Scott Young
Douglas County prosecutors have charged a Baldwin City man in connection with a July 15 altercation with a group of bicyclists south of Lawrence.
Scott A. Young, 48, who was arrested Monday, faces charges of aggravated battery and criminal damage to property.
Prosecutors allege Young drove his pickup truck into the lead cyclist of a group of riders in the 1000 block of East 1400 Road. That cyclist was thrown from his bike. Bicyclists said the truck driver didn’t stop.
According to Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson’s office, sheriff’s officers canvassed the area for drivers fitting the description of the vehicle. Undersheriff Steve Hornberger said assistance from the cyclists was key in the investigation.
Young has posted $10,000 bond. His next court appearance is set for 3 p.m. Sept. 14.
Comments
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Eride (anonymous) says…
Good.
pendragons (Gene Wallace) replies…
Encountered this guy a few times on Louisiana between 31st and 23rd. It's not only bicyclists that he "encounters". He's hostile and aggressive towards everyone. Knew it had to be him that attacked the bike riders. He was a real menace during the time 23rd was being repaved. Glad they got him!!!
locomama1 (anonymous) replies…
Have you ever encountered such a group of cyclists that take up the entire road and will not move for a car? One of my physician friends was trying to get to the hospital to save one of their stupid lives and they would not move and he actually had to take a detour. Seriously you could get out of the damn way!! I know you feel entitled to your part of the road, but use some common sense and move over.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
dsharkie8 (anonymous) replies…
How did I violate the usage agreement? I didn't say anything any worse than anyone else.
dsharkie8 (anonymous) replies…
What most of you probably don't know is that this driver is paralized and in a wheel chair.
Soup2Nuts (anonymous) replies…
If he is paralyzed and unable to drive a vehicle, then the courts would not convict him. If he is able to drive, then he would be able to commit the crime described.
Informed (anonymous) replies…
Your comment seems to suggest that if he is paralyzed and in a wheel chair he should be excused of his crime. Why on earth would this be the case? It has been reported that his acts were deliberate. Deliberate.
kusp8 (anonymous) says…
all I wers trying to do wad ged dem der dirty hippies and dem der dirty commie bicycles of my amerrican streets
bonzaisushi (anonymous) replies…
dey took r jawbs!!! herp derp
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
Who will make the burritos nao?!!?!?!
1southernjayhawk (anonymous) says…
This guy is a real scumbag who could have killed a young man for no reason whatsoever other than some unknown rage not caused by the cyclist.
thebigspoon (anonymous) replies…
If he did it............
1southernjayhawk (anonymous) replies…
he did it!!
pizzapete (anonymous) says…
Glad they caught this idiot, I hope they pull his license for a year or two.
frankwiles (anonymous) replies…
For year or two? I'm sorry, if someone is guilty of purposefully trying to run some one over under what circumstances should they ever be allowed to drive again? Ever. This isn't a case of going 50 in a 45 zone, parking a bit to long downtown, etc. Someone who purposefully tries to run over someone else, yeah I think THAT is point at which you take away their license permanently.
tony88 (anonymous) replies…
don't you throw them in prison for attempted manslaughter? or assault with deadly weapon?
pizzapete (anonymous) replies…
I can agree with that.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
1southernjayhawk (anonymous) replies…
you are a real peach of a guy, curtis lange.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
Thanks. I like peaches.
diamondhead (anonymous) says…
Would not have cost him a dime to give a little courtesy and a little space on the road. Instead he targeted a guy on a bike for some reason. Hope it costs him a fortune and is covered in the news to send a message to the like minded.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
How do you know this group of cyclists weren't riding more than one across the road causing an obstruction? Or breaking some other rule of the road? You don't. While I'm not saying the driver was right in this situation, I'd take anything a group of cyclists says with a grain of salt...especially after continually witnessing their total disregard for trying to stay as far to the right of the roadway as possible w/o slowing traffic.
Lawrencebiker (anonymous) replies…
I was the guy hit. I was all alone in the front. Of course you think I am lying. Even if I did something wrong is it worth risking my life because somebody hits me with their vehicle. I can tell you it does hurt when you hit the pavement and is very frightening as you watch a truck tire roll by your head.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
I'm sorry that you got hit. I had a bike accident around 10 years ago where i ended up landing on my left shoulder with a 3rd degree A/C separation. I had to go to the ER and had to deal with pain for about two months. It was a horrible experience. Luckily, I didn't let it scare me from biking again even if it was several months before I could.
I went back and read the story about this encounter you had in July. When you say you were hit by his tire are you talking about his front tire or his rear tire? The reason that I ask, is that if you were hit by his front tire, then there is no he would not see a cyclists and would not think to stop and render assistance. (Ok, I'll make an exception for an extreme fog, smoke from burning nearby farms, a sand storm, headlights that go out during night driving. Somehow, I doubt any of those conditions existed.)
If on the other hand, if you were hit by one of his rear tires, it is somewhat possible that despite the exchange of words with those bikers in the rear, he may have unintentionally hit you when not paying attention to what was going on behind him as he passed you . In those situations, I would want to know his behavior after you were hit. If he accelerated after impact, then it would be clear indication to me that he knew he hit you, and chose to leave you there even if it meant possible serious injury or even a potential death.
Anyway, I'm not saying he is innocent, I just was wanting some clarification. If he deliberately hit you, then they should consider a very long jail sentence. If he didn't deliberately hit you, but knew that he hit you and didn't stop to aid you, then he should also get a jail sentence, it wouldn't be as bad as doing it deliberately, but there is no excuse for leaving an injured individual. Additionally, in either of those cases he should never be allowed to operate a vehicle in this state nor in any other state. If he didn't deliberately hit you, and didn't know he hit you, then there should be some restrictions on his licence plate as well as some fine.
The other thing to consider is if this was deliberate and/or if he intentionally left you after knowing he hit you, then he may seriously have a mental illness. NORMAL people do not hit others -- especially with an umpteen ton vehicle that can mame or cause death. That would be no different than if he were shooting a gun at you. That is using a vehicle as a weapon.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
", I'd take anything a group of cyclists says with a grain of salt...especially after continually witnessing their total disregard for trying to stay as far to the right of the roadway as possible w/o slowing traffic."
