SUV Driver Rams Cyclist, Flees, Then Gets Off With Citation
In another case of Critical Mass road rage, the driver of a white SUV received nothing but a citation after ramming a cyclist during Washington, D.C.’s ride last night, according to witness accounts.
After the hit-and-run, bicyclists took off after the SUV, which tried to escape on the wrong side of the road. Police arrived shortly, and instead of arresting the driver, detained a cyclist who aggressively pursued the vehicle.
>>See also: Cop Who Shoved Cyclist Fired by NYPD, Faces 4 Year Sentence
After first hitting the cyclist, the driver and the victim exchanged words before he took off down the wrong side of the road. A couple blocks later, the driver tried to pull a U-turn but crashed into a planter box on the sidewalk, where the cyclists caught up with him.
When the SUV started to move again, they surrounded the it and opened its doors. One person, who was later detained, entered the vehicle in an attempt to shut off the engine, a witness said.
The cyclist who was hit was not injured, but his bike was severely damaged. Unfortunately the hit was not captured on video, but someone recorded audio of the aftermath:
Critical Mass, a gathering of bicyclists in protest of fossil-fuel-based transportation, occurs in hundreds of cities across the world and is typically held on fridays.
The information in this post comes from an witness account and audio recording posted on DC’s IndyMedia website. The police nor the driver have issued any statements.
Fark you Critical Mass. As a cyclist, you do more damage to our lifestyle than anyone else. You and your whiny protests do nothing to further our cause and are just a bunch of babies trying to cause trouble so you have something to cry about later. The driver should have received keys to the city.
Great, guys - keep leaving angry, polarizing comments about how you’d like to kill some cyclists. WTF is wrong with people these days? Everybody seems to be itching to brawl at the drop of a hat. Take a step back, relax, and chill out. We’re all just trying to get through our day on one piece here.
@sebastian - CM participants started the polarization by antagonizing the cities they ride in.. I have no problem sharing the road with bikes. I’m on my bike half the time, I have problems GIVING the road to a bunch of arrogant violent punks on bikes.
Idiots, all of you who think that hitting ANYTHING with your car should be defended.
Bicyclists should be given right of way over motorcars, for many reasons, including:
1) They have no protection, no crumple zones, no airbags, and often, no insurance.
2) They go slower than cars, take up very little space, and do not cause toxic pollution.
Anyone who thinks that hitting a bicyclist, no matter how arrogant he may be, should have their license revoked, their car impounded, should rent a bike and see what it feels like to cycle at high speeds among multi-ton steel tanks on the road. While you’re at it, remember that some of them would be happy to ram you.
I was hit by an SUV during a critical mass in DC too. The jerk drove off. It was crazy. I went to the police station with the plate number, a bloody leg and a broken bike. The cops didn’t do anything.
If Critical Mass members were to stop at red lights, that would probably stop any accusations of rowdiness.
I’ve been in CMs in SF twice before. The SFPD were helpful and ran car control for us, and generally there were few issues. It’s fun, once a month, to be able to bike about without worrying about getting run over.
It’s sad that cars are given precedence over all other forms of transportation. And now car companies want bailout money - my taxes? F— them.
The combined _advertising_ budgets of all the car companies operating in the US is larger than all US public transportation agencies’ _operating_ budgets. Think about it.
As a pedestrian, cyclist and occasional driver, I’ve had problems with other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
There are always sticky situations and rude people. They aren’t limited to only car drivers, only bus riders or only bicyclists.
I am a cyclist and think that Crital Mass is a load and a bad view of cyclists. Cyclists have every right to be on the road as autos, and should obey laws as well. I don’t start trouble with cars, but when they do with me, I retaliate for sure. I’ve kicked in the grilles and lights of many automobiles.
It does not matter if the story is from one side or not. Some people during critical mass have been known to get out of hand and get aggressive at cars but I know for a fact that I can be peacefully biking to my destination and have had many cars try to run me off roads, bridges and so on. Ive had people yell horrible things at me, throw things at me, and drive through water just to get me wet. So I would not be shocked at the driver of the SUV. Even if the rider was starting something, in no way does it give the drive the right to hit the person. He could have killed him.
As for all of you that are talking trash, you are the reason for U lock justice. Don’t talk trash and expect us to sit back peacefully.
You for you’re ignorance and bastardness deserve whatever you get towards your own violence towards riders.