Chris L

OK, it's like this. Today I had to pull off a brilliant save to avoid a scary left-hook (the equivalent of a right-hook for those in the US). The guy clearly wasn't watching what he was doing - that much was obvious. The thing is, the guy actually apologised for his actions. That really threw me off and instead of just calling the cops like I would have usually done, I accepted it and went on my way.

I'm still wondering whether I should have just called the cops and let them deal with it.

MediaCreations 

Unfortunately we can all lose concentration at times and do stupid things.

It seems that this guy realised how stupid he'd been which puts him several levels above those brain dead morons who cut us off and then try to blame us for being on the road in the first place.

Let's hope the apology means that he has realised how close he came to causing a horrible accident and will pay more attention in the future.

Paco

I agree. I would have accepted the apology and moved on.

Greg

Let it go, Chris.

Think, What Would ChrisL Do?

Wait............

Paige

I'm not perfect and have made mistakes. This guy may have learned something since he did notice he was wrong.

greg360

Were you boxing or biking, Chris?

Accepting the apology was definitely the gentleman's thing to do. It builds goodwill.

bac

No question, Chris - you're a better man for it!!

VegasCyclist

"speaking words of wisdom... let it be."

Chris L should have accepted the apology and moved on...
nothing more to see here folks

John E

You were handed a fabulous opportunity to enhance cyclist-motorist relations.

Chris L

Gee, 19 votes - 100% of them saying the accepting the apology was the right thing to do. OK, I'll let this one rest.

aerobat

Good for you, Chris! It's always better to take the high road!

orguasch

all the above reply are good, nothing more can I add,
let it go.......

greywolf

lighten up & enjoy the ride, we all make mistakes & it takes a good man/woman to put up their hand & say sorry, my fault. good on yer Chris.

nathank

i experienced similar often - as long as i'm not hurt or injured, if the person seems sorry and more likely to pay better attention next time, that is good enough for me. i think most of these people realize they have endangered someone and for a few days at least will pay more attention to cyclists.

now the people who do something like that and then tell you to get off the road... that's when it's bad.

or about a month ago a guy ran a light almost hitting me (i had to swerve and brake to avoid him) and HE YELLED AT ME to watch where i was going (he said it was my life so i should be more cautious). i tried to talk/reason with him but it was no use as he was a "big important guy with an expensive car"

RiPHRaPH

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GO ALONG TO GET ALONG

bentrox!

What if the roles switched? Let's say you, as the motorist (or cyclist for that matter), at an inattentive moment cut off that guy on his bike. I'm sure you'd apologize. Wouldn't you want him to know your contrition and accept the apology? Wear the other guys shoes and you can answer your own question.

MikeR

. . . and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others . . .

Guest

Me too........................ couldn't have said it better.

Pete Clark

Once again, ChrisL hits the nail squarely on the head.

I think if a motorist had stopped and apologized for nearly killing me, I would have died of a heart attack (now that would have been ironic.) Usually, I have to catch up to them, smile warmly and ask, "Were you aware that you almost killed me back there? "

I have decided that, if I were King of the World,
nearly killing cyclists would be an offense punishable by the offender being tied down in the middle of the road during rush hour traffic, surrounded only with orange safety cones.



Seriously, that driver deserves low marks for his abysmal driving, but high marks for his unusual awareness and concern. (Personally, I would like to meet this strange species.)

I would have accepted his apology, of course. But
I might have taken the opportunity to lecture him as well. There's something about coming within inches of disaster that makes you a bit bolder about talking to strangers.

Chris, I offer you both my sympathy and congratulations (see how strange that sounds?)

Don't get Pete Clark wrong: I'm all for forgiveness. Without it, the world would be destroyed, eventually. Without forgiveness, none of us would be able to stand up straight. We all need it.

But personal consequence is not always taken away
by forgiveness. Sometimes, forgiveness is mixed with consequences for our actions. Motorists sometimes need a good whuppin' when it comes to the way they behave around cyclists (and pedestrians, and each other.)

To apologize for spilling milk is right. To apologize for nearly killing someone is a little thin. Then again, I will probably soon find myself in exactly that position...

Chris L

I didn't need to. There was a bystander/witness around to take care of that for me.

So who voted for option #4?

nemo

BURN BABY!!!!

slotibartfast

The motorist made an honest, but almost deadly, mistake. He recognized his error and tried to rectify it by offering an apology. Frankly, I think he showed a lot of class for taking responsibility for his actions. How often do you see that these days? I say good on you for accepting the apology and moving on.