I left this morning at 6 am like most everyday of the summer. I left to get my fix for my bike riding addiction and the morning was amazing. Very little wind, cooler than normal and I was off and on my way. I was taking my normal Newton, Sedgwick, Valley Center and back to Newton loop that I ride some version of 4 days a week usually. The ride is about 38 miles or so and I had an amazing ride...until.... I love that our city is putting in bike paths but I think a few citizens out there do not understand the use of bike paths. I say few because in the 3 years I have been cycling in Newton and surrounding area, I have never had an issue with the path. Of the 38 miles of my ride bike path runs along my route for 1 mile plus about 150 yards. It winds in and out of a couple of subdivisions and of course is interrupted every few hundred feet with a street entering the subdivisions. I never ride on this path when I am on my route. I don't ride on the path because it is actually more dangerous than riding on the street or shoulder where I rode today. Cars do not stop at the bike path cross walk and I like most vehicles wanting to get where I am going, I don't want to slow and stop at every cross street. So I stay on the street.
Today as I was coming up on the intersection near walmart and Newton Medical center, I notice in my rear view mirror a car coming up behind me not making any attempt to move over. In fact he was on the white line. I was trying to be hospitable and considerate and moved over onto the very rough shoulder that is covered with road trash, big pot holes and glass in order to give him plenty of room. This was during the part of my route with the short section of path running along side. The man pulled beside me and slowed way down and rolled down his window and proceeded to yell at me about how I should not be on the street and that "See that Fucking path right there, that is there so you don't get run over!" He went on to say, "Stay off the road you dumb shit!" Meanwhile a large line of cars are behind him. HE is holding up traffic to yell at me about how I am being unsafe.
Newton, KS sits on the Transamerica Bike Route and cyclist from all over the world come through our little town. I saw two yesterday looking for a resteraunt as I was waiting for a train.I hope people like this person who yelled at me don't make a habbit out of it as it could tarnish our town's image as a small hospitable place The Tan/Brown small suv hatchback Accura I think with Harvey County tags and The gentleman was overweight (but who isn't?) balding with light brownish blond hair with a beard (his hair could have been a redish color) I hope you enjoy your day and feel better about whatever was irritating you, but I have a right to ride my bike on the road. I was not breaking any laws nor was I rude to you in anyway. I hope I see you in the store or in a parking lot sometime when you are not in your vehicle so we can have a more evenly balanced debate about the rules of the road. Hey if you don't want to debate, I could just kick your ass. See you soon.
Today as I was coming up on the intersection near walmart and Newton Medical center, I notice in my rear view mirror a car coming up behind me not making any attempt to move over. In fact he was on the white line. I was trying to be hospitable and considerate and moved over onto the very rough shoulder that is covered with road trash, big pot holes and glass in order to give him plenty of room. This was during the part of my route with the short section of path running along side. The man pulled beside me and slowed way down and rolled down his window and proceeded to yell at me about how I should not be on the street and that "See that Fucking path right there, that is there so you don't get run over!" He went on to say, "Stay off the road you dumb shit!" Meanwhile a large line of cars are behind him. HE is holding up traffic to yell at me about how I am being unsafe.
Newton, KS sits on the Transamerica Bike Route and cyclist from all over the world come through our little town. I saw two yesterday looking for a resteraunt as I was waiting for a train.I hope people like this person who yelled at me don't make a habbit out of it as it could tarnish our town's image as a small hospitable place The Tan/Brown small suv hatchback Accura I think with Harvey County tags and The gentleman was overweight (but who isn't?) balding with light brownish blond hair with a beard (his hair could have been a redish color) I hope you enjoy your day and feel better about whatever was irritating you, but I have a right to ride my bike on the road. I was not breaking any laws nor was I rude to you in anyway. I hope I see you in the store or in a parking lot sometime when you are not in your vehicle so we can have a more evenly balanced debate about the rules of the road. Hey if you don't want to debate, I could just kick your ass. See you soon.
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