duke_of_hazard
10-07-09, 02:49 PM
Has a car ever intentionally hit you from behind to get you out of their way? What leap of evil does it take to go from honking, close passing, engine revving to actually intentionally hitting you?
Advocacy & Safety - Anyone been intentionaly rear-ended by a car?
Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.View Full Version : Anyone been intentionaly rear-ended by a car?
lineinthewater
10-07-09, 02:59 PM
No. Geez. Did this happen to you? Personally, I wouldn't move until I had the license plate # (if at all), meanwhile taking out my cell phone to call the police. But that's me - probably ill-advised when the person has already shown they are depraved enough to actually hit you.
Closest I've had (while stopped) is when someone behind me, in a double left turn lane, laid on their horn right when the light changed green. It was absolutely pathetic. I already knew the light was turning for our lane, and I had already started off a second before the light turned. By the time he hit the horn, I was almost halfway along my arc to the new road. Let's just say I let him pass me, chased him down, and gave him a PIECE of my mind. He spent the whole time claiming "you bikers think you own the road - you can't be in the lane like that". Some people.
Closest I've had (while stopped) is when someone behind me, in a double left turn lane, laid on their horn right when the light changed green. It was absolutely pathetic. I already knew the light was turning for our lane, and I had already started off a second before the light turned. By the time he hit the horn, I was almost halfway along my arc to the new road. Let's just say I let him pass me, chased him down, and gave him a PIECE of my mind. He spent the whole time claiming "you bikers think you own the road - you can't be in the lane like that". Some people.
Catgrrl70
10-07-09, 03:28 PM
Yes, years ago (2001 or 2002). I was the first in line at a red light waiting to turn left (one lane each way). A cabbie rolled up behind me. He yelled at me to move. I didn't, pointing to red light. He then rolled forward and "bumped" my rear wheel with his vehicle. This was when I was first riding and I didn't call the cops (today I would). Rather I planted myself even more firmly to the spot and let him yell at me (that I wouldn't change even today). Note that although this was crazy he didn't "seem crazy" and didn't feel in immediate danger. Each situation could be different. Any contact now with me or my bike would equal a call to the police.
Digital_Cowboy
10-07-09, 04:50 PM
Yes, years ago (2001 or 2002). I was the first in line at a red light waiting to turn left (one lane each way). A cabbie rolled up behind me. He yelled at me to move. I didn't, pointing to red light. He then rolled forward and "bumped" my rear wheel with his vehicle. This was when I was first riding and I didn't call the cops (today I would). Rather I planted myself even more firmly to the spot and let him yell at me (that I wouldn't change even today). Note that although this was crazy he didn't "seem crazy" and didn't feel in immediate danger. Each situation could be different. Any contact now with me or my bike would equal a call to the police.
I think that it's safe to say that most of us when we first started riding accepted things that today we wouldn't.
Calling the police and filing a report is the best thing to do after a confrontation with a driver.
I think that it's safe to say that most of us when we first started riding accepted things that today we wouldn't.
Calling the police and filing a report is the best thing to do after a confrontation with a driver.
keesue
10-07-09, 04:55 PM
The best thing to do is get the license plate number to file a police report and to file a complaint in court for damages. Most observers will be most happy to testify for you. Get their name and number and tell them you intend to file suit to stop this harassment of cyclists. You can allege intentional infliction of emotional distress and the cost of a new wheel. A modest amount for damages to serve notice would be the right thing to do. Avoiding the confrontation is best as well. Legal aide can advise.
mondaycurse
10-07-09, 05:13 PM
I've been bumped by one of those "creep forward at a red because it changes the light faster" people. I pulled out some paper, wrote the plate number down, then proceeded to give her my meanest stare. When I got home I realized my back wheel was bent out of true. One of my riding friends is a police officer and helped me find her info through her license plate so I could get the money to fix my wheel. When she opened the door, she was a bit scared to see me. I told her she bent my wheel. Before I could even ask for the $15 to get the wheel trued at the LBS, she gave me $100
Yay for looking evil?
