CalTrans driver harrasses cyclist

Deliberately reckless driving by an employee of the State of California who apparently felt he needed to teach a cyclist a lesson. Too fast, too close. He slowed momentarily when I shouted, but then went on. This occurred 7/8/11 at 3:15PM on Old San Jose Rd in Santa Cruz county. And they ask US to give THEM a brake!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Caltrans
• abuse
• cycling
• santacruz
• ride
• biking
• bicycle
• bike
• reckless
• driving

[hdcyclecam]

I'm fortunate that 99% of the people who pass me don't share your view. The roads I ride are mostly rural mountain 2 lane, with limits of 35-40. I don't have to ask people to slow down to pass; the law does that. California is about to join the nearly 2 dozen states that require 3' passing distance, or 15 mph if closer.

[hdcyclecam]

the flat bed came no closer to me than about 4'. The Caltrans truck was within one foot. Maybe not harrassment; might have been accidental, not paying attention.

[hdcyclecam]

After the 3' clearance law passes (soon) close passes will be illegal above 15 mph. As the law stands today he should have slowed down to pass. As for dangerous roads, that's what we have to ride on here in santa cruz: 2 lanes, no bike lane, often no shoulder. Bikes and cars must both be careful. Cowboy driving, blowing by me so close at 40 in the face of an empty road ahead, isn't being careful.

[leananglesensor4030]

@xjakeiskingx truth

[TrixieCook6]

That's not right, there wasn't any oncoming traffic the dude was trying to avoid. If you stop the shot at .40 sec. you can catch the truck number. 108_973? Email the local Caltrans Region or dist. office and file a complaint. They can address this at future safety meetings and maybe reprimand that employee.

[xjakeiskingx]

@DanHovarter exactly!!! If there is no bike lane and its already a narrow road for drivers, this dude expects other ppl to drive on the opposite side of the road for him. that is far beyond dangerous and the driver might get a damn ticket for being nice. Not cool. But oh well. I respect ppl on bikes, but they r riding a bike. Not driving a car. Not everyone is going to give cyclists room or space. all this can be deterred by riding on a safer road.

[xjakeiskingx]

My dad works for caltrans and he says bikers r a problem on narrow roads and quite frankly i wouldnt blame them if they hit u trying to avoid an innocent family going the opposite direction. Its common sense. A narrow road means ppl are not always going to give u space. U know it and u still do it so if u got hit or a near hit, ITS ON YOU FOR CHOOSING TO DO THAT PATH. Nuff said.

[xjakeiskingx]

What? Would u rather him hit and kill a family in a head on collision so u can go on ur dumb bike ride? Find a bike path that tickles ur fancy and ride it. If theres no bike lane than dont get pissy cuz id rather drive that close to u, than hit a driver head on trying to avoid u and kill a family. Its not fair that a family could die due to u wanting to ride on a narrow road. Go biking where theres a bike lane. Thats what they r made for. Moron

[CalcityAirsoft]

HEY! HEY! Yeah cause he can hear you let alone give a shit...

[PKpopdU]

you're an idiot

[hempheadfor20]

I had a close encounter like this the other day.

In my case I was on a straight, flat road, with no oncoming traffic, I was 1 foot from the curb, and the car came within 1-2 feet.

Infuriating! 

[rosspritch34]

This is forever the relationship between vehicle and bike. As a cyclist I believe i will be harassed until the day i get hit

[locutas1024]

@DanHovarter Nonsense. As a road user, whether that means I ride my bike, walk, or drive my car, I expect all road users to operate safely, given the circumstances. And if you can't afford to drive safely, you ought not to drive.