The Low Pedal

I walked past the front gate and followed the pavement toward the bike rack near the park path. Leaning against a green post was a bicycle with one pedal resting just above the curb. I took two cautious strides across the concrete, planted my footing to gauge the height, and stepped firmly onto the ridged black platform. The pedal immediately swung downward beneath my weight with a sharp, mechanical click. I did not pull back; I widened my stance and held my ground until the crank arm settled completely still. Standing steady above the ground, I watched the afternoon light gleam across the metal spokes.