Yay for looking evil?
lineinthewater
10-07-09, 05:30 PM
I've been bumped by one of those "creep forward at a red because it changes the light faster" people. I pulled out some paper, wrote the plate number down, then proceeded to give her my meanest stare. When I got home I realized my back wheel was bent out of true. One of my riding friends is a police officer and helped me find her info through her license plate so I could get the money to fix my wheel. When she opened the door, she was a bit scared to see me. I told her she bent my wheel. Before I could even ask for the $15 to get the wheel trued at the LBS, she gave me $100
Yay for looking evil?
Good for you for following-through - lucky you had a friend that worked for the police. These type of people will never learn unless you call them on their ridiculous behavior. That said, I personally wouldn't go alone (without an officer) because you never know with whom you are dealing.
Yay for looking evil?
Good for you for following-through - lucky you had a friend that worked for the police. These type of people will never learn unless you call them on their ridiculous behavior. That said, I personally wouldn't go alone (without an officer) because you never know with whom you are dealing.
UmneyDurak
10-07-09, 05:36 PM
A bit off topic, but I never understood that behavior. I see it frequently enough: "stop, slowly move forward, stop, etc". When the light does turn green they usually the slowest to accelerate and make the turn. :rolleyes:
UD
UD
duke_of_hazard
10-07-09, 05:51 PM
I've been bumped by one of those "creep forward at a red because it changes the light faster" people. I pulled out some paper, wrote the plate number down, then proceeded to give her my meanest stare. When I got home I realized my back wheel was bent out of true. One of my riding friends is a police officer and helped me find her info through her license plate so I could get the money to fix my wheel. When she opened the door, she was a bit scared to see me. I told her she bent my wheel. Before I could even ask for the $15 to get the wheel trued at the LBS, she gave me $100
Yay for looking evil?
I am confused, was it intentional? If it had enough force to bend your wheel, why didn't you get mad at them right then? I would be furious...
Yay for looking evil?
I am confused, was it intentional? If it had enough force to bend your wheel, why didn't you get mad at them right then? I would be furious...
Digital_Cowboy
10-07-09, 06:44 PM
Good for you for following-through - lucky you had a friend that worked for the police. These type of people will never learn unless you call them on their ridiculous behavior. That said, I personally wouldn't go alone (without an officer) because you never know with whom you are dealing.
That also applies when we flip 'em off and cuss 'em out on the street. Which sadly it's pretty safe to say that we've all been guilty of at one time or another. And if we were smart we wouldn't because we don't know what their reaction is going to be.
That also applies when we flip 'em off and cuss 'em out on the street. Which sadly it's pretty safe to say that we've all been guilty of at one time or another. And if we were smart we wouldn't because we don't know what their reaction is going to be.
lineinthewater
10-07-09, 06:51 PM
That also applies when we flip 'em off and cuss 'em out on the street. Which sadly it's pretty safe to say that we've all been guilty of at one time or another. And if we were smart we wouldn't because we don't know what their reaction is going to be.
Yeah, but at least in the street there are usually enough people around to prevent an escalation, other than the usual exchange of pleasantries.
Yeah, but at least in the street there are usually enough people around to prevent an escalation, other than the usual exchange of pleasantries.
ItsJustMe
10-07-09, 07:22 PM
A bit off topic, but I never understood that behavior. I see it frequently enough: "stop, slowly move forward, stop, etc". When the light does turn green they usually the slowest to accelerate and make the turn. :rolleyes:
UD
My theory is that they like to wear out their brakes faster, and also they like to creep so far forwards that they can't actually see the light very well so that when it DOES turn green, they actually wind up getting going SLOWER than if they'd stayed back where they were.
OK, that's probably not the intention, but that's what generally happens.
UD
My theory is that they like to wear out their brakes faster, and also they like to creep so far forwards that they can't actually see the light very well so that when it DOES turn green, they actually wind up getting going SLOWER than if they'd stayed back where they were.
OK, that's probably not the intention, but that's what generally happens.
mondaycurse
10-07-09, 07:36 PM
I am confused, was it intentional? If it had enough force to bend your wheel, why didn't you get mad at them right then? I would be furious...
