Driver Pulls Gun on Cyclists This Morning

Originally Posted by RiverOtter

I also had a couple of meat heads on a maroon minivan yell at me. Actually they might have been cheering me on. I couldn't tell because one of my favorite songs was playing on my IPod .

:lolabove::lolabove::lolabove:


Hey Otter, I may be wrong but aren't you supposed to obey the rules of road on your bike? Is it legal to listen to IPOD while cycling if you are using the ear buds?

:wave::wave::wave:

RO, are you sure you didn't mean "can't" chill for 5 freakin' seconds?

Oops... Thanks for the edit :blush:

Originally Posted by RiverOtter

I also had a couple of meat heads on a maroon minivan yell at me. Actually they might have been cheering me on. I couldn't tell because one of my favorite songs was playing on my IPod .

:lolabove::lolabove::lolabove:


Hey Otter, I may be wrong but aren't you supposed to obey the rules of road on your bike? Is it legal to listen to IPOD while cycling if you are using the ear buds?

:wave::wave::wave:

You are and I have no idea if listening to an IPod while riding a bike is illegal :idontno:. Look it up and let me know. I do know it's illegal to intentionally force a cyclists off the road because just don't like them on the road. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to point a gun at an unarmed cyclist. I also pretty sure it's illegal to exceed 25 mph through Alys Beach however I get passed riding through Alys while I'm rolling at 25 mph. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to come to a rolling stop but cars and yes bikes do it all the time. I do not see that listening to my IPod while riding my bike equates with threatening someone with a hand gun though, maybe you could explain.

Oops... Thanks for the edit :blush:




You are and I have no idea if listening to an IPod while riding a bike is illegal :idontno:. Look it up and let me know. I do know it's illegal to intentionally force a cyclists off the road because just don't like them on the road. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to point a gun at an unarmed cyclist. I also pretty sure it's illegal to exceed 25 mph through Alys Beach however I get passed riding through Alys while I'm rolling at 25 mph. I'm pretty sure it's illegal to come to a rolling stop but cars and yes bikes do it all the time. I do not see that listening to my IPod while riding my bike equates with threatening someone with a hand gun though, maybe you could explain.

Guess I was right. :wave::wave::wave:

Guess you aren't perfect either. :yikes:

You know, there is one part of the information here that is not present. That of the driver of the truck. You don't know what was going on in his life at the time. I'm trying to give you understanding of the mindset of locals, but without actually having his statement creates a uncomplete discussion. Have you ever had trama in your life? He could have been facing some kind of distressing situation that was completely absorbing his thoughts, and you're hand gesture probably almost sent him over the edge. You're lucky he restrained himself when he did.
Those walking trails and restaurants serving "healthy foods" are for people on vacation. Particularly in today's economic situation, local people cannot afford this kind of activity. When people have to work 2 or more jobs to make ends meet, who has time to enjoy a walking trail? Much less spend a small fortune for dinner!

The lack of response is obviously attributed to the utter sadness/ignorance of these comments. I have had some traumatic days, as we all have. Never flashed a gun at anyone as a result. Never crossed my mind. One great thing about America is that we all can live where we choose. I used to live in a place that I did not like. So I worked hard, got a new job, and moved away. I offer this; do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

A good rule. ;-)

I was one of the deputy's that responded and yes we do take pulling a gun seriously. Thanks for the compliment. We still have an eye out for that truck..That is just not right!

Guess I was right. :wave::wave::wave:

Guess you aren't perfect either. :yikes:

If you are bragging that you are "right" about me not being perfect, then wow. You really uncovered some news there :roll:

Sincerely,


RiverOtter <--- Trying to remember when I claimed to be perfect :scratch:

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!

You are an idiot! have you ever tried to ride a road bike on the bike path? Judging by your misinformed post--definitely not. Have you ever read the state laws regarding bicycles--they have a definite right of way on the road? And, oh by the way, it's mostly locals riding their road bikes on the road--not tourists.

Just caught up with the thread... unbelieveable.

Whenever I am in town, I ride my road bike along 30A. Nothing like cruising past the dune lakes. Absolutely refreshing.

Given the non-existent shoulders, I've often wondered what it would take to encourage the local/state government to install bike lanes along both sides of the road. Is this an impossibility, or are there any organizations that would actively seek to make it happen?

Bike lanes would make drivers lives a little easier by dampening frustration of some, while promoting safer travel for cyclists.

Any thoughts?

Little Fish

You are an idiot! have you ever tried to ride a road bike on the bike path? Judging by your misinformed post--definitely not. Have you ever read the state laws regarding bicycles--they have a definite right of way on the road? And, oh by the way, it's mostly locals riding their road bikes on the road--not tourists.

I am not a moderator, but please remember not to use personal attacking words. IMO, you lose your argument quickly when those are your first words.

Is FLgirl an elitist? :idontno: If your name starts with a j and ends with a g, don't anwer this question. ;-)

I have been advocating a continuous 2-3' bike lane on both sides of 30-A, both as a solution to the road biking conflict and as a way to improve the condition of the road.

In many places, there is no shoulder and the road edge just crumbles away or is more likely to have dips.

