On the way home, I head too far north on 8th Ave trying to avoid the
cobblestones of the Meatpacking District, so finally I just decide to take 8th the whole way.
It's a straighter path home than the Riverside bike path, so why not?
Or did I choose it because I'm looking for a fight?
Is the anger there already, and I am letting it out?
Or do I stoke maniacally, like a teenager prodding a campfire?
Anyway, it's Eighth Avenue. It's notorious. It's dangerous. It's bike lane is the city official's pride but a big joke on the biking internet. Just ask Google.
I stopped to take this cab's picture for http://nyc.mybikelane.com/
He freaked, of course. He started honking. He pulled up next to me
and started cussing unintelligibly.
Somewhere in there I think he asked me why I took his picture.
So, I told him it was because he was parked in the bike lane.
He said, "So what??!"
"Well, I send the picture to the city and they mail you a ticket. I think
it's about $175, I'm not totally sure."
"Well, you'll have to pay it!" he screamed. "They should give YOU the
ticket! What? You work for the city now? You work for the city?" blah blah blah...
wow... I guess he believed me. Although his response was a little confusing, to be honest.
...and then, the real fun part...
He freaked, of course. He started honking. He pulled up next to me
and started cussing unintelligibly.
Somewhere in there I think he asked me why I took his picture.
So, I told him it was because he was parked in the bike lane.
He said, "So what??!"
"Well, I send the picture to the city and they mail you a ticket. I think
it's about $175, I'm not totally sure."
"Well, you'll have to pay it!" he screamed. "They should give YOU the
ticket! What? You work for the city now? You work for the city?" blah blah blah...
wow... I guess he believed me. Although his response was a little confusing, to be honest.
"Don't get mad at me. You're the one breaking the law. Just obey the law and you have nothing to worry about. Bye Bye now."
...and then, the real fun part...
riding along the bike path for the next 4 or 5 blocks, trying to look casual, but of course wondering if an SUV taxi isn't about to rear-end me and put an end to my pathetic little life. I can't look back; that'd be chicken.
hmmm... anyone know a good anger management course?

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