Bike To Work Day was, for many of us in cities around the world, an opportunity to ride in solidarity with our fellow commuters, raise bicycle awareness at a time when it’s needed more than ever, and have a good ol’ time doing it.
But in our enthusiasm to celebrate all that is The Ride To Work, and the delight of cycling generally, we’ve left behind some of our brothers and sisters who’ve experienced a particular tragedy that I hope never to know myself.
I’m talking about victims of Low Clearance Height. It’s something most of us never think about, and hopefully won’t ever have to. But for those who’ve driven their roof-mounted bikes into low overhangs, whether they be at a McDonald’s dozens of miles from home, or the garage door of their very own house, the nightmare never ends. Or it does, but it takes a while. Or it really fucks up their weekend.
Thankfully, a dedicated group of San Franciscans is making sure that those crushed and mangled bikes, those horribly scratched cars, those somewhat messed up garages, and those seriously inconvenienced Wienerschnitzel managers are not forgotten.
It’s too late to participate this year. But next year on Drive Your Bike To Work Day, when you see them driving up your street, roofs overflowing with racked bikes, won’t you take a moment to remember?
(h/t Anonymous commenter at Planetary Gears)
