My bicycle road rage story.

[Safeway]

This incident occurred on Congress Ave. between 11th St and 1st St, so over the course of 10 blocks and probably 10 red lights.

I am riding in the right 1/2 of the right lane, doing approximately 20 to 25 mph. When I ride my bike on the streets, I am constantly looking for four-wheeled idiots. So I look behind me and I see this Yellow Cab zooming towards me at probably twice my speed. I look back ahead, and there is a red light, so I start coasting and braking. The taxi had to slam on the brakes and got within an inch of my back tire (not a hyperbole). I look at the guy and motion/say back up.

So, the light turns green and I out accelerate everyone off the line. I get back up to 25 mph and catch a green at the next intersection. I check behind me, the taxi is about a foot away from me. Twelve fucking inches off my back tire. We get up to the next light, and it is red. I look behind me right as he hit my fucking bike. Granted, it was not hard enough to do damage to my rim, but who the fuck hits a person like that right after warning them to stay off?

I turn my bike sideways in the lane and start to go ape shit. I yelled at him through a green light, telling him to back the fuck up and stay the fuck off my ass. I commented vigorously on his inadequate driving ability, his intelligence (or lack of), and several other things that just flew off my tongue. I'm sure that it was a very colorful and adrenaline-fueled monologue. I was seriously about to kick his ass, and I was carrying a gun (not that I would have used it, but riding around downtown Austin at 1:00am can be dangerous). Needless to say, the passengers in the back seat covered their faces with embarrassment and I had a very aggressive ride after that. The taxi stuck with me for about 6 more blocks, but maintained about 10 car lengths distance behind me.

Disclaimer: What I did was stupid, however, the cab driver was definitely at fault. He hit me. Road rage is not the solution to any problem, and I should have just forgot about the incident and peddled over a block or two. I was already in workout mode, and his actions just dumped adrenaline into my system.

Cliffs:
1) Riding bike in downtown Austin.
2) Taxi cab riding my ass.
3) Taxi cab hit me at a light.
4) I go ape shit on his ignorant ass.
5) ...
6) No profit.

 

[StartingLine]

taxis are annoying enough but truthfully i would be annoyed at you to since any traffic going slower than the flow of traffic tends to annoy me quite a bit especially bikers.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Curious, why didn't you ride on the side of the road so that faster vehicles can drive past you? fwiw - I ride my bike in the city every day.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Curious, why didn't you ride on the side of the road so that faster vehicles can drive past you? fwiw - I ride my bike in the city every day.

I took care of that at the very beginning of my post. I was riding on the right half of the right lane. As close to the curb as safely possible, short of riding in the dirty rain gutter. Congress Ave has narrow lanes to begin with. People normally pass me, but this taxi was fucking stupid.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: StartingLine
taxis are annoying enough but truthfully i would be annoyed at you to since any traffic going slower than the flow of traffic tends to annoy me quite a bit especially bikers.

To be honest, I was getting to the next red light before the cars in the other lane. Bikes can out accelerate cars like crazy. The taxi was just being a jerk-off.

 

[purbeast0]

I know it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk, but I cannot stand it when bikers are riding in the damn road and going slower than the flow of traffic.

but it sounds like this idiot coulda gone around you very easily. what a dick.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Safeway
This incident occurred on Congress Ave. between 11th St and 1st St, so over the course of 10 blocks and probably 10 red lights.

I am riding in the right 1/2 of the right lane, doing approximately 20 to 25 mph. When I ride my bike on the streets, I am constantly looking for four-wheeled idiots. So I look behind me and I see this Yellow Cab zooming towards me at probably twice my speed. I look back ahead, and there is a red light, so I start coasting and braking. The taxi had to slam on the brakes and got within an inch of my back tire (not a hyperbole). I look at the guy and motion/say back up.

So, the light turns green and I out accelerate everyone off the line. I get back up to 25 mph and catch a green at the next intersection. I check behind me, the taxi is about a foot away from me. Twelve fucking inches off my back tire. We get up to the next light, and it is red. I look behind me right as he hit my fucking bike. Granted, it was not hard enough to do damage to my rim, but who the fuck hits a person like that right after warning them to stay off?

