Is it fair enough to slap a close pass driver’s car?; Reaction to Government dismissing Mr Loophole petition; Relive Cav equalling Merckx’s record; CyclingMikey goes international; Sunrise scenes; But cyclists; Route-planning app + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Is it fair enough to slap a close pass driver's car?
He should be reported for this blatant disregard but I forfeit the opportunity by assaulting his car. Couldn’t resist the instant retribution not to mention satisfaction 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ANJELVWTBG
— Righttobikeit (@righttobikeit) December 21, 2021
We’ve all been here: driver just has to get in front, overtakes just as the car ahead brakes to stop in traffic, overtaking car gets ten metres up the road before having to brake, you sail up the inside giving your best ‘well that got you far didn’t it mate’ face.
That’s what I do. Sometimes if I’m in a particularly bad mood they might get the exasperated hand off the bars and shake of the head, maybe even a cheery wave, but I can’t say I’ve ever thought to do this…
Is it fair enough to give a close pass driver’s car a slap on the way past? Righttobikeit said they’d normally just report the driver, but in this case couldn’t resist more direct action.
In the Twitter echo chamber, the replies were unanimous in saying ‘fair enough’…
Fair satisfaction in that. And what they gonna do, there is no damage, just push it back out is all.
— Damien Ryan (@DamoRyan) December 21, 2021
Last time I did that, the “premium car” wing mirror fell off. Not my intention. However anyone that close passes like that, I will slap their wing mirror in as obviously they don’t use and or need it. Makes it more aero anyway. Probably saved him / her some fuel / money.
— Drustan (@Drustan) December 21, 2021
But what do we reckon? Should you rise above it or is it a fair response to someone putting your life in danger?
Sunrise scenes
Christmas week #Purbeck 50k #cycle ride my son Andy and pals this morning. @SamStewartPhoto pic.twitter.com/svsPgjCj6f
— petereales (@petereales) December 22, 2021
Behind the scenes of Cav's Merckx-equalling win, Champs-Élysées disappointment and Paris party
Three days ’til Christmas but Deceuninck-Quick-Step are giving out the presents already… what more could you want than part three of the team’s behind the scenes series from the Tour de France? It’s the big one too…Cav’s 34th stage win, the battle to stay in the race through the Pyrenees, Champs-Élysées disappointment, green jersey celebrations and post-race reflection.
You know the drill by now, it’s mainly just 22 minutes of watching Cav hugging his teammates and staff (with a very wholesome scene with a fan at nine minutes too). You’ll also see a little bit too much of Kasper Asgreen during the final stage pre-race meeting… most importantly it’ll scratch that pro racing itch for another few hours. Roll on the new year…
But cyclists...'God Bless America' edition
God Bless America 🇺🇸.#WorldBollardAssociation pic.twitter.com/Uk3K0iIZ8p
— World Bollard Association™ (@WorldBollard) December 21, 2021
Could this be your new route-planning app?
There’s a new automatic cycling route creator app on the market that works across the UK and Ireland.
The Huli Cycling Routes app creates routes for road, off-road and city riding, and you can specify distance or time, hilly, flat…
It’s designed to be super simple to use, meaning you can create routes in seconds, says its developers, which sounds similar to Strava’s suggested route update this year.
The app also includes navigation, weather, route descriptions, surface/road types, satellite maps and the startup says that next week it’ll also be introducing its Huli Goals feature.
With this, you’ll be able to specify a weekly distance target, how many rides you want to do, and the app will automatically create routes of varying length/duration every week for you to beat the target.
CyclingMikey goes international: Dutch newspaper publishes full page feature
Wow, I’m honoured. A whole page in @volkskrant? Thank you, @IJzendoornV!!! pic.twitter.com/yeSXsPGTzO
— CyclingMikey tired of road crime. 🇪🇺🇳🇱🇿🇼 (@MikeyCycling) December 22, 2021
CyclingMikey’s global superstar status is getting closer…
Guy Ritchie was the first big-name celeb caught using his phone behind the wheel by Mikey. Then, this summer, Chris Eubank, plead guilty in court and was given three penalty points and £280 in fines, court costs and fees after Mikey reported his video of the former world champion boxer using his phone and jumping a red light.
Most recently, former England and Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard was caught by Mikey, allegedly juggling coffee and a phone while at the wheel. Lampard will appear in court next month, represented by a certain Nick ‘Mr Loophole’ Freeman…
All three of these were picked up by national news outlets here in the UK, and it seems even newspapers overseas are interested in Mikey’s story…
This is a full-page feature in de Volkskrant, a Dutch daily newspaper with a circulation of around 250,000.
