how do you deal with bad drivers? [Archive]

stinkyonions

07-06-03, 08:53 PM

riding at home (southern california) has been less than pleasant for me the past few weeks. when i am at school up north, everyone is significantly more aware of cyclists etc.. my usual response of a car pulling in front of me is either flipping them off, hitting their hood or just starting them down depending on how unaware they are. i know this gives a bad rap to cyclists and runners, but i was hit by a lady who wasn't paying attention when i was running which tore ligaments in my ankle and had me out for the collegiate race season. today i was literally scared out of my lycra. on the first leg of my ride someone starting edging in to make a right hand turn and didn't see me at all NOR did he use his turn signal. i hit the hood of his car since he came a couple of inches from smacking my leg. and then on my way home the biggest prick, a-hole pulls into the bike lane/first lane to look for traffic. this was the first time i have ever had to slam my brakes on hard and i had to skid so i wouldn't hit his nice new volvo suv. so i hit his hood as i was driving off. little did i know that he would threaten to kill me seconds later as i heard him speed up behind me and slam his brakes on in front of me. this was when his wife and him started calling me all sorts of names and saying that he would kill me if i ever touched his car again. its people like this that really piss me off when i ride. i try to stay as vigilant as i can when i am riding since pch is always busy and especially since i can only ride in the morning or late afternoon due to school/work.

i was wondering how you guys deal with stupid drivers like that who think they are king **** and rule the road. i have seen suggestions such as a whistle but that seems cumbersome especially when someone pulls out in front of me. he's lucky i hit the hood with my hand rather than the side of his car with my whole bike. sorry for the long rant, but i am just trying to find a happy medium between the dickhead drivers and having a good ride on my.

Chris L

07-06-03, 09:01 PM

If someone is deliberately threatening to kill you, it constitutes harassment. If a driver ever does that to me, I'm writing down their number immediately and making a bee-line straight to my friendly local police station. Having said that, flipping them off is not really a smart move. It's best to ignore them or even wave politely to them - let then think they've won before you hit them with a phone call from the cops.

As far as drivers who are just plain incompetent/not paying attention - all you can do is make allowances for them. When I ride I carry around a certain amount of anti-motorists bigotry in that I assume every motorist in existence will attempt the stupidest maneauvre possible in every given situation. If I see a car pulling out of a driveway, I allow a little extra space between myself and the kerb on the assumption that they will block the bikelane (assuming there is one).

I always allow myself at least one metre of clearance between myself and car doors, so that mr tosspost who opens without looking can't hurt me.

Above all else, never be cowered into riding in the gutter. If I think someone's going to try to pull a left hook (a right hook in the US), I'll move out and give myself some room. If it bothers them, so be it! They can wait three seconds, it's not the end of the world.

stinkyonions

07-06-03, 09:08 PM

i would file a police report but it was a new car and had no plates. :( granted i am still going to call the police department and see what can be done but i don't think much will come of it. i could have gone around the front side of his car, but i didn't want to get rear ended by a car going 60 mph downt the street. it sucks that cyclists aren't treated the way we ought to be. how is cycling in australia? i am thinking of studying abroad there for a semester.

Chris L

07-06-03, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by stinkyonions
i would file a police report but it was a new car and had no plates. :( granted i am still going to call the police department and see what can be done but i don't think much will come of it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there a law somewhere about not having any plates on the car? I could be wrong, but since you've got the guy's address, that could be a good place to start.

Originally posted by stinkyonions
how is cycling in australia? i am thinking of studying abroad there for a semester.

It varies. You'd have to learn to deal with bad drivers the same as where you are now - but the sheer variety of riding this region (South-East Queensland) has makes it worth it!

stinkyonions

07-06-03, 10:06 PM

i don't have his address since this happened on a busy street that everyone usually cycles on the weekend. after you mentioned the plates bit, i think you are correct but usually i think it is just a little paper sheet on the front windshield if i am correct since my sister just got a new car. calling the police with just "new white volvo suv" won't help me much since 2/3 people here drive an suv pretty much. but i plan on keeping a pen in my jersey from now on to copy down license plates.

