I experienced the same event here in Ontario Canada. Other bystanders called the police without me actually knowing. I stopped and discussed with the woman driver that with her threatening to hit me with her car was an act of attempted bodily harm that could result in death. While I was discussing this to her I began hearing sirens in the distance. 4 Provincial police cars from all four directions came to the intersection. They walked up to me and surrounded her car. The officer took my statement while the other officers took the woman out of her car and put her in one of the police cars. About 10 minutes later a flatbed came up and started lifting the woman's car onto the bed of the tow truck. In about 40 minutes we were all back riding and the woman went in front of a judge, lost her license and her car was impounded. The traffic laws here don't f around with cycling incidents. I feel pretty safe here alone on a country road for that matter.
That’s actually very impressive. The laws in the state of Georgia just changed on July 1st allowing video evidence to be used to convict. It also clarified the 3ft law and the law on passing. Hopefully it helps.
@Mucho Man Yep, and they make it so much worse for the rest of us. I constantly see cyclists riding against traffic, and I say "wrong side of the road" as we pass. Unfortunately, I don't think they are smart enough to comprehend what I mean.
@Mucho Man Just a question: aren’t runner supposed to run against traffic though? Clearly cyclists ride WITH traffic, but runners always seem to be more confused than cyclists. As a cyclist myself, this is always confusing for me (runners that is).
Yes, runners are pedestrians and therefore are supposed to salmon (travel against the flow of traffic). But cyclists are supposed to ride in the direction of vehicular traffic.
RE: runners. Can only talk from a UK POV but you will see runners running towards you when there is no path (sidewalk) as it's safer to do so, they can see the car/bike/truck coming towards them and jump, if they run with traffic then they can't see them and then the net speed of both isn't fast enough for them to be safe. But in a place with paths there is no need.
"... They might be crazier than you are..." - Good advice -- Every driver should be forced to ride a bike on a road with other cars to understand the dynamics.
No it is beacuse what happened didn´t meant any thing for him. That´s why men like him shouldn´t be allowed to drive a car. He didn´t care when he swerwed with his car, there was no emotions involved. It was easy for him to calm down. Just a pathetic and synic person, in a rush to the golf course 👎
@@Thomas_Ekstrom I think it also changed the dynamic. He wasn't afraid of a woman, but a younger adult male is different. Now you need to watch out what you're saying as it becoming physical isn't at all in your advantage anymore. Not saying that that is a good thing, but imo it isn't necessarily misogynistic. He'd probably also behave like that if it was a child and Phil was the dad who showed up later.
Also one difference with Phil he was not screaming and kept his voice low. It is hard to do that but way more constructive. For the legal case it may be hard if the only evidence you have of the event is what you showed, ie the victim agressing the driver?
Phil is spot on with the finger thing. I had to force myself to just start giving a thumbs up instead. It doesn’t trigger the reaction but most people will understand it’s sarcastic and that I’m still not pleased with their actions. I ride my bike for several hours everyday in a big city and have had more fun ins with dumb/crazy drivers than I care to mention. Go with the thumbs up trust me 👍🏼
I made a bonehead mistake while driving one day. The car behind me sped around and gave me a Thumbs Down. I fully expected and deserved the middle finger but this guy showed me a better way.
I just used this for the first time yesterday. Guy cut into my lane on a 4 lane road, only to immediately come to a stop. I rode up his lane to give him thumbs up before taking the front of the empty left. Ended up making it way ahead of him when it turned green too. People need paitence.
I'm glad you're both alright, and I'm sorry that situation was so scary. Everyone will second guess every action but it just happens so quickly. Stay safe
Hey guys. An argument I've made with police when they show up is the attempted assault with a deadly weapon argument. The weapon being the car he used to swerve to try to intimidate and bully you off the road. Too many use their cars as a weapon to threaten. And, when you pass it is your job (the driver of the car) to pass safely and responsibly. Yes he has right to be on the road like us, but operating a motor vehicle is still a privilege and not a right.
I've been riding for decades and though I've had countless minor road rage incidents, I've only had one *seriously* scary road rage incident -- bad enough that I literally rode my bike into the woods and hid. After about 20 minutes I found a pay phone and called the cops, but called the non-emergency number -- this was used against me because "if I'd been really afraid I would've called 911". It turned out the guy raging at me -- who did "follow through" when trying to cut me off to the point his wheels were on the curb, multiple times, and who also threatened me with pepper spray through his window, was an off-duty detective. So the lesson here is, call 911. And mountain bike skills are your friend, I guess.
"we're a society, and everyone's kinda supposed to be on the same team." Words to live by. So sad that more people do not allow themselves to think of others.
This is unacceptable behavior. He swerved and then defended his position with baseless threats. If you're late for a T-Time, your foursome will wait. They let the next group go in front. There is no reason to threaten a bike rider for your tardiness. The differential in arrival time is negligible; a fact that all motorists need to realize. Always let the police charge someone before you retaliate with a similar act of violence. Dealing with the Criminal Justice System is way worse than any physical retaliation that will drag you into the system as well. Of course, that doesn't include defending yourself against immediate threats.
See if the country club has cameras. You might have something simmilar to the UKs freedom of information where you can request for any video footage that had you recorded on it.
In the US you would have to subpoena through the courts for the camera footage since its private property. Thats all assuming the court acts fast enough that the footage hasn't been overwritten by then.
@@Maccaroney You can, but they are not required to give it to you and given that its a member of their club they are probably not going to volunteer it.
Sucks….I had three close calls just his weekend and I feel that with what we went though last year that things are getting crazier for us and just generally in life. The switch to gravel thing is always nice to hear but for us that live in major metropolitan areas that isn’t an option. So all we can do is remind people that as much as I may been an inconvenience to you. I’m a human being weather you agree with me or like what I do or not. We have families and lives and loved ones. Just because we wear spandex and make you feel uncontrollably doesn’t mean we deserve to be hurt or killed by your car because I was holding you up by 10 seconds…
And that's intentional badness. What about unintentional bad driving? I was waiting at a light and when it changed to green for me a car to my left didn't stop and ran the light. It was only an small Edison inspection vehicle but the female driver would have broken me and my crap bike
I just got hit by a car last week trying to pass me in the parking lane while I was making a right turn. Thankfully, I was only scratched a little and only my derailleur hanger bent. Me and the guy were moving in the same direction which may have softened the impact. But being a city rider, there is always that fear that someone will be on their phone or not paying attention and it could be your last day.
Especially when there is heavy traffic, I sometimes think they are angry because I'm going faster riding in the bike line or on the shoulder than they are in their cars.
I ride with a few riders from our black riding community here quite often and I always am worried about their safety when they ride alone in the countryside (rural North Carolina.) I always tell them on group rides that if something happens, I don't want them to engage, I'll handle it. So many of them already have to deal with enough hate here for being a cyclist, add racism into the mix and it's the perfect storm.
I like how he acted like Mr. Tough Guy while he's confronted by a woman ("What are you going to do?), but the minute Phil rolls up, he's got his palms out ("OK, let's settle down."). Glad you guys confronted this man, but I hope nothing like this ever happens to you again. It's become more and more dangerous to ride in a non-group setting when you're on the roads here in So Cal.
