Commuting - Same problematic vehicle...

This past evening a friend of mine and I did a night ride along Pacific Coast Highway. It was nice to have a quick-pace ride on our steel lightening with less traffic and some cooler temps. We ended up riding 7 miles to a great Mexican food place but had missed their closing time by a few minutes (Chronic Taco for anyone in the area).

On our return trip back to my neighborhood were we called "******" or "****" on PCH two seperate times. It was by the same car (once calling names while going in our direction and once while going back).

This car has been a problem several times before. It is a white, newer model Volvo and is full of mop headed high school kids. The people in the car will yell obscenities, buzz me, or honk their horn when they are directly behind me.

I want to get the license in the worst way but these incidents always happen in areas where there are high speed limits (45+mph so people are usually going 50mph) and the car's plate is a tiny blur before I can get the number.

Has anyone had to deal with a "repeat offender" cowards like this?

When they honk from behind you I assume that they are going slower than you, therefore having to accelerate to pass you. That's the time to get their plates.

After that, you can progress to step 2. Revenge.

Yes- on my morning commute at 6am on a deserted street- same location about six weeks apart- same driver, different vehicles. I wrote down the plates the first time--- second time I posted the other plates on craigslist and a DMV employee ran them and sent an email with ALL SORTS of personal info about the driver- who lived near me. Police refused to do anything- despite the fact that the guy threatened to run me over next time he saw me--- and his wife was with him. He owned a $800K home, worked for NWA, owned rental property.... should have been a more upstanding citizen.

CHiP at their best. What is NWA? Sounds like there isn't much you can do except keep reporting this to the police. Hopefully they will get tired of you calling and do something. If not, and something does happen, you will have a record of events and how you attempted to prevent this. Keep a log of the date/time/reporting of each incident, including the events surrounding it (weather, traffic, where you were riding etc).

You could try a 35 mm analogoue camera. It takes some practice and luck.

There was a huge Nissan Titan 4x4 that buzzed me several times. He was too impatient to wait until he had room, so he squeezed past me, less than six inches to my left. One time he was even towing his offshore fishing boat. Well, I couldn't get the license number, but there are only so many red Nissan Titans with grouper stickers on the rear window and a diamond plate toolbox. So, I made a mental note to look out for the truck. I found it in a grocery store parking lot. When I left I noticed it had a long scratch on both doors. Funny, that.

I found it in a grocery store parking lot. When I left I noticed it had a long scratch on both doors. Funny, that.

That seems a little juvenile. I've had much better luck approaching these kinds of people in a sane, respectful manner. Most times, these people look pretty amazed and a little scared that thier actions have caught up with them. The pattern is that these people generally feel powerless in thier lives and have to exert either wanton abuse or indignant self righteousness to prop up thier fragile egos. So it also stands that most of them will immediately back way down when faced with a fair fight. One they have doubts about thier ability to handle.

But scratching thier car is pretty pointless for two reasons; first off, they'll never know why. They'll write it off as random vandalism and it might even fuel thier portable rage. Secondly, standing up for yourself is what makes these misinformed bullies realize that they can't continue doing what they're doing. Cyclists are picked on almost exclusively because we're seen as easy targets. Change that perception and you'll change the behaviour.

Az

Get a video camera and a couple of memory cards for it so you can save the video and keep recording as you ride. You can purchase video cameras made for use with motorcycle and bicycle helmets.
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/500/OS-ATC2K-NCL-INUSE.jpg
Nashbar has them for $130 but that model can be found for less on other Internet sites.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=21385&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Show%20All%20Products
The reason you're being ignored by the police is you have no evidence so it's your word ageist the motor vehicle operator. If you have video the police will go after the motor vehicle operator and fine them. At a minimum a buzz gets them a reckless driving ticket. I've managed to get several videos, which resulted in assault charges and jail time for the motor vehicle operators. Police love video and video has a tendency to amplify the severity of the incident. This relates to increased costs of fines and/or jail time for the offender. I use my helmet camera for both my bicycle and motorcycle. After having had a camera system for several months now and turning in the video of every incident the number of incidents has dropped substantially. The police at the station get excited every time I drop by to file a complaint and everyone watches my video of people DWS "Driving While Stupid".

Get a video camera and a couple of memory cards for it so you can save the video and keep recording as you ride. You can purchase video cameras made for use with motorcycle and bicycle helmets.
Nashbar has them for $130 but that model can be found for less on other Internet sites.


$85 at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Scientific-Action-Memory-Camcorder/dp/B000F5FKHI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5803995-7910438?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187278328&sr=8-1

I have the previous version and recommend the new one. The old one provided what would be perfectly good evidence, but the new one is better.

I don't ride with mine anymore because I just never ever have any kind of incident with a car anymore, but if I lived in a less friendly place I'd have it on for sure.

