Advocacy & Safety - Boston Hit and Run

So I was riding on Beacon Street right before Park Drive, 2 lanes there, nice and wide, giving myself a little space from the parked cars to also get better pavement. I am riding my fixed gear. All this honking (red light ahead) behind me and a white truck runs me off the road. I come up next to him at light he starts screaming calling me a stupid c-nt that I was taking the whole lane, which I tried to tell him legally I can....

he continues his expletive streak so I go to take a photo of his plate and he rams me!!!!

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o200/drchaya/IMG00041.jpg

me and the bike are both fine - a bit of back strain for me that I am sure will feel great tomorrow.

Just a bit freaked. Reported to the police but am posting this everywhere I can.

He took off right after ramming me.

Tomorrow I will go in to file a complaint and I hope that anyone who has an encounter with this moron or anyone else like him does the same.

--cat

I am glad you are OK, cat. I think posting license plates of aggressive or incompetent motorists is a great idea.

That's exactly what will happen they see you taking a picture of their plate. If he had a firearm, would you have done something similar for evidence?

That's exactly what will happen they see you taking a picture of their plate. If he had a firearm, would you have done something similar for evidence?

wait, so his running me off the road was not assault? and my taking a photo of his plate makes assault ok? firearm or truck either one is assault with a deadly weapon.

There was a mail carrier there as well who saw the whole thing - I happened to get his pic too.

I WILL file a police report and no I will not roll over and let morons like this rule the road.

I would have. NO one gets away with 'it' forever.

Holy smokes, I'm glad you weren't more seriously hurt!

I ride through that intersection every day (going west, making a left turn onto Park), and like you said - two lanes, nice and wide, usually no problem. But then again - it's Boston. There's always someone out on the road with a chip on their shoulder and an anger-management problem.

Please do file that complaint, and let us know how it turns out!

wait, so his running me off the road was not assault? and my taking a photo of his plate makes assault ok? firearm or truck either one is assault with a deadly weapon.

There was a mail carrier there as well who saw the whole thing - I happened to get his pic too.

I WILL file a police report and no I will not roll over and let morons like this rule the road.

Were you standing behind his truck while taking the picture of his plate? It looks like it. People are going to do that to you, so you need to minimize the opportunity. Your exclamation points after the part about ramming you makes it look like you were surprised he did it. Don't be surprised, be ready for them to do that, but still get what evidence you can.

Unfortunately, there are dozens of those types of idiot/thugs out there with no consideration for anyone else on the road, be it other car, motorcycle, or bicycle.
File your report, but as you might expect you will get nothing but lame excuses from the police.
Actually, if he had pulled a gun, then the police might go and do something. Anyway maybe you will get a bike friendly cop who will go and talk to the idiot, and mention the photos, so that the idiot decides he better pull in his horns a little.
dc

You should call the post office to figure out who the mail carrier is.
I'm really glad you're basically okay, but I recommend you go to a doctor... if you think there's anything physically wrong definitely see a doctor as soon as possible.

edit-also, since it's a commercial plate, the driver could get screwed by his boss (unless he's the owner)

thanks. I am a doc - so I really know that I am ok!

will be going to the proper district tomorrow morning to file the report - the cops were nice on the phone, and Mayor Menino at least gives lip service to wanting to make the city more bike friendly - depending on what happens here I might try to get an op ed piece in etc....

just still blown away by the road rage....

thanks. I am a doc - so I really know that I am ok!

will be going to the proper district tomorrow morning to file the report - the cops were nice on the phone, and Mayor Menino at least gives lip service to wanting to make the city more bike friendly - depending on what happens here I might try to get an op ed piece in etc....

just still blown away by the road rage....

I thought a lawyer was his own worse client, and a doctor is their own worse patient.... Seriously, you still might want to get checked out, as your judgment may be skewed by assessing your own health, rather than someone else's.

Glad you are okay, though.

thanks. I am a doc - so I really know that I am ok!

will be going to the proper district tomorrow morning to file the report - the cops were nice on the phone, and Mayor Menino at least gives lip service to wanting to make the city more bike friendly - depending on what happens here I might try to get an op ed piece in etc....

just still blown away by the road rage....

