To make a left turn, you can get into the left lane, or even position yourself on the divider line in the center of the road. You are entitled to take up space on the road.

I just moved out of Ann Arbor, but always thought it was reasonably bike friendly. Biking was my main mode of transportation, weather permtting. Otherwise I walked and took University shuttle buses.

It’s important to choose the right routes when biking. Say you’re headed downtown from your house. Liberty street has a bike lane, so seems like the obvious choice, right? (And it’s the most direct route).

However, Washington St. has much less traffic and is usually better for biking. (To the co-op or Kerrytown, go Washington -> Ashley -> Ann.) Or take Lutz to Jefferson to William Street. Those routes all have relatively little traffic. If choosing between a flat route with traffic, or a hilly route with no traffic, choose hills. Hills are okay; cars are a menace. (Even on the sidewalk!)

Obviously, avoid Huron St. (I talked to someone once who tried biking but missed that concept and found the experience dreadful. She was still thinking like a car driver.)

“Trying to be virtuous” sounds to me like the wrong attitude. Like something to try for a while then give up. Personally, I find it so much more enjoyable to bike, and I while I like my car okay when I have to drive, I just never prefer it. I always wanted to be able to fly as a kid (superman style) and biking is the closest thing in the real world. That is probably why I am almost 50 and have never yet regularly commuted to work, and probably never will. (I guess I’d kill myself first!) Being closed up in a metal cage and not being able to move my muscles frankly sucks. (It’s true though, you have to give up audio books while biking.)

I’m really sorry to hear about Joey’s accident. Driveways and intersections are dangerous (not necessarily where cars are traveling fast, but where they’re turning or can move unpredictably). Riding no-handed can be exhilarating, but you can’t lose track of where the cars are, even if they’re sneaking up behind or from the side. I guess that’s obvious in retrospect…

As for hills… I know your neighborhood (my old neighborhood). Those hills are pretty tiny. You’ll know you’re really in shape when you enjoy the hills. Like runners who enjoy the workout… it’s pretty much the same thing, but faster and more exhilarating. Like superman.

p.s. Can’t you copy the audiobook, return the CD’s, finish listening, then delete the files?

Meanwhile, I’ll be looking for opportunities to use the word in ordinary conversation. Maybe the next time someone cuts me off in traffic. Gee, I can hardly wait.