I'm glad I got this off my chest

[indysteel]

A few weeks ago, I saw a cyclist run a three-way stop on my way home from work. I actually had the right of way and another car was at the intersection, too. The cyclist didn't even pause for a second as he blew through his stop sign. He then turned into the rec center. I was in a hurry myself, but I promised myself that if I saw him do it again, I was going to follow him into the rec center lot and say something.

Sure enough, he blew through the stop again this evening when I had the right of way. I pulled in after him and asked if I could speak with him as he got off his bike. I started off by telling him that I, too, was a cyclist and that I wasn't one of those drivers that think cyclists have no right to be on the road. But I proceeded to tell him that I'd seen home blow through the intersection twice with no regard for other traffic. I told him that first and foremost, I really didn't want him to get hurt, but I added that he, like everyone else, needed to follow the rules of the road. He actually thanked me and said he'd try to be more careful.

I don't fancy myself as a private cop, but I felt justified in saying something.

[spokewench]

Good on you! I'm glad he wasn't a jerk. Many people if confronted even if in the wrong can be pretty dumb

[kajero]

I do that when I see kids without helmets. I try stop them, tell them my story, and ask them to please get and wear and helmet. Today I saw a little girl carrying the helmet on her handlebars!!! I can imagine how THAT really helps. I yelled as I passed by to put it on. I don't know if she did.

Sometimes if an adult who is not wearing a helmet and is with children who are wearing helmets is stopped at the same time I am, I kind of "lecture" the adult on whether he/she really cares about the kids at all. What happens to the kids if he/she is in incapcitated in an accident?

Most of the time they look and me like I have lost my mind. Who knows, maybe I did in the last crash, but had I not been wearing that helmet well . . . Anyway, I feel good for asking.

[indysteel]

Good on you! I'm glad he wasn't a jerk. Many people if confronted even if in the wrong can be pretty dumb

That's why I told that I was a cyclist and that I didn't want him to get hurt. How can someone be rude in response? You don't want something bad to me? Well, you're a jerk!

The first time I saw him run the stop, it's a wonder I didn't hit him. I saw him coming just as I was about to turn into his path, but I had a gut sense that he wasn't even going to slow down.

I see his bike all the time at the rec center (I belong, too). I wonder we'll recognize one another.

[TsPoet]

That's why I told that I was a cyclist and that I didn't want him to get hurt. How can someone be rude in response? You don't want something bad to me? Well, you're a jerk!
.

When I renewed my tabs this last time, I got bike plates on my car. I paid that extra $20 so I could do what you have done, and point at them to say I'm pro-cyclist. But, I still haven't had the nerve. I hate seeing cyclist on the wrong side of the road and/or on the sidewalk - there are more cyclist around here riding along those 2 paths than on the right/correct side of the road.

Good for you!

[Wahine]

Well done Indy!! You said what needed to be said in a non-confrontational way that facilited communication instead of impairing it.

[lph]

wow! I often wonder if I should say something and how to say it. That was a perfect example of how to put something well and actually be heard. Kudos!