bac

I was buzzed twice within a 2-minute period today. That certainly isn't the odd part of my story, as this type of thing happens all too often. The odd part is that on both occasions, I was able to catch the offensive "driver" @ the next stoplight. I had to cut through a few side streets to get the job done, but I caught both cars.

Now here’s the REALLY odd part - both drivers apologized to me! I've NEVER had even a single driver apologize to me in my life! Now, it’s happened twice within a 5-minute period! Perhaps my approach is getting better. These days, when I catch a driver who has nearly taken my life, I calmly just ask him/her why they felt the need to drive so closely to me. The rest, I simply play by ear.

I’m still somewhat in shock over today’s events. I was a bit scared when I confronted the second driver, as he was obvious a Harley-type that was sporting a doo-rag, some tattoos, and a wife-beater. It’s always a surprise who I find in the driver's seat when I finally get to an offending auto. There really doesn’t seem to be a common thread in terms of demographics.

Anywho, I don’t know what the point of this post is other than to express my amazement over today’s events.

Longhorn

Did they offer any explanation as to why they did it? Did they just misjudge how close they came to you or were they trying to "teach you a lesson?" It doesn't seem likely that they would apologize for the latter.

Glad you put a human face on the risk they were taking. One motorist at a time.

lilHinault

Maybe they just had Mondayitus.

I've been buzzed a few times and my reaction so far is ..... no reaction. My mental response is, Wow what a clown, all that horsepower and they're threatened by me, on a BICYCLE.

filtersweep

I don't think you were buzzed if they apologized It doesn't meet the minimum criteria for getting buzzed.

Last time I caught the guy, and kindly asked for a bit more room, he went off on my in front of his wife. I then realized this same guy had buzzed me a few months ago- driving a different vehicle (within a block of the spot- it was on my commute). I ran both plates and it was the same guy. I had delusions that he would be contrite... it was not to be.

oboeguy

That IS weird. The one time I was able to talk to a buzzer, it was an octogenerian who could barely see over the steering wheel. Her car's mirror actually hit my bar-end and she had had no clue. I think I scared the living daylights out of her when I asked WTF she was thinking.

Laika

Got not buzzed but passed really closely on Flatbush Ave yesterday morning by a beat-up dollar van... the driver had been laying on the horn behind me, then swerved halfway out of the lane to pass me. wouldn't have bothered me, but he slowed to look at me and do this weird little cocked-thumb-and-index sort of quasi-gun-like finger pointing thing at me. When I caught him at the intersection of Atlantic, Flatbush & 4th, I leaned on the side of the van & said, "You were in such a big rush to pass me, and look at you now, caught in traffic." I think he was too surprised to be mad, but I didn't stick around to "continue the dialogue."

In further bike news from Brooklyn, there was actually a police officer writing honest-to-god tickets to people parked in the inbound Adams Street bike lane yesterday as well.

InfamousG

Are you a cop? If not, how did you 'run the plates'?

SteveAZ

I've talked to two drivers thus far. One I would put in the same category as you, the blue collar, hard working, good ole boy. He was apologetic. Second, yuppy mom biatch in a SUV with HUGE fake tatas..laughed at me. Funny thing is, I knew who she was and told my wife about it. Yesterday my wife calls me and says..

Her: Guess who I just saw?

Me: Who?

Her: Toni (same lady from 3 days earlier and had just dropped her kids off for the first day of school), she was attempting to cross the steet from corner to corner (jay walking)while talking on the cell phone. She wasn't paying attention and traffic started to go, so I went and didn't let her through, she gave me the same shrugg you gave her. (Apparently for not giving her the right of way, even though she technically was in the wrong)

Me: Hahahaha, that stupid, clueless, self centered BIATCH. Serves her right, maybe now she'll understand, although I some how doubt it.

bac

The first "buzzer" (I was riding on a two lane road, and both times both lanes were wide open) was a female in her 40s/50s. She just said she was sorry. I was sooooooooooo shocked by the reaction, that I couldn't say much other than "I'm trying to protect myself, please be more carefull".

The second "buzzer" (biker-dude sporting tats, and a doo-rag) stated that he was sorry, and stated something to the effect of "I thought there was a car in the other lane", and "I'm a motorcyclist, so I would never try anything like that". Again, I was shocked (especially because I though this guy would be up for a physical confrontation), so I just stated the previous about watching out for my safety .. blah, blah.

Regardless, it was a very odd ending to my ride yesterday!

barenakedbiker

What do you mean by "buzzed?"

oboeguy

Car goes so close to you while passing (usually) that you feel the feel the hair on your arms move from the passing air (well, if you have any hair there ), or closer still. This is standard terminology, no?

holicow

Wow, nice going, tough guy!

I will support that elderly drivers are the most common "buzzers" since they are often too scared to cross the center line. I think many just don't know what to do and just hold on tight and hope nothing happens.

bac

Yup, that describes what happened to me to a Teeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. I dont' even mind when someone does this; however, I happen to know that most of the "drivers" in this world have no idea where there passenger-side fender ends, and air begins. In other words, someone's idea of a joke is going to end up getting me killed, or hurt very badly some day. That, I do have an issue with!

Bikepacker67

I've caught up to "buzzards" plenty of times (2 days ago was the last - when I saw a utility van parked at a conv. store about 1/2 mile from the buzzing) - and they ALWAYS apoligize...

It's how you approach it:

"Hey bud... (smiling).... ya came a lil close when ya passed me eh?"
"I mean not only would I likely be dead, but I'd leave a helluva dent!" (chuckle)

Invariably I get a heartfelt apology.

Maybe you need to brush up on your people skills?