How would you have handled this situation?

Hi everyone,

This is my first time adding a discussion on Chain Link forum. I read Chain Link everyday. I would love to read how you would have handled this situation. I should have been patient and realized the driver was clueless.

I started cycling to work a few months ago. I have noticed more people clueless of their surrounding as the cold kicked in. I primarily been using Lincoln, Wells, and Dearborn and noticed people double parking, drifting (due to texting) and just standing in the middle of the bike lane which is causing dangers to cyclists. I really hope this gets better.

Also is there a Strava group for chainlink members?

Here is my Strava profile
http://www.strava.com/athletes/2548995

http://youtu.be/EDng5AD0K6E

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on December 4, 2013 at 12:30pm

I've heard of strava but haven't yet.  Hear it's similar to endomoto.  Looking at options as part of the new site improvements.

Permalink Reply by Jose Fonseca on December 4, 2013 at 12:47pm

I have used mapmyride and Strava so far. Both seem like great options. I just looked at endomoto I am curious if it has device(heart/speed/cadence monitor) sync I know Strava and Mapmyride does. 

Julie Hochstadter said:

I've heard of strava but haven't yet.  Hear it's similar to endomoto.  Looking at options as part of the new site improvements.

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on December 4, 2013 at 12:52pm

That was horrible! I have been riding that route a lot as well (2-3x a week) and sadly this doesn't surprise me. You handled it well in that you didn't stop to argue with the driver, which I would have done. Wow, what a jackass. 

Permalink Reply by David Altenburg on December 4, 2013 at 1:24pm

I would have yelled "Hey! Hey!" as soon as they started drifting into the bike lane and pretended that I wasn't prepared to stop (while preparing to stop in case the driver doesn't notice). That usually works for me. Sometimes the driver yells something rude back, but a pissed off driver who knows I'm there is usually better than a clueless turd like in the video. 

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on December 4, 2013 at 1:32pm

You handled it quite well. That is a fast pace you have there, much to fast for me unless I take the lane and see a pretty clear path for a block or two. Doors and dummy's like that one abound on these rough streets.

I also would have used my air horn in that situation. Works 99% of the time.

Permalink Reply by El Dorado on December 4, 2013 at 1:47pm

It appears that the driver may be intoxicated? I would of rang 911 and let Chicago's finest handle it.

Permalink Reply by Jose Fonseca on December 4, 2013 at 1:51pm

David Altenburg Funny you say that I always feel rude yelling. The more I ride the more outspoken I am getting.

Juan 2-8 mi. If I would have used an air horn who knows what the out come might have been. I also asked myself that question if I am riding way to fast on the bike lane. I am averaging around 14.5 - 15.5 miles per hour. I do ride on the edge of the bike lane hoping I can avoid any doors that open.

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on December 4, 2013 at 2:08pm

The air horn typically stops them. Hardy ever an angry response from the driver, mostly a look of surprise.

14.5-15.5 is a very good average. I would have trouble keeping up with you.

Right on the edge of the lane has always been my approach also. Always using my rear view mirror or constantly glancing back on Lincoln and Halsted type bike lanes.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on December 4, 2013 at 2:52pm

I would have done about what you did, maybe yelled a 'hey!' at them the times they wandered at me in the bike line and when they turned left.  Really on one like that there is no point in getting really mad or confrontational; that was, in my opinion, a text book example of distracted/lost/out of their element driving.  My money is that they were lost and trying to figure out where to go.

Permalink Reply by Jose Fonseca on December 4, 2013 at 3:44pm

No, I grew up in the Chicago my wife went to Niles North. I think you were right on; I should have stopped. Putting myself in front of a confused driver was a bad idea.

h' 1.0 said:

Oh, and congrats on your first discussion. Niles West alum here-- did you go there?

Permalink Reply by Jose Fonseca on December 4, 2013 at 3:45pm

Yeah or trying to find parking.

notoriousDUG said:

I would have done about what you did, maybe yelled a 'hey!' at them the times they wandered at me in the bike line and when they turned left.  Really on one like that there is no point in getting really mad or confrontational; that was, in my opinion, a text book example of distracted/lost/out of their element driving.  My money is that they were lost and trying to figure out where to go.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on December 4, 2013 at 4:58pm

Serious distraction for something; probably parking like Jose said.  I wouldn't be surprised if his mirrors weren't in line if he couldn't notice your light.  Count your blessings and stay away from erratic people.  Causing a scene with anyone douchy enough to be driving that thing in town will get you nowhere.

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