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01-29-2011, 05:42 PM
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#1
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Total noob
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,089
Liked 1 Times on 1 Posts
Likes Given: 2
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Self defense?
While browsing the internet for cycling news, I happen to come across this article, about a motorist who allegedly got out of his car and destroyed a $4,800 bicycle with a baseball bat.
It's the usual deal where the cyclists claim a motorist (safely ensconced inside his car/truck/SUV) harassed and/or threatened them, and the motorist claims that when he exited his vehicle, one or more cyclists (usually dressed in shorts, tights, or lycra) and having no obvious weapons other than a 20 pound or so bicycle, proceeded to threaten him or her. I find articles like this interesting, because there is so much disparity between the facts as offered by the victim and the aggressor. For instance, it was claimed that a female cyclist hit the motorist's car with her bike. Personally, I wouldn't go up against any automobile, even armed with a 30 pound MTB. Then there is the argument that the motorist acted in self defense when he used a bat on a bicycle. I'm having a bit of trouble with that one too. While I have been in enough bike crashes to know that they're absolutely vicious creatures when thrown end over end, I cannot think of any situation where I would feel a need to defend myself from one, if I am not actually riding it.
I'll make a note to try and post a follow up after the trial. Should be interesting to see how this turns out. In the meantime, do not turn your back on a bicycle for any reason. And be prepared to defend yourself against an angry Giant.
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01-30-2011, 05:23 AM
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#2
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DX's Biggest Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 798
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Once again, I saw this elsewhere first, and had to comment there.
A MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR, comfortably throned in a steel box equipped with an engine that can both accelerate quickly and reach a high rate of speed, one that weighs 15X that of a cyclist + bike, is threatened by said cyclist... sure.
When did what amounts to a mosquito bite become a threat requiring aggressive self-defense?
I've been told I'm a little crazy; but for me, anyone with a ball bat who swings it at me, REGARDLESS OF PROVOCATION, has committed aggravated assault, and COULD DIE for it... quickly. And yes, you swing at my bike, you're swinging at me -- we're like twins, we have a 'link'........
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01-30-2011, 11:13 AM
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#3
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TwoJ
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,427
Liked 5 Times on 5 Posts
Likes Given: 7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CTD50
And yes, you swing at my bike, you're swinging at me -- we're like twins, we have a 'link'........
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You know, I had never thought of it in that light. That's a good point CTD!
__________________
I spent half of my life riding bikes. The other half I wasted.
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01-30-2011, 03:21 PM
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#4
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Total noob
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,089
Liked 1 Times on 1 Posts
Likes Given: 2
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People that go looking for trouble rarely need to travel far.
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02-01-2011, 08:47 PM
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#5
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Slowin it up.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,308
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In my great state, had the SOB come at me with a bat, I could have shot and killed him, and never been in the wrong.
I love Texas.
If he had the ability to leave the situation, regardless of the actions of the cyclists, then he was in the wrong. If they both had the ability to leave, then this is just another example of humanity failing all the way around.
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02-01-2011, 08:50 PM
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#6
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Total noob
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 6,089
Liked 1 Times on 1 Posts
Likes Given: 2
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I think it was his pride (or stupidity) that wouldn't let him turn his back on lycra-clad thugs...
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02-01-2011, 08:58 PM
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#7
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Slowin it up.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,308
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Industry_Hack
I think it was his pride (or stupidity) that wouldn't let him turn his back on lycra-clad thugs...
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Pride and stupidity are usually the same thing.
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03-10-2012, 01:01 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 18
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My dad and I carry knifes with about 4 inch blades for multiple reasons (including self defense) but I've heard of people carrying 44 magnums and smith and Wesson bodyguards so I guess some people don't feel safe where they ride.
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03-11-2012, 07:30 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 3
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I have thought a small self-propelled rocket would be nice, with the heat-seeking option.
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03-15-2012, 08:45 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 292
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Industry_Hack
While browsing the internet for cycling news, I happen to come across this article, about a motorist who allegedly got out of his car and destroyed a $4,800 bicycle with a baseball bat.
It's the usual deal where the cyclists claim a motorist (safely ensconced inside his car/truck/SUV) harassed and/or threatened them, and the motorist claims that when he exited his vehicle, one or more cyclists (usually dressed in shorts, tights, or lycra) and having no obvious weapons other than a 20 pound or so bicycle, proceeded to threaten him or her. I find articles like this interesting, because there is so much disparity between the facts as offered by the victim and the aggressor. For instance, it was claimed that a female cyclist hit the motorist's car with her bike. Personally, I wouldn't go up against any automobile, even armed with a 30 pound MTB. Then there is the argument that the motorist acted in self defense when he used a bat on a bicycle. I'm having a bit of trouble with that one too. While I have been in enough bike crashes to know that they're absolutely vicious creatures when thrown end over end, I cannot think of any situation where I would feel a need to defend myself from one, if I am not actually riding it.
I'll make a note to try and post a follow up after the trial. Should be interesting to see how this turns out. In the meantime, do not turn your back on a bicycle for any reason. And be prepared to defend yourself against an angry Giant.
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