I used to be tough, and ride my bike all year round, but the last couple years I’ve said no to riding in the rain—not just because it sucks and seriously cramps my style (soaks my hair and clothes, gets in my eyes and makes my mascara run, rendering me partially blind, etc, etc), but also because it’s just more dangerous, and I’d rather leave a little earlier and walk (with boots and an umbrella) or take the bus. (I’ll start being tough again after I get my Nau gear.) But man this springtime weather is glorious! I had to screen a film in Northwest this afternoon, so after restoring the air lost in my tires after sitting so long unused, I rode my bike through the beautiful city on this beautiful day. I almost forgot how dangerous it is! I know Portland’s very high up in terms of being a bike-friendly place to live, and I’m thankful for that, but in the interest of reminding people a few basic things that—jesus christ—apparently aren’t as clear as the broad daylight skies I was just riding in, why is it people have such a hard time? Do all of you realize what is wrong with the following action, which occured no less than four times on my ride today?:

Trying to be “nice” by stopping—by choice, without a stop sign or signal—to let you cross a one-way, two-lane street in front of them?

Sorry to sound like a garden variety I, Anonymous, but apparently people still do not get it. Also, to the city of Portland: The potholes on W Burnside are so severe that cyclists basically have the choice to swing dangerously far into the lane to avoid them, or let their tires get stuck in their deep canyons and flip over our handlebars. They have been like this for years. Please fix them before I die. Thanks.