Missed connection

[bobco85]

To the SUV driver who tailgated me for 2 blocks, unable to pass because of 2 stop signs (we both stopped at each of them which gave me a head start since I was in front), who was about to try and pass me on my left just as I had signaled to turn left to get to my apartment building:

Back the F*** off! We’re on a residential street, so speeds are a little slower (I was going between 15-20 mph, the speed limit being 25). I didn’t enjoy the intimidating noise of your engine “breathing down my neck” as you spent most of your time driving in the middle of the two-way street (I stayed in the middle of the lane) since you didn’t have enough room to pass me before each stop sign without cutting me off. Oh, where are my manners? You deserve a slight thank you for not cutting me off. At least.

Grumble, grumble (I was hungry and probably a little cranky when this happened)

[ShawnoftheDread]

I’ve noticed that, despite all the very busy streets I ride on, I have more negative encounters with motorists on small residential streets.

[MattAune]

@Terpfan 63929 wrote:

Dear US Government SUV driver at 15th & K, I know you have good insurance, but I would prefer you didn’t pull out in front of myself and anoter cyclist when we had the ROW at a green light.

I rode the 15th street cycletrack for the first time yesterday. OMG. It was car after car making a left turn on red.

Between that and the general speed and crowdedness (is that a word) of the cycletrack I dont think I will take 15th much in my future.

[jopamora]

@MattAune 64041 wrote:

I rode the 15th street cycletrack for the first time yesterday. OMG. It was car after car making a left turn on red.

Between that and the general speed and crowdedness (is that a word) of the cycletrack I dont think I will take 15th much in my future.

Told ya so?

[Dickie]

@bobco85 64037 wrote:

Grumble, grumble (I was hungry and probably a little cranky when this happened)

My wife calls this “hangry”, which is why I always carry spare food in my backpack and glove box.

[Terpfan]

Looking out the window at some of the folks on the 15th St Cycletrack… ouch, I’m sorry you guys got stuck in the middle of the 30% chance of a storm. But be careful!

[fuzzy]

Well, this a crazy missed connection involving me. Backed into parking space on 14street near U street NW and a bicyclist stopped short of running into the back of me.

I did not see him. I did see the other bicyclist approaching me from behind- why see one & not the other?

The first cyclist was wearing dark clothing and NO lighting equipment nor any visibility clothing. Its dark & raining. He had no eye protection, the rain was probably in his eyes which is why he almost ran into the back of me or did not notice me until I was in the bike lane while reversing into a parking space.

The second cyclist had a flashing light on the front of his bike. No other visibility equipment, but he could be seen- i knew he was there.

After the near collision I rolled my window to speak with him, he merely said “watch it my man” and pedaled off while I was yelling out for him to come back…

Get some visibility equipment, it’ll save you from missed connections and probably your life!!!

-side note, wanted him to come back so I could point out his equipment deficiency..

[KWL]

You: Bike Counter
Me: Just another commuter (a plus one to you)

It was good to see you volunteers out there today. There was someone who looked suspiciously like dbb near the Humpback Bridge this morning, but we old folks with peppery beards all look alike. A shout out to the lady wearing the Bike Arlington jersey at the Key Bridge location. Thanks to everyone. More data make make better cycling.

[mstone]

@fuzzy 64075 wrote:

-side note, wanted him to come back so I could point out his equipment deficiency..

Dude, maybe he’s sensitive about his equipment deficiency!

[dbb]

@KWL 64081 wrote:

You: Bike Counter
Me: Just another commuter (a plus one to you)

It was good to see you volunteers out there today. There was someone who looked suspiciously like dbb near the Humpback Bridge this morning, but we old folks with peppery beards all look alike. A shout out to the lady wearing the Bike Arlington jersey at the Key Bridge location. Thanks to everyone. More data make make better cycling.

Can I look suspiciously like me? Hmm? While the data still needs to be crunched, I counted over 700 cyclists (and missed some too) at the cutoff for the 14th Street Bridge. That was a first time for that location and data from there will help the Park Service on both sides of the river as will as DC and Arlington. Was a little confused about the trike Dirt had – one or 1.5 bikes? I went with one.

For the record, I have been looked at suspiciously and I have looked suspicious from time to time in the past.

[dbb]

The count was well supervised by our nation’s symbol (or he was just waiting to go to lunch). A clear endorsement of cycling by the nation.

Just south of the Humpback Bridge this morning.

[creadinger]

@Dickie 64062 wrote:

My wife calls this “hangry”, which is why I always carry spare food in my backpack and glove box.

Couple of weeks ago I had to stop at the concession stand at the TJ Memorial to get some food or else I wasn’t gonna make it home. The idea of bonking on a commute seemed ridiculous to me too, until it happened.

[bobco85]

@ShawnoftheDread 64040 wrote:

I’ve noticed that, despite all the very busy streets I ride on, I have more negative encounters with motorists on small residential streets.

Same here. On residential streets drivers tend to forget that it’s safer to go slower (not to mention legal because of the speed limit), especially with all the kids everywhere. Their impatience seems to grow exponentially when they are required to go slower.

@Dickie 64062 wrote:

My wife calls this “hangry”, which is why I always carry spare food in my backpack and glove box.

Haha, my coworkers know when I’m getting “hangry” because I tend to get easily frustrated and whiny when it happens to me! I was biking home for lunch and was so close to my apartment, like t-minus 3 minutes til a delicious PB&J was in my hands (and later, stomach).

[consularrider]

@bobco85 64108 wrote:

… Haha, my coworkers know when I’m getting “hangry” because I tend to get easily frustrated and whiny when it happens to me! I was biking home for lunch and was so close to my apartment, like t-minus 3 minutes til a delicious PB&J was in my hands (and later, stomach).

That’s why the series of Snickers commercials are so effective.

[consularrider]

@KWL 64081 wrote:

You: Bike Counter
Me: Just another commuter (a plus one to you)

It was good to see you volunteers out there today. There was someone who looked suspiciously like dbb near the Humpback Bridge this morning, but we old folks with peppery beards all look alike. A shout out to the lady wearing the Bike Arlington jersey at the Key Bridge location. Thanks to everyone. More data make make better cycling.

I particularly want to thank the volunteer counter who was on the Custis between the I-66 overpass and Scott St yesterday evening. A hardy soul in the thunderstorm!

[Author]

Posts