Driver Pulls Gun on Cyclists This Morning

**ciclismo** · 09-09-2008, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

It wasn't a tourist area like here, but it was used by a broad segment of the population and a constantly changing population because a portion of it was near the college.

We rode and rollerbladed on it as little kids and as we speak a neighbor is pedaling to work on it sporting a dress shirt, bike shorts, dress socks, and dress shoes! He's a judge so the robe hides the spandex at work!

I used to live in an area with a miles of those trails too. Used to rollerblade them frequently. Rode my bike on the narrow trails too. You could go miles without having to cross a road or encounter a car. It was great for families.

Unfortunately, our trails are not conducive to anything more than a walker/jogger and a beach cruiser or two. There is too much sand, broken pavement and blind intersections to make it safe. You are crossing a path of potential vehicle traffic every 20 meters versus every 3-5 miles. Imagine riding from Rosemary to Grayton without having to cross any driveways or streets. That would be nirvana! Or being able to take a trail from Pier Park to San Destin, now that would be better than sliced bread!

When I ride the trail with my daughters I have to ride ahead and check every intersection to make sure they don't get plowed by a car coming out of a driveway. It is not a fun excursion for me.

I have almost hit a few cyclist while pulling out of a driveway onto 30a. You can't see anyone coming until you are in the middle of the path. I feel extra crappy when it happens as I should be extra aware of fellow cyclists.

**scooterbug44** · 09-10-2008, 09:05 AM

This was a multi-use path/sidewalk like we have here, not a separate trail. You crossed railroad tracks, streets, rode close to a 4-6 lane major road, had potholes/uneven pavement portions, debris, cars backing out etc. It also had dedicated more remote bike paths connecting to it for people who wanted to ride longer distances away from the city.

One portion of it used a residential sidewalk as the path and they made it illegal to ride bikes on the sidewalk because people were riding their racing bikes too fast on the sidewalk and creating problems w/ other users and cars backing out of blind driveways - sound familiar?

A pristine path w/ no hazards whatsoever isn't realistic. A well maintained path that many can enjoy is!

**5thGenFlo** · 09-11-2008, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by florida girl

I suspect he thought you were shooting him a bird. Not a friendly move. This is an unincorporated area, people can carry weapons if they want. Secondly, the county went to a lot of trouble building a "BIKE PATH" for the tourists that like to ride bikes. Most native Walton countians don't ride bikes, too many miles just to get anywhere. Most vehicles that drive on highways have to be street legal, ie, lights and the ability to drive the speed limit. Highway 30A is a narrow road without any shoulder, and riding a bicycle in the middle of the highway is dangerous, inconsiderate, and very irritating. When I see a cyclist in the middle of the road, I think, why did the county put in a bike path? What, do they think they own the road? They have to much leisure time on there hands! And when they don't move out of the way, they have just made a statement that they don't care about anyone else on the highway, or where the vehicles have to go. They are on vacation, and to heck with the rest of the world!

florida girl, I understand that you're voicing the growing pains of a small community getting larger. And, I understand that you are but one voice in a quieter chorus of disgruntled dwellers having to aqcuiesce to an influx of newcommers in your area. However, you should never, never use an event like this one to sing solo. Implying a threat on someone's life by brandishing a firearm does not weigh evenly on the scale of recourse, with that of impeding drivers by blocking their way with a bicycle. You would be better served and less stirring, if you would let this incident serve as fodder for mulling over, when you're studying the candidates running for public office.

**florida girl** · 09-13-2008, 01:19 PM

It is amazing to me that this issue has gone on for 13 pages! Good grief! The cyclist asked for an explanation, mine happened to be one that is certainly not foreign to many native's I know, I can't help it if there are some of you that never heard it. If you don't want anyone's opinion, why do you ask?

**florida girl** · 09-13-2008, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by 5thGenFlo

florida girl, I understand that you're voicing the growing pains of a small community getting larger. And, I understand that you are but one voice in a quieter chorus of disgruntled dwellers having to aqcuiesce to an influx of newcommers in your area. However, you should never, never use an event like this one to sing solo. Implying a threat on someone's life by brandishing a firearm does not weigh evenly on the scale of recourse, with that of impeding drivers by blocking their way with a bicycle. You would be better served and less stirring, if you would let this incident serve as fodder for mulling over, when you're studying the candidates running for public office.

First of all, assumptions aren't wise. I never said threatening with a gun was acceptable, just tried to explain why it happened. You assumed the worst. One voice maybe, maybe not, depends on who or what you listen to. If you haven't heard that one voice before, maybe it's time you did. I have never been ashamed to stand up for mercy, or any other issue I believe in. I have seen many problems resolved as a result. Maybe it's time someone stood up and had an opinion!!!

DD · 09-13-2008, 03:24 PM

FG, I don't think there's a lack of opinion on this board.

