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Virginia Beach is known for it's horrible traffic and worse drivers. They have all those people on ships for six months at a time. When they finally get off the ships, they run to their cars and drive like maniacs because they can.
As for honking, I don't mind getting honked at. It means they see me.
About 20 years ago, while living in Winston-Salem, NOrth Carolina I was riding on some back roads (I guess they are all back roads in that area!) on a familiar bike loop that clubs often ride. I was alone and just pedalling along minding my own business. There weren't any bike lanes in existence back then in the area. A truck came along and slowed down beside me. It kinda bothered me and felt creepy, so I slowed down to let it pass quicker. There were two guys in this truck - long hair, no teeth or rotted teeth, the deer scene along the back window with gun racks. Big grins. The one on the passenger side leaned out of the window and grabbed me. These guys were low wattage and had no idea that I was clipped into my bike. He lost hold of me. I was shaking all over - panicky feeling. He let go of me and thank goodness I did not fall under the truck. I landed right side up and stayed on the bike. They slowed down again to try to do it again and I almost stopped.
In the middle of no where, a car came along and scared these guys off. I memorized the tag (no cell phone then either!) I rode home and called the Sheriff's office. The sheriff came to my house to talk to me. They knew who these guys were - long history of complaints, warrants, etc. He told me that if I filed a formal complaint, the complaint becomes public record and the guys would know my name, address and phone number. I was single at the time. He said he would go have a chat with the guys and ruffle their feathers. I decided not to file a formal complaint. Sometimes it seems the bad guys have all the rights. Here in California on a regular no-drop route that several clubs ride, there is a guy with a white truck that tries to run us over. He has been cited numerous times over the past 10 or so years but nothing has ever happened to him. The local police and highway patrol are very familiar with him. He tried to run an entire group off the road - head on - we all jumped off the road. Just total hostility and ignorance I guess. Its hard to feel safe anywhere these days riding.
Is this on the women's no drop ride out in the Livermore area? or is this the guy that used to do this on Calaveras Road when I used to live in the Bay Area?Quote:
Originally Posted by vinbek
spoke
Its the yokel in the white truck along Collier Canyon Road and Highland road areas. I'm sure you remember him - he is still at it.
I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you. I have fears of that happening to me and my husband when we hit the road. Whether it's for a ride or we're commuting.
On my ride yesterday I started out waving and smiling at the Jerks that honked. By the end, I was giving them the finger b/c it's so frustrating that people in cars think they have more right to the road.
I hope you get this guy. My step-brother is a fireman in Virginia Beach and I would be happy to contact him to ask him what, if anything, you can do. Don't hesitate to contact me and ask me to.....
I am so sorry about your bad experiences ladies. I have always felt particularly vulnerable too since I am overweight. When I was a child growing up in Va. we would visit my cousins in Va. Beach and I would have rude things yelled at me on the beach. So naturally when I moved to Florida I expected more of the same. I can honestly say that has not happened - at least not on our beaches. We do have a lot of cyclists, several local bike clubs that routinely ride, and St. Pete is a huge supporter of cycling. So eventhough we have our share of idiots here too, we also have a large number of people riding scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, etc. so I guess more drivers are used to folks two-wheelin. I am always on the alert when riding - that is really your best defense - be aware of your surroundings and approaching vehicles and expect the unexpected at any given time. And flipping people off down here has resulted in guns being drawn so that is not a good idea either. Good luck out there - be safe!
I can't believe he is still at it - I haven't lived in the Bay Area for about 12 years now! WOW.Quote:
Originally Posted by vinbek
spoke
This is really scary...especially to new riders like me.
I think I would buy me one of those helmet cams that mtb'ers use and video him driving recklessly and aggressively. Then I'd make an appointment with an attorney and present the video and file a lawsuit against him. I'd also make the video available to the local news stations and have stills for the local papers. With enough pressure, eventually he'll be held accountable for his actions.Quote:
Originally Posted by vinbek