Home › Forums › Commuters ›

Idiot in a sports car

Submitted by oberman on December 18, 2009 - 4:04pm
in

Hi folks,

I am new here. I thought that I would start with a question and relate an incident that took place recently.

First of all I ride a fixed gear mountain bike that I made myself for the purpose of commuting to work in the winter. I use a break for safety. I would also like to make clear that I follow all the traffic rules, red lights etc etc.

Anyways I was riding up Yonge the other day when I felt a bang and saw a small red sports car speeding by me up the hill. His mirror had hit my handle bars and I was lucky that I was able to keep my balance. I noticed the driver look around and continue to speed ahead.

I had no time to get the license and I since I was undamaged I just continued on to work. My conscience started to bother me though as I realized that this person would continue to be a potential danger to other bikers. So should I have stopped and phoned the police?

I don't know if their are any guides out there on what to do in such circumstances other than use common sense.

I don't know if it is just me but are Toronto drivers becoming more and more aggressive?

cheers

Geoff

‹ Help! I need a new bike - now! Crazy Christmas Shoppers ›

Yeah, why not report it... we

Submitted by Satan Clause (not verified) on December 20, 2009 - 9:14pm.

Yeah, why not report it... we need an accurate picture. Toronto Police like to tout their own records to prove how safe Toronto is for cyclists but, I am skeptical, sooo many nail biting incidents like this go unreported. Really the police should be checking hospital admission reports instead to get a real idea of how accurate their statistics are.

So go ahead and report it, it is a mostly painless procedure.

Yeah, why not report it... we

Submitted by Satan Clause (not verified) on December 20, 2009 - 9:17pm.

Yeah, why not report it... we need an accurate picture. Toronto Police like to tout their own records to prove how safe Toronto is for cyclists but, I am skeptical, sooo many nail biting incidents like this go unreported. Really the police should be checking hospital admission reports instead to get a real idea of how accurate their statistics are.

So go ahead and report it, it is a mostly painless procedure.

Reporting Structure

Submitted by The Pedaller (not verified) on December 21, 2009 - 10:07am.

Make everfy effort to document all incidents involving a vehicle so that it gets recorded for future use. Take the time to write down as many details as you can and report the incident to the Police; of course you will have to go to a Police Stattion to do this. Providing evidence like the broked side mirror would also help.

Report it anyways

Submitted by kevcom on December 22, 2009 - 8:28pm.

I would strongly suggest reporting it. Every time I've had a close call - even if it's been something as little as a close pass, or some igorant honker, or in a couple of cases - verbal threats - I always report those things. In my couple of months as a serious cyclist I've already sent about 5 or 6 reports. Unfortunately, I've recieved no feedback from the police which makes it feel like they don't care about cyclists and is highly discouraging. Even if the police don't do anything immediately, at least they'll have the incident on file, and if the transgressor does something else, they'll be able to serve justice much more efficiently. That alone - the though of sweet revenge - if any - makes reporting justifyable. (I know - o.k. o.k. - it shouldn't be an eye for an eye.... o.k.)

Happy riding!