The Post Office should know which carrier was on that route that day, even if it's not the regular. Just ask someone on that street what their zip code is, then you can go to that P.O.

I will never forget when a recycling truck plowed into the side of my car in Cambridge (concord ave and garden).
It was totally their fault, as it was a T intersection, I was going straight, and they pulled right into me for no reason.
On the phone, the representative for the driver was trying to get me to suggest that I might have been at fault, despite the police report.
Then I mentioned that I was having neck cramps-which I was..and the conversation completely changed, trying to be all nicey nice so I wouldn't sue anybody.
The neck cramps didn't develop until more than 24 hours later.

In my opinion, this would have been worth an immediate call to 911.

In my opinion, this would have been worth an immediate call to 911.Absolutely. Numerous police comments indicate that idiot motorists are calling cops on cyclists riding in a legal manner on a regular basis. We really should report the illegal crap that gets pulled in our presence. An event like this could easily be fatal if the motorist misjudges.

For the first time that I know of your Mayor is a bicycle rider. If the police aren't helpful enough go to city hall - it may be the only time in your life it will be helpful. Glad you're ok!

Joe

Woww.. crazy to hear and glad you are at least OK and not hurt any worse than you were..

Hope you get some results since we all know that unfortunately once the immediate incident is over with, it's hard to get results since the police feel they should have been called immediately if it was a big deal..

I did call the police right away. The NON emergency line since I was not injured. I called Brookline, they wanted to send and ambulance despite my insistence that I was ok. I waited but had to get to my office so they met me there. But this happened in Boston (a few blocks from Brookline) so they told me to call Boston, which I did, and they were very helpful but I do have to go in to file the report. I decided to wait until tomorrow when I have more time AND I will have my boys (11 and 13) with me - furthering the idea of a need for safe streets.

I might also try to use some of my media contacts over this - I go on tv as a medical expert frequently so I am going to try to get some play on sharing the road, the new laws etc....

I did call the police right away. The NON emergency line since I was not injured. I called Brookline, they wanted to send and ambulance despite my insistence that I was ok. I waited but had to get to my office so they met me there. But this happened in Boston (a few blocks from Brookline) so they told me to call Boston, which I did, and they were very helpful but I do have to go in to file the report. I decided to wait until tomorrow when I have more time AND I will have my boys (11 and 13) with me - furthering the idea of a need for safe streets.

I might also try to use some of my media contacts over this - I go on tv as a medical expert frequently so I am going to try to get some play on sharing the road, the new laws etc....

Ahh I see.. and that's definitely a good idea to use as much of your contacts as possible to catch the guy and make things like this less likely to happen.. because god forbid it happens again and that person isn't as lucky as you..

Glad you're ok. Please, for the benefit of all of us press this as far and as hard as you can. This past winter Gov. Patrick signed a bill containing laws designed to protect cyclists, that too should operate in your favor.

Sorry to hear about this awful incident. If he intensionally hit you with his truck, that sounds like a serious crime since he could easily have killed you. Great you have the license plate. In the future you should always ride with a helmet camera. They just around $100.

I'm glad you're okay. You shouldn't forget that there are ways to make these guys sorry in the civil court system. They deserve everything they get and more.

If he intensionally hit you with his truck, that sounds like a serious crime since he could easily have killed you.Indeed -- reminds me of this recent case (http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/news/local/article/6526--man-loses-leg-after-mysterious-run-in-with-cabbie) where a cyclist was attacked with a car and lost his leg. (There were a lot of unanswered questions in that case. I'll have to go back and see if they were answered.)

So I was riding on Beacon Street right before Park Drive, 2 lanes there, nice and wide, giving myself a little space from the parked cars to also get better pavement. I am riding my fixed gear. All this honking (red light ahead) behind me and a white truck runs me off the road. I come up next to him at light he starts screaming calling me a stupid c-nt that I was taking the whole lane, which I tried to tell him legally I can....

Tomorrow I will go in to file a complaint and I hope that anyone who has an encounter with this moron or anyone else like him does the same.

