Why bikes aren't always great

I have a bike, and it is blue and very heavy. People make fun of me because I take it everywhere, ride it in the rain and snow, and regard it as one of my best friends. Even when I bought a Berlin bike, I found myself more often than not taking the slow train, Leipzig bike in tow.

And a bike really is the best way to get around. I can weave in and out of traffic (yes, Mom, I always wear my helmet), go off-road, and travel the wrong way down one-way roads. I would rather take my bike than go by tram or car or foot. Except for days like today, when my bag of groceries ripped apart and spilled all over the street: oranges, grapes, chocolate milk powder, lactose-free milk, pesto, tri-color rotini.