This morning at 6:30am I was riding my bike with three friends down 30-a heading west. There were absolutely no cars on the road and we were passing through WaterSound where they have the medians in the middle of the road. A mid-sized pick-up truck honked and then violently swerved around us passing us very closely.
My friend gestured for the driver to come back and talk with us. There was no reason for his aggression so early in the morning. The driver of the metallic orange pickup truck hit his breaks and pulled a black handgun out of his drivers side window and started waving it at us. He then sped away.
I immediately called 911 and we met with two very nice Walton County Police Officers and filed a complaint. The officers were very nice and took the situation very serious and said they have all officers in the area looking for the car.
If anyone sees a mid-sized metallic orange pickup truck with a male driver, please notify the police.
In all of my years riding I have been yelled at, honked at, spit at, had things thrown at me, been run off the road into a ditch, been intentionally hit with a car's mirror, had a Harley sneak up on me and rev his engine to scare me and then laugh at me, two weeks ago had a driver laugh and cheer when we had a cyclist crash...but I have NEVER EVER had a gun pulled on me for riding a bicycle on a Sunday morning.
I am from the west coast and stilll learning about Southern culture...I am still trying to figure out this whole aggression thing towards cyclists...but I am sure this was not a friendly southern gesture.
I could be wrong...maybe it was his way of cheering in awe as he witnessed a life changing athletic performance by some local cyclists. Or maybe it was his way of showing support for our cyclist in Bejing and his reaction at Sammy Sanchez from Spain winning Olympic Gold in the Men's Cycling Road Race yesterday over Americans Levi Leipheimer, George Hincape and Christian Vandevelde! Maybe he was saying, "I am with you brother and I solute you and your athletic acheivements on this beautiful Sunday morning...ride safe and I will lead the way!"
Replies
380
hmmmm......can't remember
I want to thank everyone for their support. I have learned a lot and will make sure that as a cyclist I continue to be aware and considerate of cars. I do recognize that respect needs to go both ways between cars and cyclists and only education and respect for others will solve this issue. The cycling population will continue to grow proportionately with the amount of traffic and we need to learn to co-exist.
The person was found. The situation was and will be handled by authorities and the law. He showed no remorse for his actions which was disappointing.
Thanks again for all of your support.
That is disappointing, but considering the mentality that would lead to that sort of action, it's not surprising... :(
SoWal Expert
That is disappointing, but considering the mentality that would lead to that sort of action, it's not surprising... :(
I guess it would have been surprising if the jerk HAD been remotely sorry.
Wonder if he told the officials about his "bad day"?:roll:
Skunky
I want to thank everyone for their support. I have learned a lot and will make sure that as a cyclist I continue to be aware and considerate of cars. I do recognize that respect needs to go both ways between cars and cyclists and only education and respect for others will solve this issue. The cycling population will continue to grow proportionately with the amount of traffic and we need to learn to co-exist.
The person was found. The situation was and will be handled by authorities and the law. He showed no remorse for his actions which was disapointing.
Thanks again for all of your support.
Now wait, you have to give us some details as to what this guy's story was.
Beach Fanatic
As a former cyclist I can tell you that many drivers wave their 4000 lbs cars around at cyclist in much the same way at this guy waved around his gun, not realizing that it can be just as deadly, unfortunately most people are not as outraged by that, although we all should be.
A little common courtesy from all people on the roads would definitely get a lot more people safely home for supper.
A little common courtesy from all people on the roads would definitely get a lot more people safely home for supper.
Meow
Now wait, you have to give us some details as to what this guy's story was.
Like, was he a LOCAL or heaven forbid...a TOURIST???
Beach Fanatic
:wave:If you want to live in the zip, you have to live by the code.
:lolabove: Clever! Would make a great siggy line!
SoWal Expert
Thanks, Bdarg. I agree. I'm a pedestrian, bicyclist, motorcyclist, and auto driver. I try to have respect for other people no matter which shoes I happen to be wearing at the time. It isn't just a bicycle vs car issue, though when I'm on my bike, it sure seems like it. I see drivers of 6000+ pound vehicles not even think about stopping for a six year old trying to cross the street in Seaside, EVERY DAY. I see pedestrians not think twice about walking in the middle of the streets. I see motorcycle drivers who think that the white stripe in the middle of the two lanes is a special lane in itself, created solely for motorcycle operators. I've seen bicyclists on the road, who don't know the meaning and intent of a traffic light or stop sign. I encourage everyone to think of ways to make our roadways and paths much more friendly. Show some respect for all others, no matter which shoes they are wearing at the time, or which shoes you happen to be wearing.
Beach Lover
So I was driving out of town today to help a friend move in bama. As I was leaving the house I was looking forward to putting into action my new frame of mind about the 30-a cyclist. I was hoping to see a rider so I could exercise my patience ( and block cars behind me from trying to pass, I was going to be the goalie).:blush: There he was, tight clothes and all, right by seagrove thumb!!! Only problem, he was on the bike path, and I passed him by!!! He took it from me!!! :bang:I wanted to be patient and considerate...crap!! I think maybe he read this forum and decided to give it a try. So, kudos for the efforts and goodwill of the road bikers. Point one goes to you my friend!! Nice shorts, and when I get back in a week i'll be ready to share the road with you.
Beach Lover
Ciclismo, Florida Girl's comments do not represent the views of anyone else on this board. I hope you're getting that. (And I am a legitimate American Indian who worked very happily in the service industry for more than a decade, I ride a bike, and I'm not local!)
Oh, and now you are speaking for everyone on the board???