I suspect he thought you were shooting him a bird. Not a friendly move.

No reason to pull a gun! 😱

You know, there is one part of the information here that is not present. That of the driver of the truck. You don't know what was going on in his life at the time. I'm trying to give you understanding of the mindset of locals, but without actually having his statement creates a uncomplete discussion. Have you ever had trama in your life? He could have been facing some kind of distressing situation that was completely absorbing his thoughts, and you're hand gesture probably almost sent him over the edge. You're lucky he restrained himself when he did.

What was happening to him, in his life at the time, has NO BEARING on him pulling a gun on anyone!!!!! 😱

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!

Exactly what "truth" are you referring to? You speak in forked tongue as far as I can tell.

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.

Glad he was found and hope he is put into a nice warm jail cell where he will be housed and fed and funded by our taxes. :idontno:

Yet one more reason why SoWal.com is awesome.
" 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."

Share the road. As someone said...it is good karma.

My principle concern is how quick judgments are made without having all the data. Have you ever been judged erroneously? I don't know the driver of the truck; therefore I can't in all good conscience make a judgment against him. The cyclist posted on the board, here to defend himself. I say, we live in a scary age; folks are judge, jury and executioner all in one, at a rumor of an alleged suspicion! :bang:

THERE IS NO EXCUSE, EVER, For pulling a GUN!!!! :shock: That part was pretty CLEAR!

I am not a moderator, but please remember not to use personal attacking words. IMO, you lose your argument quickly when those are your first words.

Is FLgirl an elitist? :idontno: If your name starts with a j and ends with a g, don't anwer this question. ;-)

You'd be a darn good one. And, you're right.

:wave:

You'd be a darn good one. And, you're right.

:wave:

You're all nutz. :rolling:

I am not a moderator, but please remember not to use personal attacking words. IMO, you lose your argument quickly when those are your first words.

Is FLgirl an elitist? :idontno: If your name starts with a j and ends with a g, don't anwer this question. ;-)

:floor:

You'd be a darn good one. And, you're right.

:wave:

Where were y'all...asleep at the wheel? 😀

:floor:

You got it, you really got it. :wave:

Where were y'all...asleep at the wheel? 😀



You got it, you really got it. :wave:

:wave:

You are an idiot! have you ever tried to ride a road bike on the bike path? Judging by your misinformed post--definitely not. Have you ever read the state laws regarding bicycles--they have a definite right of way on the road? And, oh by the way, it's mostly locals riding their road bikes on the road--not tourists.

Actually, I've called Walton county natives "locals" for so long...
No, I don't ride a bike that doesn't have a motor. I used to, but physical limitations prohibit it. Walton county already spent money to put in a bike path, and since the dough isn't rolling in as it used to, I'm not sure more money could be used toward adding 3 or 4 inches to 30A, although that would alleviate the situation considerably. This issue seems to be a hot topic all over, here's an article: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9823020
It looks like the remedy will be more regulation!1

Emergency room doctor arrested for allegedly cutting in front of bike riders, causing crash
Associated Press
Article Launched: 07/08/2008 09:35:18 PM PDT


LOS ANGELES - An emergency room doctor was arrested after he allegedly swerved in front of two bicyclists during an argument over rights to the road and caused them to crash into his car, police said.
Christopher Thompson, 58, was arrested Friday for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon - the car - and booked into jail, Officer Ana Aguirre, a police spokeswoman, said Tuesday.

Thompson allegedly argued with the bikers who were crossing his path on a narrow road and pulled in front of them, slamming on the brakes, she said.

The bicyclists were taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

Thompson posted $30,000 bail and is due in court Aug. 1, Aguirre said.

The district attorney's office is deciding whether to file charges.

Thompson, who is an emergency room doctor, could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday. Telephone calls placed to numbers listed for a Christopher Thompson in the neighborhood were not answered or rang busy.

Ron Peterson, one of the bikers, told KFI-AM he and another man were riding their bicycles when the driver sped past them and yelled something.

"It had to be road rage," Peterson alleged. "He barely missed me."

Peter Swarth, who said he was Thompson's attorney, said his client did not mean to hurt anyone.

"We deny there was any road rage incident," Swarth said. "It was a very unfortunate accident."

Swarth could not provide further details about the circumstances


---

Actually, I've called Walton county natives "locals" for so long...
No, I don't ride a bike that doesn't have a motor. I used to, but physical limitations prohibit it. Walton county already spent money to put in a bike path, and since the dough isn't rolling in as it used to, I'm not sure more money could be used toward adding 3 or 4 inches to 30A, although that would alleviate the situation considerably. This issue seems to be a hot topic all over, here's an article: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9823020
It looks like the remedy will be more regulation!1

Emergency room doctor arrested for allegedly cutting in front of bike riders, causing crash
Associated Press
Article Launched: 07/08/2008 09:35:18 PM PDT


LOS ANGELES - An emergency room doctor was arrested after he allegedly swerved in front of two bicyclists during an argument over rights to the road and caused them to crash into his car, police said.
Christopher Thompson, 58, was arrested Friday for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon - the car - and booked into jail, Officer Ana Aguirre, a police spokeswoman, said Tuesday.