Justen

07-06-03, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by stinkyonions
this was when his wife and him started calling me all sorts of names and saying that he would kill me if i ever touched his car again. its people like this that really piss me off when i ride. i try to stay as vigilant as i can when i am riding since pch is always busy and especially since i can only ride in the morning or late afternoon due to school/work.

I totally understand what you did and have done the same myself. Sometimes hitting the hood or side of a car is the only way to prevent being run over. If somebody decides to threaten my life as a result, I would be writing down or remembering the license plate number and calling 9-1-1 immediately.

People like that really tick me off too...but having said the above, we also have to realize that in the heat of the moment, they could cause very serious injury to us in a second and there is not much we would be able to do stop them.

But man..I would be so tempted to kick that jerk's car !

Justen

Bikesick

07-07-03, 12:27 AM

It is a frustrating fact that there are people out there that actually would like to hurt you. I have no idea how to deal with that.

For dealing with the oblivious type drivers, some guy who rides in the city said to "ride as if you are invisible". Seems like good advise to me. AND you often don't get AS pissed at the bonehead drivers. .....cause you realize they didn't see you <shrug> ...I don't know.

...I'm always nervous when riding in traffic. Fortunately for us around here there are great country roads with very little traffic where we can spend most of our road time.

Good luck

stinkyonions

07-07-03, 01:01 AM

yea, i planned to report it but since it was a new car there isn't much that would help since i just know the make, model and coloer. i tried not to make eye contact with them at all after they pulled in front of me since i realized it was out of hand once i heard him slam on his brakes. it was more of a, "i need to get the hell out of here now" situation after they pulled in front of me. i wish i had a bike pod or something that was indestructibe to everything so if they hit me their car would be in pieces. one thing though i did learn is try to hold back everything you want to say to them. i just told him sorry and to pay attention next time rather than joining in with the 4 letter revelry. they fit the stereotype of the city pretty well since everyone there prides themselves on their car more than anything. well, maybe their $3 million homes first. and i would have been pissed if i had to buy a new helmet since i just got a new specialize s1 the other day. and on a sidenote, that helmet kicks sooooo much ass after having a bad one for a while.

and i thought being a roadie was safer than big mountains and steep rocky hills.

spandexwarrior

07-07-03, 03:39 PM

I got arrested for hitting a car with my fist. apparently it caused an barely perceptible bend in the flimsy metal and the drivers were keen to make the cops notice this and arrest me. I don't have any good ideas on how to deal with beligerent drivers. In my experience there are too many of them:mad: I heard some good advice from a bike commuting book: "Ride like they are out to kill you!!!!!!!!!!!!!" That makes me always maintain a sprint pace or look over my shoulder. It also inspired me to get out many books from the library on cycling training so I could learn tricks to be a faster rider. But still there are limitations. I heard even Lance Armstrong got run down by an angry driver. :eek:

spandexwarrior

07-07-03, 03:48 PM

Here are some interesting sites with advice on urban cycling:
http://www.easystreetrecumbents.com/urbancycling.html
http://www.bikereader.com/BikeReader/contributors/misc/urban.html
http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/news_features/this_just_in/documents/02350409.htm
http://www.bikereader.com/BikeReader/contributors/misc/urban.html

NZLcyclist

07-07-03, 03:55 PM

Greg LeMond got run off the road by a truckie once when he was a young lad, and flipped the truckie the bird. The truckie stopped and came running after him, and Greg left his bike which the truckie stomped on and destroyed. Greg and his mum sued the truckie and won though.

