bicycle

By Terry Parris, Jr. – July 25, 2008

            I swear I saw nearly 10 ice cream trucks. Some of them were parked, some of them being worked on, and some of them trying to sell ice cream. The funny thing is that there were more ice cream trucks than kids – actually, there weren't any kids.

            That was Monday.

            I'm giving up my car for a month. Gas is too high, my belly is too big, our environment needs a break and, really, why the heck not?

            I've been doing it for a week now; I plan to do it for two more. I don't live in Hamtramck (anymore). I've moved north, to Ferndale. It's about an eight-mile journey through treacherous roads and unfriendly drivers. By treacherous roads I mean cracks and glass and potholes. By unfriendly drivers I mean just that.

            Actually, to be honest, it hasn't been that bad when it comes to motorists. The only thing that I've noticed, so far, is when I'm biking down the middle of Jos. Campau (which I shouldn't be doing) the oncoming cars swerve just a little bit too close to my bike. Of course, I may just be paranoid and looking for a fight, but I swear that's what they are doing – a friendly neighborhood reminder 'spose.

            Anyway, I'm a week into this adventure. I've driven up and down a handful of streets, some easier on my posterior than others. And despite the aches of jumping on a bike and riding nearly 20 miles a day when I haven't ridden 20 miles ever, I feel good – not to mention I now have am wicked farmer's tan.

            I’m looking forward to the street resurfacing on a number of the Hamtramck roads, but I wish there were bike lanes included. But I'll make due.

            Next week, assuming I'm not in the hospital for a scraped knee, I'll have another installment to this car-less puzzle.