Ode to the Road on 8th April 2013

@30daysofbiking 10.69 miles to Little Venice. 

This was my day 8 # 30daysofbiking but for a fellow cyclist it was their last.  What a shocking loss of life.  There has to be an effective way of stopping this tragedy.

I am putting a poem I wrote here. 

Ode to the Road by Lucy Frith  

Lights at amber,  the driver's ready

The car is in gear, he holds it steady

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

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".

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"

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 April 2013