Almost intentional run down today

[scottmorrison99]

Subj: Road rage on Pleasants Valley Road



Today a bunch of kids in a blue BMW almost made me a statistic. As I was pedaling along a foot from the right side of the lane, they swerved at me on my bicycle, forcing me to leave the road, and then came back for another try.This was not an accident, this was an intentional act. The front seat passenger was hanging out the window screaming incoherently. Not the smartest kids, giving me another look at the personalized license plate, MERCIE. After reporting the incident to the CHP, who sent an officer to talk to the driver's parents, I completed my 56 mile ride. CHP officer is a cyclist, too, but is afraid to ride the backroads around Vacaville. I couldn't identify the driver, and the passenger didn't touch me, so nothing else will happen to them. Damn.

[johnny99]

The kid will likely do it again unless you press charges. Teach him a lesson and save another cyclist's life.

[mtnwalker]

Wait, they tried to force you off the road not only once but twice. :eek:
Isn't this attempted murder twice? How different is this from someone else trying to shoot you with a gun twice without hitting you?

You are at a great advantage knowing what their license plate is. I agree with johnny99. You should press charges and make this a mistake they never forget.

[Red Rider]

Yikes, Scottie! :eek::eek: How awful for you!

Too bad you couldn't ID the driver. Could you press charges against the owners of the car, as though you're assuming they were also they were also the driver? That might get both the parents' and the kids' attention, big-time.

Thanks for posting the warning. And I'm sorry you had to experience that. Thank goodness this story has a happy ending!

[jonathanb715]

Damn, thank goodness you're ok. I think a lot of these kids have no idea that they could actually kill someone with a car. I hope the parents got appropriately freaked out and came down hard on them.

<insert diatribe against spoiled kids here>

JB

[BlastRadius]

Glad you're OK. They must have read the Debernardini column. *******s.

[Gee3]

What makes me even more mad is that they'll probably only get a light slap on the wrist!

Glad you're okay though. I've ridden a couple times around the Winters area and had no incidents so far. So hopefully the parents do seomthing to discourage these idiots so they don't do it again.

The problem is that after they get scolded by the parents they'll probably get angry at cyclists, which could lead to other problems.

Wish there was more we could do.

[fordfasterr]

It would be great if you could get someone to give you their home address.

This may lead to much halarity and future sabotage games!

[uspspro]

Too many people treat driving like it's some kind of video game:

- When making turns: I think I can beat that cyclist.
- Or in this case: Let's screw with this guy.

I think these people do not have a proper concept of REALITY.

Life is not a video game.

- What if you don't beat that cyclist on that turn?????
- What if you accidentally hit the guy you are trying to screw with?????

Those are the thoughts these people do not have. If they do think about those, and still behave as such... Then they are crazy and/or homicidal.

[solbrothers]

that's very unfortunate OP, anyone have a hookup at DMV? get the home address and .... tempting!!

[JesusGarcia]

To quote Harry Callahan- Clint Eastwood in Dirty Harry: "Man has gotta know his limitations". Better start packin' the HKs or Smith & Wessons....of course I'm only kidding.

[solbrothers]

it's good you didn't provoke the driver/occupants though!!!

[Siu Blue Wind]

This is not assault? (http://www.nolo.com/definition.cfm/Term/22542B6F-FEDB-450A-889A82A49EA50CEB/alpha/A/)

I'd tell them you'd like to press charges. I believe at that point you can do it.

[cccorlew]

In a just world the owners of the car would be cited for providing the weapon. You can bet that if Dad was headed for jail or a zillion dollar fine he'd cough up the kid.
I hate that you know the source of the problem, but can't do anything about it. I hate that the driver gets to remain anonymous and won't be subject to any community pressure to shape up.

Glad you're ok!