Dual agressive close pass on NOL

[noisebeam]

A tailgaiting followed by an agressive close pass incident happened yesterday on my drive home. This is a 40mph posted multilane road with a NOL.
Here is the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B1MwLwPmGU)

First this image sets the scene and the line of cars gives reference to time scale in following photos. Traffic is stopped at a light. Note cars in left lane: Blue Van, Maroon SUV, White Sedan, Green Sedan, Black Sedan.
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass0000.jpeg

Next image is a bit after light turned green. Blue Van and Maroon SUV are long gone. I am now up to speed (~24mph) and in center lane position. But what you can't see is that there is a black Suburban right on my wheel, inches off. All I can see in my rear view is its grille. I give the slow sign (left arm down, elbow bent palm facing rear)
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass000.jpeg

With my slow sign, the driver first backed of a very tiny bit, then I heard the engine rev as they floored it, followed by a honk. I quickly swerved right to avoid being clipped. Here you can see the last part of the pass. Due to narrow angle of view of camera you don't see the initial very close pass as I am swerving right:
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass10000.jpeg
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass20000.jpeg
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass30000.jpeg

I get back in center position:
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass40000.jpeg
But no sooner does the next driver aggressively pass me: (note the Black Sedan that was at end of line in left lane at stop light - i.e. hardly any time nor delay since light turned green)
Again I needed to perform evasive move with a swerve to the right.
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass50000.jpeg
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass60000.jpeg
The kids in back were laughing, they thought it was funny.
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass70000.jpeg
Then its all over:
http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060410pass80000.jpeg

Al

[randya]

Are you able to read the license numbers from the video? They seem a little fuzzy in the stills.

FYI, I would probably ride left of center in that lane, to prevent or at least limit the likelihood of this type of passing.

[genec]

Ah yes, the classic "aggressive idiot" move that HH says he never experiences while riding in the middle of the lane and using the slow down signal to "control" motorists.

Meanwhile it appears that the left lane is quite open... or will be in just a few more moments.

Couple the "idiot move" with the kids in the back of the open pickup truck... getting ready for their own Darwin awards no doubt. Lucky the kids didn't pitch things at you. That would have completed the whole move.

Yup just love the love and respect that these motorists are giving you... no doubt "treating you" just like a driver of a vehicle. sigh.

At least you have pics of the license plates and proof if you should decide to let law enforcement retrain these folks about the 3 foot law in AZ.

[bikebuddha]

Are you able to read the license numbers from the video? They seem a little fuzzy in the stills.

FYI, I would probably ride left of center in that lane, to prevent or at least limit the likelihood of this type of passing.


Yeah, cars probably consider me a jerk but I ride on a road like this often and I ride left of center.

[noisebeam]

Are you able to read the license numbers from the video? They seem a little fuzzy in the stills.

FYI, I would probably ride left of center in that lane, to prevent or at least limit the likelihood of this type of passing.
I think I made out most digits on my less compressed orginals.
I agree about being more left, that was my reaction on reviewing the video. However I don't like being left of center when I've tried it as then I get concerned about cars in left lane merging into me.
I ride about 9-12" to right of center usually on this road, just off the oil stained bumpier middle.

Al

[noisebeam]

At least you have pics of the license plates and proof if you should decide to let law enforcement retrain these folks about the 3 foot law in AZ.
I called in and reported a close pass on the first vehicle. Talked to officer and 'as no crime was commited' nothing would be done except an index card with my name and birthday and my description of event would be filed.
Today I will try left bias on the way home. As I said above I have tried it, but get concerned with getting clipped by drivers from left merging into me as the jockey for position.

Here is a video of riding a 1.8mi stretch of this road when all worked out as it should. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5oz68pMWoM) I was in center postion, myself and traffic were moving fast. I wish it were always this way. The last stretch after the main intersection (where the incident in this thread occured) is more interesting and you can see drivers following each other quite close.

Al

[randya]

I called in and reported a close pass on the first vehicle. Talked to officer and 'as not crime was commited' nothing would be done except an index card with my name and birthday and my description of event would be filed.
If there is a three foot passing law, the officer was wrong, a crime WAS committed. :mad:

So instead of there being a record of the criminal, they put YOU on file as a nutty bicyclist?!?!? :eek:

You need to develop a relationship with a bicyclist-friendly cop you can report these things to. The minimum proper police response to incidents like this should be to take the information you provide, look up the registered owner of the vehicle, and give them a phone call with an explanation of the violation they committed and a friendly lecture/warning.

[noisebeam]

If there is a three foot passing law, the officer was wrong, a crime WAS committed. :mad:
This is the law. Does there need to be a witness for the law to be recorded as violated? It is a 'crime' to violate this law?:

"A. When overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction, a person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.

B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:

1. Serious physical injury as defined in section 13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.

2. Death to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars.

C. Subsection B of this section does not apply to a bicyclist who is injured in a vehicular traffic lane when a designated bicycle lane or path is present and passable."

What bugged me more than the close pass was the tailgaiting that proceeded it.

Al

[galen_52657]

No matter where you were in the lane, the Suburban was going to buzz you. It looks like you were in the right tire track for the second car and it seems to have decent clearance. Since you were right-center to start and then moved a little right when the second car passed, you did the right thing giving yourself extra space. Second car looks like it missed you by a good 4 feet.

[noisebeam]

No matter where you were in the lane, the Suburban was going to buzz you. It looks like you were in the right tire track for the second car and it seems to have decent clearance. Since you were right-center to start and then moved a little right when the second car passed, you did the right thing giving yourself extra space. Second car looks like it missed you by a good 4 feet.
If you note the 6th picture down I was very close to center before the 2nd car passed. I moved right as it was passing to avoid getting clipped which put me in right tire track. Unfortunately the video most only captures what is in front of me and doesn't capture what it adjacent, I assure you it was not 4ft, maybe just 3ft. Draw a vertical line in center of frame on road and that gives a reference as to where my tire it. My shoulders are a good 18" to left of that.

Anyway both drivers honked aggressively and were passing without care. Watch the video with sound.

But I did not report the 2nd car as it was not with certainty closer than 3ft.

Al

[randya]

This is the law. Does there need to be a witness for the law to be recorded as violated? It is a 'crime' to violate this law?:

"A. When overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction, a person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.

B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:

1. Serious physical injury as defined in section 13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.

2. Death to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars.

C. Subsection B of this section does not apply to a bicyclist who is injured in a vehicular traffic lane when a designated bicycle lane or path is present and passable."

What bugged me more than the close pass was the tailgaiting that proceeded it.

Al
Tailgating is also illegal, yes?

You shouldn't need a witness if you've got video.

[rando]

sorry you had that happen to you... jerks... what street is that?

check out that nice big empty sidewalk! that's where I'd be! :rolleyes: :D ;)

(just joking, don't hurt me!)

[noisebeam]

sorry you had that happen to you... jerks... what street is that?

check out that nice big empty sidewalk! that's where I'd be! :rolleyes: :D ;)

Its Southern. Way to many side streets, driveways, blind alleys, pedestrians at bus stops and wrong way cyclist on sidewalk to make it safe to ride.
Most of the time the ride down Southern is without incident (see example video above). I usually only get a close pass 1/wk. Honks perhaps 3x/wk.
Al

[rando]

yep, I can see your reasoning on Southern. it's a very busy sidewalk. and a lot more businesses than on Broadway, where I use the sidewalk.

[AndrewP]

Signal for them to pass and then point to the outside lane.

[noisebeam]

Signal for them to pass and then point to the outside lane.
I've thought about this before. How does one signal for a driver behind you to pass you without it looking like you are signaling your intent to merge left?

Al

[banerjek]

I've thought about this before. How does one signal for a driver behind you to pass you without it looking like you are signaling your intent to merge left?
Make a motion that's basically the opposite of what you'd do if you were standing and and wanted to signal somebody to come to you.

In other words, start with your arm bent at 90 degrees and rotate your hand down while your fingers are gently closed but your index finger is extended and slightly curved. Alternatively, use the signal little league coaches use to keep the kids running around the bases -- i.e. just rotate your arm in circles.

I never have a problem getting motorists to understand either. I prefer the first signal because it implies that it's OK to pass whereas with the second, you're actually telling them to pass. In very busy situations or where visibility is especially poor, the second signal is easier for people to notice.

[genec]

I've thought about this before. How does one signal for a driver behind you to pass you without it looking like you are signaling your intent to merge left?

Al

Don't know... at slower speeds I have looked back at the vehicle and pointed to the open lane with my left hand, but at 20+ and working to maintain speed that can be difficult, especially when they are closing fast.

[Blue Order]

If there is a three foot passing law, the officer was wrong, a crime WAS committed. :mad: +1

So which is it? Are cops lazy? Stupid? Or a bit of both? Over and over and over I read about cops who can't be bothered...

EDIT: The cop may be saying that a crime, as opposed to an infraction, must have occurred. Doesn't change one iota the fact that I've read over and over about cops who can't be bothered to do their job.

[Blue Order]

This is the law. Does there need to be a witness for the law to be recorded as violated? It is a 'crime' to violate this law?:

"A. When overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction, a person driving a motor vehicle shall exercise due care by leaving a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle.

B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:

1. Serious physical injury as defined in section 13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.

2. Death to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars.

C. Subsection B of this section does not apply to a bicyclist who is injured in a vehicular traffic lane when a designated bicycle lane or path is present and passable."

What bugged me more than the close pass was the tailgaiting that proceeded it.

AlYou are the witness.

[genec]

You are the witness.

It doesn't matter, the way the law is written, there has to be a collision... read these sections again:

B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:

1. Serious physical injury as defined in section 13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.

So it appears as though the law has no teeth unless a collision occurs.

[noisebeam]

EDIT: The cop may be saying that a crime, as opposed to an infraction, must have occurred. .
That is how I understood it.

[Blue Order]

It doesn't matter, the way the law is written, there has to be a collision... read these sections again:

B. If a person violates this section and the violation results in a collision causing:

1. Serious physical injury as defined in section 13-105 to another person, the violator is subject to a civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars.

So it appears as though the law has no teeth unless a collision occurs.You're right. I didn't actually read the section-- just stated that there's no requirement for another witness.

[genec]

You're right. I didn't actually read the section-- just stated that there's no requirement for another witness.

I agree with you... the video is enough... but the law doesn't appear to help unless you have been creamed. Nice touch on their part. It really means that the law is effectively useless. If you were hit, then other laws also come into play... so the three foot law is just window dressing.

[noisebeam]

You're right. I didn't actually read the section-
But one can still violate section A alone perhaps ?
Section B is only for application civil penalties.

Al

[noisebeam]

You are the witness.
Of course, I should have said 'addtional' witness. Otherwise what happens if I say <3ft and motorist says >3ft.
Is a video acceptable as evidence in a non criminal matter?

For example if I make videos while standing on the street of folks running red lights and send them to the police should they be expected to do anything with them? I would guess they legally could do nothing.

Al

[Blue Order]

But one can still violate section A alone?
Section B is only for application civil penalties.

AlI think it's certainly a possibility. I mean, section A says you have to pass with a safe margin, so it seems at least possible that there's something in the AZ code that says a traffic infraction incurs $X penalty.

[Blue Order]

Of course, I should have said 'addtional' witness. Otherwise what happens if I say <3ft and motorist says >3ft.
Is a video acceptable as evidence in a non criminal matter?

For example if I make videos while standing on the street of folks running red lights and send them to the police should they be expected to do anything with them? I would guess they legally could do nothing.

Al"He said, she said" is always a potential problem in prosecuting a case. Let's say that this went to trial-- the video evidence would be something that could bolster your testimony. Now, whether it's admissible would be a different matter, but offhand, I don't see why it wouldn't be admiissible.

[noisebeam]

"He said, she said" is always a potential problem in prosecuting a case. Let's say that this went to trial-- the video evidence would be something that could bolster your testimony. Now, whether it's admissible would be a different matter, but offhand, I don't see why it wouldn't be admissible.
But of course there is no going to court here. All I am doing is reporting that a driver violated one or more laws. What should the police be expected to do other than file a report that a citizen reported a traffic violation?

Al

[Blue Order]

But of course there is no going to court here. All I am doing is reporting that a driver violated one or more laws. What should the police be expected to do other than file a report that a citizen reported a traffic violation?

AlI think if they filed a report, that's a good thing, if the report contains information about the driver-- i.e., license plate number ... was reported to have violated section... That creates a public record about that driver, should there be any future incidents. For example, suppose the driver hits the next cyclist who gets in his way, and he says it was the cyclists fault-- "He darted in front of me." A police report detailing a previous aggressive encounter with a cyclist would be nice to have on hand. If it's just a report with information about you, it doesn't do much, unless the police are tabulating road rage incidents or something...

[noisebeam]

IIf it's just a report with information about you, it doesn't do much, unless the police are tabulating road rage incidents or something...
I don't know and intend to find out what the report entails. My description of the event included the plate number and location of incident. But I don't know how it is filed (under my name?) and how computerized it is, for example if a plate number search is done, does it pick it up if in my description of event?
But by the way the officer explained things to me "if this does happen again to you, god forbid, we will have a record if there is a pattern" made it sound like a pattern of me being involved, not the driver.
Al

[I-Like-To-Bike]

I think if they filed a report, that's a good thing, if the report contains information about the driver-- i.e., license plate number ... was reported to have violated section... That creates a public record about that driver, should there be any future incidents. For example, suppose the driver hits the next cyclist who gets in his way, and he says it was the cyclists fault-- "He darted in front of me." A police report detailing a previous aggressive encounter with a cyclist would be nice to have on hand. If it's just a report with information about you, it doesn't do much, unless the police are tabulating road rage incidents or something...
ANY evidence or indication that such a record of no damage/no contact "incidents" created from a phone in report is allowable as evidence ANYWHERE in an unrelated legal proceeding? I assume, one, it would have zero legal relevance in another case; two, it is a far fetched notion that police are going to "tabulate" unverified reports of traffic incidents with no damage or injury, and that are unusable for any legal proceeding or investigation.

[Helmet Head]

I think I made out most digits on my less compressed orginals.
I agree about being more left, that was my reaction on reviewing the video. However I don't like being left of center when I've tried it as then I get concerned about cars in left lane merging into me.
I ride about 9-12" to right of center usually on this road, just off the oil stained bumpier middle.

When you issue the slow/stop signal, and they don't back off, here are some "act like the Alpha" ideas:


Look back at the driver with a hello wave and smile?
Slow down (stop pedaling).
Move LEFT.
Shrug your shoulders and/or hold up your hand(s) in a "nothing I can do about it" manner.


I wouldn't necessarily ride left of center all the time on this type of road, but if I have a driver who won't back off, that's one of the things I do. Motorists are like dogs...

Now, once you are further to the left, and you see they have started moving left into the adjacent lane to pass, at that point I might move right to accomodate their passing, depending on the circumstances. Throwing in a disarming wave, nod and/or smile can also be helpful...

[noisebeam]

When you issue the slow/stop signal, and they don't back off, here are some "act like the Alpha" ideas:


Look back at the driver with a hello wave and smile?
Slow down (stop pedaling).
Move LEFT.
Shrug your shoulders and/or hold up your hand(s) in a "nothing I can do about it" manner.


I wouldn't necessarily ride left of center all the time on this type of road, but if I have a driver who won't back off, that's one of the things I do. Motorists are like dogs...

Now, once you are further to the left, and you see they have started moving left into the adjacent lane to pass, at that point I might move right to accomodate their passing, depending on the circumstances. Throwing in a disarming wave, nod and/or smile can also be helpful...
1. I did give a very quick over shoulder sideways glance (not full head turned around), but very brief as I find it disconcerting to look back when someone is so close to my wheel and wanting to watch road ahead. I still think I would have been close passed if I glared in their eyes.
2. Didn't slow down. I am quite sure I still would have been close passed if I had.
3. If you watch video (I know you can't since your on Mac) you will note I was slightly right of center when tailgating started, then moved left to full center (as in 2nd photo posted above), then the agressive pass occured. I wonder if I had move further left if I would have been hit instead of close passed. I think my quick swerve right when pass started helped avoid getting clipped in the first place.
4. I don't think the driver cared if I could do anything about it or not, they had to show me they could and try and intimidate me as I assume they felt I shouldn't have been in the road in the first place.

Anyway I did a very full and clear slow/stop sign to them and that only aggrivated them more.

Do you agree that riding in near center of a multilane NOL in a purposeful manner is not enough to avoid frequent driver agression? If not what more can be done?

And I mean frequent. If you don't believe so, I can fill this thread every week with images of close passes while I am in center of NOL, but that would get tiresome and may have the unfortunate side effect of giving new forum members the wrong impression that cycling is not fun and a dangerous activity.

Al

[San Rensho]

What a bunch of idiots. In the beginning, you are keeping up with traffic, and later you are barely going slower than traffic. If you had been a car going that speed, they would never have been that aggressive with you.

It's surprising how brave cagers can be when they surround themselves with two tons of steel and glass. Cowards.

[San Rensho]

I would go back to the police, and if an officer says that there was no crime, ask to speak to his sergeant, then ask to speak to his lieutenant. police are basically lazy and they figure since there was no accident, why bother with something like this.

If all else fails, file a complaint against the police officer, that will wake them up.

[genec]

When you issue the slow/stop signal, and they don't back off, here are some "act like the Alpha" ideas:


Shrug your shoulders and/or hold up your hand(s) in a "nothing I can do about it" manner.


I wouldn't necessarily ride left of center all the time on this type of road, but if I have a driver who won't back off, that's one of the things I do. Motorists are like dogs...


So your shrug may result in an equally friendly "Get off the road." As it is hardly an "Alpha" type sign.

And as far as the "motorists are like dogs... "
Yeah, sure and the one behind noisebeam "barked" first and made the first aggressive move... so who is the alpha dog in that case?

I have been in situations somewhat similar to noisebeam's, where things were OK and I was holding my own until some motorist honked and yelled... and was then joined in by another motorist... thus making them the alpha dog... my response was to stay right where I was... with an ever angry group behind me. Oh that was comfortable. And yes, they did have another lane... but it was crowded too. This was at 35MPH with parked cars along the side.

That Alpha dog stuff only goes so far when a bigger dog shows up.

[sbhikes]

If I trust anybody to be alpha dog enough it's Al.

[Helmet Head]

Yeah, sure and the one behind noisebeam "barked" first and made the first aggressive move... so who is the alpha dog in that case?
It's a test. You have to communicate "over my dead body", and mean it. Then you'll be acting like the alpha, and will earn to be treated like the alpha.

[Blue Order]

It's a test. You have to communicate "over my dead body", and mean it. Then you'll be acting like the alpha, and will earn to be treated like the alpha.The problem with that is, if you really mean "over my dead body," there are people out there who will oblige you. In the end, "over my dead body" is a bluff, and an easily-called one at that. Not that everybody is willing to call it, but it only takes that one time.

[sbhikes]

I'm sure an alpha dog stare of monumental proportions would have made a huge difference. Yeah, right. It wouldn't matter one bit. Lots of people in cars don't like it when people on bikes get in their way. Period.

What would it take for HH to believe that motorists purposefully use their vehicles against cyclists? Not even video evidence suffices, not even from an alpha dog, VC guy like noisebeam.

[Bekologist]

Ah yes, the classic "aggressive idiot" move that HH says he never experiences while riding in the middle of the lane and using the slow down signal to "control" motorists.


Yep. Sometimes all the lane grabbing and hand waving doesn't stop drivers from becoming increasingly incensed by a cyclists take the lane positioning. massive driver education remediation might help.

So would Sharrows. Also, a more forward reaching option, reworking that road to remove the sidewalk, restripe it, and replace it with an integrated bike/pedestrian transit lane all the way out to where the edge of the sidewalk is or with an even larger easement.

I can't believe the motorized wheelchair and handicap assist devices lobby doesn't join forces with the bicycle lobby to work on roads like that, to make them safer for all alternative transport. And I DON'T mean Vespas.

[banerjek]

It's a test. You have to communicate "over my dead body", and mean it. Then you'll be acting like the alpha, and will earn to be treated like the alpha.
The problem with this approach is that you basically have to assume that the person is rational/sane (i.e. they realize that killing someone is a really bad idea).

When you consider the miniscule percentage of people that go gonzo without provocation, I think it is much wiser to presume that they are mentally unstable and/or looped out on god knows what.

[Helmet Head]

When you consider the miniscule percentage of people that go gonzo without provocation, I think it is much wiser to presume that they are mentally unstable and/or looped out on god knows what.
So you must be a huge Lottery ticket buyer, when you consider the miniscule percentage of people that win.

Yes, being assertive - showing that you're the alpha - in traffic means assuming you will not trigger someone into choosing to kill you. There are no absolutes in life, so we have to take our chances. Just living is taking a chance. The issue is always whether the risk associated with a given choice is sufficiently low to warrant making that choice. I believe this one - to choose to be assertive in traffic - is far more reasonable than many other choices we make.

[Helmet Head]

I can't believe the motorized wheelchair and handicap assist devices lobby doesn't join forces with the bicycle lobby to work on roads like that, to make them safer for all alternative transport. And I DON'T mean Vespas.
Cyclists are not rolling pedestrians like wheelchair users.
Cyclists are drivers of vehicles, like Vespa riders.

[Bekologist]

I subscribe to neither of the notions stated by HH above. I meant peds, elderly, handicapped and bikers should form a unified lobby to demand greater accomodations and 'wheels and feet on the ground' engineering controls to make roadways safer for alternative transportation.

Although I DID mean, Vespas are NOT 'alternative' transportation.



So, Back on topic....

AL, here's some pics from my century ride today. For a lot of it, i had to take the lane, dodge traffic, wave and signal for most of my ride. And then I rode into this stretch of roadway for a short two miles or so, and what a relaxing interlude between all the power weaving and alpha dogging it.


Take a look at these accomodations. Would they make that roadway any more enjoyable to cycle on?

This roadway was a mirror image to the one Al was on ten years ago. 4 narrow lanes, insufficient shoulder. High speed suburban arterial.

Today, still a high speed suburban arterial, even busier than a decade ago. more development. But the community restructured the road during some development project and added velotransit lanes on some of the main thoughoufares.

I don't know for sure, Al, but my bet is if Issaquah, WA can put in velotransit in the face of increasing population density and traffic use, and improve a road like you were biking on today, to one like I was biking on today, maybe your municipality could do the same?


For this short two miles during my century today, these were by far the most trouble free moments of riding in traffic.

[noisebeam]

Firstly I really couldn't have been more assertive than riding in the center of lane, moving further to left when tailgated and giving the slow signal. All other motions would have been very subtle differences of which we can only guess as to idiot motorist respone and I am quite sure would not have prevented the agressive close pass.

(Mr. HH, did you notice that I only shifted right after the first motorist accerlated toward me to pass? If I hadn't moved right I am quite sure I would have been clippped.)

As to facilities. I think this road would be improved for cyclists with a wide outside lane. Thats all and nothing more. In fact I would be quite upset if a BL was striped after widening as I would then get even more hassled by motorists when taking center of primary lane for passage by intersections, etc.
If road widening is not an option (it actually is in city plan to be widened by 2030) then I think this stretch would be benefitted with sharrows or 'Cyclist take full lane" type signs. However my concern with signage like this is the implication that when signs are not present that cyclist should not take the full lane.

Al

[noisebeam]

I don't know for sure, Al, but my bet is if Issaquah, WA can put in velotransit in the face of increasing population density and traffic use, and improve a road like you were biking on today, to one like I was biking on today, maybe your municipality could do the same?

Well this city is a Silver Level Bike Friendly city as rated by LAB (http://www.tempe.gov/bikeprogram/Bike%20Friendly%20Award.10.13.05.pdf), primarily due to the miles of bike lanes it has and all the fancy little bike route signs scatter in residential areas that go nowhere. Problem is when I get on streets without bike facilities I get harrassed even more. I've been told by fellow cyclist I shouldn't ride on this street cause it doesn't have BL and I say f-u to them as I am not about to move my house so I can cycle to it.

Al

[Helmet Head]

Firstly I really couldn't have been more assertive than riding in the center of lane, moving further to left when tailgated and giving the slow signal. All other motions would have been very subtle differences of which we can only guess as to idiot motorist respone and I am quite sure would not have prevented the agressive close pass.

I will take your word for it Al, because you were there.

However, I never cease to be amazed at the huge differences that seemingly subtle changes (like a lateral adjustment left of just a few inches) in my behavior brings out in the behavior of motorists. To the motorist, it's the subtle behavior in the cyclist that reveals whether he is acting like the alpha or not. When I get ride behind him, what does he do? Does he sit up and take a more assertive position, or does he cower a bit and inch towards the curb?

[sbhikes]

This is so silly. Why do we have to engage in an ever-increasing arms race of steely-eyed stares and alpha dog behavior?

The public roads should accommodate the public. Motor vehicles are machines; they are not "the public". People are the public.

A road that does not allow for the save movement of people is an unsafe road and not a public accommodation. This is why a strong bicycle advocacy group is so important. With a strong advocacy group you can remind public officials of just who the public is so that they don't have to put you in the position of having to deal with situtations such as these with your wits alone.

Without a strong bicycle advocacy group, if you bring your complaint to the public officials, they are likely to say "You're a nut for riding there. That route is too hazardous for cyclists. We should close this route to cyclists." With a strong bicycle advocacy group you can prevent that option and advocate for what you really need and want, whatever that may be. WOLs, bike lanes, bike routes whatever.

A nuclear arms race of stares and ever more assertive/aggressive behavior will not accomplish anything except to let you survive in a broken system.