Comments on: Dealing with Road Rage

By: Brian Lacy

Brian Lacy — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:41:24 +0000

I teach my students to not react in anger or fear, but to strive to show firm friendliness (not backing down though) outwardly, while in inwardly noting all details including license plate and potential witnesses. The best way to change others is to use sugar – not be appeasing or to act sarcastically, but to show how our way is more fun and peace-making. It’s amazing how disorienting it is to the bully.

By: Brian Lacy

Brian Lacy — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:40:33 +0000

I teach my students to try hare to never react in ager or fear, but to strive to show friendliness (not backing down though) outwardly, while in inwardly noting all details including license plate and potential witnesses. The best way to change others is to use sugar – not be appeasing or to act sarcastically, but to show how our way is more fun and peace-making. It’s amazing how disorienting it is to the bully.

By: Juan

Juan — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:01:56 +0000

I’ve had more than my share of this type of behavior…..yelling, swerving, things being thrown, etc.. I got in the habit of mentally taking plate numbers as cars passed me, even if they didn’t do anything, for practice. It became such a routine, that I didn’t even think about it anymore, but if someone did have an altercation with me, I wouldn’t be flustered and forget to get the plate number. Many times people are overcome by the emotions of a situtation, that they can’t function the way they’d like. Not sure if this helps, but I feel better prepared if (when?) it happens again.

By: mike

mike — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:01:35 +0000

When you have the best of intention — leaving that wider space in between: these motor vehicle drivers will take away as much as they can. As the smaller size your body length be, the more trouble they give. Remember the “pussy” game — in school? Now they/motor vehicle drivers are doing that on the road. Car (bigger & heavier) against bike. And with the motor vehicles paying fees for the state dmv, the cops will be biggots against us cyclists. When those cars wreck our bikes.

By: DanC

DanC — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:06:32 +0000

Dealing with “road rage” while cycling can be tricky, especially if the adrenaline is pumping.

Highly recommend chapter 5 of Bob Mionske’s Bicycling and the Law: “Cyclist Harassment and What you can do about it”, over 50 pages of good sound legal advice. A little Bike Education will also go a long way, probably need to “control or use the full lane”, see “Passing Thoughts — Bikes and Cars Sharing the Road”: http://tinyurl.com/2zgtmc

Peace!

By: galvo

galvo — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:42:58 +0000

http://stopdangerousdriving.wordpress.com/ is th eblog i started to specailize in dash cams, i m working with a couple other people to put up a bike /ped cam sight

By: galvo

galvo — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:40:58 +0000

i have been trying to start a grass root movement to have dashcam to record dangerous driving situations,
as far as a bike cam the 79 one i have just did a write up about may work. i also used a Oregon scientific 99 cam attached to my bike , i have some videos linked to the site to show theie test clips

By: Jeff Moser

Jeff Moser — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:03:50 +0000

I’m not sure I’d recognize the truck if I saw it again. Just an old mini truck that a typical kid would drive. Taking the lane in this case was not an option, since the street was severely constricted from the snow. I would’ve held someone up for a few blocks if I didn’t pull over.

The snow has melted a lot since the incident, and I was able to take my shortcut once again. This bypasses this section. Plus I left later and missed all the High School traffic.

I was talking to one of my friends about what he does in these situations, and he says he calls the cops anonymously after the incident. His tip is to embellish the story a little bit. Maybe say they looked like gang members, it looked like they had a beer in their hand, etc. It might be the only way for the police to take you seriously!

This has been a fun discussion. Thanks for all the comments!

By: kaz kougar

kaz kougar — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:50:55 +0000

I keep, the local PD and Sheriff’s numbers in my cell and In the few situations I have had with motorists, I have reported them. The last time the operator asked if I wanted to sign a formal complaint (I reported the license number) but using my better judgement I simply replied, “No, the guy seemed like a hostile redneck and I don’t want him coming after me or my family so I just want you to make a record of this call in case he ever does do something nuts, it is known that he has a history of recklessness.”
In your case, teenagers are f’ing crazy and since it is a small town you may find yourself the victim of an unpredictible and possibly brutal retaliation if you were to report them and they did get caught. I’d say in your case that I’d probably just let it go but if it happens again, I’d definitely notify the authorities, if that doesn’t work then find out where they live and slash all four tires on their car, they won’t mess with any cyclists for at least a day or so, most likely longer since they’re teenagers.
Pepper spray is handy to have at all times, you never know when you may need it for dogs, motorists or anyone.

By: brian

brian — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:42:46 +0000

First of all, it is good to hear you escaped this incident unscathed. Secondly, I want to tag onto smudego and jason (sd) comments about taking the lane. Typically by making yourself more prominant you have more fall back room if they decide to pinch you.
However, I must say these kids are D_CK’s and should get their @$$ kicked for doing this.
There, I feel better now.
Unfortunately, there is little repercussion for behaviour like this and all you can do is be on your guard.
Be safe!