Bad Driver TV-The Right Hook from Brendan on Vimeo.
I found this video on Bad Driver TV and thought it was both interesting and angering! I couldn't get over how easily the cyclist overtakes the car once the driver heads into the shopping complex. When the cyclist catches up to him to talk to him the guy's wife (in the car) says 'I'm sorry we won't do it again!" several times. She seems alarmed.
Just remember: "Anger is one letter away from Danger"!
Obviously the motorists fault but the cyclists could have made a better point by never saying "when we pass a car on the right", as we all know we should never pass on the right. The car passed them and immediately made the right turn so the cyclist wasn't actually passing on the right. I have this issue on Paris road and the only thing that can be done to prevent it is to take the lane, which is not all that comfortable and really angers motorists. In some cases motorists will still try to do it. The cyclist could have used this example "if I had been a slow moving car, would you have passed me then turned in front of me like that"? There really is no difference and it might have helped make their point better. Of course, as a driver I've actually had people pull that even when in my car so the only thing to think is that some idiots just don't care!! Great clip, thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThose bicyclists obviously do not discuss these issues for a living. LMAO!!!
ReplyDeleteI think emotion got in the way of clear speaking but I was amazed at how quickly the car drivers became almost meek when confronted face-to-face with the cyclist! It just goes to show how cars--the enclosed nature and power under your heel--make common people act like jerks.
ReplyDeletePam you are right---explaining that they probably wouldn't pass a car and then turn directly right is a good way to go.
RJ--Can't believe you have put your real name out here. I am honored. :-)
Emotions can get in the way and since we had this encounter we have adjusted our approach realizing that "in your face" conversations rarely change behavior. We're not vigilantes, we're just trying not to get hurt!
ReplyDeleteAnd while we don't speak on these issues for a living, we are actively involved in bike advocacy. http://www.njbike.org I recently chaired and organized the first ever New Jersey Bike Summit this past February. Yes, we're amateurs but we're doing something positive.
Brendan61