Get your tiny violins out...reaction to Government dismissing Mr Loophole petition
Stick that up your “loophole” 🖕 https://t.co/2uL0pjQuMc
— Phil Appleby (@Showdowndjs) December 22, 2021
Writing about Mr Loophole in the CyclingMikey post earlier reminded me to remind you to check out yesterday’s story confirming the Government has “no plans” to make cyclists wear identification numbers. To be honest, we knew this would be the case, but in the face of some loopy petitioning from Mr Loophole Nick Freeman, we thought you’d be quite pleased to read the response…
The lawyer famous for getting celebrities off driving charges scraped over the 10,000 signatures required to hear an official response, but didn’t get the answer he wanted…here’s some of your reaction…
Steve K commented: “The response we all knew was coming, because the government has said it before (and recently) – a petition that barely made the threshold was hardly going to change their minds. Freeman could have saved himself a lot of trouble by simply writing to the government and getting the same response. But at least he can’t complain that he hasn’t had a full, well-reasoned and well-argued response.”
EddyBerckx said: “Considering the amount of national publicity and social media hate mobs the petition just scraping over the 10k mark is actually a pretty positive thing. He knew nothing would ever come of it. He just wanted free publicity.”
Best new pro kit? Team SD Worx' colourful number worx wonders
This is the new Team SD Worx shirt in 2022.
More colours to shine more.
Hot or not? #wespraksuccess#teamsdworx pic.twitter.com/iokXP3DC2H
— Team SD Worx (@teamsdworx) December 21, 2021
It’s a winner in our book…
We're going to need a bigger live blog...reaction floods in for our main story of the day — is it fair enough to hit a close pass driver's car?
Well, I wasn’t expecting this strong a reaction. 65 replies on Twitter, 138 comments on Facebook, an Olympic gold medallist getting involved…I reckon we could dissect this for the rest of the week.
First up, 2016 Rio gold medallist Callum Skinner had this to say…
Zen me says no 😌
However, if I can touch a car it’s way too close and it’s questionable if they’ve even seen me. 90% yield an extra ft after a “tap”, it’s natural to steer away from a noise. The driver almost always goes ballistic after. An un-pleasant emotional rollercoaster🙃 https://t.co/RHU9xLEEUm
— Callum Skinner (@CallumSkinner) December 22, 2021
Other honourable mentions…
If cars came to a stop or really slow down further up the road, a mate of mine used to open the rear passenger door of the offending car, so they’d have to get out and close it. He said it was pretty but satisfying.
— Pssssst! (@M0ZZMAN) December 22, 2021
More than fair – if someone uses a car to intimidate and attack it’s pretty much my only action/reaction I’ve got.
Putting up with it until they drive off into the distance isn’t going to cut it either.
— Bike Rogers (@bike_rogers) December 22, 2021
Not everyone was in agreement though. Some pointed out the danger of not knowing how another road user might react to you hitting their car…
More than fair – if someone uses a car to intimidate and attack it’s pretty much my only action/reaction I’ve got.
Putting up with it until they drive off into the distance isn’t going to cut it either.
— Bike Rogers (@bike_rogers) December 22, 2021
Dangerous move, the last time I did that the driver tried to run me into the parked cars on my left, they DO NOT like you touching their precious car!
— Darren Hunt (@darrenhunt) December 22, 2021
On Facebook, Jase Clarke seperated the question into two scenarios: first, if you hit the car during the close pass to let them know you’re there. Second, the situation in the original video where the rider hits the vehicle when they catch up after the close pass…”In the first case, sometimes it’s a necessity to let them know you’re there, and that they’re too close. In the second one, it’s a no.”
Chris disagreed with the idea that it’s ever acceptable, “No, it’s not ok, as it shows self-righteousness and pompous narcissism, shout and scream but don’t touch anyone’s property.”
Onto the live blog comments now, Bart P thinks: “Is it fair? Yes. Does it feel rewarding? F*ck yes. Should you do it? Hell no. You simply don’t known who is behind the wheel of the car and unfortunately there are some proper nutters out there.”
