Not when you just get coldcocked. I used to carry the heavy end of a pool cue when I rode courier way back when. Didn't save me when some guy stepped out of an alley and busted me in head with a 2x4.

I think this situation just sounds like everyday, garden-variety crazy. I bet he's got nothing in particular against cyclists. He might have taken a swing at a car that came too close.

<--PNW tweaker smilie