Commuting - I think I'm done for awhile...

On the ride home tonight a car full of teenagers purposefully swerved across the road at me. This is prime evidence that gas isn't nearly expensive enough.

Anyway I'm sufficiently freaked out I'll be taking the bus tomorrow.. Not sure when I'll get back on the bike. The funny thing is I've ridden though more thunderstorms than I can count, I had one commute where the tornado sirens were ringing for the entire leg, I've had drivers do more stupid "not paying attention" moves around me, some of which were likely far more dangerous. But something about purposefully aiming your car at another human makes me depressed and scared.

So how do you all deal with the fact that we have to share the roads with teenagers? How do you convince yourself they aren't out to get you? Talk me into commuting again!! I'm 30 lbs overweight and really need to stay on the road.

always carry a rock. I can throw further than I can read a license plate.

I'm full of bad advice, but I'm honest.

In the words of pinko liberal liar Dan ( if I can't prove it, I'll make it up) Rather, " COURAGE"

If you quit, they won.

always carry a rock. I can throw further than I can read a license plate.

I'm full of bad advice, but I'm honest.

I'm with you on that, but you want to know what might happen? Motorist risks your life by running you off the road (or some similar act), you damage their car in retaliation, they call the cops, you get cuffed and stuffed. You can't prove they ran you off the road, but they can show the cop some damage ("Officer, just look at this dent/broken window/etc.!").

If you retaliate by damaging a vehicle, better not use that route again for a long, long time.

Just my two cents.

If you quit, they won.

+1

I ride some rough roads, Atlanta drivers are regularly trying to kill me. But I don't quit, I just take the lane and hold my line. My father dropped dead of a heart attack at 43 so I've lived my life thinking what if I only live to my early 40's. It helps. If I make it to 43 everything after that is gravy.

If all else fails remember what Lt. Spears said, "The only hope you have is to accept the fact that you're already dead."

I ride some rough roads, Atlanta drivers are regularly trying to kill me. But I don't quit, I just take the lane and hold my line.

Yep.

Hey, bikebuddha, I saw my crazy-insane wrong-way bike rider again the other day. He was riding the wrong way on the far left side of a left-turn only lane on Holcomb Bridge Rd - a six-lane highway headed for GA 400. No helmet, of course. Do you think I should clothesline him so I can talk to him again? Jackass is working on getting bicycles outlawed in the state.

On the return leg of my first attempt at commuting, some punks in a car slowed down enough to shove the business end of a baseball bat into my side (bruised ribs). That was back in '77 and I didn't resume commuting until we moved closer to my workplace, about sixteen years later.

My advice: I agree with tsl, don't quit.

I have that happen to me from time to time. Once on a rec ride some moron did that in a big ugly pickup. I ride that road all the time so I knew I'd see him again. Sure enough, a few months down the road I found him parked at a store. I took my multi tool out and ripped off his valve stems. Yeah, he didn't learn a lesson with that, but it made me feel good. The lesson I have for you is to just ignore it. They don't want to actually run you over, just scare you. If you ignore it, the karma is bound to come back to bite them in the ass.

I quit commuting because I didn't trust myself not to do some idiot driver some serious physical harm. Now I just ride early morning before work when the streets are empty and I go to work feeling good, cruising on the endorphins.

You don't have to give up cycling, just change your habits a little. Even if it's for a short time. I know it sounds like the idiots are winning but you win too by keeping your sanity, your freedom and your love of riding.

I've been hit twice, but nothing malicious. I keep riding, because I like it, and it keeps me in shape. Give it a rest for a while, and then see how you feel.

I've been commuting again for about 2 weeks now. I can identify with how they made you feel. What is hard to understand is how someone could be so cavalier about your life just because they might have to tap their brakes or slow down for just a second to get around you. We, as a society, are all so wired up and stressed out that sometimes we let the little things get to us. I think drivers do this towards not only cyclists but towards each other and hence we have so much road rage.

Sounds like time for helmet camera.

I've been commuting again for about 2 weeks now. I can identify with how they made you feel. What is hard to understand is how someone could be so cavalier about your life just because they might have to tap their brakes or slow down for just a second to get around you. We, as a society, are all so wired up and stressed out that sometimes we let the little things get to us. I think drivers do this towards not only cyclists but towards each other and hence we have so much road rage.

