Someone on the Hipp ride today almost became a statistic. And I would have become a statistic too. First off, I know the Hipp ride is not Team Florida and it is not GCC so I am not casting stones at either group as a whole. But right now, as an avid cyclist and cycling advocate, I am beyond angry, scared and frustrated. Now I have a better understanding why some motorists hate us, honk at us, buzz us and write letters to the Gainesville Sun. Like a lot of you, I rode my bike today. First into work and then home on Williston Rd via Wacahoota, a nice 23 mile semi-daily loop. I decided to take my truck, parked for 6 days out of the week, to the Publix on 34th and Williston for the weekly grocery run about 7 pm. Turning on to Williston, I notice that I'm behind the Thursday Hipp ride. Those of you who ride Williston Rd a lot know the area- the crest of the hill about 2 miles west of I-75. As I pass the peleton towards the crest of the hill, I have two riders in the bike lanes to my rig
ht and approaching westbound cars in front. No worries, lots of room, eh? After all, I ride this particular bike lane every day. Now, I understand that this point of the Hipp ride is a sprint to the finish, but the leading 2 or so riders swing out IN THE MIDDLE OF THE EASTBOUND LANE- and I do mean THE MIDDLE OF THE FREAKING LANE to do who knows what, maybe pass some unfortunate soul. OK, riders on the right, cars on the left, cars behind, WTF do I do! I had to slam on the brakes and do something I have never done before to a cyclist- lay on the friggin horn.

There may be many of you who say that as cyclists we have as much right to the road as motorists and for the most part I am one with you in that regard. But this incident was not only wrong from a legal point of view (and yes, I have read the Florida statutes), but just plain stupid, ignorant and yes suicidal. I will remain a cycling advocate, but my level of understanding of motorists who are pissed at us has increased by an order of magnitude.

Riding again tomorrow, but in the bike lane

Kevin Anderson

Team VetMed Faculty Advisor
GCC Member
Occasional Team Florida Rider
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