--cat

Thanks for posting this thread and I'm glad your OK and pursuing this. I live about one half mile from that intersection. That stretch of Beacon from Coolidge Corner to Park Dr. is not friendly, and though I don't ride it much, I will often take a parallel route along Sewell Ave, Beech Dr and Monmouth St to avoid it. I alway am relieved when I arrive at Park, because Beacon is so wide into Kenmore Square, but a cyclist even was fatally hit there too.

I'm glad you weren't injured and I commend you for pursuing the issue.


I'm not sure I would have been able to think quick enough in that situation to snap a pic with my cell phone. ( Probably not) Good for you! :thumb:

Thanks for posting this thread and I'm glad your OK and pursuing this. I live about one half mile from that intersection. That stretch of Beacon from Coolidge Corner to Park Dr. is not friendly, and though I don't ride it much, I will often take a parallel route along Sewell Ave, Beech Dr and Monmouth St to avoid it. I alway am relieved when I arrive at Park, because Beacon is so wide into Kenmore Square, but a cyclist even was fatally hit there too.


it was the stretch of Beacon between Kenmore and Park Drive - I was traveling outbound. We must live very near each other.

You can imagine how terrified I felt today riding into town and back! I had major PTSD symptoms! Physically some leftover neck strain, which is getting better but mentally today was tough.

Were you standing behind his truck while taking the picture of his plate? It looks like it. People are going to do that to you, so you need to minimize the opportunity. Your exclamation points after the part about ramming you makes it look like you were surprised he did it. Don't be surprised, be ready for them to do that, but still get what evidence you can.

Judging by the tow hooks and what looks like a grill at the top of the photo I would say this is the front of the truck, not the rear. I'm not 100% sure about that, though.

it was the stretch of Beacon between Kenmore and Park Drive - I was traveling outbound. We must live very near each other.

You can imagine how terrified I felt today riding into town and back! I had major PTSD symptoms! Physically some leftover neck strain, which is getting better but mentally today was tough.

For those who don't know that stretch of Beacon, it is pretty wide with two lanes and a parking lane, a speed limit of about 30-35 mph, and in general I consider it a relatively low risk road. I cringe in sympathy. :twitchy: I hope yours, and others' tales promote safety consciouness to all who read them.

Judging by the tow hooks and what looks like a grill at the top of the photo I would say this is the front of the truck, not the rear. I'm not 100% sure about that, though.

No sticker on the plate either, so I believe that's right. From the angle, it looks like the picture was taken while standing in front of part of the bumper. My point was about being a bit further away and a bit to the side when the picture is taken, as I believe more than others that what this guy did to BostonBikeMom is common. Be ready to jump out of the way.

There was a car in front of him, so I could not be off to the side.

That's exactly what will happen they see you taking a picture of their plate. If he had a firearm, would you have done something similar for evidence?

This is Massachusetts. Firearms are a big no-no here.


He intentionally rammed you, as others have noted. He used his truck as a weapon. This sounds like criminal charges to me. Were there any witnesses?

This is Massachusetts. Firearms are a big no-no here.


He intentionally rammed you, as others have noted. He used his truck as a weapon. This sounds like criminal charges to me. Were there any witnesses?

yes, a postal worker whose picture I got by accident as well!!!

There was a car in front of him, so I could not be off to the side.

Holy cow, be careful. He could have really messed you up between vehicles. Us the street address and zip code to find out who the carrier is. I'd have already written it up on a Form 13.

yes, a postal worker whose picture I got by accident as well!!!

That's good. Otherwise, it could turn into a "he said - she said" situation.


That aside, I have noticed that the general attitude of motorists is better this season, than in previous years, at least in the western 'burbs, where I ride the most. Anyone else notice this?

That's good. Otherwise, it could turn into a "he said - she said" situation.


That aside, I have noticed that the general attitude of motorists is better this season, than in previous years, at least in the western 'burbs, where I ride the most. Anyone else notice this?


with the exception of the city I agree but have found that in the city and even heading out to Newton sometimes motorists are a bit clueless - but this was my first real rage situation.

