If they're riding down 39th they're definitely not a regular cyclist, so probably just being oblivious more than making a statement. Nobody wants to bike in that! 41st/42nd is an actual bike route!
I know these guys. They feel as though they're adventurous, after all they ride their bikes everywhere, right? The reality is that they only know one or two routes and are just unwilling to try anything new.
It sad really because all of those side routes are a Portland that is a hell of a lot more interesting then coasting down Hawthorne while an army of drivers eye murder you all of the way into Downtown Portland. Also, cars come in waves, you can pull over for a second, let people pass and then just continue biking it's not that hard of a thing.
You hope in one hand and bike around with your mouth open, and then see which one fills up first.
It sad really because all of those side routes are a Portland that is a hell of a lot more interesting then coasting down Hawthorne while an army of drivers eye murder you all of the way into Downtown Portland. Also, cars come in waves, you can pull over for a second, let people pass and then just continue biking it's not that hard of a thing.