Bicycle versus Car
Ladies and gentlemen (and children of all ages) - I am here today to tell you that in the contest between car and bicycle, the car is the victor. How do I know this? Because my new Fuji (less than two months old) is - even as we speak - a twisted hunk of useless metal, while the opponent in this sparring match - a Toyota Tacoma - is probably out prowling the roads, looking for other bicycles to mangle into submission.
How this came about was one part road rage, one part misjudgement, and two parts male testoserone. When these combustible ingredients are mixed together, mayhem ensues. Allow me ot explain.
Here in California, bicycles are considered vehicles no different from any other on the road. This means - among other things - that we must obey the rules of the road (stopping at STOP signs, yielding to pedestrians, etc.). It also means that we have the same right to the road that everyone else does. Not that drivers of SUVs and Ford pick-up trucks agree with this philosophy. I know I’m generalizing like crazy, but it appears to me as though people lose three or four IQ points when they strap themselves behind the wheel of these behemoths.
During my ride today, said Tacoma grew annoyed at having to share the road with some as miniscule as myself, and so, rather than practicing common driving courtesy, the driver decided to intimidate me by driving as close as possible to my rear wheel and then laying on the horn. Naturally - not expecting this discordant sound immediately behind me - I jumped out of my skin, swerved, and went tumbling when my front wheel hit the adjacent curb. I wasn’t hurt, but I was pissed. The Tacoma was stopped at the light a few dozen yards ahead of me, and seeing him sitting there, unmindful of whether he had maimed me or worse, I lost my head. I ran up to him, and pounded on the passenger side door. His companion - thinking I was trying to open the door to molest her precious body - screamed bloody murder. The driver threw the truck into Park and came flying out of the truck. Without further ado, we ended up tussling on the ground. Luckily, we were soon separated by lookers-on. Words ensued, accusations were hurled, and invective filled the air. Eventually, however, calm was restored and the Tacoma continued on to its final destination. I returned to my bike to discover that the crash I had suffered had broken the front fork. Being several miles away from home, I had no choice but to call in a few favors from friends who came to my rescue. My bike mechanic tells me that not only is the fork broken, but the frame is bent. His suggestion is to scrap the bike completely, file an insurance claim and buy a new one.
I can’t stand it. All I’m trying to do is stay active and get in halfway decent shape. Is that too much to ask? Why do motorists feel as though they own the road? I’m doing my part to keep the planet green. So why am I persecuted? Why? I know I’m whining, but I just lost my bike and I have to buy another. The whole episode is upsetting to me.
August 25, 2008 at 12:55 am
Holy crap!
That is outrageous. Hope you are ok. Man that other guy must be a real loser and I hope he gets what’s coming to him. One thing I’ve learned is that karma is a bitch!
I hope you got his details or at least his licence plate so you can bill him for the damage.
Try to stay positive and don’t let this fool or this incident dampen your enthusiasm for fitness and health.
August 25, 2008 at 1:22 am
I just brought a bike, so I hope that I don’t have to go through what you just did. Hope you got his details and I hope that you’re not to shaken up.
August 25, 2008 at 3:14 am
Thats just insane, hope your okay. as a bicycle rider myself i hate driving on the road. some people are unable to cope with driving next to bicycles and or have not had much experience with it, which makes me nervious as they draw ever so closer to my bicycle. Especially that of night, depending where i am i like to ride facing oncoming traffic that way i know whats coming as bicycles have so many blind spots.
August 25, 2008 at 4:19 am
I don’t think you’re whining at all! You have every right to be outspoken about this. You should’ve reported him to the police (I know you were probably too overwrought with fear and anger to think that way). Damn that idiot!!
I’ve trained on the road and I’ve been nervous because of all the stories my friends have told me about their experiences with stupid drivers. Unfortunately, it’s not an uncommon thing.
By fighting that guy, you pretty much lived every bicyclist’s fantasy, btw.
August 25, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Thanks to all for the supportive comments. I’m okay, although still pissed off at that idiot. To all of my bicycling compatriots - be careful out there.