That seems a little juvenile. I've had much better luck approaching these kinds of people in a sane, respectful manner. Most times, these people look pretty amazed and a little scared that thier actions have caught up with them. The pattern is that these people generally feel powerless in thier lives and have to exert either wanton abuse or indignant self righteousness to prop up thier fragile egos. So it also stands that most of them will immediately back way down when faced with a fair fight. One they have doubts about thier ability to handle.
Az

The last time I got buzzed, I caught up with the guy at the next light. I asked him if, in the future, he could give cyclists more room when he passed and that when he passed that close it was pretty intimidating. I think he was surprised that I caught up with him and said anything about it and he was pretty apologetic. Sure enough, on the next section of road, he gave me a full lane to pass. I felt pretty good about myself that day.

For the OP, the likelihood of this having an impact on a bunch of emo high school kids is on par with me winning the next Tour de France. Your best option is to get the plates and maybe tell them that the Arctic Monkeys suck or something. Here in MO, the MO Bicycle Federation will send the offending motorist a letter if you provide the plates. Since that will likely go to the parents, it might get a pretty good reaction.

http://mobikefed.org/motoristcontact.html

That seems a little juvenile. I've had much better luck approaching these kinds of people in a sane, respectful manner. Most times, these people look pretty amazed and a little scared that thier actions have caught up with them. The pattern is that these people generally feel powerless in thier lives and have to exert either wanton abuse or indignant self righteousness to prop up thier fragile egos. So it also stands that most of them will immediately back way down when faced with a fair fight. One they have doubts about thier ability to handle.


I disagree. If you are ready to confront someone driving a huge penis compensator, you'd better be armed or ready to fight. A redneck in a huge pickup isn't likely to listen to reason, and getting into a fistfight while wearing bike shoes isn't a good idea.

But scratching thier car is pretty pointless for two reasons; first off, they'll never know why. They'll write it off as random vandalism and it might even fuel thier portable rage. Secondly, standing up for yourself is what makes these misinformed bullies realize that they can't continue doing what they're doing. Cyclists are picked on almost exclusively because we're seen as easy targets. Change that perception and you'll change the behaviour.

Az


Aww. I guess somebody ended up having to spend $$ to fix their indimidating mobile. Karma is a *****.

$85 at amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Oregon-Scientific-Action-Memory-Camcorder/dp/B000F5FKHI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5803995-7910438?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187278328&sr=8-1

I have the previous version and recommend the new one. The old one provided what would be perfectly good evidence, but the new one is better.

I don't ride with mine anymore because I just never ever have any kind of incident with a car anymore, but if I lived in a less friendly place I'd have it on for sure.

How well is the strap system works with road bike helmet, picture only shows it mounted on BMX helmet. Also how is the quality, is it possible to upload some short videos?

Problems with vehicles are extremely rare. The route I take to work is used by A LOT of different team cyclists for their practice rides. 99.9999% of the motorists I come across during my commutes are extremely well mannered and follow the rules of the road. There is the occational lifted truck that thinks they are cool by buzzing me but even that has become extremely rare in the last couple of years.

I am very interested in that video camera. I would really like to see the quality on that. How is the video in different light conditions? That may be just the ticket. Even if I still have to get the plate with my own two eyes I will still be able to get their actions on video.

These guys aren't slowing down to lay on their horn. They are still to my left (by a couple of inches) but are crossed over into bike lane when they pass...the buzzing and laying on the horn usually at the same time. Between the horn, the wind from being passed a couple inches away at high speed, and my own evasive manuevers it has made it very difficult to get a plate.

I know there isn't anything I can do to them. My job , my future, and my girlfriend are worth way more than the short lived satisfaction of making some EMO kids bleed out of their ears. I am sure mom and dad are not going to be too happy once they find out what the kids have been using the family car for.

The craigslist idea is a really good idea! What section did you post it under?

I completely agree that motorists who harrass or endanger cyclists are the same people who feel powerless in their lives.

My feeling is that you will get better response by reporting them as possibly drunk, then by reporting them as being hostile to bikes. Hey you don't know right, anybody that wuold act like that is surely impaired?

With kids, a polite call to the parents seems to work wonders. Around here, a deputy is always willing to have a short conversation with the idiots we can track down. All too often they already know the jerks.

99.9999% of the motorists I come across during my commutes are extremely well mannered and follow the rules of the road.

That leaves 1 in a million as a bad driver. That's REALLY rare. 1 in 550 hours of being passed every 2 seconds.


These guys aren't slowing down to lay on their horn. They are still to my left (by a couple of inches) but are crossed over into bike lane when they pass...the buzzing and laying on the horn usually at the same time. Between the horn, the wind from being passed a couple inches away at high speed, and my own evasive manuevers it has made it very difficult to get a plate.

Honestly, I'd get the camera, but if not that, I'd keep an eye out for them in the mirror, and when they start approaching, I'd move left. If not that, I'd get a water bottle ready for them and toss it lightly to the left as they go by. If you're lucky they'll get mad and stop, then you can get their plate and call 911, and easily escape on the bike.

But the water bottle (even if filled with brake fluid) is really just daydreaming. The camera is the right answer, because with video evidence (especially if you have multiple ones on multiple days) the cops can do something.

