(I think this clip explains why older seasons of Sesame Street are now rated PG!)
I live across the street from an elementary school, which means that Monday through Friday, crossing guards are stationed at both ends of the road. While working at Job, The Previous, my commute took me to the northern end of the street. The same guard has been there the entire time I’ve lived here. We’ve never really interacted.
The commute for Job, The Current takes me to the southern end of the street. A new guard came on duty sometime during the last school year. He’s always pleasant, and goes out of his way to stop traffic so that I may safely make the left-hand turn. Bicyclists are supposed to follow the same rules as motorists, so the guard really shouldn’t be helping me out. Quite often, though, I’m very grateful! I made a point of welcoming him back at the beginning of the school year.
Another local resident walks his dog every morning, about the time I am leaving for work. When school is in session, he always stops and chats with the guard. In the past couple of months, I’ve started waving hello to him, too, if we pass each other somewhere other than the intersection. He always makes a comment about the weather and how it relates to my bike ride.
“Not as cold today.”
“A little cold in the morning, but I bet the afternoon is perfect.”
My guess is that this man is retired, and spends copious amounts of time watching television weather reports. This morning he explained to me that the front split yesterday, which is why we didn’t get any rain. Then, as he always does, he wished me a good ride.
I don’t know the names of any of these men, but they are the people in my neighborhood. And the opportunity to interact with people like this adds to the enjoyment of bike commuting.
Of bicycles and archives 