Originally Posted by
colleen c
If I was to ever confront anyone in a bike related incidence, I will at least tell them to get out of their car first and level out the disadvantage. Then it's a warning for them to back off. If they don't comply, then it is Taser, Fox 5.3 spray and Kimber pepper blaster time. Once they are out of their car approaching you after a warning, I think that's more justified as self defense.
So you would invite someone to get out of their car, then tell them to stay away from you?
All these imaginary, play-by-play scenarios (how to get the motorist out of the car, when to knee the motorist in the groin, when to mace the motorist) seem to me like a really bad idea. Most people don't have the right training to handle this sort of situation, and those who do know it's typically best to avoid the situation altogether. Enraging someone operating a giant, relatively impenetrable hunk of steel may not end well, especially when they've already cemented their position in the crazy category by nearly running a cyclist off the road or whatever else. Motorists are also well aware of their relative advantage in the car, and you might stop to wonder whether those willing to step out of the car have good reason to feel "protected."
I know it's maddening, and I can't claim never to have lost my cool. But swallowing a little pride can yield far more productive results (including law enforcement action in some cases) and far fewer trips to court, hospitals, or worse. /rant