I'm pretty sure it was intentional. I didn't realize my wheel was out of true right away, but I was more annoyed by her behavior/logic that gaining another foot at a red light is going to get her home faster. While I visited her house to collect my $15(+85), I asked if she ever tries to nudge other cars forwards. No reply.
Also, I think a long, angry stare scares people more than my voice would. She was about 30, 5'4", and 120 pounds (all guesses), so I didn't want the small-town local media reporting "Vicious cyclist berates helpless woman" and skewing all the facts.
I'm pretty sure it was intentional. I didn't realize my wheel was out of true right away, but I was more annoyed by her behavior/logic that gaining another foot at a red light is going to get her home faster. While I visited her house to collect my $15(+85), I asked if she ever tries to nudge other cars forwards. No reply.
Also, I think a long, angry stare scares people more than my voice would. She was about 30, 5'4", and 120 pounds (all guesses), so I didn't want the small-town local media reporting "Vicious cyclist berates helpless woman" and skewing all the facts.
Digital_Cowboy
10-07-09, 07:38 PM
Yeah, but at least in the street there are usually enough people around to prevent an escalation, other than the usual exchange of pleasantries.
Hopefully
Hopefully
lineinthewater
10-07-09, 07:38 PM
I asked if she ever tries to nudge other cars forwards. No reply.
:roflmao2:
:roflmao2:
lineinthewater
10-07-09, 07:39 PM
Hopefully
I would never push it in the boonies - and yes, similar things have happened in the boonies. Thar guns out in thar woods! :lol:
I would never push it in the boonies - and yes, similar things have happened in the boonies. Thar guns out in thar woods! :lol:
cudak888
10-07-09, 09:45 PM
I asked if she ever tries to nudge other cars forwards. No reply.
That reminds me - I have seen one case wherein an irate driver - "unhappy" with the speed at which someone was backing out of an alley in front of him - T-boned said vehicle on purpose, from a standing stop. Fellow drove off.
-Kurt
That reminds me - I have seen one case wherein an irate driver - "unhappy" with the speed at which someone was backing out of an alley in front of him - T-boned said vehicle on purpose, from a standing stop. Fellow drove off.
-Kurt
Digital_Cowboy
10-07-09, 10:03 PM
That reminds me - I have seen one case wherein an irate driver - "unhappy" with the speed at which someone was backing out of an alley in front of him - T-boned said vehicle on purpose, from a standing stop. Fellow drove off.
-Kurt
Sadly, that doesn't surprise me.
-Kurt
Sadly, that doesn't surprise me.
cudak888
10-07-09, 11:03 PM
Sadly, that doesn't surprise me.
Didn't surprise me either when he did it either. There was an overwhelming aura of impending aggressive conflict just before it happened - you could literally sense it was imminent.
-Kurt
Didn't surprise me either when he did it either. There was an overwhelming aura of impending aggressive conflict just before it happened - you could literally sense it was imminent.
-Kurt
Digital_Cowboy
10-07-09, 11:20 PM
Didn't surprise me either when he did it either. There was an overwhelming aura of impending aggressive conflict just before it happened - you could literally sense it was imminent.
-Kurt
I hate to think what he would have done to a cyclist that was in his way.
-Kurt
I hate to think what he would have done to a cyclist that was in his way.
SweetLou
10-08-09, 06:49 AM
A bit off topic, but I never understood that behavior. I see it frequently enough: "stop, slowly move forward, stop, etc". When the light does turn green they usually the slowest to accelerate and make the turn. :rolleyes:
UD
I see cars do this at long lights that end up in the intersection. No possible way they can see the traffic light any more. When I used to drive, I refused to move up when they do this. I drove an manual and would take the car out of gear at lights. I didn't want to keep my foot on the clutch. Slowly moving up was even a more of a pain. By the time the light turns to green, there would usually be a 1 to 2 car length extra between me and the car ahead.
