Advocacy & Safety - If a bicyclist hits me as a pedestrian, can I destroy his bike?

Inspired by this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=586250

There is a particular path at my college where people on bikes zoom by without a thought to the heavy foot traffic. That path happens to be the only way to my apartment, and every day I almost get hit by someone.

If I were to get struck, I'm assuming the cyclist would go down with me. How bad would it be to stomp his wheels or slam the bike against a tree?

One could argue that it's not self-defense, because after he goes down, I'm out of danger. One could also argue that it is self-defense because the person was reckless enough to crash a big piece of metal into me. Another argument would be that if he reports me for damaging the bike, he would have to admit to driving his bike so recklessly that he hits a pedestrian.

Thoughts? I'm interested to know what would you do in that situation.

probably?

legally, i have no idea

ethically, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" or "an eye for an eye" your pick

Inspired by this thread: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=586250

There is a particular path at my college where people on bikes zoom by without a thought to the heavy foot traffic. That path happens to be the only way to my apartment, and every day I almost get hit by someone.

If I were to get struck, I'm assuming the cyclist would go down with me. How bad would it be to stomp his wheels or slam the bike against a tree?

One could argue that it's not self-defense, because after he goes down, I'm out of danger. One could also argue that it is self-defense because the person was reckless enough to crash a big piece of metal into me. Another argument would be that if he reports me for damaging the bike, he would have to admit to driving his bike so recklessly that he hits a pedestrian.

Thoughts? I'm interested to know what would you do in that situation.

Legally I don't think that you would have a leg to stand on. And he could always use the "standard" cager excuse of "I didn't see him" or "he just popped up out of nowhere."

Put yourself in his place, and change it to your out jogging, roller blading, or skateboarding, you run into someone. Does that give them the right to tear up your sneakers and jogging suit, or roller blades, or skateboard?

Why take it out on the guy's bike? I'd kick his a55 instead.

Why take it out on the guy's bike? I'd kick his a55 instead.I always assumed his ass would be substantially "kicked" from the fall.


Put yourself in his place, and change it to your out jogging, roller blading, or skateboarding, you run into someone. Does that give them the right to tear up your sneakers and jogging suit, or roller blades, or skateboard?If he were rollerblading that recklessly, then sure, I think he has what's coming to him.

I say give it a try and see what the outcome is. I won't help with bail money though.

I'd take my aggression & channel it in a more appropriate way. (After I calmed down.)

Kar Kulture squeezes bicycles and pedestrians into the same narrow spaces, creating the very dangers and problems you so rightly find yourself concerned about.

So maybe get involved in creating well-thought out commuting space for peds & pedlers rather than the tangled mess we have now.

If i were the biker and you did that too my bike i would beat the living **** out of you, either stay out of the way of bicyclist or take the pain like a man. Don't destroy some ones property like a little baby

Buy a decent frame pump. Practice your timing. Cinzano!

OP seems to have a reading comprehension problem, the remedy for being hit by a car given in the other thread would be to punch the motorist.

Battles between bikers and walkers spilled over into the local newspaper letters. A pedestrian suggested walkers should carry a short piece of broom handle and simply jam it into the spokes of an offending biker, thus bringing him down. A biker wrote back into the letters stating that the walker should make sure that his broom handle was really smooth and splinter free so that when the biker returned it to the walkers "special" place it wouldnt hurt too much.

A little trick I used (it worked good for cars too) was to carry a plastic bag and swing it out and around while walking on the edge of the trail. I used to carry my work shoes back and forth and people seemed very reluctant to get anywhere near my swinging plastic bag where previously they would pass way too close. Perhaps this might help to avoid an uncessary confrontation.

Battles between bikers and walkers spilled over into the local newspaper letters. A pedestrian suggested walkers should carry a short piece of broom handle and simply jam it into the spokes of an offending biker, thus bringing him down. A biker wrote back into the letters stating that the walker should make sure that his broom handle was really smooth and splinter free so that when the biker returned it to the walkers "special" place it wouldn't hurt too much.

And how was that received?

A little trick I used (it worked good for cars too) was to carry a plastic bag and swing it out and around while walking on the edge of the trail. I used to carry my work shoes back and forth and people seemed very reluctant to get anywhere near my swinging plastic bag where previously they would pass way too close. Perhaps this might help to avoid an unnecessary confrontation.

One thing that would help is that on MUPs with "lanes" for walkers, etc. and another for cyclists that everyone stays in their lane. I don't use the primary trail here (Pinellas Trail) much because it doesn't really go where I want to go other then the VA. And the last time that I was on it there were people all over the trail.

What's the point of putting up signs and icons on the trail IF people are going to walk/ride wherever they feel like?

OP seems to have a reading comprehension problem, the remedy for being hit by a car given in the other thread would be to punch the motorist.What did I fail to read properly? All I did was pose a question I remembered having.

What did I fail to read properly? All I did was pose a question I remembered having.I thought the same thing.:rolleyes:

OK, there are places where cycling on the sidewalk is allowed, others not. But he rules are the same for sidewalk or MUP:

Peds have right of way ALWAYS, unless signed otherwise.

If I was walking and felt in imminent danger from a rider, he WOULD get kicked off the bike. (And to all of you 'alpha' riders -- get back up...make my day.)

I slow down for walkers when I ride. PERIOD.

Why trash the bike? Get on it and ride away. Explain, "I'll forget the assault charges if you pardon my theft of your bicycle. I'm taking this away from you to prevent you from killing someone. I'm doing you a favor."

