http://chicagoweathercenter.com/blog/resurging-arctic-chill-to-brin...


'Final Polar Blast?' These are the words of 'Weather Professor' Tom Skilling. For entertainment purposes only. :-) Have a good day 'ALL' you Chainlinkers. :-)



http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Chicago&state...

We are NOW going into our fourth month of winter weather! ENOUGH ALREADY !
Observers have sighted an artic air mass dropping down and sending temperatures dropping to single digits. Here we go again. Winter has returned once again. Back to "Ice Station Zebra".
Observers have also sighted some cranky guy named 'Bob' calling cyclists "winter wimps" again.
I BIKE WINTER ! (Whenever I can!)

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/mobile/m/ice_station_zebra/

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Things that are observed when your regular daily pattern of movement (cycling) has been interrupted occassionly by conditions at "Ice Station Zebra."

You can get a different perspective during your travels when the reality of conditions dictate that you take public transportation, taxi, car ride share w/co-worker or walking to your daily destination.

Some things I've seen in length during my "off cycling" period observing behavior affecting cyclists safety, mostly deals with distracted behavior and the ever increasing extent of it.

Examples:

* I'm amazed at seeing the extent of drivers distracted with their smartphones and such while traveling in traffic at the same speed with them, instead of moving slowly along at cycling speed. This explains why I see all the bad driving while i'm cycling. EXTREME DISTRACTED BEHAVIOR !

* Has the mentality been reduced for driving a two-ton vehicle now so as it is bearly the primary responsibility, but a shared duty activity. Doesn't anyone JUST drive anymore?

* Carelessness to clear their windows of snow and ice and white rock salt dirt so that they can SAFELY SEE while driving. Many drivers don't give a damn! You see me, I don't care about you !

* The increasing lack of respect towards pedestrians of all ages and types during these winter conditions. Geez, I'm walking here driver ! Haven't you ever read the rules of the road ! I have ! Yield to pedestrians ! Not bully the pedestrians ! What's your rush! Are you gonna be LATE for the stoplight on the next block ? ! !

* The "Hooray it's winter, and all those damn cyclists are gone" aspect. "The streets are all ours again !" Full throttle flying with their AWD(all wheel drive) SUVs through the snow and ice that the plows have cleared just for them !

* Why does this city prioritize snow removal for the benefit of vehicular movement and hinder pedestrians by plowing the snow into the corner crosswalk/sidewalk/curb bus stop/area for them to climb over? Are the bike lanes always promptly cleared?

* We are very near to election day here in Chicago. Every aspect of city life affects how I vote on election day. I know who, and why I'm voting for them, do you? Don't only VENT, act ! Power to people who bike !

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* Your observations, thoughts and replies have been greatly appreciated. I would like to thank all the 'good' Chainlink members who tolerated my 'creative, eccentric, inspirational, humorous, motivational, and quirky' writing style. :-) ♡ . . . All the best to the 'good' out there ! See 'U' down the road !


Our mission at "Ice Station Zebra" is completed ! My regards and appreciation for your service. Salute !

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"Winter is War, don't surrender ! Battle on ! We're still in this fight ! "(at least till April)

finale ♡