Inches

[bacarver]

I was riding on a two-lane highway located between two small towns in Southern Indiana. The cars were going 40-45 mph and there was steady traffic. All cars that passed me gave me plenty of room as most drivers do. Then the huge van passed within inches of my left side. I mean, gee whizzy, he was close. I was riding a straight line and this is why I didn't get hit. He pulled into an auto shop just a few blocks ahead. I caught up and decided to talk with him.
I told his wife that I almost got hit. She was speechless and just stared at me. Then the husband told me that he had told his wife that I took a "jog". He said, "I did see you." Unbelievable. Quite a few things went through my mind like screaming at him, "Would you have seen me in the ditch?!"
Welcome to the world of bicycle haters. He had every intention of stressing me out to teach me some kind of lesson. He didn't slow down. He didn't move over. He got as close as he could and felt justified in doing so. He wasn't sorry at all.
Not sure what I could have done. It would have been a he said/she said. I wasn't hit. He just made it clear that he wouldn't have cared if he had hit me. He didn't issue any threats.
I know my riding style. Riding a straight line is what I expect of myself. If I'm going to take a "jog" then I motion my intentions to the cars behind me.
I have to remind myself of all the motorists who are considerate even if they don't ride. I don't have a problem with 95% of drivers.
Be careful out there!
Barb

[Mr. Bloom]

Barb, they passed the "three foot law" a couple months ago.

Understood that it's a "he said/she said", but I might suggest this:

- Before the encounter, take a picture of his license plate with your cell phone and send it home for preservation.

- Explain to him the law - Indiana Bicycle Coalition even has wallet cards that you can give him.

- If he wants to give you lip, go ahead and call the cops...he may mellow his attitude to be inconvenienced by their inquiry, even if he doesn't get a ticket. Remember, there was a witness, so they have to investigate even if she clams up...

It's unfortunate that there seem to be too many of these incidents in your part of the state. I encourage you to contact the Coalition for some ideas as well.

[bacarver]

Mr. Silver -

Thanks for adding to this thread. I had never heard of the 3 foot law. I actually have something to protect me!!!! This gives me power. I'm no match for an extra-large van. If he had hit/swiped me, I would have been launched through the air and mangled.
I will contact the Indiana Bicycle Coalition to educate myself and to request the wallet cards.
Maybe this summer will be a little safer afterall.
Barb

[Thorn]

Mr. Silver's got it....but don't expect the driver to get a ticket. If the cop issues a warning, consider it a moral victory. But report it if you can.

Locally we have a guy that rides with cameras attached to his bike ( http://bikesafer.blogspot.com ). When he is buzzed by a vehicle, he takes the tape to the appropriate authorities. He has successfully gotten tickets issued and he has educated at least one trucking company, but he has also shown us the ignorance and anti-bike stance of the local system and their lawyers. Currently, all he asks for is a warning. He's getting the warnings issued. Baby steps.

[redrhodie]

Wow, what a jerk. I've fantasized about catching up to some driver who has done me wrong, and giving them a piece of my mind, but never have had the opportunity. I guess it's not as fullfilling in reality as in my imagination, where I have him grovelling for my forgiveness!

Maybe deep inside, you made a difference with this man, and he will give the next rider more room. You can only hope.

[Mr. Bloom]

Barb, they passed the "three foot law" a couple months ago.

Barb, I'm sorry, I was wrong:

SB553 passed the house (which I incorrectly took as victory), but not the senate...and died a procedural death.

I encourage advocacy on the issue:

http://www.bicycleindiana.org/