Sharing thoughts ... and the road

Back in August, I wrote about renewing my membership with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. The overall reason for forking over more money to them? It was the best avenue for advocating for safe surroundings — for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Along with sending a check, I also included a note. My words conveyed my desire to see more being done to get the message out that it's up to everyone to keep folks out of harm's way. A BCM staff member issued a reply to my request.

She pointed out what's happening on different fronts, such as school programs devoted to this very topic and how those in the process of obtaining a driver's license are exposed to the rules of the road pertaining to walkers and operators of two-wheeled machines. I certainly applaud the Portland-based organization for these and other efforts — plus more planned in the near future.

However, I would like to add more food for thought. At this time of year, there are fewer people out riding bicycles. Thus, I believe, motorists become less aware of our presence — a kind of "safety in numbers," in reverse.

Here's a case in point. I was out riding the other day on a fairly busy two-lane country road during a 30-mile trek. Two things occurred that really got my attention. First, while cruising on the far right in the four-foot breakdown lane, a vehicle passed me from behind with both of its right-side tires over the white-painted line and, thus, inside the same breakdown area. Then, no more than two minutes later, a car in on-coming traffic decided to pass the vehicle in front of them. The only problem being — I was occupying that lane. Needless to say, if I hadn't looked up and quickly diverted to the right, I was seconds away from becoming a hood ornament. Probably a dead one. And this was all on the same journey.

Remember, there are knuckleheads like me still out pushing the pedals, so everyone needs to be careful. Please keep this in mind and help spread the word. And if you're a bike rider, don't forget to use the flashing lights — front and rear.

OTHER ROAD DANGERS ...

I've been putting in a ton of miles and I'm feeling exhausted, but not from all the riding. I'm tired from dodging all the woolly bears and acorns littering the roadways. These weather-predicting caterpillars and fruits of the oak tree are literally everywhere.

Sadly, not all of the fuzzy creatures have made it back home, as my bicycle tires did get in the way from time to time. What a mess! Also, there have been a lot of nuts crunched under the weight of my wheels. Just another sign that autumn has arrived and winter isn't far away.

NEW TRAIL SIGN ...

Today's blog posting photo reveals a sign that caught my eye the other day. It's located along the Kennebec River Rail Trail and is situated at the entrance to a path that leads up to Mathieu's Cycle & Fitness — the bike shop where I worked and which is now closed.

It seems the business, which deals with office products and more, that moved in after our departure wishes to control access to the path. Which is completely understandable; if nothing else, probably from a legal standpoint.

There's just one problem with the white-and-orange sign. The word "property" is misspelled. With my 44 years as a newspaperman, they should have hired me as a proofreader. Stay safe!