I turn my bike sideways in the lane and start to go ape shit. I yelled at him through a green light, telling him to back the fuck up and stay the fuck off my ass. I commented vigorously on his inadequate driving ability, his intelligence (or lack of), and several other things that just flew off my tongue. I'm sure that it was a very colorful and adrenaline-fueled monologue. I was seriously about to kick his ass, and I was carrying a gun (not that I would have used it, but riding around downtown Austin at 1:00am can be dangerous). Needless to say, the passengers in the back seat covered their faces with embarrassment and I had a very aggressive ride after that. The taxi stuck with me for about 6 more blocks, but maintained about 10 car lengths distance behind me.

Disclaimer: What I did was stupid, however, the cab driver was definitely at fault. He hit me. Road rage is not the solution to any problem, and I should have just forgot about the incident and peddled over a block or two. I was already in workout mode, and his actions just dumped adrenaline into my system.

Cliffs:
1) Riding bike in downtown Austin.
2) Taxi cab riding my ass.
3) Taxi cab hit me at a light.
4) I go ape shit on his ignorant ass.
5) ...
6) No profit.

Sorry to hear that. Yeah, it's amazing what adrenaline can do to you when you're working out.

You were absolutely justified in cursing his dumb ass out.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
I know it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk, but I cannot stand it when bikers are riding in the damn road and going slower than the flow of traffic.

but it sounds like this idiot coulda gone around you very easily. what a dick.

Bikers have every right to take up an entire lane and ride at whatever pace. In fact, I would argue that it is safer to ride in the middle of the lane so idiots don't whiz by you.

 

[StartingLine]

Originally posted by: Safeway
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: purbeast0
I know it's illegal to ride on the sidewalk, but I cannot stand it when bikers are riding in the damn road and going slower than the flow of traffic.

but it sounds like this idiot coulda gone around you very easily. what a dick.</end quote></div>

Bikers have every right to take up an entire lane and ride at whatever pace. In fact, I would argue that it is safer to ride in the middle of the lane so idiots don't whiz by you.

Yes, many people have the /right/ to do a lot of things. I have the right to call you names, belittle you, insult your heritage and stand outside your office with a sign calling you all kinds of names but of course I wouldnt do it.

Doing something you know causes inconvenience to others just because its how you like to do it is called being a jerk frankly. Roads were built for motorized vehicle traffic and not for bicycles regardless of what bikers think. Of course the law does recognize bikes as vehicles and in busy downtown areas they can keep up pretty well most of the time.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I hate bikers on the road...at least in downtown...they take up a full lane.

you have a bike lane, use it!!!

EDIT : I did not know it was ILLEGAL to bike on a sidewalk.

 

[daveshel]

Originally posted by: Safeway


Bikers have every right to take up an entire lane and ride at whatever pace. In fact, I would argue that it is safer to ride in the middle of the lane so idiots don't whiz by you.

If you believe that, you may end up dead right.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
I hate bikers on the road...at least in downtown...they take up a full lane.

you have a bike lane, use it!!!

EDIT : I did not know it was ILLEGAL to bike on a sidewalk.

We don't have a bike lane on Congress. Further, there is a bike lane on Guadalupe, but it is only 3 blocks long! After that, there is no bike lane and I have to ride on the street. Sorry cagers.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
I hate bikers on the road...at least in downtown...they take up a full lane.

you have a bike lane, use it!!!

EDIT : I did not know it was ILLEGAL to bike on a sidewalk.

Yep, I got a warning once for biking on a sidewalk. It was a completely empty sidewalk to boot. The only reason I was on the sidewalk is because the roads were packed and I was going to a business about half a block up the road.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: daveshel
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Safeway


Bikers have every right to take up an entire lane and ride at whatever pace. In fact, I would argue that it is safer to ride in the middle of the lane so idiots don't whiz by you.</end quote></div>

If you believe that, you may end up dead right.

Thankfully you live in Arizona.

 

[rivan]

Originally posted by: Safeway
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
I hate bikers on the road...at least in downtown...they take up a full lane.

you have a bike lane, use it!!!

EDIT : I did not know it was ILLEGAL to bike on a sidewalk.</end quote></div>

We don't have a bike lane on Congress. Further, there is a bike lane on Guadalupe, but it is only 3 blocks long! After that, there is no bike lane and I have to ride on the street. Sorry cagers.

