Tennessee Cyclist Writes Open Letter to Motorists

May is National Bike Month in the United States.

A cyclist, calling himself splork, has written "An Open Letter to Car Drivers Everywhere", that should be read by cyclists, and motorists, alike:

I am a cyclist. I get on my bike and go for a pedal as time allows. I do it because it is what I do for exercise and recreation. I like the freedom. I like the rythym. I love everything about it, except one thing: People driving cars.

I am under constant siege by people in cars. When I go for a bike ride I am typically alone. I try to go out when the traffic is at a minimum. I stay as far to the right on the road as I can without inflicting another kind of danger to my health. I am simply a man on his bike. Unfortunately I am not safe.

So what is it about a guy, or gal, on their bike that causes so much aggravation to people who drive cars? Is it jealousy? 75% of Americans are overweight. I'm not. The people I know who ride bikes are certainly not. Odds say that 75% of the people aggravating me on my bike are overweight.

Is it because we look different?

Why the hatred?

One of the many points he makes, in this powerful piece, is  the following:

The problem is, if I'm not perfect I pay for it with my life. If you aren't perfect, I pay for it with my life. It doesn't matter if you are right or I am wrong, or I am right and you are wrong, when it comes to sharing the road, the cyclist always, always, always loses.

Always.

Read: I Am A Cyclist.