Punish passed by local police car today
11-25-13, 11:14 AM
#26
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Thanks for the feedback folks. I think I'm going to just let it drop at this point. I really don't see an upside even with an off the record chat with the driver or a supervisor. If he did it on purpose, my calling him out won't change his feelings on bikes in the road and he'll continue this behavior. If he did it unintentionally due to being distracted it could result in a mark on his record which I will be blamed for and possible retaliated against. It's just not worth it.
11-25-13, 11:15 AM
#27
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Also a silly idea to jump to a negative conclusion about a so-called "punish pass" or get worked up (sweating bullets!) over a 10 mph speed differential with 18" of clearance. Strictly routine traffic cycling for any cyclist no longer using training wheels.
11-25-13, 11:19 AM
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Way to insult me, ILTB. I've been riding in traffic for a year and a half and been passed with less than 2' of clearance about 3 times. It is not routine, and if you're routinely passed that close, you need to get out of the gutter.
11-25-13, 11:20 AM
#29
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yes. no one should ever be surprised by someone passing and if paying attention can also give oneself more room if it makes one feel better.
11-25-13, 11:24 AM
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Take a ride down to Philadelphia sometime. You will be sweating an armory in the first hour.
11-25-13, 02:31 PM
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QUOTE]
11-26-13, 09:21 AM
#33
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In reading all these stalwart responses in regards to 18 inch passing clearances and near 20mph speed differentials, on can see why the US has such a low bicycle commuting share, and why a number of states have adopted a 3 foot 'minimum" passing law.
11-26-13, 09:40 AM
#34
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I've been caught off guard before, I don't stare into my mirror constantly, and I'm not able to hear all rear approaching motorists due to wind and traffic noise. My most memorable close pass and being caught off guard, was a motorist drifting in my direction at a 40 mph speed differential, missing me by inches. I had just looked into my bike mirror a few seconds earlier with the motorist positioned properly in the adjacent traffic lane, then diverted my attention to an upcoming intersection, and just as I returned to check my mirror, the motorist was along side me, inches away.
11-26-13, 12:13 PM
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11-26-13, 12:26 PM
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I've been caught off guard before, I don't stare into my mirror constantly, and I'm not able to hear all rear approaching motorists due to wind and traffic noise. My most memorable close pass and being caught off guard, was a motorist drifting in my direction at a 40 mph speed differential, missing me by inches. I had just looked into my bike mirror a few seconds earlier with the motorist positioned properly in the adjacent traffic lane, then diverted my attention to an upcoming intersection, and just as I returned to check my mirror, the motorist was along side me, inches away.
11-26-13, 12:33 PM
#37
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I think in your situation I would do the same thing. A 10mph differential is really not much, but the distance was definitely questionable. Since you have it recorded, make sure you save a copy. That way if it happens again, you have proof that it's not just a random occurrence (especially if it's the same car).
I'm lucky to have not experienced a near miss, but since most of the roads I'm on either have ample shoulder or are not heavily traveled, that chance is decreased further.
I think in your situation I would do the same thing. A 10mph differential is really not much, but the distance was definitely questionable. Since you have it recorded, make sure you save a copy. That way if it happens again, you have proof that it's not just a random occurrence (especially if it's the same car).
I'm lucky to have not experienced a near miss, but since most of the roads I'm on either have ample shoulder or are not heavily traveled, that chance is decreased further.
11-26-13, 12:36 PM
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I got passed today really close by a local police cruiser, felt like a typical punish pass. My question is what's the upside (if any) of reporting this? I have it on video but based on my previous dealings with the PD regarding footage like this, they don't seem to care much unless I'm actually hit by a car. I have to wonder if they'll care even less when it's one of their own on film putting me in danger.
I guess my biggest concern is being harassed if I report this. I ride these streets 3-5 days a week and I certainly don't want to get put on any "list".
Anyone have any advice or stories to share for when the police are the drivers putting you in danger on the road?
I guess my biggest concern is being harassed if I report this. I ride these streets 3-5 days a week and I certainly don't want to get put on any "list".
Anyone have any advice or stories to share for when the police are the drivers putting you in danger on the road?
11-26-13, 01:24 PM
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if this happens often in your area or to you personally, I say file a report. If nothing happens, then I say get the recording (if you have a camera strapped on), go to the media, and see where that goes. When your local PD refuse to act, the media will make them because the PD chief, just like any other political position, doesn't want bad press of any kind. When the chief gets bad press, the mayor gets bad press because it makes him / her look like they're not doing their job.
