A) Bike road rage is less dangerous than car road rage because, to save on weight, cyclists ride unarmed.
B) Mob justice in progressive Portland was on the cyclist's side.
C) A Subaru warranty could be voided if you backed over a bike.
Refrain from throwing your bicycle in public. It shows poor upbringing.
— Jacquie Phelan
This traffic scuffle has become Portland's cause celebre for the week. Many of us know Colin Yates from Cycle Oregon where he was an event rider and mechanic for the traveling Bike Gallery. He is also the owner of the now-depreciated Subaru beat up by the scoff-law cyclist. The cyclist has been cited for DUI,disorderly conduct, assault and criminal mischief. Of additional intrigue is that the disorderly cyclist reportedly works(or worked) for the City of Portland Transportation Department,which strongly advocates bicycle transportation.
ReplyDeleteThough this case is being portrayed by some as an us vs. them issue between Portland's cyclists and car drivers, it really seems to demonstrate little more than public drunkeness leads to mayhem.
Ken Thiessen
In general, I have observed that Portland's cyclists are concientious and respectful of cars and traffic laws. On my daily commute, there are several places where I depend on drivers to know that my bike lane has disappeared and anticipate my pickle. The drivers characteristically give me room in the traffic lane until I can again find a safe place out of their way. For a big, busy city, Portland is a great place to ride a bike.
Thanks Ken, for the clarification. Yes, a drunk is a drunk, especially when challenged in any way. Thanks too for the info on Yates. I wouldn't blame him if he were talking to a lawyer.
ReplyDeleteI see that Portland moved up to a Platinum rating in the "Bicycle Friendly" cities. You chose well.