I don't know. I've had plenty of people pass me close. It annoys me, but its never scared me. I know they are doing it for some twisted, "must get ahead of the ____ in front of me at all costs". Basically i understand them.

This was a car coming towards me that drove all the way across a WIDE road with no other traffic in sight. Basically I know they were just trying to scare me.... I think that is what bothers me. The idea that there exists people that want to scare me because they are so bored. I don't even understand how you reach a point where you think that this is fun/acceptable/okay. sigh. teenagers suck, especially the ones in my neighborhood.

Drunks, some Juveniles, psychopaths; Even if you don't get make, model and plate number call 911 and report it. Around here when the cops have gotten several calls in a short time span they do start taking action. Years back my wife was followed and harassed by a road rager. Enough other drivers saw and reported it that by the time she got to an exit on the 91 freeway in LA a CHP had gotten there and stopped the guy. She went back and said her piece. OP, do you have an alternate route?

Get the license plate number and call the cops, or get a helmet cam. I've heard quite a few people who have gotten tickets sent to reckless drivers.

#1- what a drag. stuff like this sucks. but things like this don't just happen because we're on bicycles it happens because we're human. in many ways we're more human because we're on a bicycle- we're not in a metal box- we're vulnerable. you may be kidding yourself by thinking that just because you stop riding a bike things like this won't happen.

#2- why let the jerks win? if you can find your way back to riding you'll be all the wiser. you'll know what to watch out for and to trust your intuitions. don't ride again until you feel right about it but I suggest you not wait too long.

#3- I'm a Marxist about all this (Groucho): "Time wounds all heels." and it will, unfortunately, all over America kids like that die in car crashes- they run into trees, they slide around corners into oncoming trucks. time will somehow teach them the lesson you've obviously already learned- respect.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s176/kencheeseman/Groucho.jpg

Sounds like time for helmet camera.

+1 Really hope you don't let this isolated incident put you off of a true joy in your life. Paranoia is an insidious disease. Spent years unable to fly because of it. Finally, booked a trip to Ireland/Wales for a 7 week self-planned, non-supported cycling tour and still wasn't sure I'd be able to board the plane when the time came. My knuckles were white, but I made it. Take your time. Your worth it. They're not. Video is a powerful witness in court. I grew up in Ohio and seem to remember license plates are required on the front AND the back, yes? Get yourself one of those helmet cams, a firearms permit and you'll be fine.

It's probably an isolated incident.The little pukes probably thought it was funny.Just looking for a reaction(like the guy that fakes a punch to your gut just to see you flinch).Retalliation is the LAST thing you want to do.If there's more than one of them you could have even bigger trouble.I'd just keep commuting the same as usual.That way if they see you in traffic,they're gonna see that their little stunt didn't mean s$@t (s$@t) to you.They're just stupid kids.You gotta keep riding!!

Even you know that you'll be back in less than a week. That's why you posted here. Keep on riding!

I'm a young commuter. And it's not just age. Any angry driver can kill you. Forget about it, they'll probably end up in jail for drunk driving one day. And next time carry a good tossing rock.

People (especially males) should jump from age 11 right to about age 25. Or maybe be confined away from society between those ages. It really sucks to have them here.

I'm full of unrealistic proposals tonight... must be the wine.

Some kids threw a firecracker at me once. I still bike. FWIW, I don't think they'll actually hit you.

It is easier to bail off the road on a bicycle than in a car. If you had been driving, their bad joke may have killed you.

A gulch I commute through each day has had several motorist killed from head on collisions; no cyclist killed.

Drivers must be really nice where I live, in Raleigh, NC. I've been bike commuting since April, and drivers have honked at me maybe twice during that whole period. Nobody has yelled at me, thrown things at me, swerved at me, forced me off the road, etc. However, sometimes people wave to me and give me a thumbs up. I pass some kids at a bus stop several days a week, and they often yell at me, but I have trouble understanding them with the wind whistling in my helmet. I slowed down one day to listen to what they were saying, and it was just: "Faster, faster." So I sped up.