I think the legality of it varies by locale. As for bikers having "every right to take up an entire lane and ride at whatever pace", there are also ordinances about impeding traffic in some places - and just because it's legal doesn't make it smart OR considerate. Be your own judge.

 

[MrDudeMan]

I love it when people preach about how annoying bikers are. Bikers have just as much of a right to be on any road in any lane they please. I am a biker and I exercise this to the fullest extent. If you don't like it, calm the hell down and realize it took you an extra 30 seconds to get where you needed to go. You waste more time than that scratching your balls on a daily basis, and the person who held you up was exercising, helping the environment, and not doing anything to hurt you. Fvcking idiots piss me off when you spout your crap about bikers.

I've been hit by a damn car TWICE when I was 2 feet away from the road in the bumpy part of the shoulder. FVCK THAT SHIT! I ride in the damn road now and haven't had a close call since. You dumbasses driving your cars can't avoid bikers unless we are literally in your way.

/rant

 

[rivan]

Originally posted by: Safeway
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: daveshel
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Safeway


Bikers have every right to take up an entire lane and ride at whatever pace. In fact, I would argue that it is safer to ride in the middle of the lane so idiots don't whiz by you.</end quote></div>

If you believe that, you may end up dead right.</end quote></div>

Thankfully you live in Arizona.

I don't think he was threatening you - I think he was simply stating fact. The reality of the situation is that on a bike, there's no safe alternative but to ride defensively. There are simply too many morons on the road for you to do anything else. It'll be difficult to appreciate the point you make if you're dead because someone thought it'd be funny/wasn't paying attention/was drunk/was stoned/was texting someone/was getting a blowjob/was doing 75 in a 30/.....

 

[manowar821]

It is most definitely NOT illegal to ride on a sidewalk, at least not here in MN. In fact, in Golden Valley, they just passed some kind of law or something lesser that states that if there is an available sidewalk, you must ride there instead of the road.

Bikers are annoying, when they're not out of the way, and/or going under the limit, and you're not able to pass them. Otherwise I love the bikers. Hell, I do it myself once a week.

Just stay out of the way, please!

 

[ViviTheMage]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
I love it when people preach about how annoying bikers are. Bikers have just as much of a right to be on any road in any lane they please. I am a biker and I exercise this to the fullest extent. If you don't like it, calm the hell down and realize it took you an extra 30 seconds to get where you needed to go. You waste more time than that scratching your balls on a daily basis, and the person who held you up was exercising, helping the environment, and not doing anything to hurt you. Fvcking idiots piss me off when you spout your crap about bikers.

I've been hit by a damn car TWICE when I was 2 feet away from the road in the bumpy part of the shoulder. FVCK THAT SHIT! I ride in the damn road now and haven't had a close call since. You dumbasses driving your cars can't avoid bikers unless we are literally in your way.

/rant</end quote></div>

I am a changed man now! I did not know it was illegal to be on a sidewalk....my only fight was there is a sidewalk use that.

patience + respect for bikers + 2!

Originally posted by: manowar821
It is most definitely NOT illegal to ride on a sidewalk, at least not here in MN. In fact, in Golden Valley, they just passed some kind of law or something lesser that states that if there is an available sidewalk, you must ride there instead of the road.

Bikers are annoying, when they're not out of the way, and/or going under the limit, and you're not able to pass them. Otherwise I love the bikers. Hell, I do it myself once a week.

Just stay out of the way, please!

I am reconverted! I still have my argument in the fight then.

I am sure it's different downtown though. Since I live near Lake Calhoun we get hordes of bikers, its cool though, I give em props for biking when its 95+ degrees out.

 

[PepePeru]

someone in texas being an aggressive a-hole?
surely you jest.

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: manowar821
It is most definitely NOT illegal to ride on a sidewalk, at least not here in MN. In fact, in Golden Valley, they just passed some kind of law or something lesser that states that if there is an available sidewalk, you must ride there instead of the road.

Bikers are annoying, when they're not out of the way, and/or going under the limit, and you're not able to pass them. Otherwise I love the bikers. Hell, I do it myself once a week.

Just stay out of the way, please!

