I betcha a punctured tube that everyone reading this has experienced a situation similar to the exchange I had while commuting this past Thursday evening.
It was just shy of 6 PM and I was heading north up Ronald Ave., approaching the lights at the Castlefield Ave. intersection (Dufferin/Eglinton Ave. West Ave. area). My route takes me west on Castlefield, i.e., I had to turn left at the intersection, and I was behind an auto pulling up to the red light, also intending to turn left onto Castlefield.
A horn blared about 50 meters behind me; I paid it no mind. This is an unremarkable intersection and my behavior was likewise: I was slowing to a stop behind a motorist doing the same before a red light. On green we'd both turn left. Ho hum.
Along comes the loud horn from behind, pulling up beside me (now astride the top tube waiting), so that his fender is inches to the right of my leg. Uh oh. The guy wants to squeeze me out of the lane to...where I don't know. I confront the motorist, his face about a meter from mine.
"Just what are you doing?"
"Dude, you're on a bicycle."
"Gee thanks, I hadn't noticed."
"What are you doing on the road?"
Whenever this is the gambit of the motorist it's almost assured that what follows will never end satisfactorily.
"That's where the law says I'm supposed to be. Why don't you read your license handbook and figure it out for yourself."
"Dude, but I can't see you -- it's dangerous!"
I couldn't help but burst out laughing at that. Here's my standard commuting kit: two blinkies, each with 5 LEDs, in rear; a 5 watt headlight in front; two blue blinkies hanging from my shoulder; a yellow cycling jacket crisscrossed with reflective trim; and a courier bag also embellished with reflective trim AND strips.
"You're full of sh_t; I'm a Christmas tree on wheels. If you can't see me then how do you explain blaring your horn at me from way back?"
Mr. Motorist's face takes on a stupefied expression. "I didn't see you early enough...""You really are full of sh_t."
"You cyclists...."
"Ahhh, now it makes sense. Yeah, it's about cyclists isn't it? It's not about me, it's about all cyclists."
"No it's not, I ride my bike all the time..."
"Well then Einstein if you were on your bike here, tell me where the f_ck you'd wait to turn left?"
Up ahead the light turns green. Castlefield is backed up all the way to the Ronald Ave. intersection so the car ahead has no where to go. Neither has the wunderkind beside me. I scoot out from them and maneuver through the gridlock along Castlefield, the poison of the argument receding like so many more vile exhaust fumes from motorists...
Well, not really. Truth is these episodes linger beyond the exchange. They taint the day and put one in a foul mood. Try as I might to avoid them -- does any cyclist actually seek these confrontations? -- they're difficult to foresee. And even more difficult to stem while in the grip of the moment.
If I've learned anything after years of encountering such attitudes it's that no matter what you say, or how you conduct yourself, or how much good sense you make, you will be resented just because you're there.
Don't let it get you down. ;-)
Comments
Svend
Tell yourself he's the
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 13:51Tell yourself he's the exception, most drivers understand your action is correct and they're probably glad you're easy to see, waiting in line and acting responsibly. You're right to try and educate him in spite of his rudeness. I'd like to say I'd refrain from swearing back but that would be lying, a simple smile would be better - who knows, he might even think back later and feel like an idiot for overreacting.
GMD (not verified)
they do linger
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 13:58I know about how they linger. These exchanges are occasional, but I can still remember (I can stil feel) a standoff I had with a streetcar driver over a year ago. And the exchange included "you cyclists ..."; I think that really sets me off.
BK (not verified)
An all too familiar story
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 14:22An all too familiar story Luke. Nice response though. I usually just spit out a 'shut the fuck up' or something equally intelligent.
eightlines
Thanks for that!
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 14:26I've had a lot of these 'conversations' over the years. They still make my blood boil. That last paragraph of yours makes me feel no-so-alone. Thanks.
tanya
education is futile.