Who are they? It takes a pretty narrow mind to automatically associate any and all bikers with one particular group of bikers who annoyed you once.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
Stereotypes are made for a reason, brah.
parrothead8 (anonymous) replies…
Yes, and one comes to mind right now.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
Yea, for those who can't think beyond their own prejudices.
ivalueamerica (anonymous) replies…
yes, they are usually made up because someone wants to feel more powerful or better than someone else and are generally false or misleading and seldom true.
They are made up by weak people trying to feel strong.
diamondhead (anonymous) replies…
KUweatherman, your argument is silly. Even if they were not riding single file (KS law allows them to ride two abreast not including when passing) and in the middle of the road (the law says they should ride as far right as possible for the road conditions.....that means the cyclist's conditions, which are not the same for a car or truck). That judgment is of the cyclist or the motorcyclist not yours since your car handles very different than a bike or motorcycle.
I doubt you take any of these points to heart but I'll put it out there anyway. The right thing to do is give adequate space and pass. If a car was driving down the road at 22 MPH it would be no different. While it might be an annoyance for you personally you should slow until you can pass safely and just move on.....without trying to prove a point to anyone. It might surprise you to know most cyclists drive cars too and we deal with the same frustrations. The difference might be that we understand the other perspective a little better than your average motorist.
As for "green peace loving cyclist".....well I'm not sure about that but can't say its a bad thing. From someone who has logged 2 of the last 4 years in the middle east you bet your ass I'd rather have peace......considering I've actually participated in the alternative. And I guess the fact that I think morons who toss trash and cigarette butts out their windows should be cited and sentenced to policing the highways and neighborhoods probably makes me green...... Most of the folks that I ride with fall into the same category.
cozy (anonymous) replies…
"From someone who has logged 2 of the last 4 years in the middle east you bet your ass I'd rather have peace......considering I've actually participated in the alternative."
Oh jesus... I guess anything goes when you say youve been in the middle east. I just dont like it when people play "cards". Race, military, etc.
tanaumaga (anonymous) replies…
using the word 'brah' ....what a d bolso.
scott3460 (anonymous) replies…
There is something very sick with those who think the roads are built solely so they can drive down them in their cars.
pooter (anonymous) says…
Since everyone loves to rush to judgement lets just forget about him getting a fair trial and take him down to the town square and horse whip him instead.
*
Pywacket (anonymous) replies…
You are the only one calling for a suspension of civil rights. But you probably didn't notice that.
People are going to discuss the news and form opinions. Nobody's forming a lynch mob. He'll get a fair trial---which is more than the bicyclist got, but you probably don't give a damn about his rights.
BorderRuffian (anonymous) replies…
Now THAT is the first good post so far! I'll bring the post!
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…
My original comment was a violation? Bwahahahahahaha. Didn't realize everyone had to bow down and worship the cyclists and hate everyone that drives a car. Muh bad.
1southernjayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Question for you, Lange. I do not understand what it is that makes a motorist want to run over a cyclist who is doing nothing but riding down the road, or throw something at them, or yell at them, or run them into a ditch. Is it because of a violation another cyclist did on another occasion? As one who has truthfully acknowledged wanting to harm an innocent cyclist but exercising self-restraint, just what is it? I seriously am looking for a serious response, not sarcasm, because I just do not understand the rage.
I would love to have you come out and ride with us in a group ride a couple of times to get a better perspective of how some motorists feel they have to respond to us on the road.
Looking forward to your response.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
Nobody acknowledged wanting to harm 'innocent' cyclists. Cyclists on the roadway seriously would not be an issue if they used common sense. The law says no more than two abreast, correct? That is fine and dandy on a lightly traveled road early in the morning or late in the evening. Doing that on a road such as Clinton Pkwy/Kasold/narrow roadways during the day does not. It will and does cause a problem to traffic flow. THAT is where the frustration from non-cyclists stems from. A book could (and probably has) be written on the problem.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
"Cyclists on the roadway seriously would not be an issue if they used common sense."
Like you'd know what that is.
mongo55 (anonymous) replies…
Cyclists on the roadway seriously would not be an issue if we had a bypass for all the through traffic but the green treehugging frog kissing.....you get the picture.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
Ah, yes, the magical bypass that can take you to any destination.
tswicegood (Travis Swicegood) replies…
I'm personally a little disappointed they took it down. Hopefully they maintain copies of it so if you ever have the misfortune of actually hitting a cyclist it can be brought out in court as evidence of your malice towards cyclists.
One can only hope...
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
Don't worry. I've got my own copy I could provide...
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
no one is hating car drivers, moron.
skinny (Richard Johnson) says…
I wouldn't have a problem if the bicyclist rode on the right side of the road single file like they are supposed too! Instead they ride 3 or 4 wide and block the highway. Which in turns upsets everyone going 55 or 60 MPH having to slow down to 5 or 10 miles an hour.
Something to think about!
iseedumbpeople (anonymous) replies…
Cyclist can ride two abreast. Chances are you don't have to slow down to five to 10 mph since a majority of group rides in Douglas County are 18+ mph.
When you see cyclist four abreast it is beacuse the lead two riders who were pulling into the wind are falling back to the rear of the pack to allow two more riders to bear the brunt of the wind. This allows the overall group to travel much faster and becomes less of an obstruction to traffic.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
Must have deja vu when reading your own username. Oops, another violation I'm guessing.
Soup2Nuts (anonymous) replies…
Riding four abreast is a violation of state law, period. The solution is to form a single pace line to get the draft, where only one rider at a time pulls off. Therefore, there is never more than two abreast at any given time. The riders get the draft benefits, they comply with the law, it is easier for drivers to pass the riders, and drivers are less pissed-off about riders' disregard for the law.
1southernjayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Maybe this will help you get your head around it: think of a cyclist as one less car on the road. A group of cyclists is maybe 20 less cars on the road. And, yea, you might have to wait a bit to pass, maybe even a minute. But its a lot better than having to pass 20 cars whose speed may be too slow for you...or 20 vehicles lined up behind a farm implement on the road. Remember that the same law that gives you the right to drive your car on the road gives the cyclist to be on the road.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Even a car going too slow is generally doing better than 18 mph.
kharrisbob (Ken Harris) replies…
Who cares? If the little blue-hair in the buick is doing 5 miles an hour, do you curse her out and run her off the road to?
