The Bicycle Pedal

I slipped past the front gate and trotted down the sidewalk to where a bicycle was leaned against the brick wall. Its low pedal hung just a few inches above the pavement, ridged with sturdy black rubber. I hopped up, placing both front paws firmly onto the tread. Under my weight, the pedal swung smoothly backward, setting off a crisp, rapid tick-tick-tick as the rear gear clicked. I held my balance as the pedal glided down half a circle and drifted to a gentle stop. Gripping the grooved rubber edge, I stayed perched on the tread, enjoying the faint metallic hum lingering in the morning air.