6 Responses to “Corona del Mar Cyclist Victim of Road Rage”
Comments
Frank Peters
June 27th, 2010
There's an epidemic of road rage in Newport Beach. My wife and I were confronted with an angry driver last week as we made a right turn at the light at Poppy onto PCH south. There was no reason for his aggressive horn blowing and acceleration near us as, as he easily had ample room to drive around us. And it's not just us; while walking to Fashion Island we witnessed an ugly confrontation between a female cyclist and a driver turning from PCH onto Avocado. But last Wed at PCH southbound at Dover. I know the lane pinches down to a tight pinch pastthe bus stop, so as I peddle away from the light and maintain my position in the lane, the driver in an Audi wagon seems to go beserk, blowing his horn continuously and racing his engine, all for the 50 yards while I block his departure. As I reach the bike lane and he's still blowing his horn, he moves alongside, then swerves dangerously close at high speed. His reaction totally unwarranted by my behavior. This was the most dangerous cycling encounter I've ever had. What's up with law enforcement? I tell my friends if an officer had witnessed this encounter he probably would've given me a ticket. Riding a bike at the beach shouldn't be so life threatening.
Geoff West
June 28th, 2010
Frank, I understand your viewpoint, but too many bike riders in Newport do so with what seems like an arrogant sense of immortality. Most ride safely when alone, but put two or more - sometimes many more - together and they display a sense of entitlement - that the road belongs to them alone. They ride two or three abreast when single file is clearly required, forcing drivers to slow to a crawl or make unsafe lane changes to avoid them. Weekends are the worst, which large groups of riders pretending they are in the Tour de France, disregarding the vehicular traffic around them and clogging the roadways like a mouse through a snake. Yes, we drivers need to use more patience when sharing the road with folks on bikes - there's fault on both sides. A couple years ago a driver in a Suburban made a left turn on PCH, didn't see an on-coming bicycler who smashed into the side of the car, his head going through the passenger side window. He subsequently died of the injuries. Road rage is not restricted to Newport, but all of us who drive the streets here need to just chill out a little, relax and enjoy this most beautiful of places and share our space on the road safely.
Corona del Mar Today Staff
June 28th, 2010
Reply to
Geoff West
June 28, 2010
Frank, I understand your viewpoint, but too many bike riders in Newport do so with what seems like an arrogant sense of immortality. Most ride safely when alone, but put two or more - sometimes many more - together and they display a sense of entitlement - that the road belongs to them alone. They ride two or three abreast when single file is clearly required, forcing drivers to slow to a crawl or make unsafe lane changes to avoid them. Weekends are the worst, which large groups of riders pretending they are in the Tour de France, disregarding the vehicular traffic around them and clogging the roadways like a mouse through a snake. Yes, we drivers need to use more patience when sharing the road with folks on bikes - there's fault on both sides. A couple years ago a driver in a Suburban made a left turn on PCH, didn't see an on-coming bicycler who smashed into the side of the car, his head going through the passenger side window. He subsequently died of the injuries. Road rage is not restricted to Newport, but all of us who drive the streets here need to just chill out a little, relax and enjoy this most beautiful of places and share our space on the road safely.
Really great points, everyone. Part of the problem seems to be confusion about traffic laws by all parties. I recently was told by members of the OC Bike Coalition that when there is a large group of riders, that they should enter the regular traffic lanes. Same thing on narrow roads like Coast Highway in Corona del Mar.
Sandra
June 29th, 2010
Under no circumstances should someone be following that closely or throwing a drink at a cyclist, but doesn't the bike route go through Irvine Terrace to help avert traffic off of Bayside throught the narrow S-curve? Following the bike route seems like a nice compromise between cyclists and motorists.... especially when it routes through wider, less busy roads....
Linda
June 29th, 2010
I totally agree that motorists should not be following that closely or throwing anything at bicyclists. However, bicyclists should pay attention to the signs and should realize that bicycles should be walked up and down the Fernleaf hill and never ridden. There is signage at both the top and the bottom of the hill, if only someone would bother to read it.
Jamie
July 1st, 2010
A couple of points to note. 1) Before they replanted Fernleaf about 5+ years ago, there was a sign at the top and bottom of the hill directing bike riders to use the sidewalk. (walk their bikes) The Fernleaf ramp is dangerous for bikes as cars going uphill cannot see them in the turn, and even on the straight area it forces cars into oncoming traffic. The signs should be replaced by the City. I don't know what happened to the old ones. 2) Bayside in the turn area is similar. There is no place for bikes to go, and cars must either drive behind them or cross into oncoming traffic to pass. Either is dangerous. A bike lane is needed here badly. 3) - Aggressive drivers might want to remember the Doctor up in Beverly Hills (or somewhere near there) who recently was convicted of road rage against bike riders. If you are tailgating a bike and they go down right in front of you, they are likely to end up under your wheels and instead of a minor accident you could very well face manslaughter. That would kind of ruin both parties day. Is it worth it? 4) Some bike riders are very aggressive and there seems to be a growing trend. Sure bikes are legally treated the same as cars and they can hog the road. Tell it to the judge from your body cast.