Brendon

Paige

07-07-03, 04:23 PM

If they cut me off I put a loogie on their car, if I can conjure one up that is......

stinkyonions

07-07-03, 05:24 PM

so many tips! the more (less?) i drive my car i realize how many people simply don't pay attention to the road. the whole cell phone bit has been argued in other threads. i am so worried that someone will be on their cell phone driving their nice new excursion or otherwise oversized hunk of metal and not see me. it's great living in a place where it seems like 7/10 cars are suv's. i can't wait to get back to school and avoid all this.

I got arrested for hitting a car with my fist. apparently it caused an barely perceptible bend in the flimsy metal and the drivers were keen to make the cops notice this and arrest me.

that sucks spandexwarrior. i have hit numerous hoods on cars recently when i am running and/or riding since they don't see me. i think it has to do with the fact that i have already been hit once. it wasn't a bad hit but i still mangled my ankle. but luckily they didn't follow me because they would have been the type (excuse the generalization) to bust my ass some way or another even though they pulled in front of me. i guess its all about knowing the escape routes where cars can't drive. a la cross action.

bikergirl

07-28-04, 07:17 PM

I know what you are going through. I was hit by a driver several years ago while I was riding my bike and my knee was broken. drivers here are not very considerate when it comes to bicyclists. When I was in europe the drivers there were very considerate and patient. Here I have had people throw things at me and one time a driver honked at me and scared me so much that I fell off of the bike. The driver behind him caled the cops and the other driver got into very serious trouble for that. There was another driver that threw a bottle at me and it broke and cut my leg. I did get the license plate number down and the person was arrested for assault.

that driver sounded like he needs to be caught and put in jail. The car should have had temporary plates on it because the police can still run them. I just wonder how that driver would react if the same thing was done to him?

BigBrooklynLou

07-28-04, 08:46 PM

Best thing to do is just call the cops. But if push comes to shove, this is why god gives you heavy bicycle chain and Kryptonite locks - ones last line of defense.

greaper007

07-28-04, 09:10 PM

I have to say, the SUV craze is one that I just don't get. I live in Cleveland, we have moderatly bad winters. However, there have only been a few times I couldn't drive through the streets in my old 1990 Maxima sans four wheel drive or anti-lock brakes. I really don't see the point of a four wheel drive vehicle in Southern California. Anywaz, back on topic. From your reactions to cars while running and biking (two activities I also participate in) you remind me a lot of myself. I'm prone to the same reactions as you, and I have to admit that sometimes I'm looking for a confrontation. When I take that element out of the equation I have fewer encounters with bad drivers. I'm not going to say that the bad drivers still don't piss me off. However, I find that I'm a little happier when I don't focus on it. I can understand your frustration though, I've driven on the PCH a few times.

MelloBoy

07-28-04, 09:54 PM

i live in SD and commute 3-5 times a week along genessee to the torrey pines golf course area. those people living in SD i'm sure know how busy that area gets during rush hour traffic. The freeway onramps are horrible as if the light is green, the onramp lanes just speed like crazy without any regard for cyclists (including myself). I liked that commute because of the large hill from the bottom of genesee/I-5 to the golf course area, but due to inconsiderate people, i just now take the back roads where I can, through UCSD (local university) and back onto Genesee...most of the people on campus are much more considerate that typical drivers...i'd commute by bike more often, but i find myself taking my car instead more and more because of this :/ unfortunate, but my life's more important than some a-hole's paintjob on their new car or suv.

melloboy

Dchiefransom

07-28-04, 10:08 PM

WonkerJaw

08-02-04, 12:35 PM

I read all the time on this forum that cyclists encounter horrible motorist while riding. I think to myself… Where do these people live and why do they hate cyclists so much?

