Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Two Wheeled Humility


As long as I can remember, I have been on a bicycle.

I grew up in a different world, where nearly every boy (and many girls) were basically expected to have a bike and ride it as their primary transportation. My hometown had sidewalks along just about every major street, and the majority of roads were safe for bicycle travel. The only time in my life from about age 6 that I did not have a bike were my first 2 years of college. From tricycles through “Stingrays”, BMX,10 speeds, mountain bikes and now a hybrid...I’ve ridden and enjoyed them all! Many people 40 and above basically had the same childhood experience.

Today is a different time and place concerning bicycling. Cycling is growing in popularity again, especially among adults. While cycling on busier roads is not a new issue, I’m noticing more cyclists riding on fairly busy routes the last few years. As a lifelong cyclist I am aware of the majority of rules, laws and protections for bicycles on public roads. Generally speaking, bicyclists have a right to the road and the right lane just as much as motor vehicles. Oklahoma law states that bicyclists are to ride “as far to the right as practical” on public roads unless turning or passing. The law also states that bicyclists are to ride no more than 2 riders side-by-side unless on a bike path or other specifically designated area. Cyclists are also to obey every single traffic law and rule as motorists (stop signs/lights, yield signs, etc.)

I have to admit that I am occasionally at odds with others in the cycling community about how we safely ride. I see far too many cyclists basically either ignoring the rules or taking on an “activist” aggression in their riding habits. Around Piedmont I’ve witnessed many groups riding 3-4 riders abreast across an entire lane of traffic. And while riding on the right side of a lane is legal, I simply don’t understand riding a bike in the right lane of N.W. Expressway when a very broad and smooth shoulder makes for a fabulous ride that doesn’t impede traffic. While I don’t condone poor attitudes from motorists about bikes on the roads, I can unfortunately understand frustrations when bikers don’t use common sense.

There are a few verses in the Bible that come to mind concerning flaunting liberties. God clearly tells us not to see liberties and freedoms as opportunities to recklessly force our own agendas. Peter wrote, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16.) Our human nature sometimes will lead us to go down paths in the name of “freedom” that aren’t beneficial for ourselves or anyone else. I’d rather use my freedom to engage in activity or thought that helps others rather than simple self-expression or exaltation.

One of the controversies in the church at Corinth of the 1st century was the practice of secular markets to sell meat that had been sacrificed to pagan idols/gods. Many Christians found this to be troubling and taught not to eat such meat. Paul made arguments for and against the practice in the New Testament writings, essentially teaching that in such circumstances you should do whatever will do the least harm with the people you keep company. One conclusion he reached was “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1 Corinthians 10:23–24.) In all aspects of life, we should look to the well being of as many people as possible rather than stressing our freedom for our own selfish pursuits. Perhaps the old saying should come to mind - just because you CAN do something doesn’t mean you SHOULD do that thing.

So let us take to heart these words in all areas of life, regardless of how many wheels we ride upon. And be nice to that guy riding down Highway 4 on the black bike (riding single file, as much to the right as practical!)