I did the police report today - and the Boston police were great. Not sure if they will do anything but they were super nice and took it seriously.

That's good. Otherwise, it could turn into a "he said - she said" situation.


That aside, I have noticed that the general attitude of motorists is better this season, than in previous years, at least in the western 'burbs, where I ride the most. Anyone else notice this?Not true on Oahu, Hawaii. More close passes than ever this summer. I have added a blue blinkie to my night lights, works great (can't figure out why).;)

...I did the police report today - and the Boston police were great. Not sure if they will do anything but they were super nice and took it seriously.Even if the only thing the cops do is call the guy on the phone, it will have a big impact on him avoiding cyclist in the future. Good on you for following through.

*sigh*
Bostonbikemom, I'm glat to hear you're OK. I've heard much worse stories of car-bicycle incidents in boston. I agree with Jim: that stretch is wide, but too wide. Drivers overestimate safety of cyclists and in your case get angry when they don't understand why you would take a lane in such a situation. And especially since that stretch's slight decline, cars race to get to the bottom. I also avoid biking there.

As you mentioned, there's a lot of great stuff going on in the boston cycling advocacy world, especially with Mayor Menino's bike committee (http://www.cityofboston.gov/bikes/). Also good news is that you're not alone in feeling the need to voice your concerns in op-eds. Most recently, there's been a whole lot of online (http://jazzcycle.bostonbiker.org/2009/08/19/i-cant-help-it-i-have-to-respond/) backlash (http://bostonbiker.org/2009/08/13/the-hit-parade-continues/) from the cycling community regarding this article (http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/07/bostons_unruly_riders/) and this op-ed (http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/08/13/the_cure_for_road_rage_bike_laws/) published by the globe a few weeks ago.

The bad news is, as you've described, drivers' attitudes here still really, really suck. A few months ago I was taking up a lane side by side with a friend on Comm Ave. (yes I know there's a bike lane, but we're also legally allowed to take up the lane side by side) The car behind us decided to pass us not on the left by switching lanes but by very dangerously squeezing between us and the parked cars while screaming "GET OUT OF MY LANE" at us. They gave both of us a scare we couldn't quite shake off for a few hours. Part of me wished these bozos were doored while pulling their idiotic stunt. Obviously they didn't know we could legally ride side by side as of this past January, even on a road with a bike lane. Unfortunately, as long as cyclists are seen as a pesky inconvenience by drivers, behavior is unlikely to change.

While I'm at it, I'd like to invite you (and anyone else in Boston) to Bike Friday this friday. It's a group commuter ride followed by free breakfast sponsored by Menino's BIke Committee. I have a post about it (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=576389) in the commuting section, but basically:

June 19, July 31, and August 28

Talk about a grand entrance—you and a convoy of your fellow bikers all escorted into the city by experienced cycling guides. Really, how could you pass that up?

What’s more, at City Hall Plaza you can enjoy a free breakfast burrito and yogurt parfait courtesy of Boloco, tour the Bike Expo featuring tons of great gear from local bike shops all while listening to WZLX live. And still get to work on time.

That’s the deal on Bike Fridays.

Convoys leave at 6:45AM from various locations in and around Boston including Newton, Brookline, Belmont, Cambridge, Lexington, Arlington, Somerville, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, Roslindale, Allston, Brighton and many more. You arrive, non-stop, at City Hall Plaza by 8:15.I'd encourage you to come join. The fun and safety provided from riding with a group as well as the free breakfast burritos and coffee make waking up extra early well worth it. I'll be a convoy leader for the Allston/Brighton route. Registration is free at bikefridays.org (http://bikefridays.org/).



I have added a blue blinkie to my night lights, works great (can't figure out why).;)
While this sounds like a great idea, I hope you're not breaking any laws to do with impersonating a police officer. I started wearing an orange construction vest recently and I've had pretty good success so far-cars definitely give me space at night. Though for some reason, cops have been really suspicious of my bright orange reflective vest-One cop tailed me slowly on an empty brighton ave. one night for several blocks. At least he didn't hit me? If cops are suspicious of my vest, I can't imagine a blue blinkie really doing much good either, especially in a city terrified of colorful LED lights (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Boston_bomb_scare).