Well, I'm proud to say that on my ride over the weekend I was honked at and given "THE BIRD". This is such a proud moment for me. I feel so connected, so linked, so allied to such a beloved group. BIKERS! :D

noisebeam

08-02-04, 02:50 PM

My opinion is that an individual can not make a real difference with bad drivers on their own, without walking the fine line of making cyclists perceived as rude. Police are out there to deal with illegal activities. The only thing one can do is report illegal activities to the police. One can not report rude/inconsiderate behavior, unless truely dangerous. Flipping off a person does not change their behavior. It is possible to talk to an inconsiderate driver given the right opportunity (like if they get stopped at red light next to you), but I personally think only benefits if done with a level of politeness (yes, they were rude to you, but no need to be rude back)

Most folks in powered vehicles on the road don't respect the power to kill and maim they have in their hands - this leads to careless driving, which to a cyclist can often be viewed as rude or inconsiderate. I think there are very few drivers who are intentionally agressive toward cyclists. Sure there are some, but most dangerous/rude behavior comes from lack of attention or care by drivers.

Personally I find more dangerous behavior around me when driving a car then when cycling. I don't take it into my hands when driving nor when cycling. Also I have this sense that us cyclists can be overly sensitive to rude behavior, sure, this makes sense as our life is more threatened from a collision, but very often these rude behaviors do not lead to collisions.

Al

yak

08-05-04, 06:37 PM

You must have hit it "after the fact". Here in California vehicles have to give us at least two feet of space. If I can reach a car that's moving near me, they are violating the law, and if I smack the car it's to keep them from me. At least, that's what I will stick to in my story.

I would tell the cops that the dent is from them swerving into me. Turn the tables on them!!!

lsits

08-05-04, 09:04 PM

If the SUV was brand new it should have the dealer plates on it. I mean the ones that tell where the vehicle was purchased. Maybe the cops can follow up that lead.

countryrider

08-05-04, 10:04 PM

The problem with bad drivers is that what they do isn't always illegal. It is poor driving, and it is obviously being oblivious to some things, but very few get pulled over for it. I almost got hit by a van today. They went over the white line and into the lane I was riding in. In my small town, it is very small so when he was within 1 foot of the sidewalk and I was quickly coming up on his right I had to swerve to avoid him. I hit a brick sized piece of rock and went over my handlebars. I now have roadrash on my left forearm and my right hand is lucky to be intact. I had to go buy a new set of gloves because my right one is shreded. A driver's actions may not cause a collision with them because a cyclist is aware of what is going on, but it can cause other collisions like mine. Obviously being hit by the van would have been more painful, but my fall combined with the fact that the van didn't stop makes me begin to lose faith in the human race. When we no longer cooperate, and look out for one another, we are becoming truly lost. I still believe that it is each person's responsibility to look out for their fellow man. It may be that I am naive because of youth. I just don't think that it is 100 % our responsibility to look out for motorists and I don't believe that it is 100% the motorists' responsibility to look out for us. Responsibility falls upon both parties, and each should respect the other.

RINGO

08-06-04, 04:25 AM

how do you deal with bad drivers?

I ride using a Viosport H2O helmet cam connected to my Sony DCR-HC85 MiniDV Camcorder. No bad driver gets away from the third eye on my helmet. I'll get everything on tape, so their is no room for lies about who was right or wrong.

The camera records audio and video at the same time through one cable so thats perfect. Their plate numbers could be record fast through the mic, and all their actions, things they say and wild driving will be on film. I'll then take my video down to the police station and make a report about what happened, and give them a copy of the video so they no this is not some game, but the truth.

Thats how I handle bad drivers. :)

Peace.

RINGO

silk

08-06-04, 10:11 AM

Having been commuting now for 3 years I have had my share of problems, have gone back and forth on raging or ignoring bad drivers.

My last incounter was during rush hour traffic downtown Vancouver with that will make almost anyone go crazy. I had one driver see me coming up in the bike lane and put his nose right in my lane so I had to get off the bike to go around. It was then I realized how lucky and how much freedome we have on our bikes, and why this person in his car was trying to stop me.