Gsteve68 added: “All I can say with regards to hitting out at a close passing car is please don’t. Rise above it, record and report it by all means but we all know that many drivers have an irrational dislike of cyclists and a feeling of entitled superiority in their cars. Many drivers have a special bond with their car and and assault on it is an assault on them
“In a moment of madness their vehicle can become a weapon and 2000ish kg v 100ish kg is only every going to have one outcome whether you’re in the right or not. There are too many cases where a driver has killed or seriously injured a cyclist with a punishment pass or brake test and I’m sure the driver’s reaction in that moment was simply ‘I’ll teach that bloody cyclist a lesson’ stupidly ignorant to the potential consequences.”
Awavey agreed: “It might be an understandable reaction to slap a vehicle close passing like that, but it’s a really bad idea imo. It absolutely does escalate the situation and puts you in far more danger, a cyclist will always come out the loser in a fight between a vehicle with an angry driver at the wheel, no matter how big, tough or macho you think you are. Save the satisfaction for reporting the driver instead, which as the original video poster highlighted, they instantly forfeited the right to.”
And to Sriracha who rightly noted I claimed the longest day has just been and gone, no, I’m unfortunately not WFH Down Under…the dangers of writing at 8am…the shortest day has just passed…
More Gategate
Yay! Thanks to @4wheelstable @YorkCycle @stephendfenton and others for your persistence! It’s not just the disabled who have trouble with these. Removing them encourages #activetravel & might persuade a few more to cycle. Thanks @CityofYork – my day has improved! https://t.co/dmjY8DocnT
— Caroline Lewis (@singingfoodie) December 21, 2021
Floyd Landis returns to cycling sponsoring new team focused on gravel and mountain bike events
Floyd Landis is back in pro cycling again, this time as the sponsor of a team focused on gravel and mountain bike events in the United States. Floyd’s of Leadville Racing takes the name of Landis’ CBD company and will initially start with five riders, including guest rides from the stripped 2006 Tour winner.
“Bicycle racing is where our core customers spend their energy and attention and we felt that being at the races would be an important step to further grow our brand,” Landis said.
“Our aim with the programme is to create a family feeling, and develop a racing culture that emphasises the experiences and stories we will share together, more than racing results.”
22 December 2021, 09:09
22 December 2021, 09:09
22 December 2021, 09:09
22 December 2021, 09:09
22 December 2021, 09:09
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Except that it doesn't say anything about fire risk, and unassisted bikes can just as easily be ridden in a dangerous manner (in which case, punish the offenders, not everyone else). They don't seem to have given any particular reason* for it, apart from a vague reference to changes in the law. If they'd said "There's a fire risk from dodgy ones and we don't have the capacity to check which are which" then people might not be so annoyed. As it is, it just gives the impression that they've made an arbitrary decision without much thought or reasoning at all. Tim, on the other hand, is just trouble, and deserves to have special measures taken against him. [* Apparently there was a letter to parents that hasn't been posted, but whatever the contents of that, it doesn't seem to have made the reasoning any clearer to them, judging by the social media comments.]
Fair enough - sometimes it's more obvious to them as is writing than them as is reading.
I'm intrigued what the data says for Scotland. Last year in Stirling, I had my bike (plus tailfin setup and camping kit) removed from the station cycle park and left against a rail to see if I noticed it. Thankfully I did and quickly made my way to get my train. I reported it online to PS when I got home, it was left for less than a hour and I mentioned that as a solo female traveller the most unnerving bit, was someone clearly watching me. Despite it being logged and a PS email to arrange a call back, the call back never came. They then had the nerve to text me a response questionnaire on how they'd done.
@mdavidford This is the instagram post. All seems very reasonable to me in view of the fire risk the batteries pose and the possibility of scooters and e-bikes being ridden in a dangerous manner when it's crowded at the start and end of the day. Children are still being encouraged to cycle to school but I'm a bit concerned that they are singling out tim for the lunch ban.
@mdavidford I thought you may have detected a hint of sarcasm there! Seriously though the standard of driving is much higher in London than Marrakesh.
That's terrifying!! I'm pretty sure I'd have ridden (or perhaps fallen or jumped) into the concrete ditch on the right; I wouldn't have even tried to stay on the carriageway. ********** Years ago in Laos I was riding into Vang Vieng at about 15mph when a lorry came straight towards me at full pelt (I was on the correct - right - side of the road). I made the instant decision to ride into the water-filled ditch on my right that ran immediately parallel to the road, having no idea of its depth. The water was only about 10 inches deep and I slowed down covered in muck but still upright. I then went back to see why the driver had chosen my side of the road, as he wasn't overtaking. Turns out there wasn't his side of the road - just a massive hole where it had been...
