The other day, I was walking back to the office after lunch through downtown Lincoln. I was in a blissfully unaware state between food coma* and lost in my thoughts, when something in the corner of my eye made me stop and do a double-take.
*Thanks to the deliciousness of the cheesy pulled pork sandwich (with the Spicy Thai Chili BBQ sauce) at C. Berry’s. Crazy good.
I turned and saw a bike rack on the sidewalk. That is not terribly uncommon for a college town like Lincoln. What got my attention was what was on the bike rack.
This:
I stood there for a minute and just laughed at the absolute absurdity of an old-school exercise bike on a bike rack*.
*And locked up, at that. I guess you can’t be too careful on the mean streets of Lincoln, NE.
What has stuck with me is a) how this bike got there, and b) why?
I can definitely see some college kids doing it as a semi-sober prank / stunt. I’m pretty sure the College-Aged me would have found this idea hysterical after a few Busch Lights*, and would have participated.
*Don’t judge – I was not flush with cash in college, and Busch Light was the official cheap beer of choice at the University of Nebraska.
And I can also see it as some sort of public art piece / social commentary – reflecting upon the need for many Lincolnites to drop some pounds and/or recognize the bicycle as an acceptable form of transportation*
*Prior to kids, I would commute to work via bike, and I can tell you that a stationary bike on the sidewalk is usually the safest option for biking in downtown Lincoln – and the one that most motorists would prefer you to use.
Heck, maybe some benevolent soul thought downtown Lincoln could use a public workout facility. I know several downtown Lincoln employers who do not have this level of exercise facilities in their workplace.
Regardless of their intention, whomever did it made my day.
And for that, I thank you.
Feit Can Write 