The car is freedom for most people, to have this freedom they will spend insane amounts of money/time on. Now you put these people in the cars and stick them in rush hour traffic that does not move and the very freedom that they have spent so much money on becomes there own trap. I think this is where the rage and bad driving comes from.

Once I thought of this for a moment I had a nice laugh.... we are the few that do have true freedom, and should
enjoy.

madpogue

08-06-04, 02:53 PM

The problem with bad drivers is that what they do isn't always illegal. It is poor driving, and it is obviously being oblivious to some things, but very few get pulled over for it. I almost got hit by a van today. They went over the white line and into the lane I was riding in. In my small town, it is very small so when he was within 1 foot of the sidewalk and I was quickly coming up on his right I had to swerve to avoid him. I hit a brick sized piece of rock and went over my handlebars. I now have roadrash on my left forearm and my right hand is lucky to be intact. I had to go buy a new set of gloves because my right one is shreded. A driver's actions may not cause a collision with them because a cyclist is aware of what is going on, but it can cause other collisions like mine. Obviously being hit by the van would have been more painful, but my fall combined with the fact that the van didn't stop makes me begin to lose faith in the human race. Your initial statement is quite true, but your latest crash doesn't support it. That truck going over the white line into your lane was most certainly illegal. So was leaving the scene of a crash. That he didn't physically contact you isn't relevant. He caused the crash and was required to stop. If you were injured, in most states, his leaving the scene constitutes a misdemeanor.

pletcgm

08-06-04, 03:02 PM

this was when his wife and him started calling me all sorts of names and saying that he would kill me if i ever touched his car again.

I would have dared them! I would have purposely touched it! They aren't going to do anything. First place, I would have laughed at them when they started cussing. This really pisses them off!!! If they are driving a better vehicle, they are not going to risk being in a lawsuit.

countryrider

08-06-04, 03:03 PM

I know going over the white line is illegal. I live near a highway and have seen plenty of people pulled over for it when someone is trying to turn onto our road. I wasn't sure whether I actually collided with the van at the time because everything happened rather quickly at 30 mph. Yesterday, I was still in a little bit of shock because it was the first time I'd been in an accident of that nature. After reviewing the accident in my head I may have hit my hand on the back of the van as I was flying through the air. Nevertheless he still left, which I know can be deemed a misdemeanor. I took a few brief law classes. I didn't have time to take down the license plate though. I was too busy reviewing what I still had and didn't have upon my person. My right glove was worn straight through. My hand is fine, but that's a surprise considering the condition and size of the holes on the glove. On narrower country roads, without lines, accidents like mine happen more frequently and drivers don't think they're at fault. I don't like it, but I have accepted it as a fact of living in a rural area without a large group of cyclists. Our nearest bike shop is over 30 miles away. Very few people cycle, and those that people do see are kids doing stupid things on BMX-style bikes. They're doing wheelies in the middle of the highway, trying to weave through traffic, and being mostly disruptive. So, when someone who actually tries to avoid traffic, respect motorists, and be an observant person is around, they don't care.

madpogue

08-06-04, 04:09 PM

The problem with bad drivers is that what they do isn't always illegal. It is poor driving, and it is obviously being oblivious to some things, but very few get pulled over for it. I almost got hit by a van today. They went over the white line and into the lane I was riding in. In my small town, it is very small so when he was within 1 foot of the sidewalk and I was quickly coming up on his right I had to swerve to avoid him. I hit a brick sized piece of rock and went over my handlebars. I now have roadrash on my left forearm and my right hand is lucky to be intact. I had to go buy a new set of gloves because my right one is shreded. A driver's actions may not cause a collision with them because a cyclist is aware of what is going on, but it can cause other collisions like mine. Obviously being hit by the van would have been more painful, but my fall combined with the fact that the van didn't stop makes me begin to lose faith in the human race. Your first statement is quite true, but your latest crash doesn't support it. The van driver crossing the while line into your lane was certainly illegal, as was leaving the scene of the crash. That he didn't actually collide with you isn't relevant. If he caused the crash he was required to stop. If you were injured, it might even constitute a misdemeanor.

