I am sorry that this has happened to you. I will be the first to admit, I sometimes get annoyed when I am "stuck" behind someone on a bike (do you prefer the term biker, cyclist, or...?) usually b/c I am late and in a hurry everywhere I go! And I think when some (most?) people are crusing along and end up behind someone on a bicycle they are like "Oh great!" especially if you cannot pass. I used to think, "Why are they in the street? Get on the sidewalk. Why would anyone want to ride their bike in the street, and hold up traffic, and risk getting run over?"
I didn't "get it" b/c I have never ridden a bike as an adult, or in the street, only when I was a child in my yard. But in the past couple years I have often pushed my son in a jogging stroller to a nearby park, grocery store, etc. and I do avoid the roads that have no shoulder but obviously I have to cross them sometimes, and people always stare. I imagine they are thinking "Did her car break down? What's wrong with her? Is she poor and doesn't own a car? What is she doing pushing a child in a stroller? Why is she in my way? Get out of my way!" etc. I have had people stop and roll down their window asking if I needed help, a ride somewhere, a cell phone to call for help. I tell them no, I live in the area and we're just taking a walk, that's all. Some people don't understand walking for fresh air or fitness I guess. So I have become sympathetic to those riding bikes, or walking and pushing strollers. When I get behind someone I try to remember not to roll my eyes, and that they are no less important, and share the road. Of course my hubby has forbidden us to do so now, even though we've only ever gone out during the daytime. He is scared some maniac will come and snatch us up. :banghead:
