My very first Death Threat.

[Gurgus]

I hope it never get to the point where I feel it necessary to carry a weapon (beyond my u-lock) to ride. Sorry about your run in with a jerk. It happens to everyone eventually. I think your impulse to not escalate the situation was the correct one.

Call me a coward, but I generally tend toward de-escalation in any sort of conflict. Cooler heads prevail. I'm not a small man (six foot, 190 pounds) so when someone smaller than me physically threatens me, I tend to think that something is not right there to begin with. I've got family to take care of and I didn't want my boys growing up without their dad just because he was trying to get some exercise and some dummy wanted to prove something with his car.

[Michigander]

Is that a 21 inch ASP straightedge? Great choice for a less lethal weapon. Just please keep in mind that a strong blow to the head is often deadly, but a strong blow to any other area of a man or beast just causes incapacitating pain. Cops have to go through intensive training to carry expanding batons, and for good reason.

By the way, if anybody wants an ASP or other non-firearm self defense product, heres a great site to buy these things from: www.jlusa.com

[SlowSpinner]

Could not have been a hillbilly. I am from Kentucky and none were missing from Kentucky that night. That guy was beneath a hillbilly.

[huhenio]

... lesson of the day "do not engage rude drivers in confrontation"

[Bockman]

Call me a coward, but I generally tend toward de-escalation in any sort of conflict. Cooler heads prevail. I'm not a small man (six foot, 190 pounds) so when someone smaller than me physically threatens me, I tend to think that something is not right there to begin with. I've got family to take care of and I didn't want my boys growing up without their dad just because he was trying to get some exercise and some dummy wanted to prove something with his car.

Not cowardly to be aware of your own mortality and concern for your family's well-being.

I think it takes a LOT of experience dealing with physical confrontations/threats to figure out which person is going to go ballistic and which person is 'all bark and no bite'. Even so, it only takes one error to wind up dead. Better to be safe than sorry.

What I try to do is never let a wounded ego dictate how I respond. I never take it 'personally' when some asshat starts in on me. A true badass is going to recognize my reactions as I observe him, his body language, and very importantly where his hands are for what they are-- observant and unemotional preparation (but not the deliberate escalation of) for what could be a physical confrontation. More often than not that's enough for them to walk away. The true psycho or guy on drugs or alcohol is the one to watch out for.

[straightedge]

Is that a 21 inch ASP straightedge? Great choice for a less lethal weapon. Just please keep in mind that a strong blow to the head is often deadly, but a strong blow to any other area of a man or beast just causes incapacitating pain. Cops have to go through intensive training to carry expanding batons, and for good reason.

By the way, if anybody wants an ASP or other non-firearm self defense product, heres a great site to buy these things from: www.jlusa.com

Yeah that's what it is, actually mine was about half the price. Again, I agree it's best avoid any confrontations as much as possible, and I'm not afraid to ride/run away if the option exist. And I know better than to go smacking people on the head with it, hopefully a quick hit to the arm or leg would be enough to get an aggressor away from me should the situation arise. I thought I mentioned in the first post, but it's mostly there in the case of animal attack. I've seen some bigger dogs roaming around the trail in the evening and we occasionally hear sightings of larger cats like bobcats around here in resedential areas on the edge of the city, not far from where the trail runs. Definitly hoping not to encounter one of the those, baton or not :)

[mike974]

Oh I don't know. Sometimes I have to wonder.

Last week I was riding on Beach drive in Washington DC. Beach drive is a 2 lane road, with no shoulder and a speed limit of 25mph. It cuts through Rock Creek Park, a National Park (or maybe state). Beach drive is only open to traffic mon-Fri.

That being said, it is a very slight downhill most of the way, so I was generally going 19-25mph.

Through most of beach drive I was getting passed by cars without incident. For one I was going almost the speed limit, and traffic was never heavy.

That is until I reached a part of Beach drive that has a MUP running parallel. I am not kidding when I say people seemed to be instantly more annoyed of my presence on the road. And it was the only time I had one car pass and the guy yell that I should be off the damn road.

I had gone at least 7mph without incident and within a mile I was bothered enough I decided to try out the MUP. It was in such bad shape I was lucky to hit 12mph and shook the hell outta me.

Bike path to blame? I dunno. It certainly isn't a scientific test, but it sure felt obvious once there was one in view, the cars felt I no longer deserved to be on the road.

Oh wait, I'm not even the poster you are looking for. Oops.

-D

Had a very similiar expericience to yours on that same stretch of road. However, instead of getting a feeling of people being more annoyed, I had some woman (and I use that term in the loosest sense possible) tell me to my face at an intersection that I should be on the path, and not on the road. My response was to confess, in a sarcastic-laden manner, that I must have missed the sign that indicated that bicycles were not permitted on the road itself.

[itsIRIEpat]

I would have for sure tried to get the plate number of both of the vehicles, then call the cops. Both people could have been charged with attempted assault. Further charges could have been filed from what the guy on steroids threatened you with.

[Prozakk]

"All I know is what this dink looks like and that he drives a purply/blue Toyota Matrix." So take that info to the Hamilton Cops they SHOULD tell the patrol cars around the area to keep an eye out for him yes I know you have a wife and kids to worry about but what if it happens again ? now aday's death threats are very serious or you do nothing about it. (and you did nothing wrong he was a piece of sh**t)

I agree.

[seeker333]

you would have done yourself and all the area bicyclists a big favor if you had simply got the dude's plate number and promptly reported it to police.

i'd don't know the laws in ontario, but in many places in the US communicating a threat is a felonious crime. i think your cops would have been all over that guy if you had reported it.

[Gurgus]

you would have done yourself and all the area bicyclists a big favor if you had simply got the dude's plate number and promptly reported it to police.

i'd don't know the laws in ontario, but in many places in the US communicating a threat is a felonious crime. i think your cops would have been all over that guy if you had reported it.


Dude, I agree wholeheartedly. I was kicking myself later on that I didn't have the mental wherewithal to get the plate, but I was so shocked at the time that I didn't even think about get plate numbers until about five minutes afterwards.
I suck, I know.

[oilfreeandhappy]

Sorry to hear about your traumatic experience. If it's any consolation, I think you responded perfectly to the situation. Some people just go through life with a chip on their shoulder. It's best to leave them alone. Don't worry, he'll get what he has coming. He'll probably end up in prison.

[mrkott3r]

Also, if you feel the need to carry a weapon of some sort make sure it is LEGAL to do so where you live. These are ok in Illinois as long as they are not concealed.

Can someone explain concealed to me. Im from Aus, so basically all weapons are illegal. I think the guns that are legal are only bolt action rifles - not something you can hide. (and no a 50cal wouldnt be legal)
So would not being concealed mean you would have to attach it to your bike or something or putting it in a bag be ok?


Also thanks to the OP for posting, while there isnt much you can do because you didnt get the number plate. At least Ive learnt from these threads what to do in a situation like this - Calm it down and Get the number plate and report it.

[Gurgus]

Can someone explain concealed to me. Im from Aus, so basically all weapons are illegal. I think the guns that are legal are only bolt action rifles - not something you can hide. (and no a 50cal wouldnt be legal)
So would not being concealed mean you would have to attach it to your bike or something or putting it in a bag be ok?


Also thanks to the OP for posting, while there isnt much you can do because you didnt get the number plate. At least Ive learnt from these threads what to do in a situation like this - Calm it down and Get the number plate and report it.

Yeah, I wish I had gotten at lest one plate number, or even spoken to the driver of the car ahead of me, they must have seen and heard everything. I was just shocked you know? Folks don't normally say that they are gonna kill me. Well, actually my wife says it quite a bit. Sometimes shes even joking about it.

[Michigander]

So would not being concealed mean you would have to attach it to your bike or something or putting it in a bag be ok?.

Laws are different everywhere, but in most places in the US, you could carry such weapons openly on you, or in a saddle bag. A frame mounted pump holder would usually be fine too. Many states don't give a rats ass if you conceal it either. In a saddle bag a weapon is not "on the person", its in a storage container. In some states, bike riders must transport weapons in saddle bags. Again, laws are different everywhere, so look into things carefully to prevent jail time.

[nova]

:D

You were joking right?

Well dont know abotut him but i added a few dents to some junker ruc k the other day yesterday infact. Guy cuts me off ( i had no stop sign he did) he seen me and just slowed down to make damn sure hed cut me off and was laughing.

I unclipped set my bike against the pole by the road hes still laughing. At this point i calmly walk up to his drivers door and kicked it twice as hard as i possibly could. I then say hey how bout you get out and laugh about harrassing and cutting me off you up for that? His laughter stopped and his facial expression changed entirly. He then just drove off nice and slow looking in his rear veiw mirror in a very nervous manner.

Truck was a mid 90s dodge ram out of state plates.
Im thinking this guy thinks im some homicidal crazzy sob and know what he can keep thinking that far as im concerned. As for the truck well it was a total heap had obviously been in a pretty bad accident prior to my giving it a few extra dents. The door was totaly caved in and the damage went to the back of the cab.

Sure i prob should not have done it but i was pretty pissed at another idiot from earlyer. Pluss if i hadnt shown some agression this guy would likly have gotten out to start more trouble possibly doing real harm to me. Some times there is no running away from a fight some times you just got to take a stand and hope for the best.

[Bockman]

Can someone explain concealed to me. Im from Aus, so basically all weapons are illegal. I think the guns that are legal are only bolt action rifles - not something you can hide. (and no a 50cal wouldnt be legal)
So would not being concealed mean you would have to attach it to your bike or something or putting it in a bag be ok?

'Concealed' has generally been interpreted in the courts as being 'hidden from common observation' while also being readily accessible. A hip holster would be 'open carry', while shoving into your pack, panniers, or under your waistband would be 'concealed'.

[rthomse]

Sounds like little man complex at work:D .You talked to his babe! Thats a serious offense governed by the Microscopic penis act of 1789!:eek:

[kb0tnv]

Yeah, my thinking is that this will be my "modus operandi" from now on. Sometimes, though, it's hard to keep your mouth shut with boneheads.


I agree totally! Just suck it up and ride on or let them go their way. Not worth it especially since they have the edge of speed / weight. Especially late at night it is best to get to where your going as quickly as possible. Glad your okay.

Keep Cycling!

[scarry]

What is wrong with your keyboard???????


Well dont know abotut him but i added a few dents to some junker ruc k the other day yesterday infact. Guy cuts me off ( i had no stop sign he did) he seen me and just slowed down to make damn sure hed cut me off and was laughing.

I unclipped set my bike against the pole by the road hes still laughing. At this point i calmly walk up to his drivers door and kicked it twice as hard as i possibly could. I then say hey how bout you get out and laugh about harrassing and cutting me off you up for that? His laughter stopped and his facial expression changed entirly. He then just drove off nice and slow looking in his rear veiw mirror in a very nervous manner.

Truck was a mid 90s dodge ram out of state plates.
Im thinking this guy thinks im some homicidal crazzy sob and know what he can keep thinking that far as im concerned. As for the truck well it was a total heap had obviously been in a pretty bad accident prior to my giving it a few extra dents. The door was totaly caved in and the damage went to the back of the cab.

Sure i prob should not have done it but i was pretty pissed at another idiot from earlyer. Pluss if i hadnt shown some agression this guy would likly have gotten out to start more trouble possibly doing real harm to me. Some times there is no running away from a fight some times you just got to take a stand and hope for the best.

[catatonic]

Call me a coward, but I generally tend toward de-escalation in any sort of conflict. Cooler heads prevail. I'm not a small man (six foot, 190 pounds) so when someone smaller than me physically threatens me, I tend to think that something is not right there to begin with. I've got family to take care of and I didn't want my boys growing up without their dad just because he was trying to get some exercise and some dummy wanted to prove something with his car.

Yeah, the three variatns of angsty drivers:

1)verbal: "Hellooooo, I'm back here" I usually reply with "Hi back there! Want a powerbar?"

2)threatening: "I'll f----g run you down!" I just whip out the phone, and get a pic of the plate...police report will be filed.