UD
I see cars do this at long lights that end up in the intersection. No possible way they can see the traffic light any more. When I used to drive, I refused to move up when they do this. I drove an manual and would take the car out of gear at lights. I didn't want to keep my foot on the clutch. Slowly moving up was even a more of a pain. By the time the light turns to green, there would usually be a 1 to 2 car length extra between me and the car ahead.
genec
10-08-09, 06:57 AM
Has a car ever intentionally hit you from behind to get you out of their way? What leap of evil does it take to go from honking, close passing, engine revving to actually intentionally hitting you?
Let's not forget the SMU lawyer instructor in Dallas years ago that both hit the cyclist from behind and then tried to deny it in court.
http://www.lawschool.com/texasprofindicted.htm
"Oh please, I didn't even hit you. ... you were in the way."
Let's not forget the SMU lawyer instructor in Dallas years ago that both hit the cyclist from behind and then tried to deny it in court.
http://www.lawschool.com/texasprofindicted.htm
"Oh please, I didn't even hit you. ... you were in the way."
ItsJustMe
10-08-09, 07:05 AM
I see cars do this at long lights that end up in the intersection. No possible way they can see the traffic light any more. When I used to drive, I refused to move up when they do this. I drove an manual and would take the car out of gear at lights. I didn't want to keep my foot on the clutch. Slowly moving up was even a more of a pain. By the time the light turns to green, there would usually be a 1 to 2 car length extra between me and the car ahead.
I do that too, even with an automatic. I just let them creep up, and leave the car length between my nose and the white "stop here" line. I've had up to maybe 25 feet between me and the creeper. When the light turns green, I still wind up on their bumper because they can't see the light from up there.
I do that too, even with an automatic. I just let them creep up, and leave the car length between my nose and the white "stop here" line. I've had up to maybe 25 feet between me and the creeper. When the light turns green, I still wind up on their bumper because they can't see the light from up there.
lineinthewater
10-08-09, 07:05 AM
Let's not forget the SMU lawyer instructor in Dallas years ago that both hit the cyclist from behind and then tried to deny it in court.
http://www.lawschool.com/texasprofindicted.htm
I always worry about these type of people (in the back of my mind) - you never know.
The other day, I was waiting at a left-turn lane - the lane was larger than normal - I was smack dab in the middle, just straddling the crosswalk. A car pulls up and decides to edge up on the right side until he was actually ahead of me. This guy was trying to cut me off on the turn. To preempt any possible accident, I went out into the intersection (a large intersection) and went right in-front of his car. He was pissed ... but that is better than what was about to happen ... trust me (I saw his face when he pulled up side of me). Some people are just outright hostile to bikers, whether they are in a rush or not.
http://www.lawschool.com/texasprofindicted.htm
I always worry about these type of people (in the back of my mind) - you never know.
The other day, I was waiting at a left-turn lane - the lane was larger than normal - I was smack dab in the middle, just straddling the crosswalk. A car pulls up and decides to edge up on the right side until he was actually ahead of me. This guy was trying to cut me off on the turn. To preempt any possible accident, I went out into the intersection (a large intersection) and went right in-front of his car. He was pissed ... but that is better than what was about to happen ... trust me (I saw his face when he pulled up side of me). Some people are just outright hostile to bikers, whether they are in a rush or not.
genec
10-08-09, 07:11 AM
I always worry about these type of people (in the back of my mind) - you never know.
The other day, I was waiting at a left-turn lane - the lane was larger than normal - I was smack dab in the middle, just straddling the crosswalk. A car pulls up and decides to edge up on the right side until he was actually ahead of me. This guy was trying to cut me off on the turn. To preempt any possible accident, I went out into the intersection (a large intersection) and went right in-front of his car. He was pissed ... but that is better than what was about to happen ... trust me (I saw his face when he pulled up side of me). Some people are just outright hostile to bikers, whether they are in a rush or not.
I had an idiot pull into the oncoming lane when I was positioned in the middle at the left turn. I had strong reason for being there... right after the left, I had to stay in the left and make another left turn.
This idiot decided I was in the wrong place and he stopped his car half over the double yellow to prove his point.
I just let him go first and then did my thing. No point arguing with idiots with dangerous weapons.
