I received such generous support on my Facebook post yesterday regarding one idiot driver who perceived the bike lane on Halstead St. as a free ticket to exit his vehicle without looking in the side mirror. I mean, it’s not like bikes ride in the bike lane anyway.
Let me recreate the scenario:
I’m riding through Greektown during the lunch hour (against better judgement).
Car driver X opens his door at the precise moment I’m passing his car.
I swerve.
He continues to get out of his car.
I yell. “Jesus!”
He mutters “…sorry…”
“…sorry…”
I’d like to emphasize that the ellipses and all lowercase letters are meant to indicate the relaxed, nonchalant tone with with the driver responded. Awesome. However, I lived to ride again – and today I was decked head to toe in electric green. This afternoon, as I was riding home on Diversey a lady opened her door on me.
Let me recreate the scenario:
I’m riding West on Diversey wearing an electric green jersey, neon blue and green flowered helmet, matching sunglasses, and bright red shoes, with my super bright “Mr Blinky” light turned on.
Car driver Y opens her door at the precise moment I’m passing her car.
I swerve.
She continues to get out of her car.
I yell. “Jesus!!!! Lady!!!”
She mutters, “I saw you….”
Okay. Look:
*steps on soap box*
Bike lanes occasionally have bikes riding down them. Look in your mirror. Roads without bike lanes also occasionally have bikes riding down them. If you look in your mirror and see a bike coming, don’t get out of the car. Count to two, and let the bleeping bike pass.
I’m not a bike messenger. I’m not even a hipster. I’m just a girl who doesn’t have her own car, doesn’t want to pay for the bus, and likes to get a little exercise from time to time.
My very life is in your hands, drivers.
Share the road.
*steps down from soap box*
Lauren Warnecke 
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