Glad everyone is ok. I've also made a few choice gestures when people have swerved at me. It's kinda hard to stay calm when something that weighs two tons is being used to intimidate you. I've even been threatened with guns and had the police called. They did nothing beyond de-escalating the situation. In case you're wondering, yes, this was in Florida. People are crazy!
Glad everyone is okay. Sorry this happened, but I'm thank you for making this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate these kinds of videos from you. While rare(in my experience), these kinds of incidents really do happen so thank you for spreading awareness, and giving resources for cyclists who are unfortunate enough to need them. I've been road cycling for a decade , and I'm always unsettled by people's indifference towards our safety and well being. Glad to know someone is looking out for us
This taxi driver in London was once blocking the cycle lane. I just told him “hey mate, you are blocking the cycle lane”. That resulted in name calling and the same kind of threat swerve TWICE and in traffic. So I decided to pulled up in front of his taxi and got off my bike and tried to take my phone out of those cheap iPhone holders to call the police. Taking my phone out takes a long time and while I was doing it, I realised that there was no beep, no verbal abuse, no threat with his car, nothing. I then stoped what I was doing to look at him and he looked terrified. I mean, yes I do weigh about 100kg at 6ft, but I had no intention of fighting him. It was the start of a big ride so I just left after seeing that. The point that I am making is that they only do this because they think they can get away with it. They are weak cowards that live a sad unfulfilling life.
Like I say, superior but insignificant. If they're that careless and reckless karma will remove them from the gene pool in time. Seldom do police see cyclists as more than a nuisance.
So refreshing and honest to see a perfectly sane and even tempered person go the fuck off on someone. That’s what it’s supposed to look like when someone tries to kill you. Unfortunately, unless you actually get hit somehow there aren’t consequences. If someone threw a punch and you ducked or fired a gun and missed does that make them any less malicious. Feel like they should make an example of this guy and set a precedent. Anyway, thank you for your vulnerability and posting this.
And that is why we need to see some serious advocacy in changing the laws here in the states. Even when the laws favor riders having express permission to take a lane, or have drivers move to a different lane when available, the response from non-cyclists is often to say how the cyclists are going to end up dead... well, yeah, because drivers are not held accountable for their actions until someone is seriously hurt or killed. It makes no sense. In any case, I am glad that Emily and company are safe, and that this guy is on people's radar.
@@worstretirementever Some of the commenters who don't think the situation was handled well by either party are well aware of "the real world part." I speak from years of experience of cycling and having my own moments of rage toward hostile drivers. I have plenty of horror stories too, but this is not the time to relive them. (However, I did have a great response to a woman in a Lexus who screamed at me for being in her way and her doubting my heterosexuality due to my cycling kit. I rolled up next to her at a red light and my response left her snot bubbling angry. And, no curse words or hand gestures were used.) All I know now is I have much more enjoyable rides when I do my best to ignore those who are angry with me but only expressing it by honking or yelling names. I truly believe my actions could impact on a fellow cyclist down the road. I do enjoy your videos and when I was in LA last month, I even rode some the routes from your videos. Beachcanyon Drive to the Hollywood sign was a lot steeper than it looked on the video!
So sorry that you had to experience this. Thanks to both of you for following through and holding this maniac accountable. I’ve had similar incidents occur. I feel your pain.
BEEN RIDING FOR OVER 25 YEARS. IVE LEARNED THAT WE ARE THE HAPPY ONES, THEY ARE THE MISERABLE ONES. THEY WILL NEVER EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF RIDING A BIKE.
Sooooo right!!!! I deal with gooofiest motorist all the time and give them the Mass Hole right back at them and give them the middle finger every time 🤣🚴🏻♂️
I hope this guy gets what's coming to him, swerving at a cyclist is unacceptable and sadly happens far too often. I hope you can make an example of this terrible person. Best of luck and keep fighting for cyclists.
Good for you for posting this - there are way too many incidents like this that get shrugged off. It has happened to me on multiple occasions. Don't let it drop Phil!
Glad you made this video. Here in Germany, it's also always the fight "car drivers vs. cyclists". Most car drivers (those who dont ride bikes regularly) think the road is there's and they have the only right to use it. Though, some people start to realize that the road is a shared place and everyone should respect each other (as you both did, by moving into single file!).
So happy that you are OK guys. And that you came out with it. Revealing the boundaries of our tempers is not something to comes easy. So, yeah, big props.
Had an incident last week where a car attempted to overtake with a car in the opposite lane coming straight towards him/us. The finger came out, he stopped and asked "you got something to say?" I remained calm but pointed out that was a really crap way to overtake (on a blind bend as well), there was a car coming towards us and you needed to give me more time, space and room. His response was that he didn't hit me so allllllllll is fine. It's far too common, just like Emily I'm a cyclist who's used to being in traffic and cycling at speed and being in control but even so 1) if a car hits you there is no compromise you will just go down 2) if the person is less experienced (as you said) then they will freak out and hit the curb or the car and they are down. EUGHHHHH people. Thanks for sharing and glad everyone is alright.
Yep. So horrible. People are incapable of timing their maneuvers. Any container trash day in our street shows that. They just squeeze. Why do you have 280 hp then?
@@DerFilmgucker Ha, on recycle day once in icy condtions the trash guy emptied the box and threw it on the floor but it hit ice and went straight into my path in the road. He was very sorry but it was just comedy - danger from every angle.
I've actually had someone not just deliberately swerve at me, but connect with their car and knock me off. Smashed my dominant hand, and I still have the titanium webbing inside it. I now run Cycliq cameras front and back on all road rides. The cameras are my PTSD circuit breakers - they help defuse the urge to go haul them out of their cars and teach them a lesson about vulnerability. Instead, I now write up the incident and send it to the police, who have to do something with it, and I've had numerous drivers prosecuted for close passing and negligent driving. Also, when it wasn't actually as close as I thought, it's useful feedback for me to see that on the video, and helps me be a bit calmer and more tolerant.
I also do the same after a taxi driver rammed me in the middle of city centre and the police were basically "ah, we don't wanna do the paperwork". Again, the police are poor at responding to close pass videos/dangerous/aggressive driving and I think there is a lot of variation within the UK. I live in north east, and even getting to find out "what happened to the driver" after submitting a video where they were cms from knocking me off you get a response "Oh, we can't tell you that" for about 20 minutes in various ways. In other forces across UK, you get a far better engagement.
Glad you guys are okay! This is one reason that I started riding with Cycliq camera/lights after getting hit a few years ago. Knowing there’s video evidence if something happens is a little bit comforting, especially since 99.99999% of my riding is solo. Good luck with this. Will share!
On average, I get hit by a car once a year - every time a driver who isn't obeying traffic rules, and not "yielding to a cyclist" - or acting in a way that cyclist shouldn't be on the road. These are aggravated assaults with a deadly weapon and should be prosecuted as such. Stay safe! #peace
Seems about right, even though I'm very very good cycling courier and can predict situations amateur wouldn't think about to avoid accidents, I still get hit about once a year, and it's always drivers not obeying traffic rules, or just intentionally using the advantage of their 'steel tank'. IF you're riding in busy city 1. get insurance, 2. make pictures videos, 3. get witnesses details.