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
I said nothing to justify the driver of the truck running the cyclist off the road. I was merely pointing out that there's a difference between a slow moving motor vehicle and a slow moving bicycle.
kharrisbob (Ken Harris) replies…
There is no difference. You are behind someone and need to exercise caution if you intend to pass.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
57chevy (anonymous) says…
Its fascinating to see how people in Kansas see each other. The people who drive on the roads see all bicyclists as one person. THEY ride side by side. THEY are lackadaisical and don't stay to the right. I would point out that there is likely at least one person in the county who rides a bike, by him self, stays right, and uses a mirror. Using the current model that all bikers are the same, next time a biker pisses you off, find the solo rider doing everything right and beat the crap out of him. I guess if I ever get harassed by a guy in a car while on a bike ride, I should just pull into a parking lot somewhere and beat the crap out of the first person that gets out of a car. Oh, thats right. I'm not from here. Never mind. I'll just be sensible instead.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) replies…
I, on the other hand, would praise that rider for being an example other riders should look to. :D Same way I do towards drivers who use their signal, turn in to the correct lane, etc.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
Actually, you pretend that they don't exist.
BorderRuffian (anonymous) replies…
I rather like that!!! Beatings will continue until attitudes improve.
Kash_Encarri (anonymous) replies…
Within the past two weeks, I have seen and complimented riders who have followed the laws of the road and shown courtesy to the others on the roadway. Those riders have thanked me for the acknowledgement and the respect that I showed them.
I've also seen cyclists riding in a small group & sporting the Sunflower Bike gear (from these forums these are the people that know what they are doing out there) where two of the cyclists blew through the stop sign at 31st & Louisiana, two others stopped at the sign like they were supposed to in order to wait for their turn at the four way and one about became a hood ornament because an eastbound car had the right of way when the final cyclist attempted to run the stop sign but was able to pull up and stop about two feet short of getting hit.
I've also observed, on several different occassions, cyclists moving from street to sidewalk and back to the street again depending on what was to their advantage.
Decide what you want to be, a vehicle or a pedestrian, and then follow the laws that apply.
poppet (anonymous) replies…
i have to corroborate the 2nd paragrah - couldnt have been the same incident as there were only 2 cyclists the day i witnessed the same thing. i passed them (w/plenty of room) on louisiana going south across from broken arrow park entrance. west bound 31st was closed due to paving so the intersection was a mess already. by the time it was my turn to go (and i was turning right to go south on 31st), the cyclists had caught up to me, passed the several cars that were behind me(who had obviously passed them as well), they rode up on the right side of my car, one held his hand out as if to stop me and the other his to the other cars and they then rode right thru the intersection. i would not have been surprised at all to see both of them flattened right in front of me. in fact, i almost turned right into the both of them and i'm not sure if i wouldve beat myself up about it if i had. there is nothing in the world that 'entitled' them to that.
wakarusan (anonymous) says…
As a long-time cyclist, I just do not understand the brains it takes for people to ride two abreast on the 2 lane, no shouldered hilly roads around Lawrence, or in fact anywhere. You weigh maybe 200 pounds, if that. A car weighs 2500 pounds or more. It does not take a rocket scientist to say who usually wins that battle. Even though the law says it is ok, is your life worth the risk?
markoo (anonymous) replies…
Riding to 2 abreast is actually much more safer, IMO, for the cyclists, than attempting to ride 1 behind in a straight line tandem. In both cases the car has to likely move into the opposite lane to pass, and if you're in a group of 20-40 riders like most bike rides I've been on with the Lawrence Bicycle Club, it's significantly less time to pass two abreast versus 1 tandem line. Imagine trying to pass 40 riders in 1 line versus 20 riding 2 abreast - that's equivalent to trying to pass 3-4 truckers with haul versus 1-2.
notajayhawk (anonymous) says…
>>> "officers canvassed the area for drivers fitting the description of the vehicle"
So ... they were searching for people that looked like pickup trucks?
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
What bicylist would even want to ride on the highways and streets around here? Really, they don't have good sense either.
1southernjayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Well, try it sometime. You might understand the motivation and you might get fit.
kharrisbob (Ken Harris) replies…
Commute by bike everyday and it is really easy here in Lawrence. The bike stories bring out the trolls. Most everyone else in this town that you actually encounter while on a bike are very courteous.
jackbinkelman (anonymous) replies…
Hear, hear.
riverdrifter (anonymous) says…
If the accused is the guy I think it is, he's disabled. FYI
parrothead8 (anonymous) replies…
I remember the original story saying the truck had a disabled status license plate, so I'm guessing they got the right guy...but what's your point?
riverdrifter (anonymous) replies…
No point intended and was just sayin'. I bet this guy wishes *he* could ride a bicycle.
Parrot, you sure are chapped. Chill, dude, chill.
RedRocket (anonymous) replies…
Disabled might explain an accident. I won't explain leaving the scene of an accident.
friendlyjhawk (anonymous) says…
Bottom line to me is that the cyclist may not have been perfectly placed on the road BUT the truck driver assaulted him and that is against the law. Road rage is never, ever acceptable. I don't ride a bike and get annoyed by some that ride them but again road rage is never, ever acceptable. (although I am sure that some on here will come up with a ridiculous scenario to show that it is.)
RedRocket (anonymous) says…
Cyclists on roads is a fact of life these days. It's a good option as transportation. Drivers have long had roads mostly to themselves, and the vast majority cope well and cooperate sharing them with other users. It is the few exceptions whose anger seems to be a general problem for them who may make poor judgments while driving. How many of these drivers would speed through a school zone, however? Few probably since they value children as we all do. Yet there is a moral disconnect with an adult cyclist. The cyclist is somehow dehumanized, not worthy of due respect or even good manners. In cases such as this it is blatant antisocial behavior. The guy could have come to his senses 15-30 seconds later and stopped, and probably avoid arrest. It is the folks who have a dehumanized view of cyclists (just because some are unskilled or irresponsible cyclists) that are a threat. Oddly they threaten their own freedom if they feed off their anger and someone gets hurt or killed. Social contract means cooperation and compromise. It takes a mature adult to work and play well with others.
