On June 7, I took my usual walk on Cape Henlopen State Park’s bike path. I always say “Hi” to bikers, appreciating their sharing the road.
I noticed a large group of 15 or so male bikers coming toward me wearing similar T-shirts, like a club.
I slowed down, paid attention and waved “Hi.” The leader spoke, and I thought he was signaling his followers to get in a straight line so as to keep safe the old-lady-walker (me).
I heard what the leader said, and thought, “That’s an odd choice of words to warn his fellow bikers.” Smiling, I greeted the long line of middle-aged men, some of whom repeated the leader’s words as they passed me. Then I realized it was not so much a “let’s be careful” message. Rather, they were saying, “Lock her up.”
What? And then I remembered that I was wearing my Hillary walking cap.
Whoa. Usually I refrain from wearing political messages in public places. Not sure why I picked up my Hillary hat that morning, but I won’t do it again. From now on I’ll stick to my NY Mets cap. I’ll get reactions of boos and condolences, but will never feel unsafe.
The bikers came and went in seconds, but their automatic chant unnerved me. It sounds a lot more personal when walking alone in Cape Henlopen State Park than it does on TV.
Kathleen McGlade
Lewes
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