Well, I'm out in spooky old Waltham. But, I have done my share of riding in Boston. I'm afraid I'm a tad cynical. First, didn't Tommy Mennino lay off the previous two people who held the position of Bicycle coordinator? Or was it just one? Second, I cannot get past this feeling that he isn't serious about making Boston a bike friendly city. Something smells funny, and it isn't the Green Line. I keep thinking it's simply "politics as usual". I keep thinking of all those green "Bike Route" signs that went up in the '70s. That was a "bone" tossed to the growing number of ten-speed riders, and the ecology movement of the time. They served no actual purpose whatsoever. Some are still visible here and there. But, as I mentioned, I'm cynical.

That aside, the attitude of Boston drivers will not change. Not as long as there are simply too many cars, coming into what is geographically a small city, and fighting for too few parking spaces.

I keep hearing that drivers in the Atlanta and Miami areas are much worse. Anyone care to comment?

BostonBikemom, please keep us posted as to how this progresses. Glad to hear of the positive attitude of the Boston PD.

Well, I'm out in spooky old Waltham. But, I have done my share of riding in Boston. I'm afraid I'm a tad cynical. First, didn't Tommy Mennino lay off the previous two people who held the position of Bicycle coordinator? Or was it just one? Second, I cannot get past this feeling that he isn't serious about making Boston a bike friendly city. Something smells funny, and it isn't the Green Line. I keep thinking it's simply "politics as usual". I keep thinking of all those green "Bike Route" signs that went up in the '70s. That was a "bone" tossed to the growing number of ten-speed riders, and the ecology movement of the time. They served no actual purpose whatsoever. Some are still visible here and there. But, as I mentioned, I'm cynical.


You have good reason to be cynical-Boston did indeed hire and fire a bike coordinator in the 90s. However, A LOT has since changed. In fact, there was a great write up in the NY times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/us/09bike.html) about what's different this time. Basically:

-cycling has exploded in the past year as a means of transportation in Boston among residents, college students, etc.
-Boston was consistently rated "Worst Bike Friendly City in America" by Bicycling Magazine.
-Menino actually re-discovered the joy of riding a bike in 2005
-Yes there's Portland, but have you seen what's been going on in Boston's neighboring city New York (http://www.streetfilms.org/archives/transforming-nyc-streets-with-jsk/) in the past two years? It puts Boston to shame.
-Menino saw the above reasons as an opportunity to make change, and made a huge deal last year about hiring Nicole Freedman as Boston's "Bike Czar" (http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/cycling/articles/2008/04/06/for_bostons_bicycling_czar_gung_ho_is_the_only_speed/) to create a "Boston Bikes" committee to make the city more bike friendly.
-In January a whole slew of new bike safety laws (http://massbike.org/bikebill/index.htm) were passed in Massachusetts
-This past month City Council passed a bike law (http://www.cityofboston.gov/cityclerk/hearing/upload_pdfs/docket_pdfs/075505312009.pdf) making parking in the bike lanes illegal punishable by a $100 fine.
- Bike lanes are popping up (http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2008/08/06/bostons_bike_lanes_nearly_set_for_riders/) everywhere around boston
-A few weeks ago Boston had its first on-street conversion of a metered space into bike parking (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3137547&id=66605578244)
-tons of bike racks are being installed everywhere. Old parking meters will also be converted to bike racks.
-The City now offers free printed Bike Maps to the public (http://www.cityofboston.gov/contact/?id=179). (I have two boxes full of them I've just started to hand out)
-Hub on Wheels (http://hubonwheels.kintera.org/) is HUGE
-and thanks to the committee Boston has signed a contract for a (http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/vendor_selected.html)bike share program (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct2=us%2F0_0_s_3_0_t&usg=AFQjCNFZkticXDrEtaOqDiJen__8dbF29A&cid=1295847052&ei=jYCTSvCQCp-IlQecyqDIAw&rt=SEARCH&vm=STANDARD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fhostednews%2Fap%2Farticle%2FALeqM5hNf2Pv3JPRgKnvcgJEXPHLMmC-0QD9A1MCCO0).

