Ode to the Road by Lucy Frith

Ode to the Road

Lights at amber, it's our turn next

The car is in gear and I've sent that text

"What's for dinner?" "Are we late?"

"Did you send an email to confirm that date?"

"What 's the hold up?"  "Hurry Up!  Go!"

"Why is this traffic being so slow?"

Shops still open, pavements full
Must call the bank and pay that bill
No right turn. Diversion Ahead.
"Are we nearly there yet?" the child's voice said
The clock wouldnt stop, the digits moved on
Stress levels increased up and then beyond

On two wheels at the Advanced Stop Line 

Commuting cyclists bide their time

They hear the engine revving at full throttle

Let's hope they keep both their balance and their bottle

The clock wouldn't stop, the digits moved on

Stress levels increased up high and beyond.

Whilst the Mayor of London promotes healthy Boris Bikes

"It's a great form of transport for the old and young alike"

Cuts down congestion, keeps people on the move

In time, health and air pollution will radically improve

But with gutters full of rubbish as is the cycle path

You want us to use this Mr Johnson? You are having a laugh.

Broken glass and sharp stones brings the puncture fairy

Losing air in tyres when on the move is very scary

Oooh! There's a pothole more like a cave

"Thanks for the space mate" as I give the car a wave

Swerving outwards the gap was quite sufficient

"Thank you driver for being so proficient"

Balance and bad weather, wet roads and drizzly rain

These are constant hazards needing riders to ascertain.

Strong winds, deep puddles, wet paint and misty visors

Along with the possibility of pedestrians surprises

Whether with or without engines, two wheeled machines alike

Should prompt a conscious and frequent thought "Please Think Bike".

Drivers of large vehicles, lorries and the like

Never seem to see the viewpoint of the road from a bike

High up in their cabins these drivers should know

What is all around them - but with blind spots that's not so

And no amount of mirrors, cameras or hindsight

Will show two-wheeled travellers tucked alongside tight.

They remain big, dangerous and far too close for comfort

The three feet rule should be extended not extinguished  - there's a thought

But  their turning curve is a learning curve to all of us near it

They have to pull out one way to turn and avoid the pavement

So on two wheels keep your distance, well back or far ahead

The devastating results of neither - well, enough said.

Pedestrians on pavements in their own distracted state

Eyeing shop windows, lists and reviewing what they ate

Immersed in talk and texts and tasks and things they think they need

Without a clue of those using the road all travelling at speed

Head down, eyes wide shut  they are so busy talking

Not a thought to the effect and danger of their impromptu walking.  

The road is enticing but not to be predicted 

Please share it well and stop bad things being inflicted

Whether on wheels or on foot  it is something that we share

Whatever mode you use, do look around you, be aware 

Enjoy each trip, look out for others with kindness and with care

Because it is full of loved ones absolutely everywhere.

(c) Lucy Frith January 2013