Don’t be a jerk

Steve Hindy writing on the NYC Streets Blog said:

“Don’t Be A Jerk” is precisely the sort of catchy phrase that is needed to wake up all New York City cyclists, of all economic classes and educational backgrounds, to the need to obey the rules of the road. It is simple and direct, and has a New York ring to it.”

I put that thought to rhyme.

Don’t be a jerk
While riding to work
You know it’s not right
To go through a red light
But you think it’s OK
If you act that way

And when you blow a stop
Even though there’s no cop
You give us all a bad name
And we all get the blame
It’s bad for our cause
If you break the laws

All cyclists look bad
And that makes me mad
‘Cos it rubs off on me
I wish you could see
When you buzz someone walking
Even though they are talking

Not paying attention
But perhaps I should mention
On the sidewalk you see
Where you shouldn’t be
You buzz little old ladies
And mothers with babies

Scaring the crap
And not only that
You go the wrong way
Like you do each day
And at one intersection
Looking opposite direction

A car driver waits
And maybe it’s fate
Just as you pass
He steps on the gas
The outcome not good
As you bounce off the hood

You land in the street
And you lay at the feet
Of the little old ladies
And mothers with babies
The ones that you scared
‘Cos you didn’t care

You lay there all broken
And no words are spoken
You can see in their eyes
That they sympathize
They know that you hurt
Even though you’re a jerk

                         

Comments

[Geoff]

Terrific, Dave, you eloquently put into words what I think every time I'm out and see another blatant law breaking, like the guy yesterday who nearly took me out whilst I was running, coming at speed round a blind corner on the pavement whilst I was preparing to cross over at the lights and then had the cheek to swear at me for running on the pavement!

[Mr.S.]

Yeah, because cyclists kill so many more people than drivers... or was it the other way around? Good grief: see the forest, not the trees.

[Geoff]

Not arguing with that but these days cyclists take no responsibility for their actions. They seem to want to be allowed to do whatever they want without bothering about the rest of the population and I cycle, run and drive so see it from all perspectives. Drivers are just as bad but if cyclists want to be taken seriously they need to obey the laws of the land and show consideration!

[Dave Moulton]

Mr. S
It's a bit of humor, lighten up. If we can't laugh at ourselves it is a sad day.
Sheesh,
Dave

[h]

nothing new... there are always some jerks. at times drivers wave me go across even when they have right of way cos i am not one of jerks.