Bockman

08-06-04, 05:22 PM

Dave's Escalation of Force Scale (Bad Drivers only):

--A sarcastic, baritone, "Excuse YOU" (good for when they brush you with the car, get too close, cut you off, fail to yield right-of-way, etc.)

--The Gesture. Rather than the simple extended ring finger, try sticking aforementioned finger in your mouth first, then flipping them off. I'm not sure why but it's 10 times more vulgar and infuriating. I also like the various ethnic salutations such as the Italian 'scarface' gesture or the under-the-chin one. Use your imagination! Learning to swear in unaccented Italian is fun too, try: Con l'anima di una donna menstruating, li sparo. ("With the blood of a menstruating woman, I shoot you".)

--The Loogie. 'Nuff said.

--The Expectorating Water Bottle. Good when windows are down.

--The Thrown Water Bottle.

--The Bent Car Antenna: Better be sure of your sprinting abilities and have a clear getaway for this one. Reserved only for when your life was truly endangered.

Dave

noisebeam

08-06-04, 05:37 PM

Dave's Escalation of Force Scale (Bad Drivers only):

Dave

I was brushed by a pickup mirror yesterday (first bad encounted in 1000mi+). They were going about 35mph, me 20mph. After gaining control of bike (it made be wobble quite a bit, but I thankfully didn't crash) I raised up my left arm and swung in around and hollered insults.

But I'll bet good money that they were not looking in their rear mirror and didn't even notice my gestures. So it made me feel better, but didn't make a bit of difference I imagine.

Al

HereNT

08-06-04, 05:41 PM

I ride like I'm invisible. I don't trust any car drivers.

They get pissed at me at times such as when I stop coming up to an intersection, and they are trying to make a left turn and have to wait a few seconds longer because I didn't just move through, but I do give them a thumbs up, and usually say 'thank you' if their window is down, and there's a way through that bubble...

Chris516

08-06-04, 06:41 PM

i was wondering how you guys deal with stupid drivers like that who think they are king **** and rule the road. i have seen suggestions such as a whistle but that seems cumbersome especially when someone pulls out in front of me. he's lucky i hit the hood with my hand rather than the side of his car with my whole bike. sorry for the long rant, but i am just trying to find a happy medium between the dickhead drivers and having a good ride on my.
I take several steps:

1. I keep a copy of the state's(Minnesota) Drivers Manual on me.

2. I take the middle of, the slow lane in the road.

3. I don't move when they honk at me. I have the law behind me so, I don't have to move out of the lane.

4. I report any violators, regardless of whether they just want me to move or, they try to run me off the road, to the police.

5. I respect the fact, that, they have a faster set of wheels but, that doesn't mean they can be pious, callous and, almost criminal.

6. I constantly watch the traffic, especially at intersections.

7. I obey the traffic signals. I do not try to beat the light.

8. I rely on my brakes and, being attentive to things going on around me. To me a horn is, essentially, tantamount to being a mean motorist.

9. I keep an eye on them because, they are not expecting me.

10. I regularly maintain my bike, as, lack of maintenance can, precipitate an accident.

countryrider

08-06-04, 06:52 PM

LittleBigMan

08-06-04, 08:15 PM

Personally, I think drivers are way too concerned with their paint jobs, even more than with the lives of others.

But I also think smacking peoples' cars is a bad move, even though they might deserve it.

Careful out there.

samundsen

08-06-04, 09:44 PM

Sometimes the horn is used to indicate they want you off the road. Sometimes the horn is used to signal there is a car directly behind you, to let you know they are coming around so you're not surprised. Either way I take it as a good thing, because that tells me they see me.