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 15:46Unfortunately I have learned through several of these conversations that these ignorant motorists cannot be educated. So I try to avoid the conversation entirely as much as I want to say something. However it is no fun when they try to squeeze you out of the lane and similar and sometimes to avoid trouble you just have to let them be an asshole and get out of the way. (but they have to be really a threat for me to do this)
My recent scenario was riding on BLoor in congested traffic, didn't want to be in the door zone in the narrow part so was riding in the center lane but bumper to bumper with the next vehicle. The car behind starts the intimidating rev-the-engine trick. Then bumps that up to the attempted pull-out and go around, when there is no room for him to do so (at least 20 cars ahead of me)
jamesmallon (not verified)
sign-language
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 18:52Damn, I wish I could keep cool enough to be as clever and on-point as you were. Me, I just ride and give them what my friend calls the 'Montreal Salute'.
Darren_S
The Blindspot.
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 19:23Marge: Fred did you feel that?
Fred: Feel what?
M: I think you hit something.
F: Look at that god damn cyclist on the sidewalk. They should license those idiots.
M: We should turn the car around and take a look.
F: Look I did not see anything… look Marge another fuckin’ cyclist on the sidewalk!
M: Fred, I really think that we should go…
F: Look Marge for the last time, I did not see anything. Do something useful and call 911 on your cell phone to report those cyclists on the sidewalk.
M: 911?
F: Yes, Marge. 911 before they hurt someone.
:BUMP:
M: Fred I think you hit something again.
F: For crying out loud Marge I did not hit anything. Besides I would have seen it before I hit it.
M: But Fred I felt…
F: For fucks sake Marge! I have lost sight of that cyclist on the sidewalk… he must of disappeared onto the road. They will never get him now!
Kevin Love
Call the police!
Mon, 11/24/2008 - 22:55Whenever this sort of thing happens, I always call the police right away and say that I am the victim of a road rage incident. Make sure to write down the plate numbers of the following vehicles as witnesses. The Toronto police take road rage crimes very seriously.
Today I telephoned in two complaints about cars illegally blocking a bike lane. Those complaints were also taken very seriously.
jamesmallon (not verified)
seriously?
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 11:26What does the 'seriously' in "Toronto police take road rage crimes very seriously" mean? Thanks.
brian
Well done
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 12:33Luke,
Well written, really enjoyed that.. Very familiar, yet expressed uniquely in your own words.
I find that different parts of town are either more, or much less, receptive to cyclists behaving like responsible road users. Vehicular lefts are no problem for me in a lot of the downtown core; whereas in the suburbs, particularly Scarborough, drivers just aren't accustomed to seeing a bike in traffic, on an arterial, behaving like any other vehicle. Hopefully this paradigm will shift as more cyclists take to the roads, where they belong, and behave like vehicles, which is what they are.
There's also a lot to be said for acting as an ambassador, rather than a soldier. I rarely use foul language when arguing with an automobile driver, because it lowers me to their level, and undermines my position. If motorists are to see cyclists as equals, we need to stand our ground respectfully but with determined diplomacy, not aggressivity. I applaud your use of humour; joking and attempting to lighten the situation; it is much more effective than epithets and cursing, for which a majority of cyclists are reknowned.
The other piece written by Darren "The Blindspot" resonates with a common thought I have often. Why is it that our city and citizens willingly allow and abate cyclists driving on a sidewalk!? Because bicycles are percieved as toys, not vehicles. Until a majority of people acknowledge that bicycles are a part of the road user hierarchy, it will remain so.
Perhaps what would help is a public education campaign stating simply "bikes are not toys".
As winter comes on, I would encourage readers to layer up, get on the road, and shift the paradigm actively, by "being there", and being maneuverable, visible, and predictable. Gandhi said "be the change you want to see in the world."
brian
Luke Siragusa
Re: Well done
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 09:18I wish I could say I acquit myself with decorum whenever the opportunity to spontaneously educate a misguided motorist arises, but as you've no doubt discerned, that would be a lie.
I don't teach lessons anymore: like Tanya I’ve given up on conducting roadside seminars in traffic law; they don’t work. The students are...ah...generally unreceptive to such informal instruction.
