More thoughts on Bike2Work day

The scene was a contrast. Here were 50 to 60 riders all decked out in racing gear and recreational riding wear. I don't think there was a bike in the group that cost less than $600. Several probably were hitting the $3000+ range.

So where was the contrast? As we stood there talking, a man rode by the parking area where we were meeting to take our ride with the mayor to celebrate National Bike2Work Day. The man was on a bike probably purchased at Wal-Mart. He wore jeans, flannel shirt, and work boots. Perched on his head was a construction workers' helmet. The look on his face as he rode by seemed to say, "Who are all these people dressed up like this at 7:30 in the morning?"

I said to the guys standing beside me, "Now, THERE is a guy who is riding his bike to work!" We were all there as "activists" making a point about riding to work, though I doubt very many of us make it a regular part of our commute. Here was a man who actually used the bike as his transportation.

Perhaps it was out of necessity. He could have simply been trying to save gas or get some exercise. However, it was obvious this wasn't the first time he had made this trip.

It is for that man that Greenville should work to become a more bicycle friendly city - not just for my Lycra clad buddies and me.