In Philly, you are not allowed to destroy the bike, but you are allowed to destroy his sweater. But if you are troubled enough to want to, you should just destroy your own sweater - or buy a Dahon*.

*The Dahon bit may be thrown in there gratuitously and for no reason.

On a side note, since I have a Dahon boardwalk...
Is riding a folding bike as much of a faux paus as riding a recumbent**? If the folder is a single speed, does the coolness factor of SS make up for the fact that it is a folder?

**I'm not saying that riding a recumbent is or is not a faux paus. But people are saying that it is, and I haven't heard any recumbents deny this claim.

For the record, I am currently sober.

<babble>
For the record, I am currently sober.
Someone get this man a drink immediately.

I recommend challenging them to a duel. It's civilized......

If he does not run over and help you and make sure your okay break the bike in half.

make sure you don't stomp on the bicycle in anger.

you're just dizzy from the collision, and you're stumbling on top of the wheels/derailleurs/other fragile and expensive parts by accident.

One thing that would help is that on MUPs with "lanes" for walkers, etc. and another for cyclists that everyone stays in their lane. I don't use the primary trail here (Pinellas Trail) much because it doesn't really go where I want to go other then the VA. And the last time that I was on it there were people all over the trail.

What's the point of putting up signs and icons on the trail IF people are going to walk/ride wherever they feel like?

Marked lanes would be ideal but the MUPs around here are too narrow for such divisions. Bad planning but again it is just indicative of the conception for these trails in this city are for recreation not for transport. The city and the region preach alternative transport but seem to conspire against making it practicable.

Marked lanes would be ideal but the MUPs around here are too narrow for such divisions. Bad planning but again it is just indicative of the conception for these trails in this city are for recreation not for transport. The city and the region preach alternative transport but seem to conspire against making it practicable.

Fortunately the Pinellas Trail is plenty wide, as it's a "recovered" railroad bed. And it does have some lane stripping here and there and every X-yards it does have the icons for walkers and cyclists on their respective sides of the trail. But as I've said the last time I was on it. Everyone was everywhere. :-(

If I were you I would start walking on the far left side of the path, that way you're not continually getting buzzed by inconsiderate same-direction cyclists

make sure you don't stomp on the bicycle in anger.

you're just dizzy from the collision, and you're stumbling on top of the wheels/derailleurs/other fragile and expensive parts by accident.

Hmmm, I guess I've never seen a "bicycle in anger" . . . I try to treat mine with respect and affection and hope that it will return the favor.

If I were you I would start walking on the far left side of the path, that way you're not continually getting buzzed by inconsiderate same-direction cyclistsIt's not even a MUP. It's just a sidewalk / footpath on the campus. It's not nearly as wide, and there is really no such thing as far-left or far-right. The area in question is on a downhill, and the problem is, people just coast down it at unreasonable speeds, and pass way too close going way too fast.

Actually it reminds me of what cars do to me every time I'm out biking (minus the swearing, bottle-throwing, and horn-honking).

It's not even easy to avoid, because these bicyclists are so wobbly and reckless. They don't give any warning when passing. The only warning is the feeling of handlebars grazing your arm, and a big surge of adrenaline upon realizing what just happened.

I have seen lanes for cyclists and pedestrians on MUPs but no one pays any attention to them.

You would probably both get tickets if you tried to destroy his bike, since that is destruction of private property. (Yours would probably be a lot more severe)

I completely understand your frustration, but where i go to college we have the exact opposite where we have 100s of students in the middle of the road (not a shared walkway) and the sidewalks at about 30% capacity. And I'm talking about walking seriously down the middle of a lane.

If i hit someone in one of these areas (it being their fault, seeing as it is not a shared walkway) and they tried to destroy my bike, i would not think twice about beating the crap out of them. I strongly suggest you not even try this, especially since many people carry weapons, and you don't need to provoke these kind of engagements.

OP - Too much time on your hands or is it raining alot ?

This is a cycling forum.
Cars and pedestrians are always wrong.:rolleyes:

This is a cycling forum.
Cars and pedestrians are always wrong.:rolleyes:

Haha, that's what i was thinking.
I feel like it's almost a troll question on here.

It's like going to a car forum and saying.."If a car isn't yielding, do i have the right to shove a knife in their tires?"

A little trick I used (it worked good for cars too) was to carry a plastic bag and swing it out and around while walking on the edge of the trail. I used to carry my work shoes back and forth and people seemed very reluctant to get anywhere near my swinging plastic bag where previously they would pass way too close. Perhaps this might help to avoid an uncessary confrontation.

This technique has proven to be successful for me also.

Only if you are bent on punishing yourself.

I don't know the law in Philly, but wherever I've lived it's against the law to destroy public or private property.

Well in that case, I'll probably just end up stumbling around in my stupor and accidentally stepping on the derailler and spokes.

If you listen you might hear one coming up and just clothes line the dumbass.

Sounds very dangerous. I suggest wearing leathers or carbolex clothing, ideally with CE or better armor. Over ankle boots. And gloves with knuckle protectors. As well as a suitable helmet.

That way when the disgruntled cyclist knocks you down, you'll be OK. And after you stomp his bike, you'll be wearing armor and he won't. That's a big advantage.

And you won't have to worry about all those pesky friends.

Seriously, you can't attack property. That's way out of line. You can and probably should call the police and immediately take pictures of the culprit and his machine, see if you can get contact points for witnesses. That type of behavior is really unacceptable. But self-help will generally get you in big trouble.

this question is better asked on pedestrianforums.net