A funny thing happened on the way home from downtown last night. This was a rare driving evening for us. On the way home, driving along Walnut, my daughter and her friend noticed a guy riding his bicycle and smoking. And they found that a bit strange and ironic. Both girls associate bicycling with good health.
I was glad the guy was smoking.
The reason: That lit cigarette was the only light he had. We all saw the buring end of the cigarette before we identified him as a bicyclist.
To match the cool image of smoking and riding, the guy was wearing black.
Missouri law (307.185) requires, at a minimum, a front white light and a rear red reflector.
Comments 7
It is interesting that in our wealthy country bicycling is associated with health. In developing nations its associated with poverty.
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 8:51 am ¶Robert – the UK must be a developing country then.
Andy – this guy was just taking part in the preliminaries for this year’s Darwin Awards.
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 10:55 am ¶I visited a friend’s house last night and was wearing my new safety reflector vest. She remarked, “Wow, you *really* don’t want to get hit by a car.” I’ve heard some understatements in my day but shesh!
Robert, I think the poverty perception shifts more towards public transportation at least in Springfield. But you make an interesting point.
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 12:25 pm ¶Robert… I think what you’re noticing is also a factor of the oil economy. The Chinese, for example, have been abandoning their bicycles for cars because they want what they think we have.
Karl… I do think there is a segment in the US that associates bicycling at least with economic hardship. Many of the bicyclists I see are clearly working poor (a judgment from a stereotype). And, yes, that bicyclist might just find himself being “selected” for an award.
AJ… Yes. Bus riders in Springfield are assumed to be poor. And, again applying a stereotype, that does appear to be the case. I find that a shame. Although it might help matters if the routes made a bit more sense.
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 12:38 pm ¶We had American visitors last week, and they seemed very amused by the Dutch habit of smoking while cycling. When it’s normal to do everything else while cycling, smokers indulging in their vice while cycling is no surprise.
Cycling is not associated with economic hardship here. It’s just “normal”. 93% of the population cycles at least once a week. This changes perceptions quite a lot because those observing cyclists are also cyclists themselves.
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 1:26 pm ¶I ride the bus to work and bike home. But seeing as how I’m a grad student firmly below the poverty line, I suppose the “poor” stereotype is apt.
I do have the benefit of having my stop right across from my apartment downtown, but expert cartography skills are required to decipher the route maps.
http://www.graphjam.com/2009/07/15/song-chart-memes-carry-bus/
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 3:43 pm ¶David… Sadly, it seems we have a split personality in the US. Bicycling generally appears to be regarded as a sport for the wealthy and a hardship for the poor. Our goal is to expand the middle ground.
AJ… Grad students may be poor in terms of dollars, but they are rich in terms of education and potential. So, sorry, you don’t qualify to fit the stereotype
Posted 22 Jul 2009 at 7:56 pm ¶