almost hit
I almost got hit by a red BMW 325i on the way to school today. I was northbound on Meridian going up the little hill past Wholesale. It's kind of tough to judge from a mirror on Meridian since people drive like assholes and get too close for no reason quite often (read: step it up HPD). But I bailed to the gutter for this one when I realized how close the guy was getting with the other lane empty. And shortly after I did he brake locked and swerved. But if I hadn't bailed I would have gotten hit. Or I probably would have gotten hit without the mirror. If you've seen me riding, you know how goofy and bright I look on the way to school. I was wearing an ANSI lime vest with reflective strips over my messenger bag. There is no excuse for not seeing me. Since the guy braked and swerved and waved when I yelled what the hell, I think he was just being inattentive and didn't do it on purpose. I hope I got the plate right. What can I do about this since he didn't actually hit me or harass me? Can the police at least talk to him about starting to give a shit about the lives of others when he's driving?
11 comments:
I'm sorry that happened to you but glad you were able to avoid getting hit! I know how safety conscience you are- and rightfully so.
When I almost got hit on Manning, two xmas eves ago, I had my xmas lights on plus my usual lights- like 13 in all. A helicopter could have landed safely nearby but noooo, the man in a van, drove into my lane cutting the corner. Another cellphone. >Insert a variety of cartoon curse words here<
I would call it in if more people continue to do this. They will have to put additional patrols etc... call Rodney and see what he can do. You will have to file a report. Scott did this recently and they paid them a visit.
Yea, if you got the license plate number they can go talk to the guy and that will likely make him/her be a bit more attentive.
If you haven't put it on Bikewise
I recently found out a disheartening bit of info relating to this topic. In addition to noting a vehicle's plate number, "positively identifying" the driver of the vehicle can be crucial. Apparently simply having a licence plate won't always seal the deal
Scott was fortunate in that the man who harassed him a number of times recalled "AN" incident not a few or many as was the case. Because the man admitted some knowledge of a single incident the officer's were able to issue him warning. Had the man denied any knowledge of the "accusations" against him there may have been little the cops could have legally done aside from perhaps an arbitrary warning if even that.
So, this is just a frienly FYI, sucky as it is, and often times imposisle...ID the assailant if at all possible!
Peace, and as it's said in the streets...Ride Like You Do!
OOPS...I meant possible...it's way past my bedtime! Cheers!
OOOPS...I meant impossible. Way past my bedtime. Cheers!
I got a description of the guy. I guess it depends what they want for positive ID though. But if they're not even going to at least tell them about cyclists rights and paying attention when they visit, do they expect us to not do stuff ourselves?
Maybe ask Rodney, Rex and the gang why the cops still ride around talking on their cell phones all day. Lead by example not words and make sure to watch CSI and buy a DNA kit so when you get hit by one of these lovely humans we can be armed with the necessary information they need. I see why people distrust the government in Talabama sorry I meant Mayberry.
Seriously though:
We had to got through a very similar experience when we all worked with getting Scott the right information. I think we were told roughly 10 different things From The Cops and The Committee.
Another way of seeing this is that if the cops get enough complaints from cyclist about motorist behavior and then let them pay motorists a visit and give these idiots some info. This is a much more expensive way of doing it and frankly stupid, but as more complaints come in more cops go out and maybe the City will get the picture so I would encourage Clint to pursue this. I know it is not his first time being fucked with or almost hit. I would much rather him complain officially and know he did this than to have him hit and injured and to not have done shit. Plus all the complaints are reported and are a matter of record therefore when a class action lawsuit goes against the city they will be part of the record. If know one reports than there is no shot and the city will still do "nada".
Well put bello velo
Clint,
The way I heard it advised FROM RODNEY HIMSELF was..."If folks CAN identify the driver of the vehicle as well"...Like, "in a line-up (if that became necessary) one is better equipped". Because the owner of said vehicle may not have been the driver at that time, and or if you are uncertain it CAN in some cases work againt anyone in that situation. That is all I wanted to say...straight from HSV brass. By no means an absolute, more a best case senario.
I am very happy to know you were not maimed, injured, or worse...mirror, vest and all!
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