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I once cut my finger rather significantly while working on a remodel project. I was alone, so I managed to drive myself to the Emergency Room on my own.
The person at the desk barely glanced at me, only enough to slide a clipboard of paperwork at me. As my right hand was disabled, I was having a hard time writing with my left hand. The person once glanced up and witnessed my plight, but made no attempt to help. Blood was dripping all down my front, as I had to let off pressure with the left hand to try and write. I commented to the person that I was having trouble, and she said "do what you can".

Then I was told to sit and wait. I waited in a full waiting room for 1 1/2 hours, and only one person was called back for treatment during that time. There were many many more ahead of me.

I finally gave up, and left. Shaking in mild shock I drove myself home and asked a neighbor to help me clean and dress the wound.

Ridiculous.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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It is not a one-sided issue;
the responsibility is shared between:
drivers - to be aware of cyclists and try to accommodate them
cyclists - to obey rules and ride as though you expect to not be seen

I am a daily bike commuter who has had plenty of problems with oblivious drivers, but because I expect it, I have always managed to avoid a conflict.
But I am likewise frustrated by other cyclists who ride like idiots and give the rest of us a bad name.

A bike should ride as part of traffic when no lane is provided for them. However, when the bike is unable or unwilling to move at the speed of traffic for that roadway then they need to get out of the way. There are always alternative routes for bikers through residential streets - there is no need for anyone to casually ride down the middle of Hawthorne or other major roadways.

posted 5 years ago
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