How about a jersey that has a gun printed on it, kinda like its sticking out of the pockets in the jersey..
or maybe a black one that says Police in white letters... ;)

J/K I don't have too many "buzz byes" but I have them, they usually get a one finger salute.

How about a jersey that has a gun printed on it, kinda like its sticking out of the pockets in the jersey..
or maybe a black one that says Police in white letters... ;)

J/K I don't have too many "buzz byes" but I have them, they usually get a one finger salute.
I think a picture of a camera and text warning of video being recorded might be better than a gun. ;)Of course I have a concealed carry permit but rarely carry while on the bike. I already carry too much!:eek:

I'm planning on getting my CCW soon, but as experience dictates, I don't really feel a reason to carry while riding. I don't think I've been buzzed or honked at in about a month now at least.

or maybe a black one that says Police in white letters... ;)

J/K

I wanted to emphasize the Just Kidding part of that, in case anyone thought it sounded like a good idea. Impersonating an officer will get you a much worse fate than somebody honking their horn at you.

Simply wearing a shirt that says "Police", "FBI", etc. is not impersonating the police. A few courts have dealt with the issue and as long as the person wearing the shirt did not pull someone over, or verbally claim to be police, the wearing of the shirt was free speech and legal.

Write "I support my local" in tiny letters above the word POLICE.

I've had much better luck approaching these kinds of people in a sane, respectful manner. Most times, these people look pretty amazed and a little scared that thier actions have caught up with them. The pattern is that these people generally feel powerless in thier lives and have to exert either wanton abuse or indignant self righteousness to prop up thier fragile egos. So it also stands that most of them will immediately back way down when faced with a fair fight.
+1. I can tell it makes people very uncomfortable when I talk to them about their driving. However, you need to keep your cool and just stick to the facts.

As far as repeat offenders go, you can keep an eye out for the car. They won't buzz you every time, but you can probably learn the plate on another trip. Be very careful about making sure you have the right one.

This car has been a problem several times before. It is a white, newer model Volvo and is full of mop headed high school kids. The people in the car will yell obscenities, buzz me, or honk their horn when they are directly behind me.

Friggin' emo kids. It's the emos and flatbillers who cause most of the problems here behind the Orange Curtain. They are all gutless punks and will eventually catch that red light after being stupid with the wrong rider.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a145/alanspach/emo_philips_comedian_6x9-72.jpg

I can tell it makes people very uncomfortable when I talk to them about their driving. However, you need to keep your cool and just stick to the facts.

-1

Trying to make a brick wall move with a tennis ball just doesn't work, it takes a wrecking ball. There is a huge segment of the population out there who just don't get anything unless someone or something gets in their face. There is a time and a place for everything and going off on someone who is one of the aforementioned morons is 100% justifiable. Spank that bad puppy with a rolled up newspaper enough and eventually they'll quit pissing on the carpet.

Yes- on my morning commute at 6am on a deserted street- same location about six weeks apart- same driver, different vehicles. I wrote down the plates the first time--- second time I posted the other plates on craigslist and a DMV employee ran them and sent an email with ALL SORTS of personal info about the driver- who lived near me. Police refused to do anything- despite the fact that the guy threatened to run me over next time he saw me--- and his wife was with him. He owned a $800K home, worked for NWA, owned rental property.... should have been a more upstanding citizen.


If you have the plate numbers and such and the police, sheriff, or whomever won't do anything you still have one more step to take regarding your safety. Contact your local FBI. I had to do that when I first moved to my new place. The lady next door has a son in law who is a drug dealer and he was mad because we bought the place. So he made a pain of himself and was threatening us and so on. We tried many times to contact the sheriff to have something done but he wouldn't so the constable told us to contact the FBI for violating our freedoms. They came out and interveiwed us and such and then went to interveiw the sheriff. Ever since them the dealer has been very quiet so I think something was stirred up somewhere.
By the way they might not be able to do anything about the guy harrassing you but they surely can get the cops to drop the donut and get off the butts. Good luck

"full of mop headed high school kids."

Can someone explain to me what a mop head is??? I know that can't be a derogatory statement????

"full of mop headed high school kids."

Can someone explain to me what a mop head is??? I know that can't be a derogatory statement????

Explanation:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/370000/images/_370587_beatles300.jpg

For the OP, the likelihood of this having an impact on a bunch of emo high school kids is on par with me winning the next Tour de France.
Ahh, you know, while I agree that ranting at teenagers is usually an exercise in futility, I had a good experience recently: a car drove by and the kid in the backseat leaned out and spat at me. I caught up with them at a strip mall and rode straight up to them and asked the driving kid what the hell his friend's problem was and why he'd spat at me. At that point, the other three kids in the car turned around to the spitter and started asking "why the hell would you do that?", "what's wrong with you?" etc. The spitter froze and couldn't say anything and obviously felt like an ass, and then we all parted ways.

I guess it could help if you can turn them against each other...? "hey, why is that guy making you look like an ass?"

If you can get them on video more than once, forget the police, take it to the D.A. Things happen faster when the orders come from the top down and when all the work has been done for them.

Derogatory? Maybe. I will ask those kids what they prefer to be called when I catch them.