Call the cops. Call the LOCAL cops. Never mind that you didn't get a plate number, if you can give them any description at all -- vehicle type, make and model if you got that, color, styling, anything else distinctive about it (roof rack, gear on top, bumper stickers or decals, special lighting), number of people inside, THEIR description, where you encountered them, direction they were going...it will help. It may not result in the stupid spoiled brats getting pulled over and thrown up against the side of mom's minivan, but the cops will remember it. If they see the vehicle, they may pull it over and have a word with the driver. If the vehicle gets into trouble again, the cops may remember your call. Cops do not like disruptors of calm and order, and for that reason they do not like stupid spoiled brats driving around and showing their lack of judgment and experience behind the wheel by doing stupid things that could end up in vehicular homicide.

Yep.

Hey, bikebuddha, I saw my crazy-insane wrong-way bike rider again the other day. He was riding the wrong way on the far left side of a left-turn only lane on Holcomb Bridge Rd - a six-lane highway headed for GA 400. No helmet, of course. Do you think I should clothesline him so I can talk to him again? Jackass is working on getting bicycles outlawed in the state.

I have yet to see him, but I'll tackle him and hold him for you if I do. Do you commute east along Holcomb Bridge crossing over 400 around the 7:15 am timeframe? If so I think I saw you the other day in full kit - blue base but I couldn't see what the lettering said.

Bike2math - sorry to hear about the punks. I hope you'll feel better about riding again in a couple of days. Hang in there.

Out of all the miles that you commute, how many bad things have actually happened? We all get scared, or yelled, at or have things thrown at us. But, those bad miles are only a wee percentage, compared to the enjoyable ones.

Get the license plate number and call the cops, or get a helmet cam. I've heard quite a few people who have gotten tickets sent to reckless drivers.

Is there a good helmet cam thread discussing make model and price you know of?

Call the cops. Call the LOCAL cops. Never mind that you didn't get a plate number, if you can give them any description at all -- vehicle type, make and model if you got that, color, styling, anything else distinctive about it (roof rack, gear on top, bumper stickers or decals, special lighting), number of people inside, THEIR description, where you encountered them, direction they were going...it will help. It may not result in the stupid spoiled brats getting pulled over and thrown up against the side of mom's minivan, but the cops will remember it. If they see the vehicle, they may pull it over and have a word with the driver. If the vehicle gets into trouble again, the cops may remember your call. Cops do not like disruptors of calm and order, and for that reason they do not like stupid spoiled brats driving around and showing their lack of judgment and experience behind the wheel by doing stupid things that could end up in vehicular homicide.

+1

I like what you've said here lil brown bat. Besides, if they do it again, or you recognize them another day - busted!

I bought about $1M in life and AD&D insurance. If I go out under an errant school bus, I lived life to the fullest and my family is taken care of (as best I can afford right now). I think my wife would rather live with the risk than live with me when I can't ride.

That car full of teenagers is the least of your worries.
The very fact that they buzzed you means they saw you.
Unpleasant sure, and no excuse for it but not lethal.

Worry about the zombies on the phone or doing makeup that will
take you out without ever seeing you.

Don't let the paranoia put you on the bus for long.

This also happened to me once. Teenagers packed in a car were coming west while I was going east. They veered out of their lane toward me, just to scare me. They straightened out the car at the last moment and laughed loudly.

I rode the next day, but now I carry a phone. I keep this in perspective--this is rare. Teenagers grow up. They weren't going to follow through on it. The only way to avoid this is to stay in your house--it could happen when you walk, drive a car, or go skiing for crying out loud.

always carry a rock. I can throw further than I can read a license plate.

I'm full of bad advice, but I'm honest.

This is the best thing I've ever read on any bicycle forum.

Craig

So how do you all deal with the fact that we have to share the roads with teenagers? How do you convince yourself they aren't out to get you? Talk me into commuting again!! I'm 30 lbs overweight and really need to stay on the road.
They aren't out to get you. They are simply morons trying to get a rise out of you and the worst thing you can do is react. Keep riding, and if you feel you must do something, take a helmet cam or maybe report them to the cops. Don't let them see you react on the road though. That just invites more harassment.

Yep.

