Are Benicia Bicyclists Rude or Do They Break The Law?

So, I know a number of members of the Benicia Bicycle Club. I regard them as smart, aware, and thoughtful people. I was surprised then when people at coffee told me that bicyclists in Benicia regularly break the law and use their middle finger in, I was going to say, a derisive manner, but is there any other way to use that digit?

The club’s shirt is a very recognizable bright yellow, that, I think, anyone can buy and wear. One might mention that anyone wearing that shirt is sort of seen as representing the club, and it may be that all wearers aren’t as polite and mindful of the laws as I’d like to think.

These are the specific criticisms of bicyclists: not stopping at stop signs; riding 2-4 abreast; not moving into single file when there is a car behind them; using that infamous digit if a driver honks the horn or in any way interferes with the biker’s path, even if the biker has broken the law.

I’ve been a cyclist for years, though I haven’t been riding much lately. With age, I’ve moved from that bent over the bike position to an upright one. So, I’m not a speedster, but even I don’t typically stop at stop signs unless I see a car approaching. I wouldn’t think of doing that in a car!

We all share the roads and we all need to observe the same rules, as well as being courteous to our fellow travelers.  I’d like to hear from drivers and bikers as to their experience, particularly locally.

Very confusing to have a week of November after Thanksgiving. Other people were uncertain as to when the tree lighting ceremony would be. (It’s this Friday at 6 p.m.) The weather has been beautiful, though if the predictions are right, by the time you read this it may be wet, which may be beautiful as well. It’s in the mind of the beholder.

First Tuesday Poets meet at the library on Tuesday, December 4th at 7 p.m. I’ve suggested bringing a holiday poem—your own or someone else’s—and Christmas cookies, if you like. Anyone can share a poem. It doesn’t have to be your own.

Next Wednesday, December 5th at 7 p.m. at Bookshop Benicia, Cara Black, author of the Aimee LeDuc murder-mystery series will discuss her work, including her latest novel, Murder at the Lanterne Rouge in conversation with David Corbett, New York Times notable crime author.

And, if you want to enter the Love Poetry Contest, send up to three unpublished poems to dpeery@sbcglobal.net by November 30th. Put Benicia Love Poem Submission the the subject line. In the email, include your name, mailing address, and telephone number.