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Path: utzoo!decvax!harpo!whuxlm!akgua!sol1!s255
From: s255@sol1.UUCP (alcmist)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Car driver asks for advice from bicyclists
Message-ID: <354@sol1.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 9-Oct-85 00:35:02 EDT
Article-I.D.: sol1.354
Posted: Wed Oct  9 00:35:02 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 11-Oct-85 11:41:39 EDT
Distribution: na
Organization: THE SOLUTION, Lincoln, NE
Lines: 24


    A couple of nights ago I found myself sharing a dark road with a bicyclist
wearing jeans and a dark jacket.  He had no reflectors on his bike, and no
lights.  Within a quarter of a mile I watched him ride in circles on a road
with a 45mph speed limit, run a red light, and cut from the right-hand side
of a busy road to the left, where he proceeded to ride against the traffic.
    I should say right away that this note isn't a flame about bicycles or
bicyclists.  I know from observation that bicyclists average out as much 
more responsible road users than car drivers do.  I've done enough bicycling
that when I'm in my car, I give bicycles every break I can.
    The reason I mention this incident is so you'll know what I'm talking 
about when I ask 
WHAT THE HELL DO I DO ABOUT PEOPLE LIKE THAT?
    I was trying, hard, to keep that idiot in sight so I could avoid him.
I lost sight of him anyway, more than once.  I'm still upset at the idea 
that I could have collided with him.
    So I'd really like to hear what the many responsible bicyclists out there
have to say on the subject.  Should I have flipped on my high beams (quartz
halogen; I would have been able to see the bicycle, but would have blinded
oncoming cars)?  Should I have tried to pull over in front and talk to him,
or would that seem like harassment?  Should I have called the cops?
    I honestly want your advice, and will incorporate it into my driving 
habits.
        Fred Wamsley    ihnp4!sol1!s255