesn't make a difference to most motorists, who
will continue to accelerate to get past no matter how fast I'm going.
So as we get to the first speed bump I'm usually traveling somewhere
near 40 mph and the motor vehicle is going even faster. I'll move over
to the right (to bypass the speed bump) and watch/listen to the show.
It goes like this: first a BAMMM sound (sometimes followed by a metal
scraping sound), then the sight of an airborne car/truck/SUV, followed
by another SLAMMM sound, then the sight of brakes lights coming on,
and often the sight of the motor vehicle swerving back and forth a few
times. I have to admit I must have the devil in me because I just get
a kick out of seeing this, and it brings a devious little smile to my
face every time. What really amazes me is there is never a shortage of
motorist that will continue to try to take the speed bump at 40 to 50
mph just to get past a speeding bicyclist. Figured after a few years
they would all learn, but there's never a shortage of these people who
are willing to bang up their vehicles.
Anyway, my new job is in a different direction. I already kind of miss
that little section along my old commute. Guess I'll need to find
another way to entertain myself during the morning commute.