Number One Reason to ALWAYS Ride Your Bike

This post could also be called "Number One Reason to NEVER Drive in Boston," but since it's a blog posting about adventures, I figured the one I chose is more appropriate.

A little backstory: I am a Junior at Boston University (Go....Terriers...?) and I work in Cambridge every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and take one class on my lunch break. On these days, I have to drive to work so that I can leave for "lunch" and make it over to campus in a decent amount of time. On these days, I hardly have time to eat, much less stop at red lights (so watch out!), much MUCH less to get in an accident.

So on Wednesday, I was heading back to work from class, turning right onto Cambridge Street when I got rear ended. A cop flew around the corner and down Cambridge Street with his lights on but no siren, so I clearly didn't turn. The guy behind me though that I was going to and plowed it right into me. We pulled over and were both fine, but I was already late and he really wasn't helping the situation. I had my bike folded in my trunk so that I could do another ride down the Charles after work that day, and thank God that didn't get hurt.

The guy was nice enough, let me take some pictures, and gave me all his information. His light was broken and I now have a hole in the back left side of my car (about $900 in damage), but other than that everything was fine. We exchanged information and went on our way. Well, about an hour later, I get a text message asking if I would please NOT file an insurance claim and if he could just pay me in cash. This seemed like a total red flag and I immediately requested all of his insurance info....naturally. He freaked and pleaded with me, and I told him I would only file a claim if he didn't pay for my damages. He seemed to start breathing again, but we'll see what he says to the $900 he now owes me.

I am so sick of alllll the crazy roads and even crazier drivers in Boston. It has got to be listed somewhere as one of the WORST cities to drive in. Even New York is easier because at least that is a grid!

Good news, though! Boston was just listed by Bicycle Retailer as the number 26 best biking city in America! New York still has us beat-it's listed in the top 10-but still, quite the accomplishment!

Google Maps is also helping us out by providing directions for people on bicycles for both street and trail riding! Simply choose "Bicycling" from the drop down menu to plan your route!

The lesson for today is: always ride your bike!

Stay tuned for more Not-So-Excellent Adventures!