not a bike to be seen

I rode through golden gate park this afternoon, and saw only 1 other person on a bicycle. Every sunday, a large section of road is shut off to cars, and is only available to pedestrians, rollerskaters, and bicyclists. Today it was barely sprinkling, and that area was empty! I don't understand why people don't install fenders on their bikes that they ride every day! Most bikes today are designed to be racing style bikes, even though 95% of the people who buy them never race. There aren't enough models that are practical enough to accept decent size tires and fenders. As a result, people who could have been out enjoying a beautiful day in the park are stuck inside because they don't want to get water sprayed on them from their wheels.

Another thing I noticed is that none of the bikes from the rental companies come with fenders. I'm going to write them an email and suggest it. I saw some of these bikes locked up at the de young museum, and I couldn't believe that the company didn't have them installed, when they would certainly fit on the hybrids that they rent.