Attacking Cyclists
#1
Thread Starter
one tough roadie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Mentor Ohio
Bikes: Schwinn Le Tour and Raleigh Grand Prix
Attacking Cyclists
Has this ever happened to you: You are riding home after 40+ mile ride and a person honks at you then speeds up, takes a Cell Phone camera and says "Smile Your Candid Camera/You Tube" and to get a better shot runs into you forcing into the road shoulder first. Then for added headaches he skips the scene. One person told me yesterday that lucky that it was Cell Phone Camera It could have been a "GUN". Has this ever happen to you or is it very rare incident ?





#2
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
extremely rare, even for NE Ohio
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 748
Likes: 2
From: new england
Bikes: Wife Trek 7100, GT lola, specialzed Hotrock, Trek Grommet, dead Trek 5200(KIA rear derailer failed and brok frame), and Trek 720 (Died of neglect when the 5200 became a stable mate)
today on my ride home I got buzzed by a white sedan.. and some kid screamming out the window.
about a mile later i catch up to the car. 20ish girl in the driver seat and her boyfiend in the passenbger seat with a window partially open.
I look at him and say " You got something to say to me.?!!!???!!!"
"I dont know what you are talking about man. "
I wonder how many cool points he lost when he is cowing in the passenger seat with a guy that is 20 years olders then him about ready to come down like a ton of bricks..
Light turns green and off they go.
about a mile later i catch up to the car. 20ish girl in the driver seat and her boyfiend in the passenbger seat with a window partially open.
I look at him and say " You got something to say to me.?!!!???!!!"
"I dont know what you are talking about man. "
I wonder how many cool points he lost when he is cowing in the passenger seat with a guy that is 20 years olders then him about ready to come down like a ton of bricks..
Light turns green and off they go.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
From: Novi, Michigan
Bikes: Trek '06 2100ZR, 7.5FX, '05 Fuel EX8
No one has ever taken my picture but I always flip them off if they think they were in the right. I know it is easier said than done to but make sure to unclip so you can kick the car panel and or bail easier.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
From: Novi, Michigan
Bikes: Trek '06 2100ZR, 7.5FX, '05 Fuel EX8
#8
Rarely can you come out ahead confronting motorists.
Call the cops. I have always had good responses from police when I complain about dangerous or aggressive drivers who harass or endanger me when bicycling.
Call the cops. I have always had good responses from police when I complain about dangerous or aggressive drivers who harass or endanger me when bicycling.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 991
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: Cannondale Synapse 5c, Scattante XRL
^^^and saying they were weaving over the yellow line, you think they may be DUI, is also good
__________________
"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.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 748
Likes: 2
From: new england
Bikes: Wife Trek 7100, GT lola, specialzed Hotrock, Trek Grommet, dead Trek 5200(KIA rear derailer failed and brok frame), and Trek 720 (Died of neglect when the 5200 became a stable mate)
whoi am i to call trhe cops on?
and for what?
this is a 40 mph road before i knew waht was happening there wehre too far goen to get a plate.
and for what?
this is a 40 mph road before i knew waht was happening there wehre too far goen to get a plate.
#13
Didn't you say that you caught up to the car and had time to have a conversation with the driver? At that point, your time and energy would probably be better spent getting the license number than starting an altercation.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 748
Likes: 2
From: new england
Bikes: Wife Trek 7100, GT lola, specialzed Hotrock, Trek Grommet, dead Trek 5200(KIA rear derailer failed and brok frame), and Trek 720 (Died of neglect when the 5200 became a stable mate)
and do what with that information?
I wasnt hit. since i jst heard a scream flash of paint was there even an attempt to threaten me? if you ask him i am ure that would be a no.
I wasnt hit. since i jst heard a scream flash of paint was there even an attempt to threaten me? if you ask him i am ure that would be a no.
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 1
From: Bellaire TX USA
Bikes: Bianchi Alloro, Veloce, San Remo, Pista; Rivendell Canti Rom; Zinn custom
The natural tendency of drivers, especially inebriated drivers, is to drift toward things they upon which (or whom) they are focusing. The drift in your direction could have been a natural yet unintentional act, or could have been on purpose. Either way, the effect is the same, and either way, the best course of action is to get out of the way of the car. This is true whether riding a bicycle, motorcycle, or driving a larger vehicle.
The only way to prove that there was intent to cause harm is for the driver or other occupants of the car to 'fess up. If they are indeed stupid enough to post their intent on Youtube, you have a case, and it could possibly be a felony. Down here in Texas, some girls who posted an online video of an intoxicated young child caused quite a stir among law enforcement and child protective services.
Without indication of intent to harm, you probably have nothing on the driver from a criminal law standpoint. If you suffered no physical or property damage, you may have no civil claim against the driver.