**SWGB** · 09-15-2008, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by florida girl

First of all, assumptions aren't wise. I never said threatening with a gun was acceptable, just tried to explain why it happened. You assumed the worst. One voice maybe, maybe not, depends on who or what you listen to. If you haven't heard that one voice before, maybe it's time you did. I have never been ashamed to stand up for mercy, or any other issue I believe in. I have seen many problems resolved as a result. Maybe it's time someone stood up and had an opinion!!!

Are you going to show mercy to the mosquitos, dog flies, and other bugs? After all that dog fly might just be having a bad day.

**Luv the Beach** · 09-26-2008, 10:32 AM

No excuse for pulling guns. No good excuse for rude behavior. Not born here, but my 30 plus year old son was, and I was here before tourist "develpment." I do enjoy the bike paths (for bikes, feet, etc) and the highway (for cars). I do wish the bikes were either riding on the bike path when available, of if available and don't want to use them, find an area such as the park trails or country roads where it doesn't endanger life or impede traffic.

**Will B** · 09-26-2008, 12:12 PM

**Paige** · 09-26-2008, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Luv the Beach

No excuse for pulling guns. No good excuse for rude behavior. Not born here, but my 30 plus year old son was, and I was here before tourist "develpment." I do enjoy the bike paths (for bikes, feet, etc) and the highway (for cars). I do wish the bikes were either riding on the bike path when available, of if available and don't want to use them, find an area such as the park trails or country roads where it doesn't endanger life or impede traffic.

I take it that you haven't read the enitre thread. This has been hashed and rehashed.

**wrobert** · 09-26-2008, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Luv the Beach

I do wish the bikes were either riding on the bike path when available, of if available and don't want to use them, find an area such as the park trails or country roads where it doesn't endanger life or impede traffic.

A lot of things I would like to see changed in this country. Thank God we do not live in a Democracy. This Republic thing keeps my outlandish ideas from becoming law. Just like it will protect us from this one.

**SWGB** · 10-30-2008, 11:04 PM

It's almost election day, thought I'd bump up a thread that a candidate has voiced some interesting opinions in.

**30A Skunkape** · 10-31-2008, 07:07 AM

Skunkape is endorsing Miss Cambpell for mosquito czarina. Entertainment is a good thing and she can see Russia across the bay.

**Andy A** · 10-31-2008, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

It's almost election day, thought I'd bump up a thread that a candidate has voiced some interesting opinions in.

I consider this both unnecessary and appalling. I am not a supporter of the candidate to which you refer, but her opinion, while maybe poor judgement, has nothing to do with the office for which she is running. Lighten up and let people decide for themselves who they will vote for. I hate negative campaigning though I know it is done by almost all candidates. You don't need to "bump up" a thread that is negative to a candidate. We've had enough of that on this board already.

**florida girl** · 11-02-2008, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

Skunkape is endorsing Miss Cambpell for mosquito czarina. Entertainment is a good thing and she can see Russia across the bay.

**SWGB** · 11-05-2008, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

I consider this both unnecessary and appalling. I am not a supporter of the candidate to which you refer, but her opinion, while maybe poor judgement, has nothing to do with the office for which she is running. Lighten up and let people decide for themselves who they will vote for. I hate negative campaigning though I know it is done by almost all candidates. You don't need to "bump up" a thread that is negative to a candidate. We've had enough of that on this board already.

When a thread is created and the candidate in question has not been involved then yes I consider it a negative campaigning technique. However in this case the person in question did respond and showed a serious lack in judgement. I don't care if it's President or Mosquito Control Board, judgement is a very key point when I decide my choice.

**Andy A** · 11-05-2008, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by sowalgayboi

When a thread is created and the candidate in question has not been involved then yes I consider it a negative campaigning technique. However in this case the person in question did respond and showed a serious lack in judgement. I don't care if it's President or Mosquito Control Board, judgement is a very key point when I decide my choice.

Your consideration of "judgement" and mine differ. There are many, many forms of "judgement". I still think it was a cheap shot, unnecessary and not in the best interests of this forum. Every poster I have seen or read on this board has the ability to judge for themselves whether someone should be elected or not. I have never seen as much contentiousness in any forum to the extent I have seen it here during this campaign season. I, for one, am really glad it is finally over and will critize and commend the new administration once it takes office or before if deemed necessary in my mind. With the election now gone, hopefully it will not be necessary to "bump up" another thread.

**happy2Bme** · 11-05-2008, 06:05 PM

the "natives" are getting restless.....better circle the wagons! where's Rodney King when you need him?!

**Beachlover2** · 11-07-2008, 10:00 AM

Rodney is in rehab with Dr Drew.

**Johnrudy** · 11-07-2008, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by Beachlover2

Rodney is in rehab with Dr Drew.

**Miss Kitty** · 11-07-2008, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Beachlover2

Rodney is in rehab with Dr Drew.

...I watched that last night. So far, I think Rodney is the most normal.

**swickmans** · 11-07-2008, 01:00 PM

WOW!!! GOOD DAY TO YA'ALL!!! I started reading, trying to find out info about the "guy with they gun", and ended up reading THE JERRY SPRINGER SHOW!!!! Get a grip everybody. Its November and 80 degress!!!!!! SMILE!!!!!