:wave::wave:
Banned
So I was driving out of town today to help a friend move in bama. As I was leaving the house I was looking forward to putting into action my new frame of mind about the 30-a cyclist. I was hoping to see a rider so I could exercise my patience ( and block cars behind me from trying to pass, I was going to be the goalie).:blush: There he was, tight clothes and all, right by seagrove thumb!!! Only problem, he was on the bike path, and I passed him by!!! He took it from me!!! :bang:I wanted to be patient and considerate...crap!! I think maybe he read this forum and decided to give it a try. So, kudos for the efforts and goodwill of the road bikers. Point one goes to you my friend!! Nice shorts, and when I get back in a week i'll be ready to share the road with you.
Am I the only person who knows how to go over the centerline in my car with oncoming traffic and not have a head on collision? It's not that difficult to negotiate bikers [Edit] and other cars [end Edit]. You don't have to stop and you don't have to block traffic. It's not rocket science.
Edited
Banned
Oh, and now you are speaking for everyone on the board???
Every sane and rational person on the board.
Beach Lover
Am I the only person who knows how to go over the centerline in my car with oncoming traffic and not have a head on collision? It's not that difficult to negotiate bikers. You don't have to stop and you don't have to block traffic. It's not rocket science.
Looks like you are the one I will be playing goalie against. 😀 ( I am not planning on blocking anyone, sorry you got so irritated, it was something we call, what is it again....oh, humor) By the way...going over the line while oncoming traffic is coming is certainly not something a rocket scientist would do. I hope you don't do it while I am heading your way.
Banned
Looks like you are the one I will be playing goalie against. 😀 ( I am not planning on blocking anyone, sorry you got so irritated, it was something we call, what is it again....oh, humor) By the way...going over the line while oncoming traffic is coming is certainly not something a rocket scientist would do. I hope you don't do it while I am heading your way.
You've never passed on a two lane road? Do you actually have a valid driver's license? Doubtful.
Beach Fanatic
As to passing, on 30-A isn't most of it, double yellow line?:idontno:
Edited
needs to get out more
hopefully the LOE will take pity on this poor guy having a bad day and give him a stern talking to.
Beach Fanatic
I did learn something from this thread.
I didn't know that there was a speed limit for the multi-use path.
The idea of bikes being on the road makes a whole lot more sense now and they just gained a lot more respect from me.
I didn't know that there was a speed limit for the multi-use path.
The idea of bikes being on the road makes a whole lot more sense now and they just gained a lot more respect from me.
Meow
I did learn something from this thread.
I didn't know that there was a speed limit for the multi-use path.
The idea of bikes being on the road makes a whole lot more sense now and they just gained a lot more respect from me.
I hear you...there are always two sides to every story!
Beach Fanatic
:scratch:good point. .. ... .... .....
I did learn something from this thread.
I didn't know that there was a speed limit for the multi-use path.
The idea of bikes being on the road makes a whole lot more sense now and they just gained a lot more respect from me.
SoWal Expert
Is there really a speed limit for the path?
I know there was one proposed, but I've never seen a sign (not that my motivated coast style o' bike riding is in any danger of violating it) or heard of anyone getting in trouble for it. :idontno:
I know there was one proposed, but I've never seen a sign (not that my motivated coast style o' bike riding is in any danger of violating it) or heard of anyone getting in trouble for it. :idontno:
Beach Fanatic
Just Curious....did this story make the Sun or the Log or any other newspaper?
SoWal Expert
proposed speedlimit for multi-use path is 8mph. Two days ago, the BCC had its first public hearing regarding the proposed rules for the multi-use path. Next one will be two Tuesdays from now, in Defuniak, at the BCC meeting.
SoWal Insider
Just Curious....did this story make the Sun or the Log or any other newspaper?
I know we have a reporter working it and should have something out next week.:idontno:
Beach Fanatic
I did learn something from this thread.
I didn't know that there was a speed limit for the multi-use path.
The idea of bikes being on the road makes a whole lot more sense now and they just gained a lot more respect from me.
Yet one more reason why SoWal.com is awesome. When I first moved here and encountered cyclists on 30A, I was very annoyed and couldn't for the life of me understand why they weren't on the bike path, where they would be out of my way and not forcing me to go slower. Yes, I know, I was being both ignorant and selfish - lovely traits... (I never pulled a gun, made a rude hand gesture, swerved wildly or honked though, even when I was having a REALLY BAD DAY, geez...)
Then I read several posts from cyclists, whose points of view I would probably never had known otherwise, and learned their side. Taking a few extra moments to slow down and safely pass them is now just a regular part of driving on 30A... so simple to share the road, and what a pointless waste of energy to get all worked up over it.
Beach Fanatic
My point exactly, words are more powerful than any other weapons! Not wanting to know the truth is the problem. May as well put a bag over your head!I suggest you try two, in case the first one falls off.
Beach ComberAuthor
I did learn something from this thread.
I didn't know that there was a speed limit for the multi-use path.
The idea of bikes being on the road makes a whole lot more sense now and they just gained a lot more respect from me.
As GI Joe would say "...and knowing is half the battle" 😀
We are a local bicycle racing team sponsored by several local businesses and we do our best to promote safe cycling, a healthy lifestyle and support our local community. I am happy to hear that some good has come out of this incident.
We have a long way to go to becoming a welcomed part of the community on the roads for locals & tourists. It is a shame that we had to have such an extreme situation to get the message out. But at this point, I will take anything that helps make it safer on the roads for everyone.
There should be an article coming out soon on what happened. The reporter was very nice and supportive of cyclists. Thank you again for all your support and ask for some discretion with the driver on this message board.
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