Self-Thinning of the Herd (Witnessing Dangerous/Stupid Behavior on the Road)

I'm sure everyone has witnessed people on the road (pedestrians, cyclists, motorists) doing stupid things that put their lives in danger. Any specific instances come to mind?

2 rules:

1. Specifics only - no 'running reds' or j-walking'. Details needed.
2. Only instances that put the perp in danger. No 'this car almost ran this cyclist over' but 'this car sped across the tracks as the gates were coming down' yes.

 

Calling them out not needed, but it makes for a better read.

Coming up Halsted around Irving, I pass a cyclist on her cell phone. I look back at her while passing. She blows through the red light at Broadway and Montrose, then she's back on her cell phone coming up to Leland. I look back at her again and this exchange takes place:

Her: Do you have a problem?
Me: Just don't want to see you get killed.
Her: Ok, don't watch.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kellie on July 28, 2010 at 5:56am
I would disagree. I don't think instigation is limited to speech. A well placed glower is frequently more powerful. It seems quite clear, based upon the narrative, he was the instigator. And, for the record, I'd probably tell him to mind his own business as well.
Also, how/why did you turn that into a gender issue?

Clark said:
Audrey Crescenti said:
...Yeah the reply was wittier than her middle finger...how about we mind our own business more often?...leave her the hell alone...

Point taken Audrey....but you see, Ryan didn't instigate the conversation:

"...I look back at her again and this exchange takes place:
Her: Do you have a problem?
Me: Just don't want to see you get killed.
Her: Ok, don't watch."

Guys get blamed for trying to control women all the time (at least I do). But Ryan was just keeping an eye on her, and didn't say a word until she asked him a question...isn't that acceptable behavior? Can't guys even LOOK these days without getting into trouble?
Permalink Reply by Jack on July 28, 2010 at 6:46am
It sucks when people don't pay attention to what they are doing, whether or not they can successfully multitask or whatever you want to deliberate about the definition of such things.

In the past week, I saw a cab slam into a truck while swerving in and out of lanes. A cyclist yard sale over a curb for not paying attention. And a pedestrian walk into a sign post. (last one I laughed out loud, sorry, it was hilarious)

Point, people either lapse in paying attention or really think the world will move around their intended path. It is impossible to tell which most of the time. I personally just steer clear of anyone I think is off in lala land or doing something stupid. Just like you never pass a swerving and assumed drunk driver, you keep clear of idiots that aren't paying attention on a bike. Being "right" doesn't always equate to keeping yourself safe. No matter what your definition of "right" is.
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on July 28, 2010 at 6:57am
Jack, your post reminds me of seeing people walking down the sidewalk typing away at their Crackberries. I always go "Heads up!" as I'm approaching them. Most seem to realize that they're strolling down the sidewalk then.
Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on July 29, 2010 at 4:03am
This morning headed west on Armitage out by Pulaski I saw a young lady riding in traffic with her helmet hanging off of her bar...

What's the point of having it then?
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on July 29, 2010 at 4:46am
Protecting the bike in the event of a crash.

notoriousDUG said:
This morning headed west on Armitage out by Pulaski I saw a young lady riding in traffic with her helmet hanging off of her bar...

What's the point of having it then?
Permalink Reply by S on July 30, 2010 at 4:08am

If this post on craiglist is at all accurate, then I don't know whether to admire the cyclist's skills in multitasking and riding or to condemn the recklessness of riding a bike while eating a bowl of cereal.

Me: brown hair, green shirt, tall-ish, office worker type You: red-ish/blond hair, white & red cruiser style bicycle mid-late 20's
Alright, I'm not looking for a hookup or anything, I just want to know your story! I mean......you were riding your bike north on State St., being tailed by buses and cabs and YOU WERE EATING A BOWL OF CEREAL!!! Riding one handed, eating your bowl of Wheaties, Raisin Bran, Total, Special K or (perhaps ironically) Quisp?

If you see this, young lady, you should know that 1.) I fear for your safety (wtf no helmet?) and 2.) I somewhat admire your gumption!

PS. Tell me the color of your cereal bowl
Permalink Reply by Duppie on July 30, 2010 at 4:19am
FTW!.

Luckily this will soon be a thing of the past, as hipsters are ready to move on to the next hip thing

S said:

If this post on craiglist is at all accurate, then I don't know whether to admire the cyclist's skills in multitasking and riding or to condemn the recklessness of riding a bike while eating a bowl of cereal.