TheRedLIght (anonymous) says…
I was told, 2nd hand information, that the driver passed all the riders, and turned around and drove back into the group lead rider. If this be the case, then what reason is anyone defending a person who creates a head on collision by driving on the wrong side of the road is insane. How can you defend their action? The driver is innocent until proven guilty but at least he has been charged and now it is a matter of the judicial system to handle it. Cyclists as well as drivers are their own worst enemies, we, cyclists, see other cyclists riding four or five abreast on busy roads during "Century Rides", we remind them to "Share the Road" and they do not get it. We who follow the rules, work with drivers of cars to share the road suffer because of these riders. So drivers who get outraged at other drivers should also know the cyclist get outraged at other cyclists but when you use your 1500 pound vehicle as a weapon, that is not a way to settle it.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) replies…
RedLight-
It appears you were given some bad info; here's the story from the guy that was hit as to how it happened.
"Last Thursday night I was at the front and we were in single file. I did not hear the words being exchanged from behind. Seconds before I was hit, somebody yelled "watch out". I was desperately trying to get off the road as the pickup was getting nearer to me. As I looked down I was on the shoulder and then the bike came out from underneath me. I believe the truck tire hit my front well. In fact the tire of my bike came off the rim. In 23 years of riding in Douglas County I have never been hit. I have been in the ditch a few times by people running me off the road but never "HIT". I had no way of getting out of this guys way as he came upon me so quickly. I did nothing to provoke the man. "
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/jul...
It appears the guy came from behind the riders, got into a verbal with someone in the back or middle of the group and took his frustration out on the guy in the front (probably hoping to cause a chain reaction of crashes).
windex (anonymous) says…
I don't even own a bike, much less ride one. I drive my car as much as the next guy, working, running errands, whatever. From what I can tell, the % of jerk car drivers drastically exceeds the % of jerk bike riders, but that's beside the point. The point is, if you assault someone with your pickup truck, you should be prosecuted for assault and possibly attempted murder. The bike rider who was hit it lucky to be alive and the driver of the truck did something criminal.
easyliving (anonymous) says…
I can share the road with cyclists, no problem. When I pass I try and give plenty of room, try to slow down so I don't blow them off the road or scare the crap out of them.
I might suggest that "you" whomever sets up the "group ride" chose the route more wisely. For example; (Wellman Road) Not a great road to share with bikes. The straight sections of road are fine, but you get a little further North and there are no shoulders and many hills/curves. Not unusual crest a hill (going 55mph) and meet a few bikes in your lane (going 18mph), with cars in the other lane (going 75mph). So my options are limited, lock up the brakes (usually what I go with),the squeeze play or the ditch.
This is not the only crappy "narrow" road in Douglas/Jefferson/Shawnee counties. I'm sure there is a list of roads that are not cycle safe? Maybe like ski slopes, "Oh Wellman road is a black."
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
"Not unusual crest a hill (going 55mph) and meet a few bikes in your lane (going 18mph), with cars in the other lane (going 75mph). So my options are limited, lock up the brakes (usually what I go with),the squeeze play or the ditch."
I've driven and ridden that road countless times. While there are some curves and hills where sight lines are limited, on all of those that would require you to react in the way you describe, the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less, and a driver who's actually paying attention would have no trouble seeing a bicycle or bicycles in front of them with plenty of time to safely react.
So while the drivers going 75 mph are certainly a menace, they apparently aren't the only ones.
twosides (anonymous) replies…
the only 45 mph stretch on Wellman is one mile between 24/59 and 2100North. The rest is 55mph
cg22165 (anonymous) replies…
Did no one ever teach you that it is your responsibility to drive within your ability to stop should something come into view on the road?
biggunz (anonymous) says…
Just knew this story would be blowing up with comments from the usual holier than thou folks.
frankwiles (anonymous) replies…
Maybe.. Just maybe... The "smart" people have better things to do than leave 9678 comments on this site?
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
I'm a big fan of the commenters who suggest that the bike rider should be more alert for trucks that purposefully run into them.
That's like saying you should be more aware of being struck by lightening. If your argument is that by riding a bike you are just asking to be run over, then you are a fool and also a hater of America and our system of laws.
If you don't like our great nation and our representative democracy, then you are free to move to China where you'll fit in better. I love my country and I won't have it torn down by anarchists like you.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
"That's like saying you should be more aware of being struck by lightening."
I guess to someone that doesn't have the sense to get in out of the rain, that would sound like a strange idea.
But hey, what the heck, Captain Oblivious. Great advice to the bike riding public. Just ride blindly along and whatever you do, don't be alert for steel-clad vehicles with over 20 times your mass traveling at three times your speed. Gosh darn it, you're in the right, and when (and if) you get out of the hospital, you can tell him so.
I sincerely hope someone else taught your own children how to ride a bicycle, Kanga, assuming you managed to find someone equally clueless that would breed with you.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) replies…
Since when does it have to be raining for lightning to strike?
You could be 10 miles away from rainfall yet still have lightning strikes in your area.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Oh, I'm sorry, Jesse, I didn't know you were back to being pedantic this week. I really wish you'd give some waring, so perhaps one might know when they have to be literal and when they're allowed to use old expressions.
You're absolutely correct that it does not have to be raining in order to be struck by lightning (although one might think they should be extra cautious if it was).
There doesn't have to be a steady stream of traffic to be hit by a truck, either.
Maybe that's all the more reason for a bike rider to remain alert.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) replies…
I just like messin' with ya nota. ;)
scott3460 (anonymous) replies…
I am curious how one maintains alertness for a vehicle approaching from behind at three times the speed your bicycle is travelling. Seems to me the burden is on the approaching motor vehicle to the caution needed to avoid the vehicle in front. Kind of like the whole, if you rear end someone it's your fault rule.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Hmmm.
By paying attention?
By being cautious?
Just by being aware at all times that it's not only possible, it's almost a certainty that at some point a motor vehicle traveling at three times your speed will be approaching? And that driver might be impaired, might be inexperienced, might be operating a vehicle with faulty equipment (such as brakes or steering), might be a maniac with something against bicycles, might be on the phone or attending to a screaming child in the back or playing with the radio or texting .....
