[dd74]

I agree with Todd. The cell phone is the single most dangerous item a driver can have, even worse than a blood-alcohol level that exceeds the legal limit. Studies have proven it.

It is quite amazing how fast one can go on a bicycle, particularly with today's cassettes approaching 10 speeds. In some cases, 50 mph is not out of the question.

The issue is, few drivers realize this and think we hamper traffic, but are truly amazed when they're continually caught up with at signals and stop signs - that is if they notice a cyclist at all.

Cops? Jeez! They seem to care less about cyclist unless it's a motorcycle cop - they seem to feel the cyclist's pain when in traffic.

Once, while cycling in Venice, I was pushed off my bike by a pair of hands that extended out a car window. I was doing about 30 mph, and hit directly into a lamp post. Adrenaline, however, was my friend, and I chased the *******s down only to find they were two pitbull-mean looking black dudes. So I instead (as would probably anyone), I got their license number and car make, and then found two cops. The cops gave me a simple "So what!" look. I had the lacerations, bruises and busted-up bike to prove the case, but they weren't budging from the 7-11 parking lot where I found them.

It was an unfreakin' believable scenario, and in a way, has ever since then tainted my view of the LAPD.