The only way to prove that there was intent to cause harm is for the driver or other occupants of the car to 'fess up. If they are indeed stupid enough to post their intent on Youtube, you have a case, and it could possibly be a felony. Down here in Texas, some girls who posted an online video of an intoxicated young child caused quite a stir among law enforcement and child protective services.
Without indication of intent to harm, you probably have nothing on the driver from a criminal law standpoint. If you suffered no physical or property damage, you may have no civil claim against the driver.
__________________
Have Colt, will travel...
Have Colt, will travel...
Last edited by Rex G; 06-26-08 at 02:34 PM.
#18
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
Exactly.
"I think they threw something, too, but I was pretty rattled about being forced off the road and don't know for sure. They sure were weaving back and forth, though, but I still got their plate number -- it's..." etc etc.
About it showing up on Youtube --
There was a case recently that went to juvenile court about a couple of guys who would go through fast food drive-thru windows, throw a cup of soda at the hapless food worker, then drive off, recording the whole thing to post online later. Their sentence included a video apology along with paying restitution and doing community service.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3njSrIa2PVU
I'm not saying that what they did is anywhere near as dangerous as what happened to the OP; what I'm saying is that it's become fairly common to pull pranks, video them, and post them online. Frankly, and sadly, I'm really not surprised.
"I think they threw something, too, but I was pretty rattled about being forced off the road and don't know for sure. They sure were weaving back and forth, though, but I still got their plate number -- it's..." etc etc.
About it showing up on Youtube --
There was a case recently that went to juvenile court about a couple of guys who would go through fast food drive-thru windows, throw a cup of soda at the hapless food worker, then drive off, recording the whole thing to post online later. Their sentence included a video apology along with paying restitution and doing community service.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3njSrIa2PVU
I'm not saying that what they did is anywhere near as dangerous as what happened to the OP; what I'm saying is that it's become fairly common to pull pranks, video them, and post them online. Frankly, and sadly, I'm really not surprised.
#19
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
today on my ride home I got buzzed by a white sedan.. and some kid screamming out the window.
about a mile later i catch up to the car. 20ish girl in the driver seat and her boyfiend in the passenbger seat with a window partially open.
I look at him and say " You got something to say to me.?!!!???!!!"
"I dont know what you are talking about man. "
I wonder how many cool points he lost when he is cowing in the passenger seat with a guy that is 20 years olders then him about ready to come down like a ton of bricks..
Light turns green and off they go.
about a mile later i catch up to the car. 20ish girl in the driver seat and her boyfiend in the passenbger seat with a window partially open.
I look at him and say " You got something to say to me.?!!!???!!!"
"I dont know what you are talking about man. "
I wonder how many cool points he lost when he is cowing in the passenger seat with a guy that is 20 years olders then him about ready to come down like a ton of bricks..
Light turns green and off they go.
Just because the driver wasn't the one yelling doesn't mean that she didn't encourage or endorse it.
#20
today on my ride home I got buzzed by a white sedan.. and some kid screamming out the window.
about a mile later i catch up to the car. 20ish girl in the driver seat and her boyfiend in the passenbger seat with a window partially open.
I look at him and say " You got something to say to me.?!!!???!!!"
"I dont know what you are talking about man. "
I wonder how many cool points he lost when he is cowing in the passenger seat with a guy that is 20 years olders then him about ready to come down like a ton of bricks..
Light turns green and off they go.
about a mile later i catch up to the car. 20ish girl in the driver seat and her boyfiend in the passenbger seat with a window partially open.
I look at him and say " You got something to say to me.?!!!???!!!"
"I dont know what you are talking about man. "
I wonder how many cool points he lost when he is cowing in the passenger seat with a guy that is 20 years olders then him about ready to come down like a ton of bricks..
Light turns green and off they go.
#21
#22
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: clipped in
Bikes: Pacific hardtail (frame only right now); Weyless SP (frame/fork right now); Jamis Dakar XLT 1.0 custom build-up (fully functional)
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
From: Capac, MI
Bikes: Trek 1.2, Trek Mtn, Specialized Gravel, Jamis TT, Specialized FatBoym, Trek Varde
I haven't gotten attacked yet (yet... like I should expect it?)
But I was riding on a bike trail in my area and a group of kids were hiding under a bridge and one
popped out and acted like he was going to throw a brick at me.
But I was riding on a bike trail in my area and a group of kids were hiding under a bridge and one
popped out and acted like he was going to throw a brick at me.
#24
Hope you acted like you were going to put your front wheel between his legs!
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
From: Capac, MI
Bikes: Trek 1.2, Trek Mtn, Specialized Gravel, Jamis TT, Specialized FatBoym, Trek Varde