3) confrontational: The true morons...At this point you have a choise to try to calm him down, run, or whoop his sorry butt. For running, I reccomend getting into a populated aprking lot ASAP, and weaving through the cars as fast as possible...try to get him to crash....if he does, assume he will keep chasing....if you have a cell, call 911 NOW...if not, make a giant scene, and get as much attention as you can....don't leave the parking lot until police arrive....even if the driver "leaves", since you never know if they really left or are lurking somewhere else down the block.

[billh]

I really don't understand what went wrong here.

I'm guessing pulling up next to the g-friend car was enough provocation. If you had stayed behind and just taken down the plate, then no confrontation.

[wsexson]

Since there weren't bike lanes in the area then I'm sure the problem was your lane position. You should have been 3.52 inches further to your left.

Oh and you should have given him a slow-stop signal.
:roflmao:
Thank you!

[EGreen]

So. I was out for a ride last thursday night about 11pm. At about 11:55 I was coming to the halfway point in my ride. I was in the left lane coming up to a stop light to make my left turn and start heading home. Out of nowhere a car revs up behind me and passes inside the lane with me, approx. 6 inches from my right hand in the drops. He gets to the red light five seconds before me and gets in the right lane. A second car honks behind me and pulls the same stupid stunt. She got to the red light about two seconds before me.

I was pissed. I coast to the light two seconds later behind a car in front of me in the left lane. I was even with the second car that had honked and buzzed me. The car's driver side window was open and it was young woman behind the wheel, about twenty five years old. She was looking at me and I said
"Excuse me miss, but was it really necessary for you to almost run me down to get to a red light two seconds before me? I mean, the whole right lane was empty!" She kinda babbles something about "Following him." and she pointed at the car ahead of her. I look ahead and the guy jumps out of his car! He was about five foot six/seven and was fairly muscular. "You motherf*cker!" he yells at me "You were all over the road!" I was stunned.

"What!? I'm turning left!" I replied. I hold my line on the road, especially in traffic. He screamed at me "Shut the f*ck up, Mother F*cker, or I might just run you down and kill you, a***ole!" I was shocked. He got in his car and took off, honking and screaming/swearing at me. His chick took off too. When he said he would kill me, I instantly thought of my wife and kids and that this prick would kill me because he couldn't wait two seconds for me to be out of his life.

I really don't understand what went wrong here. I was riding a route I always ride at night. I have two multiple led blinkies on the rear of my bike, one on the seat post, the other on the left chainstay where drivers will see them more readily. I have a ten watt Nimh front light and two bright front halogen blinkies. My riding jacket is bright orange and has reflective stripes and so does my camelbak. It's not like he didn't see me from way, way back. I think it was road/roid rage and it pissed me off and kinda scared me. Made me wish I had my camera on me. I din't even think to get his liscense plate. All I know is what this dink looks like and that he drives a purply/blue Toyota Matrix.

This happened in Hamilton, Ontario right beside Westdale highschool for any Hamilton riders. I looked at my watch right afterwards, at it was straight up midnight on Good Friday. Watch out for this nut, folks. I'm sorry I set him off.

So, I continued my ride home and about five minutes later while I was fuming away, I passed an older dude waiting at the bus stop who yelled out "There goes a smart fella!" as I passed. I laughed and yelled out "Thanks!" because it instantly made me feel better.


Like the police say, looks like we got a domestic situation here. There was probably some sh#t going on between the dude and his girl. Everyone knows or should know that's a super volatile situation ya don't want to be apart of - you might (or might not) kick the guys ass next thing you know his girl is coming at you with a tire iron.

Also, though I tend to be confrontational I never loose my mobility advantage - I'll keep moving until fight or flight time. In this situation, I'd have definitely moved on.

[DigitalQuirk]

Carry a cell phone with you. When someone pulls this sort of stunt, immediately dial 9-1-1 and read off his license plate to the operator. It might help if you told them you believed the motorist was intoxicated (which could actually be true). Once they have your location and his license plate number, as well as his threat on record, anything he does further will result in jail time for him.

If it were me, I'd make sure at the very least he'd be facing a charge of uttering a threat, and maybe even force him enter into an 810 order, which is a peace bond (like a restraining order).