I only got hit once, and it damn near killed me - unconscious in an ambulance to the nearest major hospital (50 km away), a week in hospital, the works. The moment there's contact with intent, damn straight it's assault with a deadly weapon. (there was no such intent in my case btw, just a young driver who was a bit careless and didn't see me)
Hey Phil, good message, especially the bike courtesy part. I'm currently training one of my sons to ride. Yesterday I pointed out a bike sharrow. I said, "This means you can legally ride in the middle of the lane. But only do that if you have no room to move over for traffic behind you." It's so much better for all of us when we give common courtesy to drivers... winning friends.
I had two similar incidents. Once with a tow truck that hit me with the levers of the flat bed, followed him to a parking lot at 30+ on a 25 mph street, called 911, and they wouldn't send a cop, told me I was at fault, I should have been a lane away on a 1 one lane street because 'tow truck drivers lives matter." Almost the same area, someone turned into me and then my girlfriend, we both jumped into a parking lane to avoid, between cars, both almost crashing into the back of them. I followed him to his house less then a half mile away from the incident, called the police counter because of last time with the tow truck, and they told me I shouldn't have been riding in the street and offered to send a cop out to write me a ticket for impeding traffic. Then the driver noticed me, sent his dogs after me and he had a bat in his hand, so I sprinted and left. I just ride paved rail trails now. It sucks, I have to drive 40 minutes just to get to a riding spot. Both of these incidents were close to home, I sprinted past my house chasing the tow truck.
I'm very sorry that you had to have an experience like that. Sadly I've had a few in my time as well. It's really a no win situation, and one where you'll just feel sick to your stomach afterwards. It's so hard to avoid in the heat of the moment, because we're only human. I'm reminded of an old saying which I love, which goes 'Never wrestle with a pig, because you'll only get dirty, and the pig will love it'. Hang in there!
Great video. I love how you just can't win on a bike -- on the narrow neighborhood road they're pissed b/c you're in the way, on the busy road they're pissed b/c they think you aren't going fast enough and don't belong there either!
Omg Phil that’s crazy! Of course he backs down when you show up. Glad y’all made it out without it getting worse. Y’all did everything correct. Thanks for sharing.
I live in San Diego and miraculously survived when a car turned into me on a small local road when the guy was turning into his driveway from the opposite direction. He was coming back from a golf course. Three days in a coma and half of the bones in my body broken later, I ride healthy and got back to my previous shape. Most are not that lucky. I still cry sometimes. The injuries were similar to what you suffered when you fell in the velodrome. Btw, does Emily have a sister? She's adorable. And spunky. And she rides. A keeper for sure. Happy for you both!
I'm so happy to see a well-known cyclist cover this topic. It's sad the amount of times that I have been threatened by drivers even when in the bike lane. Multiple times I have pulled over for a solid 5-10 minutes to calm down from sheer panic to get my heart rate out of the 200s after being threatened with bodily harm by a vehicle. I have also had drivers yell some choice words at me while I was right next to a "share the road" sign. Sharing the road goes 2 ways and is not just my responsibility, especially when you're throwing glass bottles and trash into the space I should be. Not only do you scare someone when you act this way towards them, but even if you don't actually hit them you can cause intense panic which could lead to serious medical issues in the middle of their ride. As I always say, if you being on time to work is more important than my life, you have some serious prioritizing to do. Stay behind me until it is safe to pass, I promise being 2 minutes late to work IF THAT will not be a problem, and if it is, leave home earlier and do better. Simple as that.
I always pretend that a jerk driving by is a long lost friend, and I wave very energetically, perhaps with a jack Nicholson smile, cheerfully yelling: 'Hey Man - wow, great to see you'. If they have friends in the car/truck, the friends are then appalled that their gud bud has a friend who wears spandex. And maybe they hesitate a bit - confused, since that was definitely not the reaction they wanted.
@@MrSmoothasf , exactly. A direct quote from Phil within this video, "I think I can take that guy." Phrases such as this would indeed be taken out of context and used in court potentially painting the cyclists as the aggressors.
@@Mountainhippiedude my own doctor said in context of the conversation 'right now it's no that bad' in a doctors report saying I would 100% need additional surgery but I could put it off immediately if I needed to regain full movement in my wrist. The judge said they defense would use that line alone to say the injury was minimal and reduced payout by about £45k. One out of context sentence.
Glad y'all are safe. I can't imagine the driver facing any real consequences but props to you for following through, waiting for the cops, and forcing this guy to face the reality of what he just did.
There’s been an increase in aggressiveness from drivers. This past weekend, riding to Newport, with cars parked/sitting in the bike lane, or the street clearly market for bicycles, we had people aggressively honking at us and/or getting exceptionally close while gunning their motors and honking their horns. That the first time I’ve had that happen in that direction. Weird. You’d almost think they haven’t driven their cars for over a year cause of a pandemic… 🤔
I hope the police do something for you. My story: I have front and rear cameras on my bike. I captured a guy swerving into me, yelling at me, when we stopped at a light he spit on me. All of this captured on video. Even got his plate. Gave a copy to Torrance PD. They did nothing. Nada. Zip. Same thing happened to me in PVE. Again, nothing. I hope you have better luck.
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. I could feel the anger welling up as I watched the video. I hope that justice is served; he should face penalties for road rage, swerving towards you, and pushing you.
An old white man in a Porsche was an asshole to women? No! I refuse to believe it. Here in NJ that would be a pickup truck or a Mustang. Always. Glad you are all safe.
The only way I’ve learned to avoid these situations (besides sticking to gravel) is mirror use and timely acknowledgment. With a mirror it’s easy to get in the habit of checking your 6 every few seconds. The idea is you see them coming and before they start getting annoyed, much less angry and honking at which point it’s too late, you turn your head to look back at them over your shoulder with an assuring nod and smile. Believe it or not it puts them at ease, or rather leaves them at ease, because you’re doing this before they even get a chance to be annoyed by your “taking up the whole road”. What this look back dies is communicate you’re not the oblivious idiots they otherwise are likely to assume you are. I’ve never had anyone act inappropriately after I’ve acknowledged them like this. But, yeah, it requires using a mirror. 🤷♂️ You just can’t glance back anywhere near as frequently with head swivels as you can with a mirror, and frequent glances back are key to doing the acknowledgment before its too late to do any good.
I really, really appreciate you posting this. One of the problems "communicating" when these incidents happen between car drivers and cyclists is...it's not communication because, as other comments have stated, cars can be deadly--the incident itself can bypass what's needed for actual effective conversation (we've all been there many times). Maybe it's the high school teacher in me, but I'd like to think I'm good at prioritizing staying calm, starting with human introductions--"My name is...", and then trying to explain what happened from my perspective. Again (channeling my interactions with students in the classroom), if people screaming at each other in a total state of panic worked to produce anything productive and behavior-changing, my life would be a lot easier. It's so hard! IF police need to be called...call the police and stay out of it. IF a conversation needs to happen, have a conversation the right way. Not a critique at all about anything in this video. Thanks! PS...also appreciated Phil's comment that you never f-ing know who you're dealing with.