Tell ya' what, scottie - and you too, bobbie - next time you're waiting to cross the street and you see a car speeding up to run the light, just step right on out in front of it. Then, over the next several months while you're learning to walk and to feed your self again, you can keep us all updated on how good you feel since it wasn't your fault.
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
Not trying to defend this guy at all, but why do bicyclists ride in the road when we have $10 Million dollars worth of bicycle lanes that are far better than our roads. It's nice to drive a car on a bumpy asphalt street then look at the 10' wide concrete bike paths that essentially nobody uses sitting right next to the street, sometimes on both sides of the street.
vertigo (Jesse Crittenden) replies…
I was unaware that county roads have bike trails. Especially that far out in the country.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
I guess they don't now that they needed a permission slip from you to use your roads.
pfunk81 (anonymous) replies…
where exactly are these bike lanes at? Surely you aren't referring to the two blocks worth of bike lane (absolutely worthless) on 9th st?
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
yet another pig prune moronic post.
cg22165 (anonymous) says…
Most of this has no bearing on the matter, _if_ you intend to hit a person with a vehicle, that's attempted homicide.
Battery, what? Everyone knows that vehicle on person often results in dead person.
It sure sounds like this was the same incident
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2010/jul...
and I don't know how likely it is that someone threatens to do something, then they do it, and it was really an accident.
This guy must think he's pretty important if a few moments of his time is worth more than the life of another person.
thuja (anonymous) says…
Ride on.
Be safe out there, y'all.
Drivers and riders alike.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…
Haters gonna hate; trolls gonna troll
http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/a...
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
dorx gonna dorx
rdkone (anonymous) says…
The sad fact is that there are a lot of morons on the road. Unfortunately, cyclists must assume the worse since collisions aren't good for the cyclist. It is a good bet that a large percentage of drivers are distracted at any given time - cell phones, texting, etc., - not to mention sleep deprivation, drugs, and alcohol. Then one also must worry about the aggressive driver, the inexperienced driver, and the elderly driver. No matter how many "share the road" signs are put up, there is significant risk involved for the cyclist to be in the vincinity of a moving vehicle. Although many drivers are careful and courteous it is best for the cyclist to assume the worse. Avoid the roads if you can, if not be extremely careful.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
There's no way to "be alert" for a pickup truck that swerves into you, just as there is no way to "be alert" for being struck by lightening. You can take precautions, but there is no precaution for this situation.
Some of you people would blame the federal employees in OKC for going to the office. It was obviously a target for a crazy man with fertilizer in his van.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Ah. I think I see the problem here. All this time I thought you were a doddering oldster from your posts - when it turns out you're apparently not old enough to have a drivers license.
You've never been driving down the highway and had the car next to you suddenly try to change lanes? Been driving down a city street when someone pulled unexpectedly out of a parking space? Had someone run a red light, a stop sign, come out of a hidden driveway?
a·lert adj.
1. Vigilantly attentive; watchful: alert to danger; an alert bank guard. See Synonyms at aware.
2. Mentally responsive and perceptive; quick.
3. Brisk or lively in action:
or
a : watchful and prompt to meet danger or emergency
b : quick to perceive and act
See, bobbie, being "alert" means paying attention, being as prepared as possible for when the other guy does something unpredictable and stupid. I never said the bike rider was at fault, as a matter of fact I specifically said that was not my implication. But when it's *YOU* that's going to pay the price for the other guy's actions, it really is pretty darned stupid to say 'I don't need to be alert, if he hits me it's his fault'.
In addition to hoping someone else taught your children to ride a bicycle, bobbie, I hope they had someone with a little more common sense talked to them about crossing the street.
acg (anonymous) says…
He has that "I'm a serious prick" look about him, doesn't he? Look at his face and into his eyes. This guy is a boil on the ass of humanity, hands down, and he deserves to lose his license forever.
scott3460 (anonymous) replies…
And I bet I could take a pretty good guess at his political leanings too.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
A guy on a bike has no defense against an individual in a truck who purposefully hits him with the vehicle.
There is no way to be alert for that. That's like saying you can be alert for being attacked by a bear. You can take precautions, but if you stumble across a bear and she decides to attack, your screwed.
To say otherwise shows you are either ignorant or just hateful. Likely you are both.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Speaking of ignorance, bobbie, are you even capable of understanding the definition of the word "alert"? I'd be happy to re-post it for you, but apparently you're just incapable of grasping it.
Funny you should mention the bear, since that was another example I had intended to use as something a person *should* be alert for. See, bobbie, if you "stumble across a bear" then you, pretty much by definition, were not being "alert".
I guess we can add camping skills to the long list of things I sincerely hope you're not responsible for instilling in children.
Being "alert", bobbie, means even when you have the 'walk' light, you keep your head up and look where you're going, aware of and prepared for the possibility that a car may run the light, instead of 'stumbling' off the curb while texting your BFF. Being "alert", bobbie, means while you're in the middle of an open field having a picnic, you're cognizant of those dark clouds moving in and prepared to move, aware that sitting there in the middle of an open field might not be the best place to be if a thunderstorm breaks over your head. Being "alert", bobbie, means while hiking through the woods, you're at least aware of the possibility that there just *might* be wildlife in the area, and some of that wildlife is dangerous to human beings.
I never claimed that if this particular cyclist was more alert he would not have been hit. Some of the people stepping off a curb will get hit by cars even after they looked both ways. But by definition, being "alert", bobbie, means you're aware of the potential dangers and as prepared for them as possible, regardless of whether the possibilities are remote or have little expectation of occurring.
The first example I used, bobbie, of someone unexpectedly changing lanes on the freeway, is both very similar in nature to the events in this article and an occurrence that happens every day all over the country. Not all of them lead to collisions. Yes, there may be times when it's just impossible to react fast enough to the moron who makes such a move. But being alert while you're driving substantially increases your odds of being one of the thousands who do *NOT* end up colliding.
Seriously, Captain Oblivious, you really picked the wrong persona. Trying to explain simple words to you isn't like Captain Kangaroo, much more like Romper Room.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
I really don't understand why you are bent out of shape about people saying that one needs to be cautious when biking. I remember one time biking on some back roads then ending up on K-32 for part of the distance. I literally got off the bike and walked it in the ditch. There was no shoulder, so I was VERY uncomfortable biking on a highway as busy as it was.