Sometimes a horn also means thank you. I experienced that last weekend. I was riding on a narrow, two lane country road. Now, for regular cars I stay in my spot, but this time a HUGE dump truck came up behind me. I heard him from a distance and I turned my head and saw him. I immediately got off the road onto the grass, and stopped. The driver honked his horn after he had passed the spot where I stopped. I interpreted that as a thank you for moving aside.

Sverre

turtlendog

08-09-04, 10:19 PM

Motorists can't be trusted. If you want to get home in one piece you need the power of prayer!

Funny how when you stop at a gas station to fill your water bottles everyone wants to chat you up and talk about your bike, trip, etc. What baffles me is that they are the same people who will try to kill you on the road.

operator

08-09-04, 11:11 PM

I ride using a Viosport H2O helmet cam connected to my Sony DCR-HC85 MiniDV Camcorder. No bad driver gets away from the third eye on my helmet. I'll get everything on tape, so their is no room for lies about who was right or wrong.

The camera records audio and video at the same time through one cable so thats perfect. Their plate numbers could be record fast through the mic, and all their actions, things they say and wild driving will be on film. I'll then take my video down to the police station and make a report about what happened, and give them a copy of the video so they no this is not some game, but the truth.

Thats how I handle bad drivers. :)

Peace.

RINGO

Too bad the people reviewing said tape usually draw conclusions to whether they were right or wrong.

pletcgm

08-10-04, 11:00 AM

Sometimes a horn also means thank you.

I had that same situation the other day. The driver honked first to warn me of him approaching and then honked to thank me.

bikergirl

08-10-04, 09:57 PM

in the town that I live in there was a lady that was hit and killed while riding her bike to work at 5:30 am. she did have the proper equipment on her bike (headlight, rear taillight and helmet) but the person that hit her was in the bike lane and he said that he thought that he hit a sign. he left her there but when he found out that she died he turned himself in. he is now facing 15 years in prison for leaving the scene of a fatal accident. that person ned to have a reality check because there are no road signs near the area where she was hit. another time there was a guy that was hit because he failed to stop at a 4-way intersection and rode his bike out in front of a moving vehicle and he was hit and killed. the driver did have the right of way so in this instance it was the biker's fault.

Chris516

08-10-04, 10:53 PM

I was wondering how you guys deal with stupid drivers like that who think they are king **** and rule the road. I have seen suggestions such as a whistle but that seems cumbersome especially when someone pulls out in front of me. He's lucky I hit the hood with my hand rather than the side of his car with my whole bike. Sorry for the long rant, but I am just trying to find a happy medium between the dickhead drivers and having a good ride on my bike.
In my case, I have spoken to the local police(Duluth Police Department), Minnesota State Police and, yes, the US Border Patrol(they are stationed in Duluth because of the large shipping port). In the Minnesota Drivers Manual, it says that:

1. We can ride on the sidewalk

The problem in Duluth, is that, the former 3-Term Mayor didn't take care of them so, there is concrete that is uneven, slab-to-slab and, concrete that has chunks missing from it.

2. We can ride on the bike path and bike routes

The bike paths are not very long in Duluth and, part of the bike routes go on the streets.

3. We can ride on the street, no further than 3ft. from the curb

The problem with the streets, is having four different road materials and, the numerous spots where, asphalt filler has been poured into the concrete which creates bumps in the road.

The state does say that, if the road conditions are such that, I cannot stay within 3ft. of the curb that, I should take up an entire lane. I choose to take up an entire lane because, that way, I can avoid getting sideswiped. If I get honked at by the driver behind me. I let them pass, then, I chase them, till I catch them and/or get their plate. I then report them to the police.

KosCycle

08-11-04, 08:09 PM

In situations like that I usually say "well, I'm still alive", and move on. Truth is the sooner they are on their way the sooner I am back into my ride.

And sorry folks, but hitting cars is a genuinely bad idea - when they don't see me I yell, really f***n loud. Of course a bell might be a good idea for you city folks. It sure beats getting picked up for damaging people's property, and just getting them really pissed.

Pedal On...