Whenever I see a near miss like this I can't stop myself thinking of all the excuses, sorry, reasons the police might give for not taking action if it happened in this country. List so far : We are not allowed to judge distances so we don't know how close the lorry was. At this point the lorry driver is going to have to inconvenience somebody. Lorry didn't cross the white line so it was the cyclists fault for not being in the cycle lane. Lorry was established. A close pass is not an offence. Am I getting cynical in my old age? Well done to the cyclist for staying alive.
This short sample of bargains tells the cycling community that retail prices are way too expensive. As fot Giant, they seem unable to get rid of their ageing inventory.
"...the delivery lorry in his lane, attempting to overtake another lorry..." "...the lorry does not decelerate or seek to move back to its own lane..." but "... as the driver narrowly avoids him." Come on @Callum Devereux Do better.
Bath cyclist view. Whilst being a very lovely city to live in, it is at times (and places) a car infested hell-scape which is easy just to accept when you live here. I pretty much walk and cycle within the city, and only get the car out if I have to (miserable at times). With narrow roads, lots of on-street parking, no outer ring road (geography; through traffic), a river splitting the city N/S, plenty of good private/state schools and some pretty steep hills, it's a toxic mix of inconsiderate entitled drivers and rat-runs; for years the traffic problem has been in the council's 'too difficult' box. They may not get it 100% right, but the current Lib Dem council are pushing ahead with new pedestrian crossings, shutting rat-runs, implementing 20mph speed limits, scooter/bike hire scheme and installing cycle lanes; it drives the car-lobby wild and their human right to drive wherever, whenever and however is violated (I include people who live around me in this group; "how will we get around?"). The local Greens seem to just side with the noisy NIMBYs, regardless of whether it's 'green', as it probably helps their election prospects. As a cyclist, you need your wits about you and where to go to avoid toxic traffic; I've felt safer cycling in London. I think this new park route links the cycle route(s) from the centre of town up towards Weston and the hospital reasonably well; bit of uphill in the park (noting that a N route is recommended). The 'antis' point out that there are already 2 parallel cycle routes, the river path and the section of the U Bristol Rd that has dedicated cycle lanes (they're still screaming about that one). The river path feeds cyclists towards the 2-tunnels route S and the Bristol Bath cycle path; tbh, it has a lot of pedestrian traffic and is pretty narrow and bumpy (tree roots) between Windsor Bridge and Locksbrook (apparently will be upgraded). The U Bristol Rd lanes incl floating bus stops etc (wouldn't be cheap to remove), but at the W end they just stop and turf you out onto a pretty busy road. Cyclists travelling from Newbridge may just stick to the U Bristol Rd, and enjoy the respite offered by the cycle lane stretch, or could head down to the river path. I dislike the car zealots so much (one resident group has taken their self-funded LTN complaint to the High Court) that anything that sticks one up their proverbial is fine by me. If I can make an effort to get about the city by means other than a car (I even invested in a ebike to use a bike more; kills off the hill problem), then perhaps they could to.
72 thoughts on “Is it fair enough to slap a close pass driver’s car?; Reaction to Government dismissing Mr Loophole petition; Relive Cav equalling Merckx’s record; CyclingMikey goes international; Sunrise scenes; But cyclists; Route-planning app + more on the live blog”
I lot of drivers react very
I lot of drivers react very angrily if you touch their car, so while clearly if there is no damage there is no legal issue. It’s unlikely to make your journey safer.
And if you do knock a mirror off you would be liable for the repair cost, which is surprisingly high with body colour mirrors.
wycombewheeler wrote:
Like this?
South Africa advert
South Africa advert apparently. Of course the fact the bike is keeping level with the car in traffic is not the thing to take from the advert no sirree bob.
I’d say no to the car slap
I’d say no to the car slap thing. As understandable as it is when someone has almost killed you for zero reason it’s only gonna potentially escalate things out of control. At least have an escape route if they turn around to murder you…
This. The chances of it
This. The chances of it escalating and me getting assaulted driver or by car are just too high to risk it.
Short answer: Yes
Short answer: Yes
I’ve done this several times in the past, including as a pedestrian while on a pedestrian crossing. The driver ignored the crossing and was so close to me she almost ran over my feet so I slapped the roof of the car as she passed. I’m pretty sure that she thought she had hit me as she made an emergency stop and was looking in the mirrors. I followed the car into the car park and asked the driver if she was aware of the rules regarding pedestrian crossings and running people over in general… I didn’t get a response that could be printed, so I wished her a happy life and got on with mine.