Steve, there's always one who tries to make unsupported blanket statements. Don't be that one please. Whatever the vehicle - Audi to Zonda - its the errant driver who needs to be castigated. Not the vehicle [in this case a rather tasty 993 C4S]. I'm an old guy and a serial Porsche owner. I get it, you're not a car guy and that's okay; let's just try to educate all Drivers and ride our bikes safely. ;-)
I’m really sorry that happened to you both, very upsetting. I don’t understand why some people feel so untitled. So glad you weren’t physically hurt, but mentally that’s a horrible place to be. Must have been so emotionally exhausting.
I’m so on board w restraining my use of the finger because I’m so vulnerable on a bike. I’ll salute sarcastically or wave, or just shout for less anger please!! This is f-ed up!! Thanks for sharing.
It is so good that you posted this. Also good that you are following through. There should be a "paper trail" on this guy . . . if there is not already. I'm glad you're both okay.
3 foot law. Most US states have a law, must give 3 feet when passing. If there is do designated bike lane, the lane of travel becomes the bike's lane of travel, there for shall be treated as a motor vehicle.
Road signs with turtles/tortoises. I have to admit that for a long time I thought it was a sign that someone had lost one. Years went by and I was thinking “They haven’t found it yet?”. The sign said “Copy the tortoise” so I figured that was his name. 😂
Got knocked over the bars and the bonnet by a car pulling out from a side road directly across both lanes of a dual carriageway, with the driver looking at me all the time. Landed on my head in the fast lane. I went to hospital. Driver went straight to the police and made some shit up about me cycling without lights at night (sunset was half an hour after I was admitted to hospital). Police refused to even take a statement when I went there after being discharged the next day
More people need to follow through like you guys with incidents like this. Allowing people to get away with this behavior is why we still have to deal with this behavior. Good on the police for taking you guys seriously too.
Most likely outcome here, grandpa will get a disorderly conduct charge for shoving her. It will stick (ask me). Since I play golf as well, I'm sure he had a really shitty round, because the next time something like this ever happens again... he's getting locked up.
Thanks for posting this. The video and the comments help by reinforcing how typical these over-the-top motorist behaviors are. And that flipping them off is equivalent to cycling down a dead end street: it gets you nowhere. I struggle to stifle the middle-finger impulse. Thinking "what do I hope to accomplish by doing that?" should help.
In all fairness, every road you can legally ride on, should be safe. We shouldn't need to think we are not safe, and it is a real shame that we have to feel unsafe even on the quietest of roads. I am lucky that 99% of the drivers are great in my area, but you still have to deal with the occasional muppet.
@@simonburkeisable Im not telling anyone to use them right away or escalate the situation. You wouldn't tell a new road rider to go out on a long ride without a spare tube and Co2. Being ready never hurts anyone. Angry drivers can escalate situations, and you should be prepared to defend yourself in the event of them doing so. Two years ago, I was minding my own business on a road in the middle of nowhere, and this car pulls up next to me. A woman leans out of the car, spits at me yells at me. The driver honks his ass off. Then the driver gets in front of me starts slamming the brakes. Had I been less experienced, I would have crashed into him and gotten injured. I told the cops about it. As per usual, the cops didn't do shit because cops are fucking useless. In fact, they said that "oh, the driver said you had headphones on and were looking at your phone" (While I do ride with headphones, my phone didn't come out till I had to snap a picture of his plate) Even though this absolute peach of an individual had previously beaten his wife to the point of sending her to the hospital more than once and later had his guns taken away by the cops. They still basically sided with him and his psycho girlfriend anyway. They can only "help" after the fact; cops can't defend you in real-time and very well might side with the driver after the fact.
Sorry you guys had to endure such a small-brained individual. And agreed on middle finger etiquette. Having lived in SoCal for 10 years, I realized that flipping someone off was simply an invitation to be shot, but smiling and waving happily while cursing in a low voice REALLY ticked people off. I haven’t been shot at for smiling and waving, yet.
Thanks for posting this. I ride Wells all the time, very familiar with these roads as an avid Los Angeles cyclist. Its just more aggressive LA driving and since returning from the pandemic it feels worse. This town (many towns) needs alternatives to driving. I got cameras now and run them for all rides.
Phil so sorry to hear this happened to you guys. Not that it will help but this happens to me on almost a daily basis in England. Drivers always seem to be in an unnecessary rush to get nowhere. I hope law enforcement in LA deal with this coward in the most robust manner that they can. It’s great that you are using your platform to raise awareness of this senseless dangerous and unnecessary behaviour from a small section of drivers. Keep peddling both of you and stay safe
I was hanging a left the other day, I'm signal with my left hand and slowing for the turn and the guy behind me is blaring his horn. Cuz cars never slow down to turn left or anything.
I really enjoyed the instant change of attitude when Phil rolled up. He went from "what are you gonna do?" (confidently unthreatened by a female) to "let just talk about this" in about .01 seconds
I'm glad you guys are okay and mentally strong enough to get back out there. BTW: There's a psychology word for what that guy tried to do to you (the "I feel sorry for you for being married to her") to make it "you-and-him" vs her situation. It's a wimpy way to soften the aggression against himself. I can't recall it right now, but it's like "passive aggressive" or something. Can't recall.
I raced track at Encino, in the 1970's. Do you ever go there, to the Encino Velodrome? Pretty fun! Anyway, I was on a training ride, with some Montrose guys, and some PAA guys. And my two training buds. Me and my training buds are from Sierra Madre. Anyway, as we were turning onto Beach Boulevard from Whittier Boulevard, some asshole ran the oncoming left turn lane red light, and almost hit me. His passenger side window was open, and he started yelling at me! I returned fire. After he had said some shit, I had enough. I hosed him down with my water bottle. He immediately swerved into me. He missed hitting me, of course, because I swerved too, and bunny hopped the curb. I hopped off my bike, and he stopped, with his front tire on the dirt parkway, about two feet from my bike. He got out, and rushed towards me. I'm small, only 140 at sprinting weigh, and 5'7". He was about six foot, and pretty lean. He threw a punch at me, and I side stepped him, and kneed him in the belly, as hard as I could. I got my BB from Ed Parker, in Pasadena, when I was 19. He bent over, and I kneed him in the face. He still didn't go down. So, I swept his legs out. With a bigger guy, you want them on the ground, asap. It takes away their base. Evens things up a bit. But, he was getting up quickly. As he was getting up, I got a hold of his head, in a head lock, and there was a chain link fence, about four feet way. I pushed him over to it, and started grating his face on the fence. Right then, I heard sirens, and a moment later, like six cop cars showed up, One was even coming up Beach, against traffic. The one going against traffic got there first, and he jumped out of his car, but didn't pull his gun. He saw the six other guys on bikes, watching, and two guys fighting. He told us to stop. So, I let him go. All the other cops were out of their cars too. After the cop got the story from all the witnesses, he not only let me go, he asked me if I wanted to press charges on the guy for vehicular assault. I said no. I just wanted to finish our ride. We we going to the OP Surf Invitational. At Huntington Beach. The cop told me and my friends, that the call came in, as a riot in progress! Seriously! lol. On a Sunday morning! I guess the person seeing the group of people, not knowing what was going on, could assume everyone was fighting, or rioting. I guess. That was the infamous surf contest, where swim suit tops were getting pulled off, and they turned over a cop car, and lit it on fire. Huntington Beach. Figures. With as many miles as a competitive rides a year, incidences with cars occur. You never know when a coward with an ego will have a gun. I learned to let things go. Nobody wants their TREK or SPECIALIZED or COLNAGO smashed up by a rude or careless driver. I pisses you off. Now that I am 65, I stick to the river trails. I like what you said. That we are in a society. I comment on that often. So, as a society, we all must just get along. Respect isn't always earned. It is often a requirement, in order to conduct day to day living. Like driving. Driving is where conservative behavior is needed. Everyone doing the accepted driving activities. We also need to respect everyone's individuality, and their place in society. Getting along makes those things work. Being rude and self-centered, often cause conflict. We all just need to get along. And not murder people. Stay safe, everyone. Especially cyclists! Sepp Kuss of the USA just won a stage of the Tour de France! Congratulations to him! And on the roads of his home away from home, Andorra! Great job!
