Revenge of the SUV
#1
Ex-Lion Tamer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Posts: 1,152
Bikes: 1982 Lotus Legend (steel-frame touring bike); 1982 Fuji S10S (converted to a singlespeed: 46x16); Specialized Crossroads hybrid (the child taxi).
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Revenge of the SUV
Being careful not to make any stereotypical assumptions, I have a sports-ute story.
I got buzzed by an extra-long Ram SUV this morning. There was a car double-parked ahead of us, and I guess the driver didn't want to get stuck behind me at the bottleneck -- I don't know. Anyway, he guns it and pulls in front of me within 20 feet. And he ends up stuck at the bottleneck, 30 feet ahead. And halfway in the bike lane. Now, after last week's illuminating discussion of SUV's and their drivers, I had to consider: Is this guy a contractor late for a job? I'm sure he didn't mean to nearly clip me just to stall in my lane. Naturally, as I passed by, I tried to peer into tinted driver's window. I couldn't see a thing. Not really rubbing it in, just a glance in passing. I'm not ten feet away before I hear the unmistakable local dialect*: FOCK YOOOO! HEY! A••hole! FOCK YOOOO!
He's stuck in traffic, and apart from him, the rest of the bike lane is empty. What would you do?
I gave a friendly wave and shouted, "Catch me!" Knowing he couldn't. Of course, I did get a decent workout making absolutely sure he couldn't.
*New Yorkers, a dialect question: Is this Bensonhurst, do you think? Or Mill Basin pretending to be Bensonhurst?
I got buzzed by an extra-long Ram SUV this morning. There was a car double-parked ahead of us, and I guess the driver didn't want to get stuck behind me at the bottleneck -- I don't know. Anyway, he guns it and pulls in front of me within 20 feet. And he ends up stuck at the bottleneck, 30 feet ahead. And halfway in the bike lane. Now, after last week's illuminating discussion of SUV's and their drivers, I had to consider: Is this guy a contractor late for a job? I'm sure he didn't mean to nearly clip me just to stall in my lane. Naturally, as I passed by, I tried to peer into tinted driver's window. I couldn't see a thing. Not really rubbing it in, just a glance in passing. I'm not ten feet away before I hear the unmistakable local dialect*: FOCK YOOOO! HEY! A••hole! FOCK YOOOO!
He's stuck in traffic, and apart from him, the rest of the bike lane is empty. What would you do?
I gave a friendly wave and shouted, "Catch me!" Knowing he couldn't. Of course, I did get a decent workout making absolutely sure he couldn't.
*New Yorkers, a dialect question: Is this Bensonhurst, do you think? Or Mill Basin pretending to be Bensonhurst?
#2
34x25 FTW!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,013
Bikes: Kona Jake, Scott CR1, Dahon SpeedPro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Bklyn
*New Yorkers, a dialect question: Is this Bensonhurst, do you think? Or Mill Basin pretending to be Bensonhurst?
#3
Commuter First
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,286
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sounds more like "Revenge of the Cyclist." Like you, I'd be tempted to yell back, "Enjoy the traffic, dips***!" but I'd probably just look him in the eye, shake my head and ride away.
Anyway, isn't what he said just the NYC way of saying hello?
Anyway, isn't what he said just the NYC way of saying hello?
#5
Tinkerer since 1980
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: London
Posts: 922
Bikes: Coppi racer, Old school BMX, some random a fixed wheel convertion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I always waggle my little finger in a small willy gesture. Drives people wild!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 1,254
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Bklyn
What would you do?
#7
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ogopogo's shoreline
Posts: 4,082
Bikes: LHT, Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by TheBrick
I always waggle my little finger in a small willy gesture. Drives people wild!
#8
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ogopogo's shoreline
Posts: 4,082
Bikes: LHT, Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by billh
Nothing. Confrontation is not worth the risk. I'm convinced a sizeable portion of the population (~10%) suffer from anger control issues that are often expressed in traffic situations. You don't want to fan that flame.
I think your ~10% guestimate is on the shy side - at least when it comes to Y chromosomes.
#9
Lentement mais sûrement
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Montréal
Posts: 2,253
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 78 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
That guy was angry at the world and yelled at the only person who could hear him. Drivers yell at everyone else on the road, not just cyclists. It's just that we hear them.
#10
ROM 6:23
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Coastal Maine
Posts: 1,713
Bikes: Specialized Tricross Comp, Lemond Tourmalet, Bridgestone MB-5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Erick L
That guy was angry at the world and yelled at the only person who could hear him. Drivers yell at everyone else on the road, not just cyclists. It's just that we hear them.
