Anyone with common sense knows there are several things you should never do in the winter – like ride a bicycle! Every year I see more and more fools attempting to ride bikes with more than a foot of snow on the road.
As a matter of fact, the other afternoon I came upon one such fool walking his bike along the sidewalk on one of the busiest streets in the city. As I approached him, I noticed his bicycle was completely covered in frozen snow to the extent he could barely maneuver it along the walkway. As I got closer I could see his clothing were covered in snow. Even his mustache and eyebrows were laden with ice!
I could not believe my eyes. What in heaven’s name would make this guy think he could ride a bicycle in a snow? Bicycles are designed for spring/summer use, not the winter months. If they were made to ride in the winter, they would make snow tires for bikes!
I cringe every time I come upon a cyclist trying to ride his/her bike in the snow. I am so afraid the bike will slip up on the road and the rider will end up beneath my tires. That is a very distinct and REAL possibility. Bicycler’s should understand this. Even in the summer months, maneuvering around bikes on the road is dangerous. Add a mountain of snow and icy conditions and a tragedy could occur with every passing car.
There should be a law of some sort to prevent cyclists from biking during the winter-- for the safely of drivers and bikers alike. And fines should be imposed as a deterrence to those who would thumb their nose at such laws.
Granted, winter cyclists may believe they are justified in riding a bike. Perhaps they do not possess a valid driver’s license-- or are unable to drive due to suspension, age, disability, etc. But, no matter the reason, that’s what public transportation is for.
So I say to all those inconsiderate winter cyclists – Get real. Get off the bike and get on a bus!!