Why Do Some Auto Drivers Hate Us?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Hatred is one thing...add stupid to that and it becomes dangerous.
Just found out last night that an old friend of mine back home in CT was hit by a vehicle. He was passing some kid on the left (legally) but apparently this kid didn't appreciate it and intentionally swerved, clipping the bike and sending it into a wobble. The bike is wasted...never saw a bike that bad where the rider didn't end up with more bodily damage, or even death. He got out with a separated shoulder, his #2 vertebrae needed to be fused back together, lots of bumps and bruises etc. I know someone will ask but I don't know yet if he was wearing a lid. CT doesn't have a helmet law and I know at times he doesn't wear one. With the warmer weather I'm assuming he wasn't. He has a Harley but was riding his Sport Touring Bike...Kawasaki Concours 14.
EDIT: He wasn't wearing a lid. Just jeans and t-shirt.
Just found out last night that an old friend of mine back home in CT was hit by a vehicle. He was passing some kid on the left (legally) but apparently this kid didn't appreciate it and intentionally swerved, clipping the bike and sending it into a wobble. The bike is wasted...never saw a bike that bad where the rider didn't end up with more bodily damage, or even death. He got out with a separated shoulder, his #2 vertebrae needed to be fused back together, lots of bumps and bruises etc. I know someone will ask but I don't know yet if he was wearing a lid. CT doesn't have a helmet law and I know at times he doesn't wear one. With the warmer weather I'm assuming he wasn't. He has a Harley but was riding his Sport Touring Bike...Kawasaki Concours 14.
EDIT: He wasn't wearing a lid. Just jeans and t-shirt.
Last edited by JekyllnHyde; Jul 11, 2013 at 03:46 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 8
From: Earth
I'm back to riding after 30 years and either I didn't notice back then or something has changed. I've only been back for a little over a month and have had several encounters with auto drivers that can only be characterized as hostile.
Yesterday I'm cruising along a little over 40 in a 35 on a frontage road. Car comes up behind me kinda close so I speed up a little more. Car then passes me in a menacing manner and then moves back in front of me so close that I need to brake. Then speeds off. This is the second time this has happened. I can understand the non attentive auto drivers that don't see us, but what's up with the deliberate and dangerous agression. I don't see this while driving my car.
I know why some riders/bikers present a badass persona now. I's self preservation.
Yesterday I'm cruising along a little over 40 in a 35 on a frontage road. Car comes up behind me kinda close so I speed up a little more. Car then passes me in a menacing manner and then moves back in front of me so close that I need to brake. Then speeds off. This is the second time this has happened. I can understand the non attentive auto drivers that don't see us, but what's up with the deliberate and dangerous agression. I don't see this while driving my car.
I know why some riders/bikers present a badass persona now. I's self preservation.
Stage II
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: California
You hit the nail right on the head. I have been riding HDs for sixty-three years, and the crap I have seen some HD riders pull out there in the streets, are unbeliveable.
I had 4 skinhead teens in an SUV shooting bottle rockets at me at a stoplight on July 3rd. 30 years ago you could jump off the bike and put a dent in the door, these days you'll just get shot. I left and got over it.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
During my ride home from the gym yesterday (about five miles of heavy L.A. traffic) I counted about 7 people texting or cell phone talking while driving. One woman smoking weed (which I could smell several yards back) on the freeway, with her kid in the passenger seat.
One cell driver, was at the entrance to my street, which is off a major traffic artery where I have to wait in the turn lane with cars whizzing by. She like many others, was attempting an illegal U-turn there, with her cell phone stuck in her ear.
I yelled at her "Could you get off your cell phone and pay attention!?" She looked at me like I was in the wrong.
People are nuts and live in their own selfish little bubbles. I just try to keep in mind I'm a better person than they are.
And on that very same trip, I did encounter two, or three cagers who were actually considerate and careful drivers.
Sucks that they are the minority now.
One cell driver, was at the entrance to my street, which is off a major traffic artery where I have to wait in the turn lane with cars whizzing by. She like many others, was attempting an illegal U-turn there, with her cell phone stuck in her ear.
I yelled at her "Could you get off your cell phone and pay attention!?" She looked at me like I was in the wrong.
People are nuts and live in their own selfish little bubbles. I just try to keep in mind I'm a better person than they are.
And on that very same trip, I did encounter two, or three cagers who were actually considerate and careful drivers.
Sucks that they are the minority now.