Discussion: Commuting is still riding!

It is a gray area. My distinction is if I'm cycling to get somewhere, it is commuting. If it is just for enjoyment or just plain ol' long enough, I'll put it as either road or mountain biking.

Did your spinning bike break free of its shackles or did you use the 'new' steed?

This was to get somewhere, so I guess I mis-logged it. I don't know how on earth you ride city streets so willingly - it's like being a duck in hunting season!

Ditto. I just got back from my first road ride of the (Canadian) season and even out here in the country, I felt vulnerable when big trucks roared by.

Seriously, city riding is nuts. A mini-van cut me off today and I barely put the brakes on in time and got wedged between a pole and the van. A motorcyclist behind was so great though. Asked if I was okay and then went and chased the van down to tell him off.

Be careful out there!

Firstly, I don't live in Toronto which is a help. I feel like it is a combination of being hyper-aware of what is around you, and assuming that everyone (that you now know is there) has no clue of your presence and is on a cell phone at the same time. I feel like it is a tight balance between defensiveness, assertiveness and creativity in inventing ways in which motorists could managed to cut you off.

Being really vocal when someone starts to come near you (in polite, assertive language) is generally pretty effective. My Air Zound horn also helps :) I have heard of cyclists in Toronto riding with a Fox 40 in their mouth and don't hesitate to blow hard when someone comes too close.

As for riding in rural areas, the rules completely change.

Sometimes I ride on the sidewalk ;). I am armed and ready for my response when some old lady yells at me!

I don't think PhattyJR could get away with saying he's prego though.