![SahBabii - Viking [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/D37cL92JX0I/mqdefault.jpg)
If you did fight. What would be the name of your finishing move?
This is the most important question in the comments so far
The Cookie Crusher
The Crumble Rumble
Oh, the K.O. M
The Retirement Reckoning
I experienced the same event here in Ontario Canada. Other bystanders called the police without me actually knowing. I stopped and discussed with the woman driver that with her threatening to hit me with her car was an act of attempted bodily harm that could result in death. While I was discussing this to her I began hearing sirens in the distance. 4 Provincial police cars from all four directions came to the intersection. They walked up to me and surrounded her car. The officer took my statement while the other officers took the woman out of her car and put her in one of the police cars. About 10 minutes later a flatbed came up and started lifting the woman's car onto the bed of the tow truck. In about 40 minutes we were all back riding and the woman went in front of a judge, lost her license and her car was impounded. The traffic laws here don't f around with cycling incidents. I feel pretty safe here alone on a country road for that matter.
good to know! Niagara here
I want that kind of justice here in the US!!!
That's awesome. I want to live there!
@@Woodsford123 Super! happy to see that justice prevailed.
That’s actually very impressive. The laws in the state of Georgia just changed on July 1st allowing video evidence to be used to convict. It also clarified the 3ft law and the law on passing. Hopefully it helps.
Drivers are afraid that cyclists will make them late, cyclists are afraid that drivers will kill them 🤷♀️
@Mucho Man Yup! No doubt!
@Mucho Man Yep, and they make it so much worse for the rest of us. I constantly see cyclists riding against traffic, and I say "wrong side of the road" as we pass. Unfortunately, I don't think they are smart enough to comprehend what I mean.
@Mucho Man Just a question: aren’t runner supposed to run against traffic though? Clearly cyclists ride WITH traffic, but runners always seem to be more confused than cyclists. As a cyclist myself, this is always confusing for me (runners that is).
Yes, runners are pedestrians and therefore are supposed to salmon (travel against the flow of traffic). But cyclists are supposed to ride in the direction of vehicular traffic.
RE: runners. Can only talk from a UK POV but you will see runners running towards you when there is no path (sidewalk) as it's safer to do so, they can see the car/bike/truck coming towards them and jump, if they run with traffic then they can't see them and then the net speed of both isn't fast enough for them to be safe. But in a place with paths there is no need.
"Sir, you're lucky I'm a climber."
He's still heavier than me, a puncheur/sprinter.
Top comment 👌
He's just distraught his dinosaur park failed multiple times.
You rescued my morning. Thanks.
Genius
Lol fantastic 👏
Someone edit John Williams’ JP film score over the video pls.
Holy Shit!!
Kinda sad that every single one of us has a story like this.
Good luck with the case.
"... They might be crazier than you are..." - Good advice -- Every driver should be forced to ride a bike on a road with other cars to understand the dynamics.
100% agree with you Jon.
Agreed. Also be forced to be buzzed by a car going 60mph.
Yep as part of driving test.
At least every mayor and city counselor should be given some bike time.
Riding a bike in traffic should be part of the road test for getting a driving license.
I hate how he immediately starts speaking relaxed and respectfully the moment a man comes and talks with him. Just shows you how he treats women.
No it is beacuse what happened didn´t meant any thing for him. That´s why men like him shouldn´t be allowed to drive a car. He didn´t care when he swerwed with his car, there was no emotions involved. It was easy for him to calm down. Just a pathetic and synic person, in a rush to the golf course 👎
@@Thomas_Ekstrom I think it also changed the dynamic. He wasn't afraid of a woman, but a younger adult male is different. Now you need to watch out what you're saying as it becoming physical isn't at all in your advantage anymore. Not saying that that is a good thing, but imo it isn't necessarily misogynistic. He'd probably also behave like that if it was a child and Phil was the dad who showed up later.
Also one difference with Phil he was not screaming and kept his voice low. It is hard to do that but way more constructive. For the legal case it may be hard if the only evidence you have of the event is what you showed, ie the victim agressing the driver?
Or maybe because she was screaming like an absolute psycho?
@@dustrod9244 the man tried to hit her with a deadly weapon. If you're calm when a car almost kills you, you're the psycho.
Don't mess with Phil. He holds many obscure KOM's. You don't want to be on the wrong side of all that wattage.
I have more wattage in my pinkie.
No kidding. If it got physical, Phil would go to prison for murder. One swift kick in the junk would send that dude's balls through his brain.
Imagine the up kicks from the ground… dudes nuts would never re-descend.
@@shamuslamont100 cool story, bro. Phil would ride you into the ground. Lol
I had a guy threaten to get out of his truck and fight me. I told him, "Go ahead, you're going to look so stupid when a guy in spandex kicks your ass.
Yup and even sliding around on cleats too. Unless they were mountain bike shoes.
@@roadglide TAKE THEM OFF, and put on your hands. Carbon soles are great for beating someone to a pulp with.
I was literally nurse Ratchet! Surprise! Well, a bit kinder and 17 stone! SPD shoes so no sliding.
They're all talk, until I unclip. I always carry my cleat covers, won't be slipping :)
Guy probably does this to all cyclists, then happens to pick the one sponsored by a bicycle advocacy legal team lol
I don’t imagine Phil’s punches being terribly hard, but dude could hit you for hours and never tire…
ha! my husband said "maybe but if he kicked you with 430 watts he would cave your chest in" lol
@@ayersndrea TRUTH
Phil is spot on with the finger thing. I had to force myself to just start giving a thumbs up instead. It doesn’t trigger the reaction but most people will understand it’s sarcastic and that I’m still not pleased with their actions. I ride my bike for several hours everyday in a big city and have had more fun ins with dumb/crazy drivers than I care to mention. Go with the thumbs up trust me 👍🏼
I also do this! Usually with a big silly grin!!
