I Love Riding in the City

NAME: Jazz Jasmin
LOCATION: Columbus, OH
OCCUPATION: 3rd shift poop reader (honest!)

Why do you love riding in the city?
I love the connection. Being in a car cuts you off from so much. I love hearing the birds, or being able to pull over and watch a mink on the riverbank. I love getting konked in the helmet by a duck taking off! (No one got hurt, but I can’t say the same for that one chipmunk—so sorry.)

How many people in cars have someone pull up beside them and start talking to them? (And not in a road rage kind of way.) I’ve had people roll down their windows and tell me about a bike they’ve had and/or just bought. I’ve met other cyclists and chatted as we rode. People feel comfortable enough to stop me for directions.

The best time was when I was stopped by a cute old man asking for directions to the hospital. His wife was being released and he needed to pick her up. He was confused and anxious. I not only gave him directions, but waited for him and he followed me the couple of blocks to the hospital. It is moments like these that pull me out of myself.

I love remembering how it was my Gramma who helped teach me to ride. I love exploring and discovering new and beautiful sites in the city I was born in just a mere 37 years ago. Nothing beats riding the quiet and peaceful streets of downtown at night. That is a part of the city only a few of us are able to experience and appreciate.

Or just say whatever you want about riding in the city…
The pedals have saved my life by connecting me to the world around me and more importantly, connecting me to me.

Check out www.yaybikes.org & www.pedalinstead.org

Nutcase

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