The other day, I was waiting at a left-turn lane - the lane was larger than normal - I was smack dab in the middle, just straddling the crosswalk. A car pulls up and decides to edge up on the right side until he was actually ahead of me. This guy was trying to cut me off on the turn. To preempt any possible accident, I went out into the intersection (a large intersection) and went right in-front of his car. He was pissed ... but that is better than what was about to happen ... trust me (I saw his face when he pulled up side of me). Some people are just outright hostile to bikers, whether they are in a rush or not.
I had an idiot pull into the oncoming lane when I was positioned in the middle at the left turn. I had strong reason for being there... right after the left, I had to stay in the left and make another left turn.
This idiot decided I was in the wrong place and he stopped his car half over the double yellow to prove his point.
I just let him go first and then did my thing. No point arguing with idiots with dangerous weapons.
GodsBassist
10-08-09, 07:49 AM
A bit off topic, but I never understood that behavior. I see it frequently enough: "stop, slowly move forward, stop, etc". When the light does turn green they usually the slowest to accelerate and make the turn. :rolleyes:
UD
My favorite thing to do at traffic lights is mess with these people. I just barely let up off the brake and then hit it, just so the car rocks back and forth and if people aren't paying attention will think I've moved up. They'll usually crawl up about 6 inches or so. I like to do it repeatedly to see how close people will actually get to my back bumper just by 'moving' my car and watching them creep closer.
UD
My favorite thing to do at traffic lights is mess with these people. I just barely let up off the brake and then hit it, just so the car rocks back and forth and if people aren't paying attention will think I've moved up. They'll usually crawl up about 6 inches or so. I like to do it repeatedly to see how close people will actually get to my back bumper just by 'moving' my car and watching them creep closer.
gcottay
10-08-09, 09:34 AM
Has a car ever intentionally hit you from behind to get you out of their way? What leap of evil does it take to go from honking, close passing, engine revving to actually intentionally hitting you?
Not yet.
Not yet.
AlmostTrick
10-08-09, 10:06 AM
My favorite thing to do at traffic lights is mess with these people. I just barely let up off the brake and then hit it, just so the car rocks back and forth and if people aren't paying attention will think I've moved up. They'll usually crawl up about 6 inches or so. I like to do it repeatedly to see how close people will actually get to my back bumper just by 'moving' my car and watching them creep closer.
It may seem like fun to you, but by doing this you are increasing your chance of being bumped by the driver behind. I avoid false starts precisely for this reason.
I always monitor traffic behind me, and it never fails to amaze me the different treatment I receive while on a bike as opposed to being in a car. On the bike drivers generally brake early and stay well behind. In the car they brake later and harder, and stop close behind. Most drivers really are more careful around bikes.
It may seem like fun to you, but by doing this you are increasing your chance of being bumped by the driver behind. I avoid false starts precisely for this reason.
I always monitor traffic behind me, and it never fails to amaze me the different treatment I receive while on a bike as opposed to being in a car. On the bike drivers generally brake early and stay well behind. In the car they brake later and harder, and stop close behind. Most drivers really are more careful around bikes.
Digital_Cowboy
10-08-09, 10:37 AM
Let's not forget the SMU lawyer instructor in Dallas years ago that both hit the cyclist from behind and then tried to deny it in court.
http://www.lawschool.com/texasprofindicted.htm
Was she prosecuted? If so what was the results? I hope she had to do the 20 years. How many other incidences did she have in her past where she struck a pedestrian or cyclist?
http://www.lawschool.com/texasprofindicted.htm
Was she prosecuted? If so what was the results? I hope she had to do the 20 years. How many other incidences did she have in her past where she struck a pedestrian or cyclist?
High Roller
10-08-09, 10:52 AM
Has a car ever intentionally hit you from behind to get you out of their way? What leap of evil does it take to go from honking, close passing, engine revving to actually intentionally hitting you?
No, but there are reports here of motorists who have passed cyclists and then maliciously slammed on their brakes, causing the cyclist to rear-end the motorist. This has happened to me a couple times recently, but I managed to avoid a collision in both cases.
No, but there are reports here of motorists who have passed cyclists and then maliciously slammed on their brakes, causing the cyclist to rear-end the motorist. This has happened to me a couple times recently, but I managed to avoid a collision in both cases.
