Joe and MHChi December

So December was a slow month here at the Chicago house. We had a rockin' hanukkah party, but i was sick then so didn't have too much to do with it. For other events, i'm sure you can look at what my roommates write; I'm going to take this opportunity to talk instead about biking in a winter city.

So i bike to work most days, and for the past month or so it has been dark out by the time i leave. Also, for the past month or so the roads have been a good combination of icy, sludgy, wet, etc. I have two lights and wear a helmet, so don't go pointing fingers. I'm a pretty safe biker, I go fast and run red-lights, but I'm terrified of every car, moving and parked, so that keeps me in check.
So now that that's established, here are some of my thoughts (ranks?). First of all, talking on cell phones while driving should not just be illegal (it is in Illinois) but also be enforced (it is not, ever). People who are on their cell phones are by far the scariest, the ones who turn right from the left lane all of a sudden w/o a signal and don't even notice you almost flying off your screeching bike trying to stop in time. also, the ones most likely to open their door right after they park right into the bike lane. taxi are pretty bad too, but i'm pretty sure they notice and just don't care. also, honking is so annoying, and on a bike there is no way to reciprocate (maybe i should bike with an airhorn). cities plow the streets, but not the pot-hole strewn shoulder, so i have to bike at the edge of the lane which pisses every car behind me off. ok, and here is a weird one. when cars get near the entrance ramp to the highway, it is like when you open the dog food bag and the dog gets all excited, so much so that it is hard to push the dog out of the way to get the scoop into the bowl. i cross an expressway entrance on the way to and from work everyday and it is by far the worst part of my ride. 50% of cars making left turns onto the highway will go if i'm the only one coming, as if to say, "i see you, but i also know you have to break, so suck it up".
enough ranking. biking is great because a) i get to work faster b)i don't have to worry about parking, c) rush hour/traffic d) one way streets E) gas prices f) insurance or breaking down, etc. g) it it exercise and i'm wide awake when i get there and h) no emissions, sucka. also i) freedom!

for those who don't bike, but live in an environment where it is a viable method of transportation, you should think about it/try it. it is very liberating. no buses/trains/parking. just think about it.

checking out.
happy new year l'kulam!