Scenario: Me, pulling out of a parking lot (turning right) onto a semi-busy street in my SUV (start hatin’). I look right, no pedestrians, look left—there is a car coming. I wait. I look left again—clear, look right again—no pedestrians, quick look left to make sure I didn’t miss any cars coming and I pull out—to a shit load of shouting, a crunch and the sight of a shirtless piece of trash flying over his handlebars in front of my vehicle.
I slam on the breaks and rush out to see if you’re ok. You start cursing, swearing, calling me an asshole, telling me to fuck off. I ask if you’re ok, you say “fuck you” and pick up your bike, fix your chain and pedal off.
Here is the thing—you tried to swerve around my car while you were on the sidewalk—except I pulled out. If you were a pedestrian I would have seen you the two times I checked the sidewalk but since you were on a bicycle going about 35 km/h (and obviously you came out of a driveway because I had a pretty long line of sight and didn’t see anyone—bike or other on the sidewalk) you rode your bike right in front of my moving car—then had the nerve to try and blame me.
First off, there is a reason bikes don’t belong on sidewalks—this is why. Second, you damaged my car. I should have called the police on you but I felt bad. Third, maybe if you kept your trashy self, piece of shit bike and your big mouth on the road where bikes moving at the speed of traffic belong then this wouldn’t have happened. Oh yeah, wear a helmet fuck face. —Damaged SUV
This article appears in Jun 21-27, 2012.
Q) What is invisible, 120 ft in diameter and smells of Japanese food.
A) Gojira farts
It’s not enough that the lizard has become the best commenter; now he’s writing the best too-good-to-be-true bitches. Time to take early retirement, I spose. >: (
If anybody wants me I’ll be shambling around Lake Banook in my pajamas, yelling at the starlings and muttering darkly about David Icke’s theories of inter-dimensional lizards running the world.
I had the exact same thing happen to me once. I posted about it somewhere and the Bicycle Brigade went off on me like it was my fault or something. I told the shithead if he was riding on the street it wouldn’t have happened but he just didn’t fucking get it. Idiots.
Maybe part of the biker’s reaction was due to the fact that (a) it probably scared the crap out of him, and (b) he might have known he pulled a douche bag move by coming out of no where, and trying to pass in front of your vehicle.
I kinda feel bad for you, OB, I would have been very upset if I were you. I guess it shows that no matter how vigilant you are, shit happens.
Whaaa?
Cranky — the guy on the bike that did this to you was a douchehat, just like the guy who did this to the OB.
Valid bitch.
Just goes to show you that the DOUCHEBAGS out there driving bikes are ruining the image of cyclists for everyone.
It’s called a sideWALK for a reason!
Pretty impressive cycling skills to come out of a driveway at 35 km/h.
People assume because I ride a bike I’m one of the “4 Wheels Bad 2 Wheels good” chant crowd. Fuck that.
fuck that x 3
Ivan…
http://30bananasadaysucks.com/wp-content/u…
out of all this, I’d like an answer to the real question…
http://www.mindskin.com/p/276/pulp.jpg
you mean to say that his/her invisible force shield didn’t protect him/her. methinks they ought to sue the ones that sold them that thar shield thingy. but hell, if you would have really creamed them, there’d be one less to worry about, right?
‘Zilla…
http://www.naderlibrary.com/ateamamericafi…
Been hit twice driving in sidewalks and I learned early on this is a bad idea. Been t boned by a driver that thought I was going slow and pulled out thinking he could beat me. Had another hit when a driver Pulled into his driveway doing a massive wide turn like a big rig (but driving a minivan) with no signal in the rain. All I’m saying is that it’s a two way street.
I’d agree with you buddy that was a close proximity pull out on the cyclists end. Cyclists like drivers should know better and be cautious because at the end of the day ye who is heavier wins.
It would be nice though to have bike lanes or streets. Human safety here though seems laughable even on the best of days. My problem as a rider is that drivers expect cyclists to ride close to the curb and magically get around parked cars. Drivers that signal would also be great because we can go pretty fast too. Halifax is full of potholes, parallel storm drain covers and raised curb shoulders. All dangerous to us. There just simply isnt much of a safe solution yet. But I do have street smarts and I’m highly visible.
As a driver I hate riders who throw caution to the wind on those drivers who signal and Decide to pass on the turning side. I also dispise riders that can’t be bothered to put flashing lights or wear bright clothing. I cant see you you your gonna be in a world of hurt.
My rider semi solution in a 50 zone,provided I can keep pace, is to get in line with the rest of you. Especially barrington, springarden or quinpool. I’m not getting hit and you don’t need to pass me. Otherwise I’m two feet from the shoulder to keep me safe and I’ll signal my intentions. I’ll also be lit up like a Christmas tree..
As a driver I pass when it’s safe because I know your side.
Peace forum…
Sounds like biker dude knew he was wrong and that is why he went off on you OP, another dick who doesn’t understand how to ride a bike safely.
Riding on the sidewalk, no helmet. Good thing there was no middle schoolers around OP or he would have really let you have it.
He should have been the one apologizing to you OP!