Thompson allegedly argued with the bikers who were crossing his path on a narrow road and pulled in front of them, slamming on the brakes, she said.

The bicyclists were taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

Thompson posted $30,000 bail and is due in court Aug. 1, Aguirre said.

The district attorney's office is deciding whether to file charges.

Thompson, who is an emergency room doctor, could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday. Telephone calls placed to numbers listed for a Christopher Thompson in the neighborhood were not answered or rang busy.

Ron Peterson, one of the bikers, told KFI-AM he and another man were riding their bicycles when the driver sped past them and yelled something.

"It had to be road rage," Peterson alleged. "He barely missed me."

Peter Swarth, who said he was Thompson's attorney, said his client did not mean to hurt anyone.

"We deny there was any road rage incident," Swarth said. "It was a very unfortunate accident."

Swarth could not provide further details about the circumstances


---

Gee, I guess this doctor was having a BAD DAY. Freaking idiot!!!!!!

Tell me you are not advocating the right to run into cyclists with a car. I've read your post several times and I am not sure what you are trying to get across, other than media reports of an ER doctor's road rage.:idontno:

I live in Northern New Jersey and commute to Brooklyn NY by bicycle whenever weather, work schedule and daylight permit. For those of you not familiar with Northeast geography, this means riding a bicycle on Manhattan's streets. I also own a place on 30A.

Said to say, but drivers on 30A are much less aware and all too frequently less tolerant of bicycles than drivers in New York City.

This applies whether I am on the bike path or on the road. Actually, failure of traffic to stop before crossing the path from driveways and intersections is in my opinion much more dangerous than riding on the roadway. This is particularly true in most of Seagrove and Santa Rosa Beach where line of sight is particularly limited.

By the way, I also find too many drivers to be inconsiderate of pedestrians.

Of course, I also operate a motor vehicle on 30A. I have never been delayed more than a few seconds by cyclists or pedestrians crossing the road laden with beach paraphernalia.

It seems, the presence of the bike path and the misconception that all bicycles belong on that path is what angers drivers. Driving angry is never a good thing.

Perhaps "SHARE THE ROADWAY" signs should be posted on 30A to inform drivers that riding a bicycle in the roadway is legal and is to be expected.

I ask all you motorists to imagine what you would feel like if you struck and injured or killed a cyclist how you would look their children, wives, husbands etc in the eye and say they should have been on the path.

As oberger stated above, go to other countries and the bicycle, moped, small motorcycles are the mode of transportation for the majority of people in the world. The bicycle rider has priority in the road over the motor vehicle.

Part of leadership is having vision, and you might as well get used to the fact that this country is going to head into a more eco-friendly, oil and resource conservation society. You are doing a great injustice to the people you claim to represent by condoning bad behavior.

Further, you are wrong about tourism being the only industry. There are many open positions for engineers with major employers in the area. You should be encouraging people to further their educations. The alternative energies field is going to expand enormously, and there aren't enough educated scientists and engineers to support the growth as it is right now. These are well paying jobs. And don't tell me that poor people do not have access to money for education. It's available to those who seek it and work hard. Nothing worth having is ever easy to get.

I have no interest in living in another country, the US is still the best in the world! Second, I was speaking of Walton County, what open positions are you refering to? What is the high school drop out rate in Walton County? Why? Those that I speak to complain that the kids can make as much money without a high school diploma. How much education does it take to operate heavy machinery, work in a restaurant, hotel, landscaping, etc.?

Tell me you are not advocating the right to run into cyclists with a car. I've read your post several times and I am not sure what you are trying to get across, other than media reports of an ER doctor's road rage.:idontno:

No, I don't advocate road rage, I do try to get to the root of a matter. Cyclist's tend to drive many up the wall. My concern is it seems incredibly dangerous to ride on the highway, seemingly unconcerned of other vehicular traffic. Cylcist's need to follow the rules of the road also. Many I've seen cannot keep up with the speed limit, weave on the road, ignore stop signs, generally create a nuisance.

Floridagirl would prefer that cyclists ride on the bike path and not on 30A.

FL law permits riding on public roads (such as 30A), and spells out the specifics for both cyclists and auto drivers.

I don't think we're going to change her mind, and I don't think she's going to change the FL law.

Let's move on...

I have no interest in living in another country, the US is still the best in the world! Second, I was speaking of Walton County, what open positions are you refering to? What is the high school drop out rate in Walton County? Why? Those that I speak to complain that the kids can make as much money without a high school diploma. How much education does it take to operate heavy machinery, work in a restaurant, hotel, landscaping, etc.?

Once again you just blindly insult hard working people. To answer your question all of those require education, training, and hard work. You clearly have had things handed to you on a silver platter and enjoy complaining that people have it rough, while never actually having had it rough yourself.

You definitely fit the definition of elitist as you supposedly champion the causes of the poor, downtrodden, and under-educated, all the while belittling them for their homes, occupations, and way of life. I'm off to vote for anyone but you for any kind of public office in this county.