Further, why should it be our responsibility? Isn’t a grasp of the rules and obligations of the road a prerequisite to possessing a drivers licence? Why should we be attempting to teach to motorists what they’ve already been taught and are supposed to know?
Theoretically, we're all equally entitled road users; arguing with a motorist, sans profanity or otherwise, is already in a sense lowering ourselves by trying to justify our place through the prism of their ignorance or bias. It is our place; it's law ( they've been supposedly accredited in that knowledge); and it's non negotiable -- at least not in the middle of rush hour traffic. Our entitlement should not be a corollary of popularity, diplomacy, or levity. It is a matter of fact regardless of what motorists THINK it should be.
Accordingly, I reject the notion of being either a cycling ambassador or a soldier as a false dichotomy: why should we be burdened by the obligations of either position? We are who we are, whether we're on a bicycle or in a car. Drivers aren't tasked to validate their prerogatives via roadside primers and we should not diminish our position by adding that responsibility to the aggravations imposed by automobility. Of course, if you're disposed to do so then by all means...
But I agree that we could all do with more civility. Admittedly I'm often wanting in this department. Still, I think my behavior in this case was not unwarranted. I wouldn't characterize it as aggressive; it was profane and derisive but non-threatening. A healthy dose of disgust was due the driver not so much for his encroaching, but for his blatant BS, i.e., "I can't see you"; "I ride my bicycle all the time." Sure Lance.
If you're trying to bluff your way with BS, expect to be called on it. He did and I did. The driver here clearly signalled that mutual respect wasn't the currency of the exchange when, by the high manure content of his alleged reasoning, he indicated to me that he thought I was as deep as a skillet. I bartered with him on the terms he set ; often it's the most effective means of engagement.
Almost without exception the incidents that provoke me to full blown rages unfold thusly: an erratic, sudden maneuver by a motorist seriously imperils me; the bejeezus is scared out of me, possibly I crash or come close; after the fright, adrenalin kicks in and I heatedly confront the driver; the driver disavows any responsibility; outrage (at his taking liberties with my welfare) launches me into low Earth orbit.
These instances are very rare and, significantly, an apologetic and contrite driver immediately defuses the standoff. I'm still upset, I still must unwind, but I'm not smashing my bike across his hood. But this is an extreme outcome. Generally, as in life, as on the bike, it pays to live and let live and forgive.
And whatever Gandhi says about the matter, I'm sure he'd agree it should be taken with more than a grain of salt. Preferably from the sea.
dash (not verified)
no reaction
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 16:41Weather I react or not, I still end up feeling the same way after, so it's best to just not bother. Also worth noting that interacting with the driver usually results in a road rage situation. I mean they get REALLY scary. I barely need to start with a "what are you doing?" before they loose their shit.
I would like to note that these situations tend to go worse for women. I suppose drivers are more easily intimidated by a male rider? Not sure. I'm just going by anecdotal evidence here though.
AnnieD
No conflicts here
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 22:57I'm almost afraid to post this because I might curse myself, but I've never had to deal with an angry driver, and I keep a good distance away from the door zone and turn left from the left lane. The closest I come to impatient drivers is when I'm on a quiet street and I hear them coming up behind me and the motor has that "you're in my way" tone. Which might just be me - I mean do car motors really have a tone of voice? In any case, I move out of the way as soon as I can (and no sooner) and they pass and I never find out whether they were impatient for me to move or whether that was just a regular car noise. It's not like they pass in a scary dangerous way to teach me a lesson or anything. So there you have it - one woman with lots of years of riding and no conflicts to add to your sample.
I thought maybe being a woman was helping and actually considered adding some feminine accoutrement to my otherwise Michelin Tire Man winter cycling outfit, just so I wouldn't lose that edge in the winter. :)
brian
Agreed, Annie
Wed, 11/26/2008 - 00:17Completely agree, Annie.
