With the weather so good I decided to take a break from chores and have a short ride to get some
fresh air. As I was leaving suburbia there is a roundabout leading to an estate. As I approached
this with the intention of going straight over I heard a car cautiously approach from behind then
cautiously overtake and equally cautiously turn left alongside me, I also turned left cautiously
because I had little option. I decided to follow the car to ask the driver if they were aware of me.
Now the lady driving was cautious to a fault, the kind of caution reserved for those over the drink
limit being tailed by the police or who lack good eyesight.
The car eventually pulled into the drive of a smart house and I waited patiently at the kerbside for
the occupants to disembark. Now my intent was to use Nick Kews example of education, I wasn't angry
or aggressive in any way, just sort of resigned. First out was the gentleman passenger, so being
gallant and getting bored by their slow egress I addressed him, what follows is a rough transcript:
Me: "Excuse me, are you aware of what your lady did a moment ago?" Him: "No, what was that?"
N: "At the roundabout by the cemetery I was going straight on and she turned across me"
O: "You didn't indicate" "In that case you should have treated me with more caution" "Go away"
"Why?" "Because you're annoying me" "I just want you to be more aware in future"
He approaches and gets quite close. "You must have accelerated" "Why would I do that?" "Because
people like you....." looks me up and down disdainfully. "Yes, what about people like me?" "...are
dressed to accelerate, now go away" "Why should I?" "Because you're on my land!" "Sorry, I didn't
know you owned this bit of road" "Well, I do. I own it from my property to the centre" "In that case
contact your solicitor and issue me a writ" "I am a solicitor" "Well, start issuing me a writ"
By now his face is inches away from mine, his eyes are popping and his fists are clenched at his
side. "Go away, you're annoying me" "No, I don't think I will" "You're making me very angry and when
I get angry........." "I see, are you threatening me with violence?"
This is quite funny, he's not a small chap and in his late 50's, now I'm 50 next week and there any
physical similarities end.
"Oh, alright, I'm very sorry we cut you up now go away!" not at all graciously. "Thank you for the
apology but I would just like you....." Couldn't finish saying "to be more aware of cyclists" "Look,
I've apologised and you've accepted it now go away or I'll call the police" "Call them by all means,
I'll hang on" Shouts to wifey who has been unloading shopping without saying a word "Call the
police, this mans creating a public nuisance" And to me "Go away, you're embarrassing me"
I decide I've had enough and failed to make my point about watching out for cyclists in future so
decide to leave and continue an otherwise enjoyable ride. (Of course what I should have done is call
the police on my mobile on his behalf 🙂
On reflection a few things about the scene: 1, Wifey was without opinion, I think he beats her. 2,
When they pulled into their drive the next door neighbour was on his front but didn't speak to them,
in a similar circumstance my neighbours always acknowledge us and we them, seemed to imply they
don't care for him
:-)
3, He could have had a heart attack and I've recently learned CPR and so morally would have felt
obliged to resus him but I didn't have a facial barrier with me, ugh! 4, I should have phoned the
police as I wonder about the drivers eyesight or ability to be on the road.
Pete