Hey, bikebuddha, I saw my crazy-insane wrong-way bike rider again the other day. He was riding the wrong way on the far left side of a left-turn only lane on Holcomb Bridge Rd - a six-lane highway headed for GA 400. No helmet, of course. Do you think I should clothesline him so I can talk to him again? Jackass is working on getting bicycles outlawed in the state.

You could try but honestly wrong way riders often think they're right and we're wrong. Haven't you ever seen any of facethem's posts?

So how do you all deal with the fact that we have to share the roads with teenagers? How do you convince yourself they aren't out to get you? Talk me into commuting again!! I'm 30 lbs overweight and really need to stay on the road.

They are out to get you. I've come to grips w/ going out of my way to avoid certain routes, and also to just take the freaking lane whenever it's practicable.

A cool down period is good if you need it. I have been skipping one particular daily errand for a week or 2 and it's definitely loosened some tension I'd been building.

:mad: To the OP that really sux. If you can't do a helmet cam, then the best defensive is an offense. That's a good mirror on the handlebar and signalling cars to pass you when it's safe to do so. A handy rock in a small bag on the handle bars sounds like a great idea.

Around here, it's generally known not to tick off the cyclists. Some of these guys will run the car down, catch'em at the next intersection and kick in doors or punch the side of the door. Then take off. The cops do nothing so the cagers learn quick. I haven't wrecked cars myself...but since this is a public forum, I'm ain't admitting exactly what I do instead.

:mad: To the OP that really sux. If you can't do a helmet cam, then the best defensive is an offense. That's a good mirror on the handlebar and signalling cars to pass you when it's safe to do so. A handy rock in a small bag on the handle bars sounds like a great idea.

Around here, it's generally known not to tick off the cyclists. Some of these guys will run the car down, catch'em at the next intersection and kick in doors or punch the side of the door. Then take off. The cops do nothing so the cagers learn quick. I haven't wrecked cars myself...but since this is a public forum, I'm ain't admitting exactly what I do instead.

With Liberty and [U-lock] justice for all!

A few weeks ago, I was riding home after 8pm from helping out at my moms' restaurant. I was on Main Street having just passed the high school when I heard someone hock up a loogie and I get hit with some drink cup. Of course they start laughing and speed up to get away. I stupidly look to see if there are any cars nearby and give chase.

I hear one of the passengers scream "He's coming after us!" and the driver swerves to the fast lane and I get closer ('bout three car lengths). They make a sharp left at a cross street almost causing an accident. The other cars have stopped and I keep going after them. I lose them at the next turn because they have a straightaway and the moron is haulin'.

I made a few mistakes. I didn't get the plate number. I didn't get the make of pickup (I think it was a newer Chevy pick-up, four-door). I could've caused an accident by chasing the morons.

And lastly and stupidly, one lone bicyclist gave chase to a pick-up loaded with four teenage males.

I could only imagine what I would've done had they decided to stop. I laugh about it now. But, boy I'm a moron!

GD

That sucks that happened to you. Similar sort of thing happened to me a month ago or so. Only difference was that the teenagers in question were traveling in the same direction making it less scary than your situation. I considered quitting then too, i'm sure glad i didn't though. Kids will be kids and do stupid things, it's nothing new nor will it change anytime soon.

In the words of pinko liberal liar Dan ( if I can't prove it, I'll make it up) Rather, " COURAGE"
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A CONVERSATION WITH MADDYFISH

A Screenplay
by
Placid Casual
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FADE IN:

INT. SLIDEWAY INGOT MANUFACTURING CORPORATION OFFICE - DAY

MADDYFISH walks into a typical open-plan business office, hangs up his bicycle helmet, and heads toward his cubicle. A co-worker greets him.


CO-WORKER






Hiya, Maddyfish. How ya doin'?


MADDYFISH






In the words of the well-known commie pinko liberal treasonous subversive traitor Harold Ickes, "FINE"!


FADE OUT:


THE END

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I was hit once (mirrored) and broadsided a car earlier this summer when I was cut off and could not stop.... the other night I was almost killed by an SUV, and have had a few near misses with teens who think that scaring the guy on the bike is a fun thing to do.

I'll quit when they pry my bars from my cold dead hands.

I ride to live.

"That which does not kill me makes me stronger" (or "delays the inevitable", to quote the Despair.com poster)