The (bike) path of least resistance
...There's no logical reason for the hostility. Sure, a bicyclist's presence means that a driver must slow down and pay attention. But there may be something deeper going on, too: A bicyclist has the potential to make anyone feel guilty for guzzling gas. Or envious that they are not on a cycle. I know when I'm biking past a road crew, I feel like an entitled fop from the leisure class: I'm in the hot sun by choice, not because my paycheck requires it.
Moreover, bicyclists aren't perfect neighbors on the asphalt. Sometimes we ride two abreast, sometimes we zip through red lights. Once I hurt an animal: A garter snake. ...
But there is so much to be gained from biking - for drivers, too. Obviously, biking doesn't replace mass transportation and it isn't feasible if your commute is more than a few miles. But it minimizes commuter congestion, it's nonpolluting, and it inspires no one to chant, "Drill, baby, drill," like a lunatic sports fan.
... <a href="http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/09/29/the_bike_path_of_least_resistance/">http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/09/29/the_bike_path_of_least_resistance/</a>;
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