Sidewalk riding - self-preservation or confusing?

See that blip there? That is where I suddenly stopped today while riding along on the sidewalk. It seems that the car driving in the right lane either did not see me or did not care that I was riding along at about at 5 minute mile pace on. Hard to imagine she couldn't see me - I was wearing my yellow vest with 3 blinking rear lights and several up front. Anyway, it got me wondering, not only about common sense and courtesy but about the law. Who has the right of way? I am supposed to track traffic and yield to them "in an intersection" as this was a sidewalk intersecting with a drive way. Or was she supposed to track traffic (bikes, peds, etc.) on the sidewalk and yield to us? I think the latter makes more sense, but again the law of physics would have won had she hit me. No argument there. Ah, so back to the Huckleberry Trail for me - it's a wee bit longer (I was rushing to get to work for a conference call) and decided to take Main Street instead, which is slightly faster. Oh well, I dodged it again, this time. I'll take the trail home...

3 Mile Bike Commute, 4 Seasons Lawn Care

I threw on my reflective cycling shirt and zipped on up for a few groceries. After packing up, I returned by proceeding north along Main St. You know how sometimes you can sense a truck behind you? Well, I could sense this one, including the two male occupants. Before seeing it, I also heard an unintelligible shout from the passenger, a young, tank-topped ruffian. Before a life-ending collision, I quickly hopped up onto the sidewalk using the newly installed curb cut at Sunset Blvd (thank you Public Works!), and then witnessed the 4 Seasons truck & trailer pass by as the wheels scraped against the curb - definitely not leaving the required 2-ft of passing space: fortunately, I was out of harm's way.

I often assume behavior is generally consistent regardless of environment. Assuming it's the same brain no matter where it goes, I would NOT recommend doing business with 4 Seasons Lawn Care, if that is indeed the logo I saw flash by today. My conclusion may be unfair based on a single observation, but alas I'll never be calling them for my lawn care needs.

I glided up to beside the stopped truck at the traffic light: "How 'ya doin'?" the kid asked nervously, as he slapped his arm against the outside of the door. I glared back but kept my mouth shut.

Later on my way to work, I observed the driver of a Grass Assassins truck politely using his turn signal, even though he was in a left-turn only lane, prior to and during his turning movement. Perhaps I'd do business with them. While their name may not be the most appealing, at least today they did not assassinate their reputation by a display of a seemingly small, but unsolicited, aggressive behavior. Their number is 540-392-4154 or email them at info@grassassassins.com. Give 'em a try and let us know how they do.