Now I could have had the attitude that I have just as much right to be on that road, but what does that accomplish? If I died, will I get to come back because I was "legally right"? If I'm critically injured, do you think getting a large sum settlement because I was in the right would be better than not getting injured in the first place?
It isn't about being in the right as much as it is determining what level of risk one is willing to take. I do not feel comfortable riding on busy roads where there is no shoulder. I also don't feel comfortable riding on roads at night or dusk or where visibility is short due to the topology. Am I being hateful or ignorant? No. I'm simply trying to stay healthy and alive.
kharrisbob (Ken Harris) replies…
The "attitude" comes from the fact that we do have the right to the road and people who claim it is too dangerous to ride are implying that we shouldn't have that right. This is especially disconcerting when we ALL pay for the roads to built and maintained through property taxes and when other municipalities are banning bikes from their streets.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
It isn't about rights; it is about prudence & safety.
I have the right to sit in a lawn chair in my back yard when a tornado siren goes off, but there is an increased risk of death and injury for that decision. I also may have the right to jog alone in an area where there have been cougar sightings (ie western Nebraska). However, if I do that, I have to assume the additional risk. As I stated before, you can be "correct" up to crown of your head, but it won't do any good if you are 6 feet under.
kharrisbob (Ken Harris) replies…
My point is it IS safe if we all follow the rules. But the fear mongering "I would never ride that road... etc." builds the impression that cycling is dangerous. It isn't, in fact, you are more likely to die driving your car than riding your bike.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
The problem is that "safe" is misleading. It is all relative. If today I was back on that part of K-32 that I referenced earlier, I would NOT ride on that road. I value my life, and when you are dealing with hilly sections of road with no shoulder, it is not safe in my books.
When I bike in town, I would avoid busy streets. I would take side streets, alleys, or ride on unoccupied sidewalks. For instance, I would seldom cross 6th street. 6th is not only a busy road, but it is also a highway. If I need to cross, I would usually use the tunnel to Pickney School.
Remember that just over a year ago, Bob Frederick died in a bike accident that didn't involve a vehicle. So, even without vehicles there is some risk. For myself, I have a 3rd Degree AC separation on my left shoulder from a few years ago as a result of a bike accident. While I didn't give up biking after that, I still keep in mind that I'm on two wheels and unprotected from the elements.
I think it is great that people bike. I remember how many people loved to bike when I was on a European trip that included Stockholm, Sweden. Biking is a great way to travel some distance and get exercise at the same time. I pay taxes just like everybody else, but I would never use my "right" to bike on a road to endanger my life and well being. Life has too many risks as is to add one more danger to the list.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
I haven't done much road riding (aside from intracity commuting) the last few years, but even when I did a lot of riding, I tended to avoid K-32 and similar high-speed, high-traffic highways.
But not because it wasn't safe. As long as you want to be vigilant enough, it's plenty safe to ride there. But maintaining that constant vigilance wears on you after awhile, and for me, at least, takes some of the fun out of it.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
And *MY* point is that whether or not YOU follow the rules, it is far from "safe" if you just ride along oblivious to reality and assume the *other* guy is always going to follow the rules. Don't you think it's prudent to at least *look* before crossing the street, even if the light is in your favor?
Uh, yeah. I'm sure that has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that there are one whole he** of a lot more car-miles driven than bike-miles ridden, or the difference in the speeds involved, or the fact that you're much more likely to be driving a car than riding your bike during an ice storm .................
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
"The "attitude" comes from the fact that we do have the right to the road and people who claim it is too dangerous to ride are implying that we shouldn't have that right."
What the he** does one have to do with the other? You have the right to go wing-walking, wrestle alligators, race motorcycles, cliff dive, swim with sharks, and a whole lot of other things. Having the common sense to recognize and admit those things are inherently dangerous in no way implies you have no right to do them.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
I wonder if some of this attitude that there is little risk to biking on hilly roads with no shoulders and plenty of traffic is an issue of maturity -- I don't mean emotional maturity, but actual age. The older I get, the less I am willing to do things that I may have done when I was in my 20's.
For instance, I remember on a trip with a friend to South Dakota in my late 30's to see the Black Hills. I was so gung ho to get near the rocks. We decided to pull over at a little picnic area and eat our sandwiches. Well an ambulance showed up all of a sudden. A man had been hit by a falling rock. All he was doing was sitting on a boulder in a stream, when a small rock broke off the nearby towering rocky hills. He did nothing wrong. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. For the rest of the trip, I wasn't so anxious to go near the rocks.
Now I could get hit by a falling rock at any time. (Well maybe not in Lawrence unless we are talking a freak asteroid.) I realize there is that risk, but I don't go wearing a hard hat as the risk still seems small. Plus, other than wearing a hat, there isn't a lot I can do. (Of course, unless it is a heavenly pebble and my hat is made of some super titanium/diamond materials, it probably isn't going to make much difference. )
On the other hand, a bicycle accident doesn't seem as far fetched. I'm 50, and I LOVE life. I don't want to die, and I don't want to be injured. Those dreams of one day bungee jumping or skydiving have long sense disappeared. I don't think any of us can or should try to force young people to think like some of us think when we get older. Youth is full of energy and dreams. That is what gives Lawrence its vitality. We wouldn't want them to be old fuddy duddies before their time. However, they should at least listen to the risks. Then they can weigh it for themselves.
easyliving (anonymous) says…
Wellman road is 45mph in Douglas county, once you get over the hill North of Midland it turns to 55mph. And you obviously have not driven Wellman road countless times, take it all the way North to Winchester.
Simple fact- some roads are not bike friendly.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
"And you obviously have not driven Wellman road countless times,"
You're right-- probably no more than a thousand times over the last 30 or so years, although not so much over the last five. My memory is that there are some curves/hills where the speed limit is not 55. And I believe that's still the case.
But my point remains that if you're paying attention and not exceeding the speed limit, you'll see any cyclists in plenty of time to safely react.
Puggy (anonymous) says…
Ha! I think he looks like how we all probably pictured him. Jackass.
merrill (anonymous) says…
I'd say to treat a group of cyclists as one would a car,tractor,combine or a road grader moving slower. It's called waiting until it is safe to pass.