On the other hand, are you sure he was yelling at you?
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 991
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OT- BillH, did you have to use one of those pics as your avatar??? Man, I've been having nightmares about them since I saw them the other day.
Thank God you didn't use the pic of the little girl. It's just....freaky.
Thank God you didn't use the pic of the little girl. It's just....freaky.
__________________
"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
Everyone is entitled to an informed opinion.
"Everyone is entitled to an opinion" is only half-right.
Everyone is entitled to an informed opinion.
#12
SERENITY NOW!!!
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: In the 212
Posts: 8,738
Bikes: Haro Vector, IRO Rob Roy, Bianchi Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Did he say "Asssss hole" or "Azzzz hole"? If he said the former it's Bensonhurst.
__________________
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
HHCMF - Take pride in your ability to amaze lesser mortals! - MikeR
We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!
#13
Ex-Lion Tamer
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Posts: 1,152
Bikes: 1982 Lotus Legend (steel-frame touring bike); 1982 Fuji S10S (converted to a singlespeed: 46x16); Specialized Crossroads hybrid (the child taxi).
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Erick L
That guy was angry at the world and yelled at the only person who could hear him. Drivers yell at everyone else on the road, not just cyclists. It's just that we hear them.
Wow, you nailed it so concisely! That's it. Exactly.
EDIT: And Neezy, no, I didn't say anything.
Last edited by Bklyn; 12-07-06 at 10:53 AM.
#14
Jet Jockey
I've seen drivers (and usually SUVs) flip when they go through a lot of effort to pass me, and then get stuck in traffic, allowing you to pass them to never be seen again.
The worst one for me was when an SUV had expended all that effort and gas one day, only to get stuck, so when he saw me trucking up the shoulder in his passenger side mirror he pulled his vehicle sideways on the road to block the shoulder too. I didn't understand the mentality that would drive someone to do that. Does it matter so much? Does it impact his day so much that my bike is about to pass his "big bad testosterone mobile"? I just don't understand the "I own the road" mentality, and at the risk of inviting flames from certain parties, it does seem to come mostly from SUV and giant pickup truck drivers. Since many of the owners of these vehicles tell me they own them to "feel safe", i.e. in a horrible accident the other guy will die when confronted by their tank, but not them, it says to me that they already have a view of driving as a kind of urban combat, in which their SUV or truck is simply a "logical" extenstion of the ever escalating traffic arms race.
Referencing your previous thread, Bklyn, didn't ILTB ream you enough about vilifying the SUV? Prepare yourself for another broadside against your "effette liberal notions".
The worst one for me was when an SUV had expended all that effort and gas one day, only to get stuck, so when he saw me trucking up the shoulder in his passenger side mirror he pulled his vehicle sideways on the road to block the shoulder too. I didn't understand the mentality that would drive someone to do that. Does it matter so much? Does it impact his day so much that my bike is about to pass his "big bad testosterone mobile"? I just don't understand the "I own the road" mentality, and at the risk of inviting flames from certain parties, it does seem to come mostly from SUV and giant pickup truck drivers. Since many of the owners of these vehicles tell me they own them to "feel safe", i.e. in a horrible accident the other guy will die when confronted by their tank, but not them, it says to me that they already have a view of driving as a kind of urban combat, in which their SUV or truck is simply a "logical" extenstion of the ever escalating traffic arms race.
Referencing your previous thread, Bklyn, didn't ILTB ream you enough about vilifying the SUV? Prepare yourself for another broadside against your "effette liberal notions".
__________________
Good night...and good luck
Good night...and good luck
#15
No Talent Assclown
Pulled his vehicle sideways to block the shoulder? I hope you picked up your bike cyclocross style, ran around in front, gave him a wave, then got back on.
__________________
Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
#16
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ogopogo's shoreline
Posts: 4,082
Bikes: LHT, Kona Smoke
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by Falkon
Pulled his vehicle sideways to block the shoulder? I hope you picked up your bike cyclocross style, kicked in his rear brake-light, ran around in front, gave him a wave, then got back on.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 959
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by banzai_f16
The worst one for me was when an SUV had expended all that effort and gas one day, only to get stuck, so when he saw me trucking up the shoulder in his passenger side mirror he pulled his vehicle sideways on the road to block the shoulder too. I didn't understand the mentality that would drive someone to do that. Does it matter so much? Does it impact his day so much that my bike is about to pass his "big bad testosterone mobile"? I just don't understand the "I own the road" mentality, and at the risk of inviting flames from certain parties, it does seem to come mostly from SUV and giant pickup truck drivers.
If this had happened at speed I bet it could have hurt, but my overweight self probably would have taken off the door as well.