It is illegal in most places, though. You have to realize if we don't get in the way, people will pass you as close as 6 inches. I've been smacked by mirrors too many times to count. It makes me want to reach in the car and rip their ***** spine out. How stupid can you be? Wait 5 seconds until the other lane is clear and then pass while moving over. So stupid.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
I love it when people preach about how annoying bikers are. Bikers have just as much of a right to be on any road in any lane they please. I am a biker and I exercise this to the fullest extent. If you don't like it, calm the hell down and realize it took you an extra 30 seconds to get where you needed to go. You waste more time than that scratching your balls on a daily basis, and the person who held you up was exercising, helping the environment, and not doing anything to hurt you. Fvcking idiots piss me off when you spout your crap about bikers.

I've been hit by a damn car TWICE when I was 2 feet away from the road in the bumpy part of the shoulder. FVCK THAT SHIT! I ride in the damn road now and haven't had a close call since. You dumbasses driving your cars can't avoid bikers unless we are literally in your way.

/rant

:thumbsup: x1000

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
I love it when people preach about how annoying bikers are. Bikers have just as much of a right to be on any road in any lane they please. I am a biker and I exercise this to the fullest extent. If you don't like it, calm the hell down and realize it took you an extra 30 seconds to get where you needed to go. You waste more time than that scratching your balls on a daily basis, and the person who held you up was exercising, helping the environment, and not doing anything to hurt you. Fvcking idiots piss me off when you spout your crap about bikers.

I've been hit by a damn car TWICE when I was 2 feet away from the road in the bumpy part of the shoulder. FVCK THAT SHIT! I ride in the damn road now and haven't had a close call since. You dumbasses driving your cars can't avoid bikers unless we are literally in your way.

/rant</end quote></div>

I am a changed man now! I did not know it was illegal to be on a sidewalk....my only fight was there is a sidewalk use that.

patience + respect for bikers + 2!

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: manowar821
It is most definitely NOT illegal to ride on a sidewalk, at least not here in MN. In fact, in Golden Valley, they just passed some kind of law or something lesser that states that if there is an available sidewalk, you must ride there instead of the road.

Bikers are annoying, when they're not out of the way, and/or going under the limit, and you're not able to pass them. Otherwise I love the bikers. Hell, I do it myself once a week.

Just stay out of the way, please! </end quote></div>


I am reconverted! I still have my argument in the fight then.

I am sure it's different downtown though. Since I live near Lake Calhoun we get hordes of bikers, its cool though, I give em props for biking when its 95+ degrees out.

You should stay converted. It's illegal in most places.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MrDudeMan
I love it when people preach about how annoying bikers are. Bikers have just as much of a right to be on any road in any lane they please. I am a biker and I exercise this to the fullest extent. If you don't like it, calm the hell down and realize it took you an extra 30 seconds to get where you needed to go. You waste more time than that scratching your balls on a daily basis, and the person who held you up was exercising, helping the environment, and not doing anything to hurt you. Fvcking idiots piss me off when you spout your crap about bikers.

I've been hit by a damn car TWICE when I was 2 feet away from the road in the bumpy part of the shoulder. FVCK THAT SHIT! I ride in the damn road now and haven't had a close call since. You dumbasses driving your cars can't avoid bikers unless we are literally in your way.

/rant</end quote></div>

I am a changed man now! I did not know it was illegal to be on a sidewalk....my only fight was there is a sidewalk use that.

patience + respect for bikers + 2!

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: manowar821
It is most definitely NOT illegal to ride on a sidewalk, at least not here in MN. In fact, in Golden Valley, they just passed some kind of law or something lesser that states that if there is an available sidewalk, you must ride there instead of the road.

Bikers are annoying, when they're not out of the way, and/or going under the limit, and you're not able to pass them. Otherwise I love the bikers. Hell, I do it myself once a week.

Just stay out of the way, please! </end quote></div>


I am reconverted! I still have my argument in the fight then.

I am sure it's different downtown though. Since I live near Lake Calhoun we get hordes of bikers, its cool though, I give em props for biking when its 95+ degrees out.</end quote></div>

You should stay converted. It's illegal in most places.

It is 100% illegal in Texas, and in most states. I got a warning for riding on the sidewalk, as posted above.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I think I will be nice about it now, because we have so many bikers on the roads near Lake Calhoun (where I live) its insane!