The Great Karmic Wheel

It's been a great year for cycling in NYC. Miles of protected lanes, miles of marked lanes. New paths in the South Bronx (near Soundview) and great riding over at Randall's Island not to mention the successful implementation of bike share.

With these new lanes and a new willingness of more citizens to try bicycling in the city, it is our responsibility to be more polite and thoughtful than ever.

It's a selfish interest really.


But is is also the right thing to do.


Why is it selfish?  We want people to support cycling and cyclists, not hate it and them. That means being respectful of joggers, walkers, and motorists too.

I don't know about you, but I get apoplexy watching motorists run red lights. And they are usually speeding. But guess what? Pedestrians feel the same way about cyclists who act irresponsibly. And they are right in thinking that. None of us has the right to endanger others, make them feel unsteady or create a dangerous situation.

Last year my father died at age 91. He was a gentle and loving man. One of his hallmarks was how polite he was. When confronted with a difficult situation or person, he almost always chose to yield. And to yield with grace and dignity. He wasn't always right for yielding, but that was his way. It defined how he saw his obligation to other people - - to respect their place in the world - - regardless if it interupted his place. I didn't always agree with him. But as I grow older (and hopefully wiser) I have begun to realize what a better place the world would be if we learned to yield with grace and dignity when confronted with behavior that is rude or obnoxious. It becomes an editorial for you to show others how they should behave. It is your lesson to them.




So have fun out there. Enjoy the ride. And above all be civil. You will get your karmic payback, of this I am sure.