Watched a fellow cyclist ride into being doored on Danforth today... I was in the left lane just after Pape, because I knew how wide some of those doors are...he passed me close on the right, blew the stop light at Carlaw, and ambled blissfully within reach of a Chevy IROC-Z, whose operator opened the door a crack, then an inch, then a half meter, then wide open..so slowly I could see it from many m back....and our incalcuous friend, as if enjoying a sunday ride in the Old Country, got tagged by the end of the door. Thankfully he diddn't fall, but put both feet down quite fast, and cursed. The car operator was simply speechless. Both walked away from each other. No one hurt, no damage except a scuff on the door...but wow did I have to bite my tongue as I rode by. Cyclists should be licensed, door zones should be marked.
Car motors do have a tone of voice - often duplicates of their operators; as do bicycles, imitating the nether regions of their riders...!
cheers,
Brian
AnnieD
Dang, I *did* curse myself!
Wed, 11/26/2008 - 09:41It's enough to make someone become superstitious!
I was on Heath just before Avenue Road. There was a long line of cars waiting at the red light, many of them (deliberately?) hugging the sidewalk so that I couldn't filter to the front (they love to treat the gutter as a bikelane when it means passing us on the left, but refuse to treat it as such when they are lined up bumper to bumper).
I dutifully waited in line behind a woman driving a Jeep, when I heard "mwah mwah crazy mwah mwah ride bike mwah winter" OVER and OVER again. I decided to pass the cars on the left and walk my bike across Avenue at the crosswalk, just to get away from this person (not feeling entirely confident about her mental state). I watched to see if she would make it across the intersection (she was quite a ways to the back) and she almost didn't, but squeaked across on the yellow light. I laughed, because I was pretty sure she would have been quite steamed to have to wait at a red light after I'd made it across. She was laughing too, but I couldn't guess whether it was with humour or triumph.
And it's not even close to being winter yet! I hope I don't run into her in January. :)
AnnieD
And again!
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 09:44Alright, alright - I get the point, I take it back. 2 idiots in 24hrs.
This morning I was told that this was a cold country and I should get a f**ing car. Now how exactly would that make her life any better? Too bad it wasn't such a cold country that she elected to keep her window closed.
What are the odds, though, that my first two snarky comments ever should occur within one day of my Pollyanna posting: "Huh! Nope, can't say I've had a problem with driver confrontations."?
vic
D'oh!
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 10:06Sorry about your luck. Your winning streak just came crashing down, didn't it?
The funny thing about the "cold" comments is that as a cyclist, I seem to be the only one that arrives at work toasty warm, usually sweating. Co-workers in the lobby or elevator come in shivering and ask me questions like, "Isn't it too cold to ride a bike to work?"
Maybe they'll learn eventually. :)
Luke Siragusa
Re: And again!
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 10:16You may still be due another. Don't these things happen in threes?
Kevin Love
Ask and an answer will be given unto you
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 17:45James Mallon asked:
"What does the 'seriously' in "Toronto police take road rage crimes very seriously" mean? Thanks."
Kevin's answer:
Seriously means that they lay criminal charges so that these violent criminals can be prosecuted.
On a related note, this afternoon I telephoned in a complaint about a SUV blocking the bike lane on the south side of Harbord just east of Bathurst. As per always, I was told that an officer was being dispatched. I strongly encourage everyone that sees a vehicle blocking the bike lane to telephone Parking Enforcement at (416) 808-6600.
Another useful number to have with winter coming on is the one to request snow removal from the bike lane. That is (416) 338-SNOW.
Further details at:
http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/
anonymous (not verified)
Police take road rage crimes seriously?
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 23:00I had an incident 15 years ago that I will remember always. I was stopped at the light on Ulster and Bathurst. A van pulled up and told me to get out of the way. When I refused, he drove his van through me slowly so I was pushed off the road. I punched his van.
The driver came at me with a crowbar. When he swung I lifted my bike so it got caught in the front wheel. I later had to replace it. I punched him in the face, grabbed his arm and pinned him to the ground. A passing motorist called the police.
The Police Officer refused to press charges saying it was a fair fight. He said I am big enough to handle myself ( I am 6 feet + tall). Because the driver had a black eye but was unable to hit me with the swing, it was fair. He made us shake hands. In front of the officer, he said he was sorry but I should have got off the road when he told me to.
