Commuting - Someone tried to run me off the road.

I was in the left lane, making a left turn. Green arrow lights up, and i proceed through a fairly large intersection - 3 lanes each direction, and a light rail passing through.

A man coming from the opposite direction, runs the red light and comes to a stop in the bike lane immediately in front of me. I threw my arm up, basically a " what the heck are you doing?" gesture and passed him. He then pulled up bedside me yelling at me asking why i put my arm up, sand proceeded to move toward me, pushing me into the curb, while flipping me the bird. Then he sped off.

Sounds like Reckless Driving to me.

Poor guy probably has some personal problems to work on.

Sounds like a ******* to me

Sounds like a productive member of society. ;)

Poor guy probably has low IQ. His whole life has therefore been extremely frustrating. Unable to cope in even the simplest activities. Perhaps you should track him down and offer some help on the weekends to improve his social abilities.

The OP should start training themselves in getting vehicle license numbers, vehicle/motorist descriptions, and report the motorist to the local law enforcement, which will get better results than posting about it here on BF.

Helmet cam.

I got out of the habit of wearing mine because my previous commute was mostly on bike trails, but now that I'm back on the streets for 100% of my commute, it's camera time, all the time. It's easy enough to take 30 seconds and wipe the video files if nothing happened, it's indispensable as evidence in case something does.
Yesterday I got some great footage of a tandem bus giving me less than 20" passing clearance. It didn't rattle me too badly, but I'll still send it to Sound Transit with a polite reminder for their drivers to give wider berth.

People get squirmy when they realize someone is filming their jackassery.

Helmet cam.

I got out of the habit of wearing mine because my previous commute was mostly on bike trails, but now that I'm back on the streets for 100% of my commute, it's camera time, all the time. It's easy enough to take 30 seconds and wipe the video files if nothing happened, it's indispensable as evidence in case something does.
Yesterday I got some great footage of a tandem bus giving me less than 20" passing clearance. It didn't rattle me too badly, but I'll still send it to Sound Transit with a polite reminder for their drivers to give wider berth.

People get squirmy when they realize someone is filming their jackassery.

I've been thinking about buying one - but didn't want to spend the money. Now I have a legitimate excuse.

Have any recommendations? I'd prefer something that's somewhat discreet, so a GoPro on top of the helmet is probably out.

Helmet cam . . .


+1

I've seen a Go Pro mounted on front of a helmet that will probably go unnoticed. However, if the camera is plainly visible, it will probably discourage much of that kind of behavior in the first place.

that's why i like separated bike lanes

that's why i like separated bike lanes

I don't think that would have worked in this situation. I was in the left-turn lane here:
https://maps.google.com/?ll=37.378513,-121.852262&spn=0.01006,0.017123&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=37.378475,-121.852313&panoid=v-ofdLDGikvpT_0MwEba2A&cbp=12,37.6,,0,11.28

I've been thinking about buying one - but didn't want to spend the money. Now I have a legitimate excuse.

Have any recommendations? I'd prefer something that's somewhat discreet, so a GoPro on top of the helmet is probably out.


+1

I've seen a Go Pro mounted on front of a helmet that will probably go unnoticed. However, if the camera is plainly visible, it will probably discourage much of that kind of behavior in the first place.

The two biggies are the GoPro and the Contour; each has their benefits and drawbacks. I'm a Contour guy, so I'm obviously a bit biased toward that system, but here's my objective view on both.

Contour Pros:
- low profile
- extremely adaptable mounting
- very simple operation

Contour Cons:
- Roam does not have a swappable battery
- low configurability of video options
- only reconfigurable via Contour's software (might be the same with GoPro, I don't know)

GoPro Pros:
- Wicked good image quality
- more configurable than Contour for video options

GoPro Cons:
- Crazy huge form factor
- Gigantic mounts noted for durability issues

If you can find the plain old ContourHD 1080p, those are my personal recommendation. They were 1 generation before the Roam, and still accepted a regular BL-5C battery for Nokia phones. I was able to snag a camera for under $140, and you can get those batteries all over the web for less than $7.00/ea (instead of the $30 that Contour charges for one with their logo sticker on it.)

I don't like front-of-helmet mounting for cameras because it pushes the front of your helmet down with every little bump you ride over. I like it top and center where it's balanced; that's where the Contour has a distinct advantage. The form factor looks similar to many helmet mounted headlamps, and goes unnoticed by drivers unless you chose to point it out for them.

