Shaking My Confidence

[bacarver]

Thanks for the encouragement. I just called the police dept. to request an update regarding the punks who screamed at me and leaned toward me from the van. I'm feeling blown off. The officer is supposed to call me, but I'm getting very strong vibes that I'm just supposed to shut up and start riding my bike in the safety of my back yard. Yes . . . this is the frustration of being a victim. I can just let this go if I have to, but I didn't do anything wrong, so why do I have to fight my way through this?
I'm a nurse. Wonder if I would have stopped to help if one of the punks had fallen out of the van . . . ???
Barb

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks for the encouragement. I just called the police dept. to request an update regarding the punks who screamed at me and leaned toward me from the van. I'm feeling blown off. The officer is supposed to call me, but I'm getting very strong vibes that I'm just supposed to shut up and start riding my bike in the safety of my back yard. Yes . . . this is the frustration of being a victim. I can just let this go if I have to, but I didn't do anything wrong, so why do I have to fight my way through this?
I'm a nurse. Wonder if I would have stopped to help if one of the punks had fallen out of the van . . . ???
Barb

Maybe it'll help you get action if you tell the police that if nothing is done about this you will write a letter to the newspaper. That'll probably get some action going. These kids NEED to be contacted by the police and made to realize they will get into trouble if they do it again.

[Aggie_Ama]

Went for 32.27 miles alone this morning. Only incident I had was the standard bozo who wanted to lay on his (her?) horn. I smiled and waved with enthusiam. I still prefer riding with DH and am still nervous about every car that passes. One day I will be confident to ride alone more often.

[Starfish]

Maybe it'll help you get action if you tell the police that if nothing is done about this you will write a letter to the newspaper. That'll probably get some action going. These kids NEED to be contacted by the police and made to realize they will get into trouble if they do it again.

Sure. A letter to the Chief of Police or Sheriff, with copies to the Mayor, City Council members, all county newspapers, any local cycling shops/clubs, you name it. If you have a TV news organization anywhere near, find out of they have a tipline for news story ideas. I know we are 3+ hours from the nearest city with TV news, but they come out here for stories, etc.

Make sure you get the badge number of any officer who is blowing you off.

And, there are ways to get the information of registered owners if you have a plate number. My brothers have paid friendly visits to people who have threatened me (albeit not while I was on the bike) to talk with them. PM me if you want...I'm not sure my info is totally accurate.

[bacarver]

To my surprise, the officer did call me back this morning. He said that he located the owners of the van and THEY have spoken with their 15 year old son. The officer said that he is still going to meet with the 15 year old to have a talk with him. I am satisfied with this plan.
I will train myself to check license plates. This is a good habit to practice. I will also put a pencil and notepad in my under-seat pouch.
Thank you for the encouragement and the suggestions!
Barb