Chaya’s post about cyclists ^[1] prompted a lot of discussion recently. As a cyclist and pedestrian, I try to be fully aware of my surroundings at all times, try to act in a predictable manner, and watch out for those who aren’t paying attention. It’s all about safety. Me vs. a vehicle or another cyclist could easily result in injury at best, death at worst, and I try to do what I can to minimize that.

My confession is that I was totally “that girl” the other day. I was walking my dog down Capitol Hill to meet with a friend. I had the dog on the leash, my iPod on (not very loud at least), and was texting my friend to let him know that I was a block away. So let’s see: 2 electronic devices and a 10-month old puppy on a leash. The dog walked one way, I walked another. I paused to finish my text, turned to call the dog, and realized that I was blocking the entire sidewalk while another pedestrian stood there waiting for me to get my act together and move.

So I admit it. I can be just as distracted as the next person. I’m going to surrender my soapbox this afternoon and sit down for some crow. Can someone pass the salt?