Serious Road Rage

the fact that no charges were laid is not really so strange (unless you think the girl should have been charged for keying the guy's car -- which would have happened if charges were laid).

seems to me that the cops realized the incident amounted to nothing more than another episode in a series of every day blow-ups between a couple of [censored]. no conspiracy there.

JJ,

I agree and disagree.

First, I found it a fascinating read. There were few observers who were able to see the situation clearly. Most conveniently excluded their favourite's bad behaviour from their account, thereby making a spurious case for self-defense. On the one hand, you have the innocent driver, who "dropped" his hamburger while getting into the car, only to have it tossed back at him. Then, his car is keyed. His retribution is vindicated on material grounds (damage to his property). On the other hand, you have the feckless cycle-courier, who is splashed with coffee, thrown to the ground, her bike vandalised, and then manhandled by a much stronger opponent. Her assault is championed by her own ethical principles.

I personally find my sympathies excited more by the bicycle-courier. I find her first assault (throwing the burger back into the man's van) to be humorous and -- in my mind -- somewhat deserved. When the actions and reactions are weighed, I find the man up for serious condemnation, and the courier simple disapproval.

What kind of lout throws coffee on a woman? Stomps her bicycle? Roughs her up? Comes back at a photographer wielding a baseball bat? I simply can't comprehend such rage, especially considering it is directed at a woman.

On the other hand, I can't condone the courier's actions, even though I might understand them.

As cyclists, we need to understand that we exist at an obvious disadvantage to drivers. Nor are our convictions proof against their aggressions. We lose each time.

i guess my reply to the original post was a bit insensitive.

i'm just saying that the courier's sense of righteousness went far beyond environmentalism, is all.
i think the environmental message would've been far better served by picking up the guy's trash, wagging a disapproving finger and throwing it away. everything else was uncivilized.

Two angry people who were getting off on confrontation. Both thought they were right and wouldn't back down or step back. Not road-rage, just human nature - It also happened in the days of the horse-drawn SUV. Shame about the bike, though. It's a pity when innocent velocipedes get caught up in human drama's.

Jon Jonson said:

i
i think the environmental message would've been far better served by picking up the guy's trash, wagging a disapproving finger and throwing it away.

Do environmentalists throw things away? I thought they 're-cycled' them.

stokell said:

Do environmentalists throw things away? I thought they 're-cycled' them.

I don't know, Stokell. Ask an environmentalist.

to me, the solution has always been clear. the cyclist should have all right of way in all traffic situations, and in ANY car-bicycle accident the motorist would be at legal fault.

this would keep 'em on their toes.

looks like the tide turned on the tough guy...good thing for him he was restrained from further incident.

stokell said:

Is there anyone out there who has missed THIS? citynoise.org2770Open ↗

In Toronto's Kensington Market a femal cyclist was attacked in what appears to be a serious case of road rage. Strange thing; police have not laid charges.

So a hamburger is worth several hundred dollar paint job? I would have done the same thing. Make no mistake about it, the environut assaulted the driver FIRST and got what was deserved. Riding a bike does not give anyone any special privileges.....and I am saying this on a bike forum! LOL!

Hypnospin said:

to me, the solution has always been clear. the cyclist should have all right of way in all traffic situations, and in ANY car-bicycle accident the motorist would be at legal fault.
.

To me, the solution is always clear, run the bicyclist over....It makes as much sense ad your reply. :p

The OBVIOUS solution is for common sense on both sides.