Do I believe the police ake road rage seriously? Not a chance. I am on my own in a confrontaton. The polkce are not there to help me.
I do remember one interesting road rage incident captured on film about a year or two ago. It was shown on the news. A bicyclist was stopped at a red light and a car pulled up. The driver got out and started punching the driver then drove off. The film showed the cyclist spitting teeth. No charges ere laid. The driver was an off duty police officer whowas on paid stress leave.
Darren_S
I dunno seriously.
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 19:08Kevin, could you please be a little more specific when you talk about criminal charges being laid. Were there physical assaults involved or just threats made.
As per the bike lane. Did you stay and see if the officer ever showed up? I get pretty specific with parking control when I ask for enforcement. Sure they will tell you that they will show up but the question is when.
jamesmallon (not verified)
Kevin's city
Wed, 11/26/2008 - 09:13I'd love to live in the city with the police that Kevin describes!
brian
Calling Police
Wed, 11/26/2008 - 11:28Hi all,
I have occasionally called police when
a) I was directly and unequivocably threatened with violent intent
b) I was able to specifically identify the perpetrator
c) there was a witness present to corroborate my claim
I have called the nearest police station, (416-808-whatever the precinct #)
stated my name, identified myself as a cyclist, and :
1) named the exact time and location of the incident
2) described the perpetrator and/or the vehicle's plate number
3) described exactly what was said / done to cause the problem
And awaited further instructions from the Constable responding.
Thrice, officers have responded; and twice has the perpetrator been arrested and taken in for questioning. Only once did charges arise, and the accused pled guilty to a lesser charge, as offered by the Crown attorney. it was disappointing, but interesting to see justice thru.
My belief (and this is my personal opinion) is that police are here to serve and protect.
I do everything I can to help make their jobs easier.
Providing clear information and ensuring accurate follow-up is part of that.
I am the polices' partner, we all are.
Whether we choose to believe that, however, is up to each of us.
Choose wisely,
Brian
AnnieD
Non parking offences?
Wed, 11/26/2008 - 18:53Any idea who to call for a non parking bikelane offence? Someone on Russell Hill Dr. piled the entire stretch of bikelane in front of their house with leaves. And not a little pile that one could easily roll over - we're talking a big honking mountain. Glad I was riding slowly because in the dark, I didn't spot the leaves until I got pretty close to them.
8sml (not verified)
leaves in the bike lane
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 06:44Hi Annie,
I have the same problem on the Kingsway each year. Piling leaves in the roadway is a contravention of the Waste Collection part of the Municipal Code, which states that waste, including yard waste, must be "Placed as close as possible to the edge of the roadway without obstructing the roadway or sidewalk" (see http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_844.pdf). So I guess you would call the people who enforce that part of the Municipal Code - sorry I can't be more specific but maybe it will help you on your way. There is also a specific city website I found last year (sorry, I can't find it right now) that deals with unbagged leaf waste and instructs citizens not to put their leaf piles on the road.
Last year I left a note at the offending properties that quoted the by-law and said "Maybe you didn't know what you are doing is illegal, so I will give you a couple days to remove the leaves. If you don't, I will call by-law enforcement." They removed the leaves from the bike lane and I didn't need to pursue it any further.
vic
Mechanical leaf collection
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 08:24I think the problem is that in some parts of the city they offer mechanical leaf collection. They actually encourage people to rake their crap out to the edge of the roads so that the city can pick it up.
They're not supposed to put it in the traveled portion of the roadway, but that doesn't seem to stop some people from dumping it on the road....
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/leaf_pickup/index.htm
That's cool that your notes to the homeowners were successful.
Cheers,
vic
Kevin Love
Another question
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 09:55Darren asked:
"As per the bike lane. Did you stay and see if the officer ever showed up?"
Kevin's answer:
Not this time. I have on rare occasions in the past when the offence happened to be where I was going anyway. Generally the response was within 30 minutes.