Hitting someone’s car is
Hitting someone’s car is almost guaranteed to escalate the situation. Some drivers take it as a deeply personal affront if anyone messes with their vehicle and will fly into a rage, so if you mess with their car, make sure that you’ve got a good escape route (best done in a traffic jam when you can disappear into the distance) and that they’re not going to be able to chase and catch you up.
I think that people’s ego/zone of personal space expands to become the car when driving (which makes sense as you need to consider the car’s dimensions and not your own when driving), so hitting their car is almost equivalent (in their minds) to slapping them in the face. Obviously, we know that it’s just property and slapping it is unlikely to leave any mark or damage, but an enraged driver won’t necessarily see it like that.
If you’re running a camera, don’t bother hitting their vehicle as it won’t accomplish anything useful (though it may be satisfying).
I agree. However, many years
I agree. However, many years ago when I was a student and cycling daily in a city I did entertain myself by taking my keys out of my pocket and then jangling them in the eyeline of the drivist once I had repassed. Obviously I never touched their precious metal box, but by the time they had leapt out to inspect the damage and then got back in intending to give chase I was long gone. Knowing the location and having escape routes in case they just try to run you down is quite important though.
I think it depends on the
I think it depends on the circumstances – I would and have done this (slapped/banged on roof/window) when a car is alongside me and dangerously close in order to alert the driver to how close they are, but in this video the mirror slap is done after the event as punishment.
I have also had call to fold the mirrors in on two approaching vehicles as a pedestrian on country lanes, the 1.5m applies to pedestrians as well as cyclists.
Funnily enough the only two drivers to stop and get out angry were one as cyclist and one as pedestrian when I banged on their windows as they went very close past me. No damage and not even a folded mirror! Maybe drivers are more used to dinging their mirrors against things and are less precious about them, probably confused about whether they are door or wing mirrors.
makadu wrote:
Working out whether to complain about door or wing mirror is like counting to 10
Last time I did it, they had
Last time I did it, they had deliberately boxed me in with a view to forcing me to hit a parked car or stop.
After the event is only going to escalate things, probably out of control.
Was that one of those
Was that one of those occasions where they think you’re going to ride over the top of the parked cars instead of moving out and round them?
It’s downhill, on a narrowish
It’s downhill, on a narrowish bit of road due to all the parked cars either side. I ride well out to avoid the door zone and discourage an over take (as visibility is limited due to the parked cars).
They choose to pull along side which could only be as a form of punishment for not being left enough.
Part of my commute has a
Part of my commute has a stretch of road which is badly torn up and patched with tarmac. It’s pretty awful and I wouldn’t even drive my car on the same surface. It necessitates being pretty much right across to the white line. Well the other day I took my normal line to deal with the illegally parked vehicles and then the crap surface to end up with a taxi driver undertake me in his desperation to get past and beat me to the red lights up ahead.
Quote:
Is this “live” blog recycled from 6 months ago, or is Dan Alexander WFH down under?
I know it’s not really
I know it’s not really equivalent, but you probably wouldn’t like it if a pedestrian slapped at you or your bike, so generally, I’d say slapping out at cars isn’t a good idea.
Fun though it is, I would
Fun though it is, I would personally avoid potentially escalating a conflict where the balance of power is not in your favour. People seem increasingly unhinged these days.
A friend of a friend used to
A friend of a friend used to carry a water bottle with paint stripper in it. If he was cut up in the manner shown in the video, if he caught back up to the car, he would spray the paint stripper onto it as he cycled past. I could never decide if I was impressed with this or not. On balance, I am not, but sometimes when I watch these videos, it has a certain allure.
legendary27 wrote:
I wonder, what could possibly go wrong here?
Just, NO!
legendary27 wrote:
That freaks me out…just imagine picking up the wrong bottle for a drink…
legendary27 wrote:
I wouldn’t want to get stopped by police and have to explain why I was carrying corrosive liquid in a bottle – that sounds like a bad day.
hawkinspeter wrote:
Hmm, just a thought but if you had a bottle of brake fluid and your bike has hydrauic brakes, then you’d have a pretty good reason for why you’d be carrying it. And brake fluid is indeed corrosive – just saying – not that I’d do it myself.
OldRidgeback wrote:
Shimano mineral oil isn’t particularly corrosive although it’s apparently quite toxic. They recommend protective gloves if you’re having prolonged exposure to it.
I’m not sure how you convince people that you occasionally bleed your brakes whilst out on a ride though.
Raw eggs might be a good choice – emergency fats and protein whilst on a ride though I’m not sure that I’d be comfortable with some eggs shoved in a pocket.