Otherwise it is reckless driving with intent to kill or injure. Road rage is not acceptable behavior.
none2 (anonymous) says…
I don't understand these comments about the looks of the accused.
Would you all be happier if he was smiling? Would he be less guilty if he was wearing a coat, shirt, and tie? Are you upset because he has a pony tail? What he did was inexcusable. What he looks like is irrelevant to his crime.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Oh, don't mind them. They're just demonstrating the open-mindedness, diversity, and tolerance that they pride themselves on in Lawrence.
happypill4014 (anonymous) replies…
Thank you. His physical appearance plays no role in this accused crime.
scott3460 (anonymous) replies…
Nice sentiment, but the looks of a defendant are pretty relevant to whether or not he'll be convicted by a jury of his peers. This guy's look and demeanor at the time of his arrest will be relevant when the trial comes. You can bet the prosecutors will make sure that a jury sees his surly and stupid looking visage.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
Would you want a guy accused of running a biker off the road to be smiling? Would you take a pretty picture if you were hauled into jail and accused of a crime?
Do you see how bigoted you are being? If he wasn't white you would wouldn't dare make such comments without a backlash of accusations of being a racist. If the guy is guilty, let him be judged by his actions -- not by whether you found him attractive.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Um, wow. So you're saying it doesn't matter whether he's guilty or innocent, he'll be convicted because of what he looks like?
In Douglas County, the odds are a jury of his "peers" will be those fine, upstanding defenders of tolerance and diversity from Lawrence, scottie. But you're saying they rely on looks in weighing the evidence? Isn't that special ...
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
just let the moron speak for hisself....he will self-convict.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
It is shocking that some people continue to think this poor cyclist could have somehow prevented this accident.
I guess some folks who post on these stories must have superpowers. The rest of us are just fools getting run down by pickup trucks.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
"It is shocking that some people continue to think this poor cyclist could have somehow prevented this accident."
It is shocking that some people have such incredibly poor reading comprehension, and/or continue to lie about what other posters have said.
jayhawkrider (anonymous) says…
Funny thing is that a magazine just rated Lawrence THE #1 place in the country to train for triathlons!!! And the big reasons for that are the hills, the good roads, funky fun community, etc. I love coming home from TX and riding and running in Lawrence! These road rage issues are definitely not unique to Lawrence, and this comes up in every single city with all of the same tired arguments. Is someone's life honestly worth the extra 30 seconds it takes to slow down and go around a group of cyclists?!?! The same driver impatience issue is why most states institued a double fine rule in construction zones...because people can't or won't slow down and too many construction workers get killed. To the previous question about why people ride on the road vs bike paths....you would be hard pressed to get 50-60-70 miles on a bike path, and serious cyclists are typically a hazard to the recreational users on the path (dog walkers, kid meandering all over the path, joggers with headphones). Kids and dogs are unpredictable, and it's hard to go from 20MPH to nothing when one of them dodges onto the trail in front of you.
none2 (anonymous) replies…
I may not be a professional rider, but when I do bike, I like to bike where conditions are safer - ie shoulder.
How do you know that it will only take 30 seconds to go around a bike? It depends on the topology of the road and the level of traffic as to how soon you can pass. I remember years ago a huge group if bikers on US-40. There were probably 15 to 20 bikers all over the road. Passing them would have been like trying to pass a funeral procession.
overplayedhistory (anonymous) replies…
I have biked for a long time, I still ride a cromoly frame thats how long I have ridden. I never have ridden a road bike on any county roads south of town. The hills may make it a good place to train, but you people who do it are nuts, that is coming from someone who has payed to jump out of a plane 34 times in his life. I think street luge might be safer.
I worked for a farmer south of Eudora for ten years. Driving home from work at times I found my self swearing. Thinking how mad I was going to be if I had to live with accidentally killing someone. Those hills on a late sunny September afternoon like today with almost no shoulder, there are points when you are invisible to a driver until there is little time to react.
So as much as I hate attitudes of some of the drivers around here, I got to say when I see people in, aside from helmets, ridiculous gear head get up, I think don't they know how dangerous this is.
I don't like the fact that I live somewhere that was not planned for bicycles, I sure as h@ll am not going to risk my life protesting it there are bigger fish.
independant1 (anonymous) replies…
touche, so there is also a pecking order when autos are not included
highways/roads autos v bicycles
bike/hike trails bikes v peds
happypill4014 (anonymous) says…
Wow ........I am not excusing Mike's behavior but there are always two sides to the story - It is innocent until proven guilty, right? Give him a chance.
puddleglum (anonymous) replies…
he intentionally attempted vehicular manslaughter...
he is the luckiest guy in douglas county, because it wasn't me.
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
overplayedhistory (anonymous) replies…
Which was it? having a bad day or an accident?
Soup2Nuts (anonymous) replies…
By all accounts this was not an accident. If Scott's intent was to intentionally run into the cyclist with his truck then the victim will not simply get over it. Scott will have his day in court and then we'll all know what kind of guy he is.....a friendly, beer-drinking buddy or an out-of-control anger management candidate. The police have charged him with a crime, so something must be up with this guy.
dipweed (anonymous) replies…
That's funny. Hell-raising beer-drinker that needed straightening out? Lord help the guy if the jury heard that character description of him. Are you a witness for the prosecution?
defensehawk (anonymous) replies…
garyr, are you nuts!!!! If he hits someone intentionally because he was having a bad day and you think it's okay you must be nuts. If I was having a bad day and you cut me off in traffic and I shot you, didn't kill you but just hurt you a little, would you just "get over it"? I don't think so. I think everyone has had a bad days in their life and haven't try to run someone over with their truck so you make no sense to me at all. Maybe the beer drinking has messed up your thought process. If he's found guilty I hope they throw the book at him and maybe it will deter people like him and perhaps you from taking out their bad day on innocents.
defensehawk (anonymous) replies…
garyr, are you nuts!!!! If he hits someone intentionally because he was having a bad day and you think it's okay you must be nuts. If I was having a bad day and you cut me off in traffic and I shot you, didn't kill you but just hurt you a little, would you just "get over it"? I don't think so. I think everyone has had a bad days in their life and haven't try to run someone over with their truck so you make no sense to me at all. Maybe the beer drinking has messed up your thought process. If he's found guilty I hope they throw the book at him and maybe it will deter people like him and perhaps you from taking out their bad day on innocents.