Keith99
10-08-09, 10:59 AM
Since left turns has come up I'lll chime in that I have never had someone hit me intentionally or crowd me that I can remember. I have the opposite problem pretty often, cars staying too far back at a red light for a left turn. Yes too far, as in far enough back that they do not trigger the sensor that my bike also often will not trigger. Usually a bit of hand waving and pointing to the sensor gets the point across and they move up enough that we can both get a green light.
dougmc
10-08-09, 01:23 PM
Was she prosecuted? If so what was the results? I hope she had to do the 20 years. How many other incidences did she have in her past where she struck a pedestrian or cyclist?http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_2918.php SMU professor wins appeal of conviction 08/2006.
So she was convicted, then appealed based on an error in the conviction. Not sure what has happened since, though based on the lack of news ... not much.
Looks like she has a `free Jane' facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2200937933
So she was convicted, then appealed based on an error in the conviction. Not sure what has happened since, though based on the lack of news ... not much.
Looks like she has a `free Jane' facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2200937933
Sundae
10-08-09, 01:29 PM
He testified that he was drug on his bike for three feet and had to hold onto the bumper to stay above the concrete.
Truly, this is journalism at its grammatical finest. Ahhh Texas...
Truly, this is journalism at its grammatical finest. Ahhh Texas...
Digital_Cowboy
10-08-09, 03:07 PM
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_2918.php SMU professor wins appeal of conviction 08/2006.
So she was convicted, then appealed based on an error in the conviction. Not sure what has happened since, though based on the lack of news ... not much.
Looks like she has a `free Jane' facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2200937933
Here's hoping that the prosecutors are able to either win their appeal or are able to retry her.
I do have one question who is that Raymond Shelton mentioned about half-way through the article?
It seems like Dolkart has a lot of rage.
There doesn't appear to be much activity at her "Free Jane" facebook page. And the SMU page linked to from her facebook page is no longer up.
So she was convicted, then appealed based on an error in the conviction. Not sure what has happened since, though based on the lack of news ... not much.
Looks like she has a `free Jane' facebook group! http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2200937933
Here's hoping that the prosecutors are able to either win their appeal or are able to retry her.
I do have one question who is that Raymond Shelton mentioned about half-way through the article?
It seems like Dolkart has a lot of rage.
There doesn't appear to be much activity at her "Free Jane" facebook page. And the SMU page linked to from her facebook page is no longer up.
genec
10-08-09, 11:23 PM
Apparently she has become a verb, as in
If you get pissed off and decide to "Jane Dolkart" a cyclist with your car, you’ll end up with a felony charges just like her.
from http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2008/09/30/richardson-bicyclist-killed/
And apparently there is still no justice for cyclists, even when intentionally hit...
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_2918.php
None the less, with her history... hitting two peds and then a couple years later, hitting a cyclist... I would steer clear of her.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/uploads/1/dolkart.jpg
If you get pissed off and decide to "Jane Dolkart" a cyclist with your car, you’ll end up with a felony charges just like her.
from http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2008/09/30/richardson-bicyclist-killed/
And apparently there is still no justice for cyclists, even when intentionally hit...
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_2918.php
None the less, with her history... hitting two peds and then a couple years later, hitting a cyclist... I would steer clear of her.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/uploads/1/dolkart.jpg
Digital_Cowboy
10-09-09, 12:57 AM
Apparently she has become a verb, as in
from http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2008/09/30/richardson-bicyclist-killed/
And apparently there is still no justice for cyclists, even when intentionally hit...
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_2918.php
None the less, with her history... hitting two peds and then a couple years later, hitting a cyclist... I would steer clear of her.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/uploads/1/dolkart.jpg
I don't blame ya in the least bit. It's a wonder she still has a license to drive.
from http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2008/09/30/richardson-bicyclist-killed/
And apparently there is still no justice for cyclists, even when intentionally hit...
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_2918.php
None the less, with her history... hitting two peds and then a couple years later, hitting a cyclist... I would steer clear of her.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/uploads/1/dolkart.jpg
I don't blame ya in the least bit. It's a wonder she still has a license to drive.