Sigh. My 2007 resolution to not confront JAMs didn't even make it to February.

About a mile from my house, there's a section where the street narrows significantly and then dead-ends into a T intersection with a stop sign. It's typical morning neighborhood traffic -- folks going to work and dropping kids at the elementary school and a fair number of dog walkers and runners on the path that rings the park.

Obviously not a good spot for a 35 mile an hour pass and stop sign running.

But that's what the guy in the 90-something Toyota Tacoma with the camper shell did. And I don't know why it made me so angry. So I followed him. I was on my race bike and I knew that he'd eventually run into a series of lights towards Broadway. And I caught him easily at X St. And I knew I had almost the entire red light cycle. So I tapped on his window and said, "Hey, listen. If you're going to drive past the park where I play with my kids I would appreciate it if you'd drive more safely."

And the driver said. "Oh, I'm so sorry. Yes, I see what you're saying and I was wrong. I'll drive safely, legally, and courteously from now on. That was a momentary slip, and I appreciate your pointing it out to me.






































No. Not really. What he actually said involved a lot more bile and spittle, some words beginning with F, oh and a threat to get out and to rip me off my bicycle and beat me with it. So I ignored that, kept my eyes locked on his, and said "Look. I don't know why you're so angry and impatient. I am asking you nicely to please drive through my neighborhood more carefully."

Ah, and this is where I knew that he had submitted: He muttered "You're lucky my wife is here."

And then the light turned green and he tried to squeal his tires but he couldn't get them to spin and he kind of bounced through the intersection. I followed him through and memorized his license plate in case he tried to run me over. In the next block he slowed down, maybe thinking I'd ride by, but I wouldn't be suckered into that. So I rode behind him at 4 mph for half a block and then finally he took off.

Fun morning.