Had a mate who kept a handful
Had a mate who kept a handful of bearings in his pocket. Claimed they made handy stone chips.
giff77 wrote:
Also useful if someone’s chasing you. Just throw a handful on the floor and wait for the comedy pratfall.
If you’ve noted the vehicle’s
If you’ve noted the vehicle’s registration and see it later I definitely would not suggest chucking a couple of ball bearings up the exhaust pipe so that they cause an annoying but hard to trace rattle that annoys the driver no end. This would probably damage the catalytic converter so in theory that could be classed as criminal damage.
I’ve been hit by a door
I’ve been hit by a door mirror ….the mirror whacked back into the door window and broke off….karma really….the driver sped off so I couldn’t get his registration number….since I have used a camera on the bike and got several reports actioned by local plod…… clearly closer than the video but in all honesty after my incident, if you can touch/hit their mirror they are way too close….. however how it plays out with the law/moral side of things…it’s debatable
If you can slap the car, it
If you can slap the car, it was being driven far too close…
(that being said, I don’t think I would in case the person driving – or their passenger – had a bit of a short fuse).
https://youtu.be/78b67l_yxUc
https://youtu.be/78b67l_yxUc?t=60
Hitting a car – this would be
Hitting a car – this would be a satisfying form of release and possibly a suitable mild objection if it weren’t for the risk of provoking potential mortal combat. With someone armed with a car.
Also as mentioned the longer between the offense and the response the more we should all be thankful you’re on a bike. Because if you were in a car you’d be the baddie, not being able to let go of your ire.
Absolutely smack that motor.
Absolutely smack that motor. Ive punched windows before too – they make a thoroughly satisfying thud….
Majority of the time the purpetrators of the close pass didnt have a clue that they had done it!
They soon realise when have an angry 6ft 1, lycra clad, squashed sausage raging at them thumping the window shouting expletives!
Richard_pics wrote:
I think they can call the police if you wave your squashed sausage at them and thump the window with it.
Close pass? Squashed sausage?
Close pass? Squashed sausage? I can’t tell what’s wurst. If it came to court you’d probably lose your case – see links below:
chrisonatrike wrote:
Those don’t look like sausage links to me
chrisonatrike wrote:
Those aren’t links, they look rather four Lorne.
You’re right, I have no case.
You’re right, I have no case. I made a complete merguez of it.
It was just mince.
It was just mince.
As a rational matter? No,
As a rational matter? No, everything to lose and nothing to be gained. The arsehole who almost killed you and had his car slapped for it is exceedingly unlikely to direct his ensuing ire at himself and change his ways.
As an emotional matter, in the heat of the moment? Still don’t recommend it, but wouldn’t blame anyone for having a go.
Not long ago I gave a harder-than-intended slap to the side mirror of a motorist that had blown through a red light, almost run me over, and then lurched at me menacingly and repeatedly when I stopped in front of his car and refused to let him pass through the intersection while his light was still red. The mirror popped out of the frame, and the driver popped out of his car to confront me. After an extended and aggressive confrontation, the police arrived, scolding the driver for his behavior and absolving me for mine. As the driver continued yelling bigoted demands that I (that ignorant foreigner! that gangster! that thug!)* pay the replacement cost for his precious mirror (Benz, naturally), the officer casually popped the mirror back into place and told the man to drop it. The old git still refused to let it go unless I apologized (!) for using crude language (!) at him in the intersection. Not having the cultural or linguistic upper hand, my being grateful to the police officers and wanting to let them go on their way, and it being very cold, I apologized to the miserable tosser and the thing was done.
*I am in fact a nerdy academic who works for that man’s government and knows his country’s laws far better than he does. I am also a model citizen and inveterate rule follower—but we’ve all got our limits.
Ib think with the police in
Ib think with the police in attendance absolving you if wrongdoing, I would have just ridden off, see if he will keep blocking the junction demanding an apology from someone no longer there.
True, but there were cultural
True, but there were cultural considerations and so forth to deal with. The police had treated me well and handled the situation professionally, and I wanted to respect them by resolving the situation cleanly. The man’s 20-something son had shown up (the family lived nearby) and admirably taken my side against his father, and I didn’t want to put him in the position of having defended a rascal. While the police absolved me of wrongdoing, that absolution was more personal/situational than legal; the fact is that I attacked and damaged the man’s property without (legal) justification, and even if the case would ultimately be resolved in my favor it was a risk and hassle that I didn’t want to face. Etc. So in the end I think I benefitted myself, the son, and the police by apologizing, and the old man is just a write-off.
