Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bo on November 7, 2009 at 5:26am

I'm guessing the part where you think all of them suck is a contributing factor to what divides "us". If I had to guess, they probably see you as riding just as aggressively as they drive.

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Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on November 7, 2009 at 5:41am

Where did I say all?

Bo said:

I'm guessing the part where you think all of them suck is a contributing factor to what divides "us". If I had to guess, they probably see you as riding just as aggressively as they drive.

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Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on November 7, 2009 at 5:52am

I have been a passenger in a cab where the driver was actually falling asleep at stop lights. I had to tell him several times to wake up. I will have to respectfully disagree with you on your argument. Most cabbies give me more than 3 feet, but when I got buzzed on Lincoln at Montrose by a cab doing well over the speed limit I do not consider this professional at all. In fact, I would say it is very careless, especially considering this street has a designated bike lane and there was no opposing traffic to keep this cab from giving me the space I deserve. And how is speeding, an utter disregard for the law and safety of others, a practice of professional drivers? I will agree that they have a hard job and are at many times at the mercy of their passengers, but what does that have to do with buzzing a biker. Are you arguing that his passengers requested that he do this in order to be tipped well? I think this guy is the one in need of education despite the fact that many passengers could use it as well.

Clark said:

Well I kinda LIKE cabbies. They are professional drivers who DO know how to drive. And they may be aggressive, but they usually drive with expertise. They're never drunk or distracted...their hack license (and livelihood) is in the balance. So even tho they may pass close-by, and stop unexpectedly, at least I know they're not going to carelessly hit me on the streets.

It is really their passengers who are dangerous. They flag down cabbies, going the opposite direction, in the middle of the street instead of at an open section of curb. They order cabbies to drop them off wherever they like, rather than where there is room to park. And they carelessly swing those doors open without looking back. Cabbies take orders from their passengers, hoping for a good tip. Its a tough job. We need a program to educate cab PASSENGERS!

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Permalink Reply by Eric R on November 7, 2009 at 6:32am

First let me say that I have had the occasional Hallmark moment with a taxi driver... But some taxi drivers are out to get us. Just yesterday a taxi came flying up behind my girlfriend as we came to a red light at Milwaukee and Division then he honked and stared at us as he sped away, we even gave him room to turn right. I didn't get his taxi number otherwise I would have 311'd his a$$.

It is a question of which came first, taxi drivers hating us or us hating the taxi drivers. Who threw the first punch?

Whenever I am in a taxi, at least when I get stuck in the front, I try to talk to them about the bicycle Vs. cabbie feud. One taxi driver agreed that we should have our own space, I suggested Damen as a bicycle and bus route, he said they can take Ashland or Western when traveling in that area; so, I am going to assume from this ONE taxi driver's opinion that they all agree with this idea.

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on November 7, 2009 at 6:33am

It isn't just bikes... i've had run ins w/ cabs while driving: tailgating, horn blowing, cutoffs & squeezes, verbal and gesticular threats. There is one particular company that operates mainly N & NW suburbs that seems to favour hiring drivers from the former Soviet Union who drive like they're still in Moscow. Their cabs are light blue and white, and their attitude seems to be move over or die!

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Permalink Reply by Davo on November 7, 2009 at 6:40am

yea I guess the cabbies that aren't distracted are the ones not talking on their blue tooth phone the whole ride. Most of the cabs i've been in are doing this. Oh and as far as being professional, I've had to tell a number of them faster ways to get to where I'm going so they don't price gouge me by staying on the busy street and not going on side streets. I've even been in a cab that tried to go the wrong way on an off ramp. Real professional. That being said, I have had some good experiences like my $20 fair from addison and lincoln to Ohare, and getting the singing cabbie one halloween. (he even gave us candy). in my opinion, these "professional" drivers are few and far between. On the passengers at fault, just the other day some dumb (insert explitive) opened their door on the left. In that instance, both the cabbie and passenger were at fault.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan L on November 7, 2009 at 7:11am

One night while on my way to a Marauders ride a van/taxi with a passenger in the front seat rolled down his window as I passed and decided it would be fun to harass me from Damen/Belmont all the way to Damen/Armatige. I'm pretty sure the passenger was another taxi driver getting a ride because they were both doing it. I couldn't make out what they were saying half the time but it was definitely not friendly.

