[fireman15]

I am sorry that you had a bad experience where you were nearly injured. Of course there are persons who are jerks who ride bicycles. They make me just as mad as you. The difference is that a jerk driving a 4,000 - 40,000 pound motor vehicle is far more dangerous than a jerk riding a 20 pound bicycle. My work experience confirms that. I have responded to thousands of motor vehicle accidents over the past twenty years and seen more serious injuries and deaths than I care to remember. I have also been to bicyclists and pedestrians who have been seriously injured or killed. But in over twenty years I have never been to any accidents or incidents where a bicyclist was at fault and caused injury or damage. I am not saying that it doesn't ever happen, but judging from my experience it is a very rare occurrence.

The percentage of jerks on bicycles is probably similar to the percentage of jerks driving motor vehicles. The jerks are just a whole lot less dangerous when they are on a bicycle than when they are driving. I would suggest that when you see someone cycling in a way that you perceive is dangerous to others that you should feel very thankful that they are on a bicycle and not driving a car. In fact there are many scofflaws who have lost their driving privileges who are riding now bicycles.

I have responded to calls where someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs fell off of a bicycle or small scooter. Theoretically they were placing others in danger, but in my experience they only ended up injuring themselves. Should we judge all gun owners because criminals use guns to commit crimes? If you see an idiot on a bicycle please be glad they are not driving a motor vehicle. Do not unfairly judge other cyclists because you saw a jerk or were inconvenienced by a jerk on a bicycle.

[Fresh Wind]

This happened a few blocks from where I had my little problem:

http://cbs3.com/topstories/biker.fatal.hit.2.1273313.html

So, yes, cycle-pedestrian accidents happen, and the results can be just as bad as if a car was involved. Philadelphia is cracking down on cyclists because of situations like this. I’d rather it didn’t have to be that way, and I certainly don’t really want any more government mandates, but problems don’t often resolve themselves automatically.

Statistically, such accidents are comparatively rare as you say, but don’t try to tell that to the dead guy’s family.

I always try to be respectful of the people with whom I must share the road. I hope I never again get into one of these situations, and I sure hope I don’t ever need the services of someone like you.

I know yours is not always a pleasant job, but thanks for doing it!