angelmom (anonymous) says…
I have also known Scott for years, he is a great guy. I don't know the circumstances of the situation, but I am a cyclist. I have only road on the roads a few times because of the traffic. I ride alone in single file, I have been very close to being hit by a semi who didn't move over. I was on the shoulder and wearing highly visable clothing. I'm sorry to hear about things like this, I'm glad the person who was hit is not seriously hurt. Until Scott's trial, we really shouldn't judge him.
kharrisbob (Ken Harris) replies…
Studies are now showing that people give more space to cyclists that are not in a bike lane than those that are. Perhaps that little white line gives them the impression that you will never cross it, so they are safe to pass closer. Unfortunately, bike lanes end up cluttered with anything that was in the street, much like a shoulder. So they are not always the safest place to be... I had a city bus pass rather close while heading west on 19th in the bike lane from the Burroughs Creek Trail. I will probably end-up taking the lane from now on...
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
"Perhaps that little white line gives them the impression that you will never cross it,"
I always hug the left line of a bike lane and keep close watch on the traffic behind me. This forces cars overtaking me to hug the center line in order to pass. As they pull alongside, I move towards the center of the bike lane, which gives us both a little maneuver room, should we need it.
Kash_Encarri (anonymous) replies…
"kharrisbob (Ken Harris) replies… I had a city bus pass rather close while heading west on 19th in the bike lane from the Burroughs Creek Trail. I will probably end-up taking the lane from now on..."
In that case, you would be breaking the law. - 8-1590(d) Wherever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
" Wherever a usable path for bicycles"
A case could be made that they're not usable in many instances, perhaps including this one.
hail2oldku (anonymous) replies…
Using that logic, there are many streets in this town that don't meet the criteria for riding.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
I was reading today about some guy who was hit on the head by a meteorite.
Apparently he wasn't being "alert". Shame on him for going outside and not being on the lookout for meteorites. Didn't his mother tell him the world needs more lerts?
I pity the low opinion of humanity some of you have, to think a cyclist should "be alert" for some doofus trying to run him off the road. No matter where this cyclist had been on the road, from the looks of it he was a target and there was no defense. You people must walk down the street under the assumption you are going to get mugged at any moment.
What a sad way to live.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
"I pity the low opinion of humanity some of you have, to think a cyclist should "be alert" for some doofus trying to run him off the road. No matter where this cyclist had been on the road, from the looks of it he was a target and there was no defense. You people must walk down the street under the assumption you are going to get mugged at any moment.
"What a sad way to live."
Whereas, Captain Oblivious, throughout history there have been millions of people who found that following *YOUR* sage advice was a rather sad way to die.
One day we'll read about our dear, doddering ol' Captain, who became a pulpy hood ornament as he stepped off the curb, secure in his convictions that, dad gum it, he just shouldn't *HAVE* to look before he crossed!
Congratulations, though, Cappie - you've finally managed to prove Darwin wrong. Most scientists believed that the pea-brained dinosaurs that didn't have the common sense to look before they leaped had died out eons ago.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) replies…
Why do you hate humanity? So sad to always expect the worst of people, such as always expecting to get hit by a truck when riding your bike.
notajayhawk (anonymous) replies…
Why do YOU hate people so much, Captain Oblivious? You're the one trying to get them killed, after all.
Hey, bobbie - why do you think those bike riders wear helmets? I mean, how could they possibly know when they're about to be thrown from the bike and hit their head? According to what passes for 'logic' in that dust bowl that sits on your shoulders, they must be real cowards. They must ride down the road under the assumption they are going to get thrown off at any moment. What a sad way to live.
Oh, except it's not. See, Captain Oblivious, it's you that is the true coward, refusing to even acknowledge that danger exists. You want to roll through life in your little la-la land completely blind to the possibility of danger. Taking precautions, being prudent, that's not an indication of fear, bobbie. Quite the opposite. The people who remain alert to the dangers that are inherent in something they are about to do, and then they *DO* it anyway, they have the real courage (another word I have no doubt you wouldn't be able to understand the definition of). It's the clueless ones such as yourself that are truly sad.
evilpenguin (anonymous) says…
Why are drivers so impatient? I passed my driving test 3 months ago and have almost been hit 3 times by people who are being impatient i,e. don't want to wait to turn right at a red light, or when turning from a smaller road onto a larger road.
I'm sure people will so "ooh you've only been driving for 3 months, it must be your fault, inexperienced drivers.....yada yada yada" but actually, being so close to my test, I am in a better position than a lot of experienced drivers when it comes to knowing what is legal and what isn't. Not only that, I have formed no bad habits which it seems a lot of people do when they have been driving for a while.
Maybe if people took a minute to think about their safety, and the safety of others, they would be more vigilant and relaxed when they are driving and less prone to road rage and general impatience. It doesn't take much to be courteous to other people and obey traffic laws.
And don't even get me started on people who drive while talking on their cell phone, they are the worst of the lot!
kansasmutt (anonymous) says…
Ban Bicycles from the roads :-) Thats my idea.
pfunk81 (anonymous) replies…
Ban you from the roads!
just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (anonymous) replies…
I bet you didn't even have to think about it.
puddleglum (anonymous) says…
I ride single file, and I am courteous to all motor-vehicles. I also carry a gun while riding and I am willing to defend myself according to the letter of the law: meet deadly force with equally deadly force.
have a nice weekend, and be courteous to cyclists and motorists alike.
thankyou
MacHeath (anonymous) says…
This has nothing to do with proper bike or driver courtesy.
It was aggravated battery!
If he had been standing by the side of the road and hit the dude with a bat, it would amount to the same thing!
We could feed all the world's hungry with all the red herrings being tossed around here.
kmgmaggie (anonymous) says…
this man has anger issues; i know for a fact that several years ago he threatened to kill a young man and bury him where his family could never find him. not the first time i heard of bursts of anger.
oh yeah i have incountered cyclists, big group more than "in single file" and the signs on the "back road from lawrence to baldwin that says "share the road" is dumb. there is not room !
yeah they have the right to be there. but move over remember single file. duh