I'm always complaining about the way people drive in general, and specifically in Minnesota. I was telling somebody who has lived in Los Angeles for the last sixty years that it's gotten awful around here, and when she started to give me the yeah-well-in-California, I mentioned that specifically, a new habit I've seen beginning this summer was that when people stop at a red light, they'll run right through it if there's nobody coming as if it's a stop sign [As of today, I've counted nine in my last five workdays]. She quickly changed her look to one of disbelief. A few months ago I complained about a guy trying to run me down on Lyndale while I was crossing with the kid in a stroller. On tuesday, I was crossing First Street at First Avenue to go to Origami, and some guy in a Buick decided it would be much funnier to run right through the stop sign and cut me off by a matter of inches than to stop and wait five seconds.
Finally, today at about 12:30, while riding my bike to work, I was hit by a car. I was stopped at a light at Franklin in the turn lane on Nicollet, ready to turn left. The light was about to change, so I looked left first to make sure no cars were coming. I looked right, and there was a retired squad car, a '97 Crown Victoria turning right into me. I had enough time to jump up off my bike, she rammed my bike into my left shin, I landed on her hood, and my bike ended up under her bumper. Five hours in the ER later and it turns out I have a fracture in my leg and a bunch of bruises. Yikes. Won't be cycling for a while. Or driving for that matter. The bike didn't fare so well either. I just bought brand new wheels about three weeks ago and new handlebars last weekend. So that's where we stand. I'm still a little foggy, so I'm going to bed.
Suddenly beer gives me serious heartburn. Anybody know what's going on there?
Comments (8)
I would totally come and look after Ryan, but I couldn't do it until next Sunday...which is when I'd be over there anyway. Sorry.
--------Posted by Ben | January 7, 2005 9:51 AM
Posted on January 7, 2005 09:51
I totally have seen a decline in people's ability to drive around here lately as well. I haven't seen as much of the stoplight thing (probably cause I don't drive as much as you), but I have seen quite a bit of turning right out of the left hand lane and also a lot of people putting on their blinker and expecting my car to magically get out of their way so they can merge (ie. merging sideways into my car) on the freeway. Notice that around the holidays people started getting downright nasty too? Seriously, what is with people? Whatever happened to Minnesota "Nice"? Seems like it's more like Minnesota "F you" these days.
Posted by Jen | January 6, 2007 2:22 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 14:22
Dude, that sucks. Sorry to hear it. Lately, I've been telling everyone I know just how bad the driving is on Franklin Avenue. Yeah, it's bad everywhere, but I honestly believe the driving on Franklin is the worst in the city.
And regarding the beer: It's a little something we call getting old. Pretty soon you ought to really notice how you can't bounce back quickly after a bender. Old man.
Posted by TL | January 6, 2007 4:21 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 16:21
First hangover of my life was after only five drinks in five hours on ny eve eve.
My theory on the driving is that people get used to driving like there's about to be a blizzard and end up doing it all year.
Posted by ryan | January 6, 2007 6:22 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 18:22
so, you're suing their damn cardriving asses right? Make sure you take enough money so they won't be able to afford the gas to drive that car anymore.
Posted by zakcq | January 6, 2007 8:06 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 20:06
now ryan is home all week hobbling around on crutches having me wait on him hand and foot. anyone want to come babysit, for ryan that is.
Posted by bethany | January 6, 2007 9:23 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 21:23
oh lord ryan- that is so awful! i hope you're ok...you seem to get accidentally injured more than any person i know. but seriously, that's kinda hardcore! all the "serious" bikers i know have been hit at least once ;)
Posted by Michelle | January 6, 2007 9:41 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 21:41
i mean "oh lord, ryan"
Posted by michelle | January 6, 2007 9:45 PM
Posted on January 6, 2007 21:45