I suppose that if I was really fanatical I could stick around and monitor the response time and complain if I considered it too slow. But, alas, I've got a life.
Kevin Love
Road debris report number
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 10:04Annie asked:
"Any idea who to call for a non parking bikelane offence?"
Kevin's answer:
Leaves piled in the bike lane fall into the category of a road debris issue. The correct number to call the City to report road debris is:
416-39-CLEAN
AnnieD
Thanks, I called it in
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 13:04They forwarded me to transportation, 416-338-9999. I got through quickly and they told me they'd look into it.
jamesmallon (not verified)
stuff you're smoking
Thu, 11/27/2008 - 17:25Kevin, you sure you live in Toronto, ONTARIO? Or do you work for police PR?
geoffrey (not verified)
CP24 aggressive driver
Sun, 11/30/2008 - 23:47Nov 30, 2008 approximately 1:20 pm. I'm northbound on Roncesvalles riding on the concrete streetcar bed. The curblane is all but unrideable due to utility cuts. A northbound CP24 truck with licence BDNS 688 forces its way past me with literally NO clearance. There is southbound traffic as he passes so he cannot cross the median.
He pulls over 3 blocks later and nearly doors me. Needless my adrenaline is pumping just abit with having two close calls from the same driver in the space of a few blocks.
He claimed since I was in the middle lane he was entitled to pass unsafely. WTF? He also claimed he wrote the HTA. No doubt. Maybe it is time psychological assessments be made mandatory for potential motorists. Brandishing a motor vehicle is brandishing a weapon. Why is CP24 employing people like this?
brian
Call 14 Division
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 12:01Geoffrey,
Call Toronto Police 14 Division. 416-808-1400.
State the date, time and location.
State that you were riding a bicycle on the road, where a motorist passed you carelessly and unsafely.
Describe the automobile involved, including the plate number which you excellently took note of; and describe the driver's appearance.
State the threats you percieved, both physical and verbal.
Leave it up to the officer answering your complaint to decide whether HTA was violated.
If you don't recieve a suitable response, wait a few minutes, call 14 division again, and ask to speak to a sargeant. Better yet, go to the Precinct and speak in person.
CP24. Call 416-591-5757, and ask to speak with newsroom dispatch. Start your call by saying "I have a complaint about a CP24 vehicle that was being driven dangerously." If you don't recieve a suitable response, ask to speak with a manager. Better yet, go to 299 Queen West, and ask for the Fleet manager in person.
Try not to argue your opinion, just state what happened. It's not up to you to assess psychological fitness or employment criteria. Your complaint is valid, how you feel is important. But keep it simple, and to-the-point. And find the right person to address it to.
If you need further assistance, don't hesitate to ask.
Some cyclists in this community want to help.
Brian
Kevin Love
Who did you call?
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 08:28Did you call Toronto police and CP24? Many companies are very concerned about aggressive and dangerous employees. If for no other reason than that their violent behaviour can get the company sued.
Posting the details here is all well and good, but I suspect that none of us can do very much about the perpetrator.
Its not too late. I strongly urge you to pick up a telephone right now and call Toronto police and CP24.
geoffrey (not verified)
Change Lanes to Pass
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 11:25http://www.thewashcycle.com/2008/12/signs-to-pass.html
and thank you Kevin. I called CP24 this morning. I hope something comes of it this time as last time I was nearly hit by one of their vehicles I was ignored.
vic
Traffic violation report
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 13:47Here's some good info from ARC:
http://respect.to/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=LegalInfo.HowToFileATrafficViolation...
I have filed a few of these. Never asked for charges to be laid though, so that probably also means that they don't do much of a followup.
geoffrey (not verified)
police passholes
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 12:06approx 11:48 am Dec 2, 2008
Toronto Police car marked "DUTY 1" on rear, ""SUPERVISOR" on right rear fender. On King westbound between Walnut and Stanley Terrace. NOT 6 (six) inches to spare in passing me. Wheels were on curbside of streetcar tracks by a sizable margin. He made NO (zero) effort to leave space and for all intents and purposes appeared to be driving to intimidate if not cause intentional injury.
