Recreational Pet Peeves That Drive Me Nuts

Out for a lovely stroll on a sunny day, strutting down the sidewalk and all of a sudden you’re head to head with a grown adult cyclist closing in on your path, FULL SPEED. The awkward dance of who is going to move for who? If you’re up  against me, you will be playing a game of chicken. Why is this even happening? Earth to biker, you don’t belong here on the sidewalk. Now, if you are a four year old and learning to ride your sick new bike…please come along and join me on the sidewalk. But if you’re 24 or 42 or 86…hit the road, Jack. Literally, get on the road and pedal and please stay clear of the sidewalk.

Let me just add a wee bit to this pet peeve. Crosswalks are for walking, that’s why it is called a crossWALK. Much like the sidewalk, please do not bike across them. Pedestrians and drivers of the road will thank you. A little birdie once told me that while leaving a parking lot, he inched out to merge into traffic and accidentally nicked the back tire of someone biking along the sidewalk/crosswalk. The biker called the police on him! When the police arrived, the officer wrote the cyclist up for biking across a crosswalk LOL. I will keep my little birder unnamed, but I am willing to bet he will be reading this.

Another itty bitty peeve has to be headphones…there is a time and place for these people. I would have to suggest that while you are riding your bike or driving a motorized vehicle, it likely isn’t the safest time for headphones. These are both situations I would hope you are extremely alert and are able to hear what’s going on around you. I have tossed on Fred’s SkullCandy noise cancelling headphones to head for a walk or run and WOW, you really need to stay alert with those things on in public.

Also bike lanes, wonderful things aren’t they? I have an actual question here. If bike lanes are created on both sides of the road next to traffic (ie. Colborne or Cathcart in Sarnia), should you bike on the right side of the road with traffic? I’ve had a few scares (driving a vehicle) where I have come to a stop sign or red light, with intentions of turning right. I check for traffic but there is suddenly a new blind spot where bikers are cruising on the left hand side of the road and I almost hit them because they fly through the light coming from somewhere completely unexpected. This could be my bad, and if it is please let me know! But if that’s the case, what is the point of a bike lane? 

Bike rant done, I promise.

Living in Sarnia, it has been nice to visit the old St.Pat’s track and go for a jog. I love to see other people using it, for running/walking of course. Oops sorry, bringing up bikes again...but those things don’t belong on the track. The rubber track in town has obviously seen better days but your bike is not helping the longevity of our treasured track. If you are a newbie to a traditional track, used for the sport of track and field, it is standard that you run around it counterclockwise. I took a stroll by the other day to see a group of seasoned runners doing some training in a counterclockwise direction. Then there was one guy running clockwise heading straight for them every 150m. Step aside dude, step aside. There is track etiquette just like there is gym etiquette, dressing room etiquette, swim lane etiquette...you catch my drift.

Fall is coming and I love a good hike. Kate is always good for dragging me out for one once in a while. But might I suggest that you leave your Birkenstocks in the car and trade them out for some sneaks. Birks are a great shoe, but not for hiking on uneven ground...Marisa! Your feet and body will thank you. No need for fancy hiking kicks, but a simple running shoe is a far better choice. Don’t forget to tie them up ;)

Let me carry on to a better topic, DOGS. I just have a small paranoia for dogs that are off leash. Anyone that knows me, knows I absolutely love dogs but please I beg you, tie your doggo up if he is in your front yard. He is a liability to anyone walking by, especially to my pupper that I am walking and my $16 walking wage certainly isn’t going to cover the potential shit show you may cause. Also please pick up your furry amigos droppings. Also, maybe don’t bail on your poo bag and leave it in someone’s lawn. Quick lazy tip that I used to do when walking my pup in the countryside, where trash cans are nowhere to be seen...tie it to their collar LOL. Is that rude?

This would not be a complete recreational rant if I did not include Puddle Jumpers. This shout out is for lifeguard Kate! I don’t know what it is about them, cause I’m no swim instructor. But do not get Kate started on this topic and do not let your kid wear one around her. If you have beef, please consult Kate and not myself, thank you.

This is where I cut myself off. If you made it this far, thank you for letting me get that off my chest. Please feel free to call me out or let us here your recreational pet peeves. This is all in good fun and I just really don’t want to see anyone get hurt out there.

Amy out!