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I attended a sporting event last night on the College of Charleston campus and this sight is what greeted us as we approached the arena. Two bicycles were chained to the rails in the narrow entry all but blocking our entrance. Our party parked and chained our bikes around the corner a block away, as had many others. The bike racks near the door were full, so these two decided they were a little better than everyone else and could just park wherever they pleased. When the game was over and the crowd poured out, you guessed it, these two bikes blocked the egress. And the elderly were denied use of the rail altogether. Can you imagine? In Charleston, no less.
What possesses people, I ask you? These callous cretins must say to each other, “Oh how nice of everyone to leave these spaces for us to park our bikes when all the other spaces where taken. How nice people are. Let me reward their kindness with a big spoonful of inconsideration. ” It is times like these that we need an extra tacky sticker in a hideous color to apply to the bike frame. And it would read RUDE.
Think! Honestly. It isn’t that difficult. If you are able bodied enough to ride a bicycle surely you are able bodied enough to park a few more feet away and walk to the arena. Everyday consideration is easy to achieve. Trust me. Now where are those stickers?
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this post has 4 comments
To Mr. MH
You are a silly man. Your closing statement about “Blood dopers, parcel..” is why Charleston lags so greatly behind in being cycle friendly. With a nearly flat downtown area, and minuscule scale, Charleston is an optimal place to ride a bicycle; avoiding traffic, getting fresh air, and lowering overall emissions in our coastal area. Don’t be so closed minded. I can assure you that these two students (as we are assuming) parking their bikes rudely is just that, rude; however, it is far less dangerous than things that happen everyday by motorists. Keep your words round. No grown man almost gets in a bar fight, and with your ideas on bicycles, its safe to safe we can all agree that your friend is an oversized child.
posted on October 30, 2012
Cyclist
5194
My bike has a driver.
This summer, I employed a cadre of pedicab drivers to pedal me around a small seaside town. I left my car in the driveway, walked most of the time, and hopped in the back of a pedicab when the distance (or timing) warranted. It was perfect.
During one kooky week in July, a dear friend arrived and insisted on having a bike with him; peddling himself around. This, mind you, despite my gracious offer to always give him a lift–which he did, a few times, accept and enjoyed. I’m not saying his insistence to toot around on his own accord strained the friendship, but it was awkward; him having a bike at all times, with me usually on foot.
This friend is, however, a gentleman. Despite coming dangerously close to starting a bar fight, he always locked his bike in the right place. The only obtrusive thing about his bike, was that he had one at all.
I say bicycles are for blood dopers, parcel messengers, and children. Grow up, take a seat, and get pedaled.
posted on October 25, 2012
MH
5181
Amen. I’m surprised that the police didn’t write them a ticket, especially since the elderly folks needed to use the handrail. Sometimes people just amaze me, and not in a good way. I hope these jokers read your post, but unfortunately, people like them usually laugh at more kind, considerate people and think we’re too nice, or pushovers.
posted on October 25, 2012
Cindy B.
5180
This was a teachable moment for those young people. I would have left a note on my business card saying, “Please park elsewhere; it is difficult for older people to use stairs.” A business card allows them to call you to apologise if they have been raised properly. I will never forget those teachable moments from my university days. As Judy Judge says, “You’re not cooked until you are 25.” I give them the benefit of the doubt to help them along.
posted on October 25, 2012
Keith McKee
5179