I’m just like you — I just happen to ride a bike | LETTERS

Published 1:00 pm Friday, September 27, 2013

I’m your lawyer,

3I’m your doctor,

I’m your kids’ teacher,

I’m the local store manager,

I’m not just that “weird guy on a bike.”

I ride because I love riding;

I ride because I enjoy being out in the beautiful Northwest (rain included);

I ride because I’m more awake when I get to my destination;

I ride because I prefer to leave my car at home;

I ride because I’ve got a commute to look forward to;

I ride because I want to have just a little less impact on the environment (your kids can thank me);

I ride because my health care bill is just a little less because I’m in better shape;

I ride because stairs pose just a little less challenge;

I ride because I’ll sleep a little better;

I ride because I eat a little cleaner.

I ride because I save money each year.

Remember that I also paid my taxes;

Remember that Washington state law defines me as a vehicle; I have the right to be on the road;

Remember that you do get to pass me (maybe with a delay of a few seconds); if I was in my car, you couldn’t;

Remember that I’m making YOUR world a little less stressful and smelly (except for all that CO2 I’m exhaling);  you should be THANKING me;

Remember that we are all tying to get somewhere. I just choose to do it on a bike.

Rather than curse, threaten or be irritated by me, come join me! At the very least, appreciate that I’m just like you: your doctor, your lawyer and your kids’ teacher.

I just ride a bike.

Eric T. Peterson, Redmond