Richard Tool
VIP MEMBER
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2019
- Messages
- 1,366
I certainly never meant to offend - it was meant as a light hearted jab but it seems I have touched a nerve and if I had been through what you have I’m sure I would be sensitive as well so apologies all around . I always yield to bicycle riders , pedestrians et all. I’m with Nigel in that some bicycle riders are aggressive and endanger themselves and ignore the rules of the road .C'mon now...
I've been hit 9 times, sent to the hospital in the back of cars, ambulances, and a helicopter - none of which were my fault. 3 drunk drivers, one unknown driver (I was found wandering in the road with a head injury, a wrecked bike, and no memory of the incident--still don't know what happened), three hit-and-runs. If a rider doesn't assert themselves at least somewhat, they are road pizza, with the "left hook", or being clipped at speed by a drivers who don't see or care. We share the same dangers with all two wheeled road users.
There are some real entitled a-holes out there, as with any group, but slowing down for someone else never hurt anyone.
Sorry to hear for your misfortune. It's a shame, and no one is calling you a Valentino wannabe.
I'm sure I'll take some lumps for this one, but that's fine. The lack of humanity these days is disturbing.
A little background to explain where my perceptions come
from . I have lived all my life year round in a small seashore resort with a year round population something like 10 -12 k. On a holiday weekend in the summer that number can and does swell to 250 k , taxing
everyone ’s patience as well as services - police , fire , medical . The crowds also lead to impatience on drivers parts , leading to things like not looking or not looking thoroughly before changing lanes and hitting motorcycles. So when a bicyclist ignores basic rules of the road - not stopping and waiting at traffic lights - lane splitting in busy intersections- riding three abreast on a narrow shoulder - it does nothing to endear them to the general population and motoring public .
But it’s a big world and there are many different interests and opinions so let’s all get along . Life may be short .
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