I have the GoPro and I love it! Not to belabor a point but I was hit a few weeks back. GoPro on and everything. Neither insurance company wanted it. Nor did the cop during the police report phase. What it did help me do is recall what happened, how it happened and why it happened. It was extremely useful. If you want the link to the vid PM or check out my thread http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/829671-I-just-got-hit-Now-what for the full discussion on my camera situation. I don't wanna hijack this thread to discuss my incident.

I am glad you are ok and nothing worse happened to you. We all run into idiot drivers. This guy was dumber than most.

Hey, maybe an old non-functional (cheap as dirt) camera strapped to your helmet would make people second guess this kind of thing. Sort of like the idea of putting "Smile you're on camera!" signs up in convenience stores and the like. That's the SUPER cheap route. ;)

Had a tow truck one time try and overtake me about 15 feet from where the lane narrowed before intersecting with a busy street. It was a turn right only lane divided by two tall concrete sidewalks. Of course I pulled into the middle as I was going into it so he wouldn't pinch me and I heard his engine rev up. He started yelling and chased me down the street swerving at me. At one point I hopped on the sidewalk just to put a little space between us and when I went to cross a little alley he tried to fly in there and scare me so I slammed on my brakes right in front of him hoping he'd knock me off (there were a lot of people around and I was a stupid kid). Eventually he left me alone. Wish I'd had a camera to get his towing company/attitude and get his rump fired.

just dont let it discourage you from riding. You're better than those fools! Be safe out there!

Hey, maybe an old non-functional (cheap as dirt) camera strapped to your helmet would make people second guess this kind of thing. Sort of like the idea of putting "Smile you're on camera!" signs up in convenience stores and the like. That's the SUPER cheap route. ;)

Had a tow truck one time try and overtake me about 15 feet from where the lane narrowed before intersecting with a busy street. It was a turn right only lane divided by two tall concrete sidewalks. Of course I pulled into the middle as I was going into it so he wouldn't pinch me and I heard his engine rev up. He started yelling and chased me down the street swerving at me. At one point I hopped on the sidewalk just to put a little space between us and when I went to cross a little alley he tried to fly in there and scare me so I slammed on my brakes right in front of him hoping he'd knock me off (there were a lot of people around and I was a stupid kid). Eventually he left me alone. Wish I'd had a camera to get his towing company/attitude and get his rump fired.

just dont let it discourage you from riding. You're better than those fools! Be safe out there!

I've had several 'encounters' similar to this, but not to this extent. I ride defensively, carefully, and courteously. I'm certainly not discouraged from commuting.

I don't think that would have worked in this situation. I was in the left-turn lane here:
https://maps.google.com/?ll=37.378513,-121.852262&spn=0.01006,0.017123&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=37.378475,-121.852313&panoid=v-ofdLDGikvpT_0MwEba2A&cbp=12,37.6,,0,11.28

you wouldn't be in the street with a separated bike lane, but this discussion isn't fit for this thread

If you can find the plain old ContourHD 1080p, those are my personal recommendation. They were 1 generation before the Roam, and still accepted a regular BL-5C battery for Nokia phones. I was able to snag a camera for under $140, and you can get those batteries all over the web for less than $7.00/ea (instead of the $30 that Contour charges for one with their logo sticker on it.)

I don't like front-of-helmet mounting for cameras because it pushes the front of your helmet down with every little bump you ride over. I like it top and center where it's balanced; that's where the Contour has a distinct advantage. The form factor looks similar to many helmet mounted headlamps, and goes unnoticed by drivers unless you chose to point it out for them.

Thanks, I just found and purchased a Contour HD 1080p for $140 online. I also purchased a couple spare batteries for $6 each @ Amazon w/ free 2-day shipping.

you wouldn't be in the street with a separated bike lane, but this discussion isn't fit for this thread

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/832990-quot-Urbanized-quot-film-and-biking-parts-D?p=14492642#post14492642

at 24 mins or so ... i like the film a lot at it summarizes my opinion quite well.

I was in the left lane, making a left turn. Green arrow lights up, and i proceed through a fairly large intersection - 3 lanes each direction, and a light rail passing through.

