Everyone hates us?

[kevinvc]

I got "brake-checked" by a driver on my commute home a couple of days ago. I was stopped in line with a couple of cars in the left turn lane. When we got the green turn arrow, we all started to go. Immediately before entering the intersection, the car in front of me slammed on his brakes. Fortunately I was paying attention and was able to stop even though I was just a couple of feet behind him. He waited until the light turned yellow (about 4 seconds) then gunned it through the intersection. His whole goal was to make sure I didn't make it through the light. I just turned around to the driver of the car behind me and shrugged my shoulders. He smiled and did the same.

No harm done, but it was surprising. I have a very chill route and this was the first intentionally negative act by a motor vehicle driver that I've experienced since I switched to this route.

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by kevinvc

I got "brake-checked" by a driver on my commute home a couple of days ago. I was stopped in line with a couple of cars in the left turn lane. When we got the green turn arrow, we all started to go. Immediately before entering the intersection, the car in front of me slammed on his brakes. Fortunately I was paying attention and was able to stop even though I was just a couple of feet behind him. He waited until the light turned yellow (about 4 seconds) then gunned it through the intersection. His whole goal was to make sure I didn't make it through the light. I just turned around to the driver of the car behind me and shrugged my shoulders. He smiled and did the same.

No harm done, but it was surprising. I have a very chill route and this was the first intentionally negative act by a motor vehicle driver that I've experienced since I switched to this route.

that interesting, he should know that all cyclists run red lights you will catch up with him quickly.

on a serious note, that is very stupid and just don't understand the hate in some peoples heart for the choice of transportation of others.

[avalonracing]

Originally Posted by kevinvc

I got "brake-checked" by a driver on my commute home a couple of days ago. I was stopped in line with a couple of cars in the left turn lane. When we got the green turn arrow, we all started to go. Immediately before entering the intersection, the car in front of me slammed on his brakes. Fortunately I was paying attention and was able to stop even though I was just a couple of feet behind him. He waited until the light turned yellow (about 4 seconds) then gunned it through the intersection. His whole goal was to make sure I didn't make it through the light. I just turned around to the driver of the car behind me and shrugged my shoulders. He smiled and did the same.

No harm done, but it was surprising. I have a very chill route and this was the first intentionally negative act by a motor vehicle driver that I've experienced since I switched to this route.

That was a punching-worthy offense. You could have been crushed if the motorist behind you wasn't paying attention. (Of course I wouldn't punch a motorist, that would by silly, I just know that someone else may)

[sitzmark]

Originally Posted by avalonracing

That was a punching-worthy offense. You could have been crushed if the motorist behind you wasn't paying attention.

Punching leads down a legal path one may or may not want to go, but plate # plus video and/or asking the witness to make a statement to police would be a good "virtual" punch.

[kevinvc]

Originally Posted by avalonracing

That was a punching-worthy offense. You could have been crushed if the motorist behind you wasn't paying attention.

Fortunately we were going at a very slow speed since we were starting from a complete stop. But you're right, if the car behind me had been gunning it or not paying attention it could have been bad.

As it was, it was an absolutely gorgeous evening and I was in a good mood and not in any kind of hurry. At the time, the whole thing struck me as totally absurd more than annoying. The driver behind me returning my shrug made it kind of amusing.

There are definitely times and conditions where I would have gotten pretty angry and likely sent some choice words and gestures at the guy. I try to keep a non-confrontational attitude, but am not always successful.