They also don't mess with you cause they think you're crazy😃
I made a bonehead mistake while driving one day. The car behind me sped around and gave me a Thumbs Down. I fully expected and deserved the middle finger but this guy showed me a better way.
Smile and wave, smile and wave.
I just used this for the first time yesterday. Guy cut into my lane on a 4 lane road, only to immediately come to a stop. I rode up his lane to give him thumbs up before taking the front of the empty left. Ended up making it way ahead of him when it turned green too. People need paitence.
Yeah. I thumbs up or wave & smile through my rage when this happens.
I'm glad you're both alright, and I'm sorry that situation was so scary. Everyone will second guess every action but it just happens so quickly. Stay safe
Hey guys. An argument I've made with police when they show up is the attempted assault with a deadly weapon argument. The weapon being the car he used to swerve to try to intimidate and bully you off the road. Too many use their cars as a weapon to threaten. And, when you pass it is your job (the driver of the car) to pass safely and responsibly. Yes he has right to be on the road like us, but operating a motor vehicle is still a privilege and not a right.
I've been riding for decades and though I've had countless minor road rage incidents, I've only had one *seriously* scary road rage incident -- bad enough that I literally rode my bike into the woods and hid. After about 20 minutes I found a pay phone and called the cops, but called the non-emergency number -- this was used against me because "if I'd been really afraid I would've called 911". It turned out the guy raging at me -- who did "follow through" when trying to cut me off to the point his wheels were on the curb, multiple times, and who also threatened me with pepper spray through his window, was an off-duty detective. So the lesson here is, call 911. And mountain bike skills are your friend, I guess.
if he was an off duty detective the cops wouldnt have done anything anyways
@@kylehagertybanana strong agree.
F T P
@@kylehagertybanana depends where you live I guess
@@tyleraltom6026 if ur from a country with better or no police maybe
"we're a society, and everyone's kinda supposed to be on the same team." Words to live by. So sad that more people do not allow themselves to think of others.
Driver: cyclists are always blocking the streets. Bicyclist: my life was threatened by a car. Police: Nothing happened.
This is unacceptable behavior. He swerved and then defended his position with baseless threats. If you're late for a T-Time, your foursome will wait. They let the next group go in front. There is no reason to threaten a bike rider for your tardiness. The differential in arrival time is negligible; a fact that all motorists need to realize. Always let the police charge someone before you retaliate with a similar act of violence. Dealing with the Criminal Justice System is way worse than any physical retaliation that will drag you into the system as well. Of course, that doesn't include defending yourself against immediate threats.
Yep that's right they will let the next group play through happens all the time. Golf ⛳ has no rush to it
She is a liar
@dennis forst Yeah she’s probably friends with Betsy Andreu.
See if the country club has cameras. You might have something simmilar to the UKs freedom of information where you can request for any video footage that had you recorded on it.
If they caught the shove that would help depending on how in his face Emily got in which case he will say he was protecting himself.
In the US you would have to subpoena through the courts for the camera footage since its private property. Thats all assuming the court acts fast enough that the footage hasn't been overwritten by then.
@@Bakerking3 you could just ask for the footage.
@@Maccaroney You can, but they are not required to give it to you and given that its a member of their club they are probably not going to volunteer it.
@@Bakerking3 right but nobody mentioned that you can just ask. Lol
Also, they'll feel compelled to comply when presented with a police report.
Sucks….I had three close calls just his weekend and I feel that with what we went though last year that things are getting crazier for us and just generally in life. The switch to gravel thing is always nice to hear but for us that live in major metropolitan areas that isn’t an option. So all we can do is remind people that as much as I may been an inconvenience to you. I’m a human being weather you agree with me or like what I do or not. We have families and lives and loved ones. Just because we wear spandex and make you feel uncontrollably doesn’t mean we deserve to be hurt or killed by your car because I was holding you up by 10 seconds…
And that's intentional badness. What about unintentional bad driving? I was waiting at a light and when it changed to green for me a car to my left didn't stop and ran the light. It was only an small Edison inspection vehicle but the female driver would have broken me and my crap bike
I just got hit by a car last week trying to pass me in the parking lane while I was making a right turn. Thankfully, I was only scratched a little and only my derailleur hanger bent. Me and the guy were moving in the same direction which may have softened the impact. But being a city rider, there is always that fear that someone will be on their phone or not paying attention and it could be your last day.
Especially when there is heavy traffic, I sometimes think they are angry because I'm going faster riding in the bike line or on the shoulder than they are in their cars.
Sorry that happened to you Edwin
I ride with a few riders from our black riding community here quite often and I always am worried about their safety when they ride alone in the countryside (rural North Carolina.) I always tell them on group rides that if something happens, I don't want them to engage, I'll handle it. So many of them already have to deal with enough hate here for being a cyclist, add racism into the mix and it's the perfect storm.
I like how he acted like Mr. Tough Guy while he's confronted by a woman ("What are you going to do?), but the minute Phil rolls up, he's got his palms out ("OK, let's settle down."). Glad you guys confronted this man, but I hope nothing like this ever happens to you again. It's become more and more dangerous to ride in a non-group setting when you're on the roads here in So Cal.
Glad everyone is ok. I've also made a few choice gestures when people have swerved at me. It's kinda hard to stay calm when something that weighs two tons is being used to intimidate you. I've even been threatened with guns and had the police called. They did nothing beyond de-escalating the situation. In case you're wondering, yes, this was in Florida. People are crazy!
Glad everyone is okay. Sorry this happened, but I'm thank you for making this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate these kinds of videos from you. While rare(in my experience), these kinds of incidents really do happen so thank you for spreading awareness, and giving resources for cyclists who are unfortunate enough to need them. I've been road cycling for a decade , and I'm always unsettled by people's indifference towards our safety and well being. Glad to know someone is looking out for us
This taxi driver in London was once blocking the cycle lane. I just told him “hey mate, you are blocking the cycle lane”. That resulted in name calling and the same kind of threat swerve TWICE and in traffic. So I decided to pulled up in front of his taxi and got off my bike and tried to take my phone out of those cheap iPhone holders to call the police. Taking my phone out takes a long time and while I was doing it, I realised that there was no beep, no verbal abuse, no threat with his car, nothing. I then stoped what I was doing to look at him and he looked terrified. I mean, yes I do weigh about 100kg at 6ft, but I had no intention of fighting him. It was the start of a big ride so I just left after seeing that. The point that I am making is that they only do this because they think they can get away with it. They are weak cowards that live a sad unfulfilling life.
Like I say, superior but insignificant. If they're that careless and reckless karma will remove them from the gene pool in time. Seldom do police see cyclists as more than a nuisance.
That's normally what happens with me. They are all talk, until they realize that I'm 5'11" and 96 kilos, with legs like tree trunks.
@@Insert_Screename_Here lmao I'm 6'3 and 215 so they scared 😂
So glad you guys are okay. Thank you for sharing.
