Bike to Work - First Time

Route to Work

Got up on this morning for my annual checkup labs before work, so I grabbed the bike and coasted down hill to the doctor's office.  This was my first urban ride.  The first challenge was my briefcase/messenger bag.  I had to adjust it half way down the hill so it wouldn't fall off my back. The second challenge was London Road.  It was busy and seems really wide with the four lanes of traffic and high speeds.  It took me a little while to get into the left lane in order to make the turn into the Dr's office.  Cars didn't let me in, even when I signaled.  Not a good feeling.  I finally made it into the lot, locked my bike at the provided bike rack (Thanks Essentia!).  After the lab appointment, I got back on the two-wheeler and chugged up the hill to 1st Street, which was a flat ride to work.  Still, I was a bit winded...I am not used to biking, and biking in traffic makes me go faster...the cars kind of push you along.  All in all, a good commuting start.  

At the end of the day, I got the bike and peddled east on 2nd Street.  It is a busy route during Duluth's "Rush Minute."  I cruised down the right lane.  A white car honked at me as it went around.  I ignored it.  My work has given me a pretty good idea of the rules of the road.  I knew I had the right to be in the lane - cyclists are more visible there, and I didn't want to get hit by a parallel parked car's door opening.  Anyway, the light turned red at the intersection ahead and, lo and behold, I ended up standing at the white car's open passenger window as we waited for the green light.  

The driver spoke up and said, "you need to move over."

"No I don't," I replied calmly.

It was then that her friend in the passenger seat spoke up, "He's right, he doesn't have to move over."

"Yes, he does," said the driver.  

Before I could speak, my advocate in the passenger seat piped in again, "No he doesn't, he has the same rights as a vehicle."  

Wow.  I didn't have to say anymore and the green light moved us along, never to meet again.  Thank you nice lady in the passenger seat!

Knowing I am not yet in shape to climb the 350 feet in elevation between work and home, I stopped on 2nd Street and waited for the bus.  The Duluth Transit Authority buses all have two place bike racks on them that are easy to use and protect your bike pretty well.  I took the bus up to skyline parkway, did a pretty good little hill up to Chester Park and then coasted home.  

First bike assessment: My hands hurt and go numb.  My right foot falls asleep.  I will have to consult with my bike expert pal Ellen.