-All of the above happened in just one year. 2008/2009 was Boston's cycling tipping point.

Of course there's a ton of politics involved, but even if it's just to make himself look better (which I doubt is the prime motivator-I've heard Nicole speak, and it really sounds like he's picked up a love for biking) it's pretty evident that Menino is serious this time about making Boston bike friendly.

I don't see drivers' attitudes changing anytime soon either, but I'd say we're off to a great start.

Any update? It's ridiculous how things go in the USA: want to kill / maim / hurt someone and get away with it? Use your car!

It'd be nice to see one of these dangerous idiots penalized for once. Any luck tracking down the attempted murderer?

Thanks for the info Hum. I was indeed aware that the bicyclists' safety bill had finally been signed into law.
I must give credit where credit is due, so thanks to Governor Patrick. It's funny that this actually made it to the Governor's desk before, where it was vetoed by acting governor Kerry Healy. But, we actually got a better bill because of it. ( I also remember her letter, explaining her reasons for the veto. Talk about something smelling funny... That letter was a fine example of class "A" BS. I wish it were still posted. ) It will be interesting to see what happens, once all police officers in the state are requested and required to learn the state bicycle laws.

Still, Mennino does something that so many politicians do: He smiles a lot. Old Klingon saying, "I don't trust men who smile too much." I'll maintain my cynical posture, for the time being.

No word from the police - but I was up racing in NH - need to pick up a copy of the police report. My feeling is that nothing happens now but this guy has this on file for the next time....

As much as I would love to do Boston Bikes tomorrow, my kids are counting on a trip to six flags....my one week of vacation with them.

Hey Boston Bike Mom,

Glad you are okay. I am not a troll, and am not trying to spam this forum.

Have you considered purchasing a helmet camera?

This might help get better evidence, since if you don't have footage of the whole thing, it means you have less evidence to support your claim. A witness definitely helps, but just a picture of the witness, and not his contact info isn't as good.

Anyways, I have been looking at getting TWO cameras. They are both from something called VHoldR, it is called the Contour HD. I don't want to post the direct link to violate the terms of this forum, but you can easily google it... Contour HD.

I plan on having one on my helmet, and one on the bike. Drivers are idiots most of the time. And if they aren't, if they have done something wrong, they become idiots (and most of all, LIARS), when shytt hits the fan.

This underlines the importance of having footage that can come as close to the truth as any testimony by either party involved in an accident. A camera PAIR may cost $600, and may seem like overkill, but when motorists will distort the truth to make them seem at fault, it is a $600 well "wasted."

Goodluck to you, and ride safe.

Ride safe everyone reading this, and may you be protected always.

As much as I would love to do Boston Bikes tomorrow, my kids are counting on a trip to six flags....my one week of vacation with them.

A little OT, but are you coming down to Great Adventure in Jackson? Bring a coke can or two, get some freebies. You can buy them at the WaWa right outside of the theme park entrance :thumb: ha ha.

Good luck with this. I hope at the very least this guy has a scar on his record.

I realize I'm several months behind on this thread, but...

If a person in a motor vehicle rams you on a bicycle, and a bicycle is considered a vehicle in your state, couldn't you press charges for a hit & run? Which is a criminal charge, and would take him to traffic court? That would certainly seem to be more effective than just filing a report.

You are about 8 months too late.

Edit: I was responding to someone who recommended getting checked out by a doctor, etc..., and then, that person deleted their post.

When older threads like this one pop up, I'd be more interested in an update on any further developments.

Good going all around. Nice awareness to get the license plate. Probably more likely to pursue the civil angle (in court and out) than thru the police, unless ya have other witnesses from the scene. Boffo!

Great that you got his plates, and a witness... write down everything you remember ASAP.

Hopefully the police can get a conviction, not sure what the charge is gonna be.. a type of assault and jail time possibly. Anyways glad you want to see this through and aren't taking any of it.