Now why on earth would I think reporting an incident to police would accomplish anything other than incur more abuse by police?
brian
Sorry for the delay
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 15:04Hi Geoffrey,
Sorry for the delay in following up.
Did you have any success contacting 14 Division and reporting your incident of November 30?
Has anyone from CP24 gotten back to you?
Are you wearing a helmet to help make yourself more visible?
Do you wear bright colours and ride with your lights on?
Have you considered taking side streets to avoid the arterials that seem to be presenting difficulties?
Is there anything I can do to help?
Brian
geoffrey (not verified)
Brian: ?
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 16:36*1. I'll leave this for last.
2. No, I've not heard back from CP24. I'd like to hear back. I think some communication would be in order considering the gravity of the situation. Will I hear back? I don't know.
3. Helmets make bicyclists more visible? Please explain this to me. That said I do wear a helmet. This is what was left of my last helmet: http://sockpuppet.ca/pics/
4. Do I use my Super Spot and Super Flash (lights) in the middle of the day? No. Do I use them between 1/2 hour before sunset and 1/2 hour after sunrise and when visibility is low? Yes. These incidents fall into the category of the former. In these incidents did the drivers see me? The CP24 driver admitted seeing me and as much as admitted driving at me because he thought I shouldn't be that far over.
5. Have I considered side streets? What is the difference between a pass not in safety on a side street and a pass not in safety on an arterial? Witnesses maybe? Brian. Are you advocating denying bicyclists use of some portion of public roadways? These are HTA infractions being committed against bicyclists by licenced motorists. These could and probably should be interpreted as criminal actions committed by motorists against bicyclists.
*1. http://www.ibiketo.ca/node/2722#comment-6174
My experience talking with Police about such ranges from indifference to being informed it is a shame I was not struck or killed. Why would I call 14 Division to be given yet more of the same abuse? I have personally had police provide me obviously fake badge numbers and inform me they would charge me with obstructing traffic if they saw me riding a bicycle on the roadway.
Brian: http://sockpuppet.ca/xray
Read the officer's memobook notes. That was a completely bogus and fabricated incident report.
brian
Willing to help
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 18:28Hi Geoffrey, and everyone else reading,
I am willing to help you, but you have to believe you're going to succeed,
otherwise you'll continue to seem to be focused on bad things and failure.
helmets make a cyclist more visible, in the same way police hats make officers look taller.
consider turning your lights on during daylight. Automobiles now come equipped with standard Daytime running lights, which make them more visible. the cost of a few batteries is cheap life insurance.
side streets take you away from arterials and the motorists you percieve as threats.
In my personal opinion, based on my years of experience riding, King St. West is an incredibly poor choice of route, as the streetcar tracks are a significant hazard to a bike, and individual automobiles move fast between the streetcars, not to mention jaywalking pedestrians and car doors opening. If it were my choice, I would go one block south to Wellington. But that's my opinion.
I am not advocating denying bicyclists use of some portion of public roadways. More bikes on the road equals better recognition by motorists.
I am saddened by your experience with Police, and your opinion based on that experience. It is unfortunate that you have been treated unfairly, and I wish there was something I could do to help you overcome the past and move forward positively into the future.
I wish this for all Toronto cyclists, that we could all be more maneuverable, visible, and predictable, and move forward together, cooperatively, to achieve the greatness we are all capable of. Unfortunately, that is a personal choice that everyone has to choose for themselves, and so it continues to be my wish.
brian
Darren_S
Try foil paper
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 19:35You must be commended Brian, this is the first time I have heard this absurd claim. Does it matter if you have a black helmet or one covered in foil paper?
Do you have anything that backs up your claim or is this simply personal opinion?
brian
Do Try Tin Foil!
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 23:39Speaking of absurd albeit revolutionary ideas, that's a great one Darren!