It might be an understandable
It might be an understandable reaction to slap a vehicle close passing like that, but it’s a really bad idea ime.
It absolutely does escalate the situation and puts you in far more danger, a cyclist will always come out the loser in a fight between a vehicle with an angry driver at the wheel, no matter how big, tough or macho you think you are.
Save the satisfaction for reporting the driver instead, which as the original video poster highlighted, they instantly forfeited the right to.
Totally agree.
Totally agree.
The Daily Heil has a story
The Daily Heil has a story about a new cycle lane on the A347 in Bournemouth which locals and drivers are claiming makes the road too narrow to let ambulances etc past.
And yet the council says they haven’t received complaints from anyone, let alone from the emergency services.
Anyone local have experience of it?
Non Fail link
Non Fail link
https://www.dorset.live/news/dorset-news/ambulances-struggle-through-dorset-road-6388416
Looks wide enough to me to allow an ambulance down the middle.
“The carriageway on Whitelegg Way is between 6.4m and 6.6m wide, adhering to current national standards set by the Department for Transport.”
They did this earlier in the year on another cycle route in the area deliberately misreporting the width prompting the relevant council to issue a press release about the actual width and road standard.
Looking at the photo showing
Looking at the photo showing the Citroën beached over the kerb, either it’s staged or the driver can’t drive.
I think also many motorists fail to react to the blues ‘n twos until the last second, so instead of moving over parallel to the kerb they dive in nose first at 45 degrees, leaving their arse end still obstructing the emergency vehicle.
A slight tangent but has
A slight tangent but has anyone ever seen a well (competently?) driven original Picasso?
SimoninSpalding wrote:
I don’t know if this is an original…
hirsute wrote:
Was that the one where it turned out the council hadn’t actually removed more than a few inches of ‘road space’ and yet the locals were complaining that the motor vehicle lanes were narrower than the cycle lanes, or something?
PS – And thanks for the non-DM link 😀
Probably, but they all merge
Probably, but they all merge into one for me.
I found the press release that had to rebutt all the false claims
Now, that is a pretty
Now, that is a pretty comprehensive refutation
I approve whole-heartedly.
But it didn’t do anything to
But it didn’t do anything to change the views of entitled motorists judging by the comments underneath.
But they already knew that
But they already knew that their views were right and correct and that they knew far more than the council’s planners ever would…
That might be the one I
That might be the one I mentioned on the article when the Heil were reporting about the cycle lane being wider then the road (it wasn’t). Someone was “moaning” about that at a local meeting including a Fire Services Employee stating it was causing issues as mentioned but refusing to give a name. When the local press asked the local Fire Chief, they mentioned no issues had been reported to them or any drop in response times AND they actually had a planned avoidance route for the area anyway as it still contained multiple roadworks.
Weirdly I’ve seen multiple Emergency services stuck in these sections over the last 10 months or so and not seen one article about it in the DM!
Banging on a close passer’s
Banging on a close passer’s panels is definitely the right thing to do.
If it come to a confrintation simply say in a friendly voice “I just wanted to make you aware of my presence, I’m sure you were not driving like that on purpose”
It’s also a ready explanation for the police if ihey get involved.
I think it’s reasonable to
I think it’s reasonable to tap/slap a car when it’s dangerously close next to you – I do it to let them know I’m there. I don’t think I’d do it like in the video, coming back up the inside of the car as the driver slows.
I once patted a (stationary) car sarcastically after an argument with the driver, who then chased me down, accused me of kicking his beloved automobile and assaulted me with his mate. Wouldn’t recommend.
Apparently Mikey’s article is
Apparently Mikey’s article is behind a paywall (ooer missus).
For me it’s also behind a language wall – is there a translation, or a synopsis that tRoad.cc could get hold of?
Captain Badger wrote:
Is that the northern version of Roadcc?
Daveyraveygravey wrote:
I assumed it was the Dutch version.
All I can say with regards to
All I can say with regards to hitting out at a close passing car is please don’t.
Rise above it, record and report it by all means but we all know that many drivers have an irrational dislike of cyclists and a feeling of entitled superiority in their cars. Many drivers have a special bond with their car and and assault on it is an assault on them
In a moment of madness their vehicle can become a weapon and 2000ish kg v 100ish kg is only every going to have one outcome whether you’re in the right or not.
