Watch out for minicab drivers off their boxes around the North Finchley area in London.
One nearly ran into me late tonight. I was cycling uphill along a quiet lit main-ish road. Car approaches a t-junction ahead of me from a side road. Seems like the driver's seen me because he brakes to a dead-slow crawl and lingers for some time (no other traffic about).
Just as I go past (a few feet out into the lane, with lights and bright yellow jacket), he puts his foot down and almost hits me. I was going far to slow to dodge or accelerate out the way and instinctively braked. So there I am with my hand on his bonnet. I yell at him of course, but get no response. Nothing. Not apologetic, not angry - his face and body language was totally blank.
I suppose I should have taken his number, but shaken, I was more interested in self-preservation at the time and just moved off (after a bit more yelling). I did have a witness (another cyclist behind me).
I'm told minicab drivers regularly drive under the influence of drugs in this area. After my experience tonight, I can believe it!
"Pete Biggs" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Watch out for minicab drivers off their boxes around the North Finchley area in London.
One nearly ran into me late tonight. I was cycling uphill along a quiet lit main-ish road. Car approaches a t-junction ahead of me from a side road. Seems like the driver's seen me because he brakes to a dead-slow crawl and lingers for some time (no other traffic about).
Just as I go past (a few feet out into the lane, with lights and bright yellow jacket), he puts his foot down and almost hits me. I was going far to slow to dodge or accelerate out the way and instinctively braked. So there I am with my hand on his bonnet. I yell at him of course, but get no response. Nothing. Not apologetic, not angry - his face and body language was totally blank.
I suppose I should have taken his number, but shaken, I was more interested in self-preservation at the time and just moved off (after a bit more yelling). I did have a witness (another cyclist behind me).
I'm told minicab drivers regularly drive under the influence of drugs in this area. After my experience tonight, I can believe it!
~PB
Judging by the amount of 'youth' involved with da evil weed, I'd suggest it isn't just the cabbies out there. Keep your eyes peeled folks! Dave.
"Pete Biggs" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Watch out for minicab drivers off their boxes around the North Finchley area in London.
One nearly ran into me late tonight. I was cycling uphill along a quiet lit main-ish road. Car approaches a t-junction ahead of me from a side road. Seems like the driver's seen me because he brakes to a dead-slow crawl and lingers for some time (no other traffic about).
Just as I go past (a few feet out into the lane, with lights and bright yellow jacket), he puts his foot down and almost hits me. I was going far to slow to dodge or accelerate out the way and instinctively braked. So there I am with my hand on his bonnet. I yell at him of course, but get no response. Nothing. Not apologetic, not angry - his face and body language was totally blank.
I suppose I should have taken his number, but shaken, I was more interested in self-preservation at the time and just moved off (after a bit more yelling). I did have a witness (another cyclist behind me).
I'm told minicab drivers regularly drive under the influence of drugs in this area. After my experience tonight, I can believe it!
