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May. 17th, 2010 10:00 am
my commute
I recently decided to start running lights in Downtown Crossing.
I realize this is basically a total abdication of my principles. I sneer at other cyclists who blow through lights; often I’ll even make a point of passing them before the next light, just so they can watch me slow down to stop at a red, and then do it all again on the next block. If you’re in such a goddamn hurry, I think, ride faster instead of making cyclists look like dickbrains by running lights.
I like stopping at red lights most of the time. It gives me a chance to practice my track stand. On sunny afternoons it’s an opportunity to check out girls and smile at babies as their parents wheel them across the street. Plus, as I’ve said before, I don’t feel justified in being self-righteous unless I’m righteous. I follow the rules and I’m proud of it.
But Downtown Crossing is a mess, man. I’ve been comparing times. If I run the 6 lights that strangle the hundred-odd yards of Downtown Crossing, I shave as much as 20 minutes off my commute. Seriously. Time wise, nearly half of my six-mile commute was spent in that tiny stretch of road. I have decided that 20 minutes of extra sleep every morning is worth more than my principles.
I realize this is basically a total abdication of my principles. I sneer at other cyclists who blow through lights; often I’ll even make a point of passing them before the next light, just so they can watch me slow down to stop at a red, and then do it all again on the next block. If you’re in such a goddamn hurry, I think, ride faster instead of making cyclists look like dickbrains by running lights.
I like stopping at red lights most of the time. It gives me a chance to practice my track stand. On sunny afternoons it’s an opportunity to check out girls and smile at babies as their parents wheel them across the street. Plus, as I’ve said before, I don’t feel justified in being self-righteous unless I’m righteous. I follow the rules and I’m proud of it.
But Downtown Crossing is a mess, man. I’ve been comparing times. If I run the 6 lights that strangle the hundred-odd yards of Downtown Crossing, I shave as much as 20 minutes off my commute. Seriously. Time wise, nearly half of my six-mile commute was spent in that tiny stretch of road. I have decided that 20 minutes of extra sleep every morning is worth more than my principles.