I'll try it tomorrow, and report back. Meanwhile, for our home audience,
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling/section1.3.shtml
and to prove it isn't just some harebrained idea baked up by the MTO,
http://www.helmets.org/workshop.htm
and finally, to connect it to other "vehicles" like bikes...
http://www.ottawamotorcycle.ca/helmet.shtml
Enjoy the ride,
brian
Darren_S
How did the foil work out?
Wed, 12/03/2008 - 20:02Brian, you provided some links that go nowhere in supporting their advice or yours that making yourself more visible is somehow beneficial. While a helmet may reduce some risks associated with falling it does nothing to reduce your risks from collisions. (Preventing collisions will reduce a greater number of injuries than just protecting the head after the fact.) A study last year suggested that helmet use increases your risks of cars driving closer to you when they pass.
http://www.bhsi.org/walkerstudy.htm
Helmet use in Toronto is low amongst adults yet cyclists wearing helmets make up the vast majority of deaths. Even more disportionate when you consider the low helmet amongst adults.
Maybe if the MTO did not have their head stuck so far in the sand we would not be faced with such miserable situations.
brian
Great, thanks!
Wed, 12/03/2008 - 20:26Hi Darren,
We both disagree with each other. Moving forward...
I did ride with a piece of tinfoil on my helmet, over to Thorncliffe Mall. It made a lot of people look and make ridiculous faces, a few laughed, and I explained with a laugh of my own that I was trying to prove a point to someone who wouldn't accept the answer no matter what it was! The point is, it got ppls attention, made them look at me, which equals being more visible. It also helped that I was clad in my favourite spandex tights, which bring out the beautiful detail of my magnificently developed legs. Anything to get loud attention for myself, that's how I survive on the Mean streets of Toronto.
I spent a good bit of time reading up on helmet minutiae, because I try to learn, constantly. You're right, there is a lot of good information out there that supports both pro-and con- helmet arguements. After reading up, I went to a community event where a Dutch national raised the point that helmet use is almost nil in The Hague and Amsterdam; that one can tell the tourists by who wears a helmet. His point, very interesting, was that collisions are also virtually nil, because people understand bicycles and traffic, they grow up learning how to ride responsibly sans casque, and it's just a way of life in Holland. So i hear what you're saying, and I can understand your perspective and opinion. It's great that Toronto can be such a functionally diverse city.
My final bit of experience before abandoning this acrimonious debate with a fellow rider, is that my previous helmet saved me from serious head injury when i was struck by a motorist who was charged with careless driving a few years ago. It sustained catastrophic damage, where my brain did not. Since then, I swear by and always ride with a helmet, for both visibility and risk prevention. But to each their own, I realise and respect that it's a personal choice, and not for everyone. Take care, best wishes for a great ride tomorrow. I'm looking forward to mine.
brian
Darren_S
Agree
Wed, 12/03/2008 - 21:57Brian I too have totaled a helmet as a result of an ice patch. I have no problem with helmets for what they are, helmets. They have absolutely no bearing on one's competence or the risks they face in traffic. All too often the test of a 'safe' and proper cyclist is whether or not they are wearing a helmet.
geoffrey (not verified)
the key to visibility is tonal contrast
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 07:16Umm ...
Brian. This tinfoil idea is not so hot for a number of reasons. Aside from the matter you have demonstrated motorists are distracted by it;
One size does not fit all. Bright and shiny is not necessarily better.
brian
Avoiding confrontation
Thu, 12/04/2008 - 09:15Distracted!?!? Impaired vision!? Reflectors as camoflage!? ok...time out.
Guys, I give up. Do as you choose - it's a free country, purportedly.
I'm bowing out of the conflict on this one, because others are reading...
and it's not representative of how i'd like cyclists to be percieved if I continue to argue and bicker with you.
Thank god the authorities don't use this forum as a measuring stick for cyclists attitudes...
cos the HTA would be amended to allow riding tricycles on rubber matted bike lanes with hockey helmets...
I'm riding to work. It's gonna be a great ride, I'm taking the Don Trail down to Lakeshore, and over to the CNE grounds. Enjoy the ride,
Brian