Road Rage Incident – is this the norm?
Posted by: ScottAug 20 2007, 12:15 pm
Ben Ramsdell and Timothy Mastne were struck down by a motorist on Friday. This was not a typical crash, rather an altercation that ended in Road Rage, where the driver deliberately ran down two cyclists.
Road rage… is this a problem that cyclists face regularly?
In my experience, the bulk of motorists are reasonable if not courteous, especially when I ride with my children and family.
I find that inattention can be a considerably more common problem — some people just don't understand what being a cyclist is like.
Respect is something that we deserve but also must earn. I don't believe that Road Rage is the norm for our society, rather a directive that tells us we must take the high-road and command the respect of all roadway users.
As reported on Bike Portland, the DA is pressing serious charges in this case. We believe that the DA must do this now and in all such cases. The BTA is committed to working with law enforcement, DAs, and elected officials to encourage them to respond with the full force of the law to incidents like this.
In early September the BTA will be launching one effort to "humanize cycling" in Washington County. You'll hear more about this soon and I hope that you'll support it.
Please share your ideas on how the BTA can better create respect on our roadways.
I think the best thing that the BTA can do is to encourage its own members to share the road. (I'm not saying that we don't share the road currently, I'm saying to keep sharing and courtesy in the forefront of each others minds) We're all individuals, and we each provide an individual example. No matter what we do, there will always be someone who rides or drives like a jerk. We're not responsible for them – only for ourselves.
Be kind, be courteous, be AWARE of your surroundings, and do what you need to do to be SAFE – whatever that entails.
Other than that, the best thing the BTA can do in my opinion is to strongly denounce road rage against cyclists and keep the pressure on the media, the courts, the legislature, public officials and private citizens – to remind them that assault with a vehicle should not and will not be tolerated.
I agree that bikers need to be responsible & courteous to gain respect, but as a bike commuter in washington county (beaverton/hillsboro) I can say that I have been a victim of road rage even when I am riding safely and courteously. Drivers in washington county need to be educated about the rights of cyclists on our roadways AND more importantly, to be made aware that bikers are on the road
I think it would help if we could have some kind of "bike awareness" day maybe one friday a month where bikers could hand out info at busy intersections to educate drivers AND cyclists. I think if motorists saw that bikers are organized and are serious about ensuring everyones sanity and safety we would be better received. As Matt pointed out cyclists own their "respectability" and Ive seen a lot of cyclists do dangerous things out here. Both parties could use some education.
I really cant say enough about making drivers in Wash County aware… just last night I had to slam on my breaks to avoid being t-boned by a truck turning across my lane of travel. The guys had their windows down and I yelled "Hey, watch it!" and they didnt even bat an eye. First we need motorists in Wash County to be aware of cyclists, then we can earn their respect.
Jenn-
Thanks for the comment. We are rolling out a campaign in Washington County, with a short blast of PR starting in early Sept. (yes very soon!)
see these links
http://www.bta4bikes.org/at_work/timodonnellmemorial.php
http://bikeportland.org/2007/09/06/odonnell-tragedy-sparks-and-we-bike-safety-campaign/