Kinda know how you feel, Mary Anne. I "drive" a bicycle for virtually all of my travel except when I'm with someone. I'm a "commuter", in that I go to the store, downtown, Dr.s office, visit friends, and what work I do on the bicycle. My dog ds"heels" and "close heels" to the bike, and also knows "right" and "close right" so I can keep the bike between him and traffic.

(I have a car, 4WD, and enjoy it. I have probably spent $30 on gas in the last year. But, I really, really like riding the bike, especially in truly rotten weather. Not snow or ice, but rain is a kick. It's all a matter of clothing.)

I average 12 mph, top speed at which I can pedal is about 26 mph, and even at those slow speeds I pass gas stations like they were standing still.

SUV, BMW and old pickup drivers seem to have a sense of entitlement. There may be one human being in their vehicle, and one on mine, with them protected by 3 tons of metal and plastic, and me with jeans and a helmet, but they act as if the road is exclusively theirs. (I dislike bike riders myself, inconsiderate jerks. I told one the other day that the sooner someone runs him down the safer we'll all be.) When one is acting responsibly I think they should be treated with respect.

Even though I've rigged mine with a headlight with two 20 watt bulbs, two taillights, and an air horn which is counterproductive - people look for the truck and not a bicycle - they'll say they didn't see me. ME. I'm a big guy. What's to miss?

Anyway, I realize 1/2 of the SUV drivers wouldn't run me down if they could get away with it, but they'd enjoy watching the other half who would.

And, I can catch a lot of them at lights and discuss road courtesies with them.

Arf