Why some people maybe shouldn't have kids...

My husband and I both work downtown. This morning was my turn to drop the kids off at daycare so I came into the downtown core a bit later than usual. As soon as I hit downtown, traffic started to snarl-up and as usual, people started to drive a bit crazy. 

On top of all the cars jockeying around – you have to watch out for cyclists flying in and out of traffic. There are quite a few people who ride their bikes to work here – and while I salute their commitment – I also think they are a bit nuts. The roads downtown are really narrow and traffic moves quickly and erratically as people swerve their vehicles around parked cars, slow drivers, pot holes…you name it. I am nervous in my van – never mind on a bike.

So, this morning when I spotted a woman riding up the white dotted-line between cars who are driving 50 km/hour on a narrow four-lane street – I just shook my head and tried to get around her. But then – and I think this is when the woman beside me noticed too because we both slammed on our brakes at about the same time – SHE HAD A TODDLER STRAPPED TO HER BIKE IN A BIKE SEAT BEHIND HER!

At the next red light, I was still beside the woman who slammed on her brakes and we looked at each other and gave each other that disbelieving head shake. The other driver pointed to the woman on the bike and I am pretty sure she mouthed “what the fuck?” My sentiments exactly fellow driver!

I was behind the woman cyclist and her kid for about four more blocks before I turned right and she went left – but for those four blocks my entire body was so tense I think almost ripped the steering wheel off and my ass definitely did not touch the seat. As I watched her dart between cars and change lanes I was actually yelling and pointing at other cars telling them to watch out, move over and slow down.

I made it to work by 8:00 am and was exhausted and in need of a drink. That woman (and kid) must have nerves of steel! I have no idea how she does it everyday. Maybe she is medicated? That would explain a few things. I have never had such a stressful drive into work, and next time I come into downtown late, I am sure as shit not taking that route. My nerves cannot handle seeing that woman again.

Taken on my phone after I finally pried my claw off the wheel. Why she decided now
was a good time to go on the sidewalk instead of about 10 blocks back I will never know.
Good luck and god speed!