There are too many cases where a driver has killed or seriously injured a cyclist with a punishment pass or brake test and I’m sure the driver’s reaction in that moment was simply “I’ll teach that bloody cyclist a lesson” stupidly ignorant to the potential consequences.
Is it fair? Yes.
Is it fair? Yes.
Does it feel rewarding? F*ck yes.
Should you do it? Hell no. You simply don’t known who is behind the wheel of the car and unfortunately there are some proper nutters out there. I did use to slap the window or the roof but I stopped doing it after I got chased and almost got run over by some madman who ran a red light, drove over the cyclepath and sidewalk just to catch up with me. All I did was slap his window after he did a close pass and directly thereafter slammed his brakes to park forcing me to an emergency brake and slide.
It only takes one nutter who just wants to give you a little tap with his car to get even and you could end up injured or worse.
To put in a cyclists analogy: carowners are as proptective of their cars as Cadel Evans is of his dog 🙂
BartP wrote:
Well as long as it’s not John Wick
Yep, I agree. While any car
Yep, I agree. While any car you can slap is obviously too close, there are some nutters out there and it’s not worth triggering them. I’ve done it in the past, when I was younger.
Put it this way, if some nutcase takes offence, you can be run off the road and attacked. If you fight back, you risk an assault charge yourself. Is it really worth the additional risk?
It’s better just to post video footage to the cops and hope they take action.
On Team SD Worx new kit, I’m
On Team SD Worx new kit, I’m guessing fruit salads werent such a big thing in the Netherlands back in the day…
Made me think more Global
Made me think more Global Hypercolor.
Kind of like it despite that, though.
Its possible that’s what the
Its possible that’s what the Human Powered Health team were thinking…and their WWT will in no way get confused with SD Worx at all in the peloton.
Awavey wrote:
How many to count as one of your five-a-day?
Two wrongs don’t make a right
Two wrongs don’t make a right!
But boy it feels good!
I tried the “Where did that
I tried the “Where did that get you?” shout to a van driver as he was turning right, it got me cut up, the driver sprinting (ok lumbering and gasping) across the road and he tried to push me off, so I am not even sure I can recommend that righteous retribution.
Slapping a car:
Slapping a car:
I suppose you would have to consider the footware you have on at the time.
It’s hard enough to *walk* in SPD-SL cleats – to risk having a punch-up in them is just foolish and likely to end up wth you being hurt.
It’s not just a cycling thing
It’s not just a cycling thing though.
Yesterday, on a country road wide enough for two cars to pass without slowing at 40mph, I watched a car approach at speed, not apparently slowing for the 40mph zone, nor deviating from their course which seemed to ignore two walkers by the side of the road, my wife in a bright pink anorak.
I stick my hand out to wave and try and get the car to react and had to withdraw it to avoid being clipped.
I turned as it shot past and neither passenger nor driver showed any sign of reaction, nor were there any oncoming cars to give the excuse of confusion. I’ve no idea whether the car was aware of me (well clearly the driver wasn’t, and the press tell us that it is cars that have accidents).
Not sure I’d want to risk a broken hand for aslap..
I now waggle my trekking pole
I now waggle my trekking pole up and down if I think the driver is going to be too close.
Seems to do the trick.
A few years back, in Southend
A few years back, in Southend, a friend and I were travelling in convoy. Parking up on a fairly busy road, I took advantage of a pedestrian crossing stopping the traffic, pulled across the road and parked in a space facing into oncoming lane. My friend pulled in behind. These were designated parking spaces in a bay. Given my parking orientation, Mrs Mungecrundle in the passenger seat would be openning her door into the oncoming live traffic lane. My friend, being a gentleman and all round better person than I, openned the door for Mrs M so that she could get out. To do so he was stood in the road. At that point a taxi driver pulled away from the ped crossing where he had been waiting and pretty much drove at my friend, forcing him against the door and trapping Mrs Mungecrundle’s ankle.
As the taxi went past it got a slap. It then screeched to a halt and a very irrate driver emerged, shouting at my friend that he had damaged the taxi and pointing to a dent in the passenger door that had clearly been made by something much more robust than a human hand. He demanded my friend’s details for an insurance claim and when refused threatened to call the Police. I suggested that he would look foolish for calling the Police on account of his vehicle having been damaged by a pedestrian he had deliberately driven at. He still noted down our reg plates and after a bit more bluster he went away.
A few days later my friend was contacted by the Police. Both I and Mrs M had to submit witness statements. A few weeks after that my friend reported that the Police had dropped the matter having given strong words of warning to the taxi driver.