A man coming from the opposite direction, runs the red light and comes to a stop in the bike lane immediately in front of me. I threw my arm up, basically a " what the heck are you doing?" gesture and passed him. He then pulled up bedside me yelling at me asking why i put my arm up, sand proceeded to move toward me, pushing me into the curb, while flipping me the bird. Then he sped off.

Helmet cam is your best defense. If they hit and run, you have a good chance of getting everything you need to pursue legal action. You might want to look at Pivothead (http://pivothead.com/) as well. I'm looking at them myself as an alternative, not to mention it combines sun glasses with the cam and in my case, prescription lenses.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/832990-quot-Urbanized-quot-film-and-biking-parts-D?p=14492642#post14492642

at 24 mins or so ... i like the film a lot at it summarizes my opinion quite well.

I see your point, and although San Jose is pretty bike-friendly, it could certainly improve. But I doubt the city (or county, or state) will ever put priority on cyclists. Too much money involved in gasoline, vehicle registration & sales, and such. Priority is vehicular traffic, most likely because that's where the money is.

Plus, even with separated bike lanes, you still have intersections, and have to deal with vehicular traffic if you have to make a left or right turn, unless you've got bridges or tunnels all over the place.

Bottom line - we don't have that infrastructure here, and the incident could have simply been avoided if the idiot didn't run the red light and then stop 1/2 way through the intersection. I don't blame the infrastructure - I blame the driver.

Did not know I could use cheapo batteries on the Contour -- guess I'll have to stock up on some.

Did not know I could use cheapo batteries on the Contour -- guess I'll have to stock up on some.

Heck yeah. I looked up the form factor for the Contour branded one, and it's just a 3.7V Nokia BL-5C. The old VholdR used the same battery, just lower mAh rated. Don't cheap out and get the $3.50 ones, because those are usually only 800 - 850mAh and only give you about 70 min of total record time in the HD 1080p camera. Suck it up and spend the whopping 7 or 8 bucks on a 1020mAh. I get almost 2 hours of constant filming off one.

I've been thinking about buying one - but didn't want to spend the money. Now I have a legitimate excuse.

Have any recommendations? I'd prefer something that's somewhat discreet, so a GoPro on top of the helmet is probably out.

My commuter bike is a drop bar road bike. I have a Contour Roam mounted to the left handlebar. The Contour cameras are relatively discrete, and I get a decent image from the camera. There is some vibration in that location, which results in the wavy image distortion that you see - but here is an example of a video shot from that spot.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P74g7YVWJCs

I tape all of my commutes, and delete almost all of them shortly after the commute, only saving those bits that are interesting.

My commuter bike is a drop bar road bike. I have a Contour Roam mounted to the left handlebar. The Contour cameras are relatively discrete, and I get a decent image from the camera. There is some vibration in that location, which results in the wavy image distortion that you see - but here is an example of a video shot from that spot.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P74g7YVWJCs

I tape all of my commutes, and delete almost all of them shortly after the commute, only saving those bits that are interesting.

Quality redlight running.

Hi JReade:

I sent you a PM.

I am in SouthFlorida.
Love the video!

:)

I want a camera too!

Hi JReade:

I sent you a PM.

I am in SouthFlorida.
Love the video!

:)

I want a camera too!

Well, that's not my video, but I DO have a Contour Roam that I got for a gift.

Just got the camera today, along with 2 extra batteries (1020mAh) and the vented helmet strap mount. Plugged a 32GB microSD in it, so I should be able to get a good 4-5 hours of use between charges/uploads.

that's why i like separated bike lanes


Where do you live?

close call ... glad it wasn't worse. I know it's hard to record a plate number but you can still report the guy to the local police dept. just make the call, describe what happened and describe the vehicle and the driver. doesn't matter what the cop thinks or says cuz the call is recorded. if it happens again this guys is on record as a repeat offender.

Just did a test run with the camera on my commute this morning. Need to adjust the position / angle a bit, but otherwise, it seems pretty good.

Just the tail-end of my 10 mile / 45 minute morning commute:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyzglp-9v4k

I always dislike riding through the intersection that starts at about 1:20, because lots of driver are in the wrong lane, and merge back and forth. Note the Gray Corolla that I pull up next to, on my left, which then passes me on my right a few seconds later. Very common behavior for this particular intersection. I'm just glad she didn't do like many other and speed up ahead and cut across in front of me.