There are certain personalities that seem to get really bent out of shape about right filtering. Seems to be the same type that will go to any length to get around me as quickly as possible. This is one of the reasons I won't right filter if I know I can get through the light on the first round.
#18
Software for Cyclists
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redding, California
Posts: 4,618
Bikes: Trek 5200, Specialized MTB
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bike2math
I've had this a few times. I had passed and been passed by a beat up Chevy (car) at least a half dozen times, mainly because traffic lights every few blocks kept the average speed at about 25 mph, as I went to past them the last time the passenger opened the door to block the shoulder. I was coasting as the light was red anyway so I just came to a stop hoped up on the curb and went around and was back on the shoulder, total delay was <5 s. I was still six or seven cars ahead of them at the traffic light when it turned green. Never saw them again.
If this had happened at speed I bet it could have hurt, but my overweight self probably would have taken off the door as well.
There are certain personalities that seem to get really bent out of shape about right filtering. Seems to be the same type that will go to any length to get around me as quickly as possible. This is one of the reasons I won't right filter if I know I can get through the light on the first round.
If this had happened at speed I bet it could have hurt, but my overweight self probably would have taken off the door as well.
There are certain personalities that seem to get really bent out of shape about right filtering. Seems to be the same type that will go to any length to get around me as quickly as possible. This is one of the reasons I won't right filter if I know I can get through the light on the first round.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: St Louis, MO
Posts: 1,254
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Itsjustb
OT- BillH, did you have to use one of those pics as your avatar??? Man, I've been having nightmares about them since I saw them the other day.
Thank God you didn't use the pic of the little girl. It's just....freaky.
Thank God you didn't use the pic of the little girl. It's just....freaky.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
On one of my routes I had gotten tired of people passing on the right or worse, driving for a half mile in the bike lane. I'm guessing on the pretense of making a right turn at the light. Anyway, one day it happened where someone got tired of sitting in traffic and pulled out into the bike lane right behind me. So I stopped pedalling and just coasted slower and slower until I was trackstanding. I made her wait for a good 30 seconds just stopped there. And then I gave her The Look and took off.
Trying to save a little time? Too bad.
Trying to save a little time? Too bad.
#21
genec
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: West Coast
Posts: 27,079
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Mentioned: 86 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13658 Post(s)
Liked 4,532 Times
in
3,158 Posts
Originally Posted by caloso
On one of my routes I had gotten tired of people passing on the right or worse, driving for a half mile in the bike lane. I'm guessing on the pretense of making a right turn at the light. Anyway, one day it happened where someone got tired of sitting in traffic and pulled out into the bike lane right behind me. So I stopped pedalling and just coasted slower and slower until I was trackstanding. I made her wait for a good 30 seconds just stopped there. And then I gave her The Look and took off.
Trying to save a little time? Too bad.
Trying to save a little time? Too bad.
If they could smoothly get on to the on ramp and not block the BL, I would not have cared, but they were backed up on the BL and just stopped all the traffic... So SDPD decided bikes should not be blocked... I loved it.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Picture this: Traffic is backed up on the little 2 lane main drag through town, and at a traffic light some guy in a truck has pulled into the intersection just far enough through his right turn off a side street to be blocking the bike lane (before he got jammed up on the rear of the traffic line on the main drag.) My light is green (coming through the main drag) so I cut behind him through the intersection. As I'm doing this the car behind him (on my right) jumps forward, (trying to sandwich me? foot slipped off the brake? I don't know.) They missed me as I zipped through, but just as I passed I heard the crunch as the car hit the truck's rear bumper.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
#23
Si Senior
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Naperville, Illinois
Posts: 2,669
Bikes: Too Numerous (not)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
8 Posts
Originally Posted by bike2math
... as I went to past them the last time the passenger opened the door to block the shoulder.
#24
No Talent Assclown
or use it as an opportunity to jump in and grab the keys.
__________________
Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
Fällt der Pfarrer in den Mist, lacht der Bauer bis er pisst.
#25
BF's Level 12 Wizard
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Secret mobile lair
Posts: 1,425
Bikes: Diamondback Sorrento turned Xtracycle commuter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Falkon
or use it as an opportunity to jump in and grab the driver's hot girlfriend and wallet.
I haven't had any issues right filtering. I do pick and choose where and how far I filter, though. If a drivers seems impatient or agressive, I often just leave them be.
__________________
Shameless plugs:
Work
Photography
Vanity
Shameless plugs:
Work
Photography
Vanity
Originally Posted by Bklyn
Obviously, the guy's like a 12th level white wizard or something. His mere presence is a danger to mortals.