As most of you know, I have chosen to live my life without a car. This means that I am regularly on my bike, on public transportation, or hitching rides with friends from time to time. Yesterday, I was on my bike passing through the French Quarter on both legs of my round trip to the 5th Circuit to hear the proceedings on Marriage Equality. I am a conscientious bike-rider. I pay attention to the rules, the lanes, the lights, and others who are not doing the same so I can react quickly if I need to.
On two separate occasions yesterday, I was verbally assaulted by drivers and parkers. Having the right of way on Royal Street passing the Monteleone, two men chose to get out of their cab on the street side not the side-walk side. I rang my bell, and rang my bell, to no avail. As I got closer, I passed and went around them hoping no other cars were behind me. One of these two very nicely dressed men screams: "You better learn to pay attention to the cars lady." I screamed back: "No, you need to pay attention to ALL vehicles that have the right of way,"
Then, on the way home. I'm cruising down Chartres near Wilkinson Row when some huge monster SUV gets on my tail. I moved further over to the side near the parked cars and this guy goes to the trouble to roll down his window and yell: "Get yourself a car, lady!" I was speechless. I was angry. I didn't think of a comeback until I was almost all the way home...I should have screamed back: "You have gas for that monster truck because I choose to ride my bike!" Sometimes, I'm a little slow on the uptake.
I got back to Columbus Street feeling attacked and sad. I'm not one for altercations of any kind, verbal or otherwise. In all my years of bike riding here in New Orleans and in the Quarter, I've never had anyone attack me quite so visciously verbally.
I love riding in the Quarter. Now, I will find myself thinking about whether it's a good idea or not. The Quarter is changing. New Orleans is changing. I'm not always so sure I like what I see. It's time for those of us who live here to pay attention at many levels.
It is hard not to become calloused with the way so many people treat each other.
Have faith dear, this too shall pass!
Posted by: Peter Braswell | 01/11/2015 at 02:48 AM
You're right, Peter. Even though I came home feeling awful yesterday, today I can look at it as just one of those days. I just don't want to have to many of them. So nice to be in touch-Love, Laury
Posted by: Laury Bourgeois | 01/11/2015 at 03:03 AM