I honestly think people attack cyclists because drivers are already frustrated due to other drivers. A person on a bike is an easy target. What better way to vent frustration than upon someone who is weaker than you. I mean, that's the credo that bullies live by, pick on the weak. In a car even a soccer mom who weighs 100 lbs is a powerful force against a giant muscle bound man on a tiny fragile bicycle.

I'll bet that Cabbies, who drive for a freakin living, are so fed up having to deal with other drivers, drunk passengers, pedestrians, drunk pedestrians and bicycles getting in their way, that the frustration must build up so much that an altercation becomes unavoidable. "Hey that guy didn't tip me, mother f-er! Here comes a vulnerable cyclist that I can vent my frustrations out on by cutting them off. Ah I feel better!"

Unfortunately some people, when pissed off, feel the need to inflict mental or physical anguish upon another person as if the only means in which to feel good again. It is something I have never understood. "I feel bad and the only way I can feel better is to make someone else feel bad too." Unfortunately some folks simply think their issues are more important than another persons life.

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Permalink Reply by Bo on November 7, 2009 at 8:14am

You didn't, but everything other than the title suggests there's not much nuance to your opinion of cabbies.

mattbikes1 said:

Where did I say all?

Bo said:

I'm guessing the part where you think all of them suck is a contributing factor to what divides "us". If I had to guess, they probably see you as riding just as aggressively as they drive.

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Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on November 7, 2009 at 9:32am

My post was not regarding the cabbies that are respectful towards bikers, which there are of course many. I have also had very nice conversations with cab drivers before. I know they are people and I treat them as such. The issue and the reason for this post is that I had my safety, my well-being, and my life threatened by a cab driver last night. When this happens it is only natural that I would want to defend myself. I was merely venting and looking for camaraderie from fellow bikers regarding this type of incidence. If you don't share this opinion that is fine. I think some cabbies suck. I want to defend myself when I feel threatened. I want the cab drivers that are good at their jobs and respectful toward bikers to be free from association with the bad. I don't think this is hate-mongering or stirring up trouble. Does that clarify my opinion for you?

Bo said:

You didn't, but everything other than the title suggests there's not much nuance to your opinion of cabbies.

mattbikes1 said:

Where did I say all?

Bo said:

I'm guessing the part where you think all of them suck is a contributing factor to what divides "us". If I had to guess, they probably see you as riding just as aggressively as they drive.

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Permalink Reply by Bo on November 7, 2009 at 10:29am

Honestly, it did kinda come across as hate-mongering, but you seem like pretty reasonable guy who probably doesn't usually tag his posts with 'assault' and 'violence' :)

Nothing wrong with venting, and I know it's hard to just let a bad incident go. Sorry you had to deal with one.

mattbikes1 said:

My post was not regarding the cabbies that are respectful towards bikers, which there are of course many. I have also had very nice conversations with cab drivers before. I know they are people and I treat them as such. The issue and the reason for this post is that I had my safety, my well-being, and my life threatened by a cab driver last night. When this happens it is only natural that I would want to defend myself. I was merely venting and looking for camaraderie from fellow bikers regarding this type of incidence. If you don't share this opinion that is fine. I think some cabbies suck. I want to defend myself when I feel threatened. I want the cab drivers that are good at their jobs and respectful toward bikers to be free from association with the bad. I don't think this is hate-mongering or stirring up trouble. Does that clarify my opinion for you?

Bo said:

You didn't, but everything other than the title suggests there's not much nuance to your opinion of cabbies.

mattbikes1 said:

Where did I say all?

Bo said:

I'm guessing the part where you think all of them suck is a contributing factor to what divides "us". If I had to guess, they probably see you as riding just as aggressively as they drive.

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Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on November 7, 2009 at 6:47pm

Over the years, a developed a sense to just stay away from cabbies and be aware of possible fares ahead has set in. I have also imagined my top tube as a rocket launcher.

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on November 8, 2009 at 4:30am

like the launcher idea... i imagine twin .50s and a 20mm Hispano Suiza cannon...

Juan Dominguez said:

Over the years, a developed a sense to just stay away from cabbies and be aware of possible fares ahead has set in. I have also imagined my top tube as a rocket launcher.

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