So refreshing and honest to see a perfectly sane and even tempered person go the fuck off on someone. That’s what it’s supposed to look like when someone tries to kill you. Unfortunately, unless you actually get hit somehow there aren’t consequences. If someone threw a punch and you ducked or fired a gun and missed does that make them any less malicious. Feel like they should make an example of this guy and set a precedent.
Anyway, thank you for your vulnerability and posting this.
Thanks. That’s the real world part that some of the comments are missing and bumming me out
And that is why we need to see some serious advocacy in changing the laws here in the states. Even when the laws favor riders having express permission to take a lane, or have drivers move to a different lane when available, the response from non-cyclists is often to say how the cyclists are going to end up dead... well, yeah, because drivers are not held accountable for their actions until someone is seriously hurt or killed. It makes no sense. In any case, I am glad that Emily and company are safe, and that this guy is on people's radar.
Yeh, but going off can get you killed
@@worstretirementever Some of the commenters who don't think the situation was handled well by either party are well aware of "the real world part." I speak from years of experience of cycling and having my own moments of rage toward hostile drivers. I have plenty of horror stories too, but this is not the time to relive them. (However, I did have a great response to a woman in a Lexus who screamed at me for being in her way and her doubting my heterosexuality due to my cycling kit. I rolled up next to her at a red light and my response left her snot bubbling angry. And, no curse words or hand gestures were used.) All I know now is I have much more enjoyable rides when I do my best to ignore those who are angry with me but only expressing it by honking or yelling names. I truly believe my actions could impact on a fellow cyclist down the road. I do enjoy your videos and when I was in LA last month, I even rode some the routes from your videos. Beachcanyon Drive to the Hollywood sign was a lot steeper than it looked on the video!
@@buzzman4860 riding a bike legally can get you killed,
So sorry that you had to experience this. Thanks to both of you for following through and holding this maniac accountable. I’ve had similar incidents occur. I feel your pain.
BEEN RIDING FOR OVER 25 YEARS. IVE LEARNED THAT WE ARE THE HAPPY ONES, THEY ARE THE MISERABLE ONES. THEY WILL NEVER EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF RIDING A BIKE.
And yet, you’re yelling…
@@wilkijt Irrelevant.
Sooooo right!!!! I deal with gooofiest motorist all the time and give them the Mass Hole right back at them and give them the middle finger every time 🤣🚴🏻♂️
@@benspeller8635 IrrYELLivant? 😁
@@Justin-zv4cm ha probably 😄
We’ve all been there. Just hearing this is making my blood boil. Glad everyone is ok, and I do hope he at least gets something put on his record.
I hope this guy gets what's coming to him, swerving at a cyclist is unacceptable and sadly happens far too often. I hope you can make an example of this terrible person. Best of luck and keep fighting for cyclists.
Good for you for posting this - there are way too many incidents like this that get shrugged off. It has happened to me on multiple occasions. Don't let it drop Phil!
Glad you made this video. Here in Germany, it's also always the fight "car drivers vs. cyclists".
Most car drivers (those who dont ride bikes regularly) think the road is there's and they have the only right to use it.
Though, some people start to realize that the road is a shared place and everyone should respect each other (as you both did, by moving into single file!).
So happy that you are OK guys. And that you came out with it. Revealing the boundaries of our tempers is not something to comes easy. So, yeah, big props.
Had an incident last week where a car attempted to overtake with a car in the opposite lane coming straight towards him/us. The finger came out, he stopped and asked "you got something to say?" I remained calm but pointed out that was a really crap way to overtake (on a blind bend as well), there was a car coming towards us and you needed to give me more time, space and room. His response was that he didn't hit me so allllllllll is fine.
It's far too common, just like Emily I'm a cyclist who's used to being in traffic and cycling at speed and being in control but even so 1) if a car hits you there is no compromise you will just go down 2) if the person is less experienced (as you said) then they will freak out and hit the curb or the car and they are down. EUGHHHHH people.
Thanks for sharing and glad everyone is alright.
Yep. So horrible. People are incapable of timing their maneuvers. Any container trash day in our street shows that. They just squeeze. Why do you have 280 hp then?
@@DerFilmgucker Ha, on recycle day once in icy condtions the trash guy emptied the box and threw it on the floor but it hit ice and went straight into my path in the road. He was very sorry but it was just comedy - danger from every angle.
Glad y'all are safe. Glad you are following up with the proper resources and keep the faith.
I've actually had someone not just deliberately swerve at me, but connect with their car and knock me off. Smashed my dominant hand, and I still have the titanium webbing inside it. I now run Cycliq cameras front and back on all road rides.
The cameras are my PTSD circuit breakers - they help defuse the urge to go haul them out of their cars and teach them a lesson about vulnerability. Instead, I now write up the incident and send it to the police, who have to do something with it, and I've had numerous drivers prosecuted for close passing and negligent driving.
Also, when it wasn't actually as close as I thought, it's useful feedback for me to see that on the video, and helps me be a bit calmer and more tolerant.
I also do the same after a taxi driver rammed me in the middle of city centre and the police were basically "ah, we don't wanna do the paperwork".
Again, the police are poor at responding to close pass videos/dangerous/aggressive driving and I think there is a lot of variation within the UK. I live in north east, and even getting to find out "what happened to the driver" after submitting a video where they were cms from knocking me off you get a response "Oh, we can't tell you that" for about 20 minutes in various ways. In other forces across UK, you get a far better engagement.
Glad you guys are okay! This is one reason that I started riding with Cycliq camera/lights after getting hit a few years ago. Knowing there’s video evidence if something happens is a little bit comforting, especially since 99.99999% of my riding is solo. Good luck with this. Will share!
On average, I get hit by a car once a year - every time a driver who isn't obeying traffic rules, and not "yielding to a cyclist" - or acting in a way that cyclist shouldn't be on the road. These are aggravated assaults with a deadly weapon and should be prosecuted as such. Stay safe! #peace
How are you still alive, Keith? Please share tips.
Seems about right, even though I'm very very good cycling courier and can predict situations amateur wouldn't think about to avoid accidents, I still get hit about once a year, and it's always drivers not obeying traffic rules, or just intentionally using the advantage of their 'steel tank'.
IF you're riding in busy city 1. get insurance, 2. make pictures videos, 3. get witnesses details.
I only got hit once, and it damn near killed me - unconscious in an ambulance to the nearest major hospital (50 km away), a week in hospital, the works. The moment there's contact with intent, damn straight it's assault with a deadly weapon.
(there was no such intent in my case btw, just a young driver who was a bit careless and didn't see me)
Hey Phil, good message, especially the bike courtesy part. I'm currently training one of my sons to ride. Yesterday I pointed out a bike sharrow. I said, "This means you can legally ride in the middle of the lane. But only do that if you have no room to move over for traffic behind you." It's so much better for all of us when we give common courtesy to drivers... winning friends.
I had two similar incidents. Once with a tow truck that hit me with the levers of the flat bed, followed him to a parking lot at 30+ on a 25 mph street, called 911, and they wouldn't send a cop, told me I was at fault, I should have been a lane away on a 1 one lane street because 'tow truck drivers lives matter."
