Motorists Assaulting a Cyclist

I was riding my bike in the early morning of August 1, 2009. I was heading southbound on Whitesburg Drive. I had just past the Airport Road intersection. I noticed headlights brighten the pavement from behind me quickly. I knew the truck was too close. I noticed that when the truck went to pass me he stayed in my lane. He yelled some profanities at me, which I could not make out and before I could comprehend the reason for all of this I was struck with a beer bottle. I crashed my bicycle and banged myself up a bit. I got the tag information and reported it the police the next business day.
Derek Johnson.

Another Incident

Dear Bill Kling,

We have met on a number of occasions including the shooting of the share the road PSA's. I'm not sure if this has already been brought to your attention, but here is a very disturbing account of a recent bike/car incident involving a child in Huntsville: http://blog.al.com/times-views/2009/07/letters_to_the_editor_saturday_3.html

I have been harassed numerous times riding my bike as a commuter in Huntsville, most recently, I was riding North on Meridian to work yesterday and a car yelled at me to get on the sidewalk as they turned into a parking lot. I swung back and talked to the woman (nicely) and she had no idea 1. that I'm supposed to be on the road 2. that there were share the road signs put up by the city on the very road we were on. She said she was yelling at me because she was worried I would get hit....My experiences during my daily commute and errands by bike, illustrate that City efforts for education and outreach are not effectively targeting drivers and that signage (where it is present) is not sufficiently visible to drivers. The city has yet to install all the signage promised in the wake of Sarah Chapman's death and the signs that do exist are often too small or poorly placed to be noticed on Huntsville's larger and busier roads such as Meridian St. and Whitesburg Dr. I am aware of the numerous budget issues and beaurocracy involved in merely placing signs and painting Share-rows on road surfaces; however, I am also frustrated that it just hasn't happened and that for drivers - the roads don't look any different than they did a year ago and bikes still don't 'belong' on the road.

Leela Pahl

South Huntsville Needs Motorist Education and Manners

From Scott:

Yesterday afternoon I finally got the license plate number of the redneck that buzzes me and lays on his horn every time he passes me on Hobbs Island Road. He’s done this at least 3 times in the past 2 to 3 weeks, making it a point to not give way at all and sit on his horn as he passes. Each time he’s done this there have been no cars coming in the other direction to keep him from moving over, it has always been on a stretch with plenty of “line of sight” down the road, and once he was in a line of three or four vehicles all of which gave me ample room when passing and he still did this crap. The good thing is that not only did I get the license number and a good description of the vehicle but I also saw exactly where he lives. After yesterday’s incident I continued riding east on Hobbs Island and noticed the car at a house on the right side of the road about 1 ½ miles past the railroad crossing. I rode an out and back and the car was there on my way back too. If you ride this road often and are familiar with it, it is the first house in a row of about 3 houses with a chain link fence in the front yard(s) that is/are always open. There are usually about 2 or 3 dogs in the yards and driveways and they will try and chase cyclist if they notice you in time. This is just before you pass the Ebenezer (something or other) Church. Like I said if you are familiar with this road you likely know where this is. The car is a junkie looking dark green Ford Taurus (I believe it’s a Taurus) 4 door. I noticed yesterday that part of his front bumper is torn off/missing. The license plate number is 47T812N in case someone has a run-in with him and recognizes the car from my description.

Has anyone else had problems with the vehicle I described? Also, does anyone have contact info so I can report this? I’m still debating as to whether or not I should report it because I don’t know what if anything the police will do. They did little to nothing when I was hit by a hit and run driver so I don’t see them really doing anything to this guy other than asking him if he did it, telling him to stop (yea that’s going to work), and then the guy in return might do something malicious to cyclists in the future. I’ve thought of all types of ways to vandalize his vehicle which I know isn’t the thing to do but I was/am pretty angry about the whole thing.

Scott is currently calling the cops to report this and we will let you know what happens.

Last in the US and Proud!!!!!

Can't Blame Mississippi for this. Keep in mind why we are at the bottom. The good news is more Brac more wack drivers!!!!Maybe a new motto "Pro Life as long as you can afford a Truck or SUV" Almost a year has passed and the Share the Road Sign are still not finished!!!!
From HSV Times

Thoughtless driver

My son was riding his bike on South Bailey Cove/Green Cove around 3:30 p.m. on July 6 and was struck by a red SUV (maybe a Jeep) while crossing the street. The car was traveling north and struck the front tire of the bicycle on the passenger side front bumper of the vehicle.

The person driving did not stop and I have to wonder what were you thinking? Did you wonder if he was hurt? Did you even think about what just happened? Have you thought about it since?

I really find it unconscionable that someone could strike a child on a bike and just keep going as if nothing happened. Really, what were you thinking?

Kelly M. Evans,
Huntsville, 35803