Me: brown hair, green shirt, tall-ish, office worker type You: red-ish/blond hair, white & red cruiser style bicycle mid-late 20's
Alright, I'm not looking for a hookup or anything, I just want to know your story! I mean......you were riding your bike north on State St., being tailed by buses and cabs and YOU WERE EATING A BOWL OF CEREAL!!! Riding one handed, eating your bowl of Wheaties, Raisin Bran, Total, Special K or (perhaps ironically) Quisp?

If you see this, young lady, you should know that 1.) I fear for your safety (wtf no helmet?) and 2.) I somewhat admire your gumption!

PS. Tell me the color of your cereal bowl
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on July 30, 2010 at 4:35am
From the article:

“The story that’s told about Yale,” he says, “is you’re an intelligent person if you go to Yale. But I graduated and I didn’t know how to do anything useful. I could go make green pieces of paper with dead presidents on them, but I couldn’t do anything practical.”

Oh money, why must you be so impractical?

Duppie said:
FTW!.

Luckily this will soon be a thing of the past, as hipsters are ready to move on to the next hip thing

S said:

If this post on craiglist is at all accurate, then I don't know whether to admire the cyclist's skills in multitasking and riding or to condemn the recklessness of riding a bike while eating a bowl of cereal.

Me: brown hair, green shirt, tall-ish, office worker type You: red-ish/blond hair, white & red cruiser style bicycle mid-late 20's
Alright, I'm not looking for a hookup or anything, I just want to know your story! I mean......you were riding your bike north on State St., being tailed by buses and cabs and YOU WERE EATING A BOWL OF CEREAL!!! Riding one handed, eating your bowl of Wheaties, Raisin Bran, Total, Special K or (perhaps ironically) Quisp?

If you see this, young lady, you should know that 1.) I fear for your safety (wtf no helmet?) and 2.) I somewhat admire your gumption!

PS. Tell me the color of your cereal bowl
Permalink Reply by milesperhour on July 30, 2010 at 5:33am
since when is farming "hip"? what in particular made this gentleman a "hipster"? man has been farming since the beginning of time. you eat everyday because someone farmed that food for you. to be honest, i think humanity would be a lot better off if we all got back to our roots. personally, i find his courage to go the route he did, and find happiness with it, inspirational.


Duppie said:
FTW!.

Luckily this will soon be a thing of the past, as hipsters are ready to move on to the next hip thing


Permalink Reply by thang van ung on July 30, 2010 at 9:04am
there is a ubiquitous "love-hate" hypocrisy over "paper w/ dead presidents" among hipsters, street urchins, and even some upper-mobile hipsters.
any who, i think the missed point is that it would be better if people are more receptive to suggestions and not be so quick to rile up in defense. i don't mind being called a dumb-ass when i'm riding like a dumb-ass, let alone small constructive critiques.
be vocal when riding... and please save the herd.

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:
From the article:

“The story that’s told about Yale,” he says, “is you’re an intelligent person if you go to Yale. But I graduated and I didn’t know how to do anything useful. I could go make green pieces of paper with dead presidents on them, but I couldn’t do anything practical.”

Oh money, why must you be so impractical?

Duppie said:
FTW!.

Luckily this will soon be a thing of the past, as hipsters are ready to move on to the next hip thing

S said:

If this post on craiglist is at all accurate, then I don't know whether to admire the cyclist's skills in multitasking and riding or to condemn the recklessness of riding a bike while eating a bowl of cereal.

Me: brown hair, green shirt, tall-ish, office worker type You: red-ish/blond hair, white & red cruiser style bicycle mid-late 20's
Alright, I'm not looking for a hookup or anything, I just want to know your story! I mean......you were riding your bike north on State St., being tailed by buses and cabs and YOU WERE EATING A BOWL OF CEREAL!!! Riding one handed, eating your bowl of Wheaties, Raisin Bran, Total, Special K or (perhaps ironically) Quisp?

If you see this, young lady, you should know that 1.) I fear for your safety (wtf no helmet?) and 2.) I somewhat admire your gumption!

PS. Tell me the color of your cereal bowl
Permalink Reply by Jessica on July 31, 2010 at 4:00am
"he was just keeping an eye on her"

^THAT^ is sexist. I'm sure she can take care of her damn self, and he was being a nosy asshole by sending her disapproving stares.
Permalink Reply by cutifly on July 31, 2010 at 4:18am
lol

Jessica said:
"he was just keeping an eye on her"

^THAT^ is sexist. I'm sure she can take care of her damn self, and he was being a nosy asshole by sending her disapproving stares.

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