Almost the same area, someone turned into me and then my girlfriend, we both jumped into a parking lane to avoid, between cars, both almost crashing into the back of them. I followed him to his house less then a half mile away from the incident, called the police counter because of last time with the tow truck, and they told me I shouldn't have been riding in the street and offered to send a cop out to write me a ticket for impeding traffic. Then the driver noticed me, sent his dogs after me and he had a bat in his hand, so I sprinted and left.
I just ride paved rail trails now. It sucks, I have to drive 40 minutes just to get to a riding spot.
Both of these incidents were close to home, I sprinted past my house chasing the tow truck.
@Mucho Man Hmmm, I didn't crash after getting smacked by a tow truck lever, but i don't know how to ride. Sounds logical.
“How dare you impede my tons-o’-steel and plastic ego machine for even ONE SECOND?”
I'm very sorry that you had to have an experience like that. Sadly I've had a few in my time as well. It's really a no win situation, and one where you'll just feel sick to your stomach afterwards. It's so hard to avoid in the heat of the moment, because we're only human. I'm reminded of an old saying which I love, which goes 'Never wrestle with a pig, because you'll only get dirty, and the pig will love it'. Hang in there!
Great saying indeed!
Very true, a calm conversation would have been better
Great video. I love how you just can't win on a bike -- on the narrow neighborhood road they're pissed b/c you're in the way, on the busy road they're pissed b/c they think you aren't going fast enough and don't belong there either!
Omg Phil that’s crazy! Of course he backs down when you show up. Glad y’all made it out without it getting worse. Y’all did everything correct. Thanks for sharing.
I live in San Diego and miraculously survived when a car turned into me on a small local road when the guy was turning into his driveway from the opposite direction. He was coming back from a golf course. Three days in a coma and half of the bones in my body broken later, I ride healthy and got back to my previous shape. Most are not that lucky. I still cry sometimes. The injuries were similar to what you suffered when you fell in the velodrome.
Btw, does Emily have a sister? She's adorable. And spunky. And she rides. A keeper for sure. Happy for you both!
More Emily! Glad she wasn’t hurt.
I'm so happy to see a well-known cyclist cover this topic. It's sad the amount of times that I have been threatened by drivers even when in the bike lane. Multiple times I have pulled over for a solid 5-10 minutes to calm down from sheer panic to get my heart rate out of the 200s after being threatened with bodily harm by a vehicle. I have also had drivers yell some choice words at me while I was right next to a "share the road" sign. Sharing the road goes 2 ways and is not just my responsibility, especially when you're throwing glass bottles and trash into the space I should be. Not only do you scare someone when you act this way towards them, but even if you don't actually hit them you can cause intense panic which could lead to serious medical issues in the middle of their ride. As I always say, if you being on time to work is more important than my life, you have some serious prioritizing to do. Stay behind me until it is safe to pass, I promise being 2 minutes late to work IF THAT will not be a problem, and if it is, leave home earlier and do better. Simple as that.
I always pretend that a jerk driving by is a long lost friend, and I wave very energetically, perhaps with a jack Nicholson smile, cheerfully yelling: 'Hey Man - wow, great to see you'. If they have friends in the car/truck, the friends are then appalled that their gud bud has a friend who wears spandex. And maybe they hesitate a bit - confused, since that was definitely not the reaction they wanted.
What a great idea. We can’t fix all stupid drivers. I always wave/greet if there is a random horn. I will incorporate the Shining smile. 😄
Thanks for having the courage to speak out and put this on the web
I'd be careful posting videos like this if there's a law suit pending, this can be used against you. Post it after its resolved.
Nothing he said in the video can be used against him.
@@XCKCADVENTURES79 you'd be surprised how a solicitor can twist words and take them out of context
@@MrSmoothasf , exactly. A direct quote from Phil within this video, "I think I can take that guy." Phrases such as this would indeed be taken out of context and used in court potentially painting the cyclists as the aggressors.
@@Mountainhippiedude my own doctor said in context of the conversation 'right now it's no that bad' in a doctors report saying I would 100% need additional surgery but I could put it off immediately if I needed to regain full movement in my wrist. The judge said they defense would use that line alone to say the injury was minimal and reduced payout by about £45k. One out of context sentence.
@@MrSmoothasf sorry to hear that- sometimes the law can be an ass, huh ?
Glad y'all are safe. I can't imagine the driver facing any real consequences but props to you for following through, waiting for the cops, and forcing this guy to face the reality of what he just did.
There’s been an increase in aggressiveness from drivers. This past weekend, riding to Newport, with cars parked/sitting in the bike lane, or the street clearly market for bicycles, we had people aggressively honking at us and/or getting exceptionally close while gunning their motors and honking their horns. That the first time I’ve had that happen in that direction. Weird. You’d almost think they haven’t driven their cars for over a year cause of a pandemic… 🤔
you can thank all the anti-cycling memes out there.
We have increased aggressive driving in the San Gabriel mountains. It’s related to the pandemic, yep.
Happy to see you're both okay. Stay safe, don't skip the group rides, and never stop advocating for your safety!
I hope the police do something for you. My story: I have front and rear cameras on my bike. I captured a guy swerving into me, yelling at me, when we stopped at a light he spit on me. All of this captured on video. Even got his plate. Gave a copy to Torrance PD. They did nothing. Nada. Zip. Same thing happened to me in PVE. Again, nothing. I hope you have better luck.
Should've sued them for emotional distress. Six figure settlement easy.
That’s surprising nothing came out of that
Put it on social media. Public shaming gets people fired.
@@viralnorn9173 not a good idea. Liable laws.
Well, this incident is on social media. Is Phil going to get hit with libel? Doubtful. 🤷♀️
To sum big torments that go trough my mind every time I ride along with traffic, I will just say that I am 100% with you guys. Don’t give up!
I’m not violent. If he pushed my wife down, I would’ve broken his jaw.
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. I could feel the anger welling up as I watched the video. I hope that justice is served; he should face penalties for road rage, swerving towards you, and pushing you.
An old white man in a Porsche was an asshole to women? No! I refuse to believe it.
Here in NJ that would be a pickup truck or a Mustang. Always. Glad you are all safe.
His ethnicity is important because????
@@Todd_Monson Because most of the time, it's an old white man/woman.
Yes and it would usually be a black RAM pickup because they're compensating!
Good on you both for speaking out!
The only way I’ve learned to avoid these situations (besides sticking to gravel) is mirror use and timely acknowledgment. With a mirror it’s easy to get in the habit of checking your 6 every few seconds. The idea is you see them coming and before they start getting annoyed, much less angry and honking at which point it’s too late, you turn your head to look back at them over your shoulder with an assuring nod and smile. Believe it or not it puts them at ease, or rather leaves them at ease, because you’re doing this before they even get a chance to be annoyed by your “taking up the whole road”. What this look back dies is communicate you’re not the oblivious idiots they otherwise are likely to assume you are. I’ve never had anyone act inappropriately after I’ve acknowledged them like this.
But, yeah, it requires using a mirror. 🤷♂️ You just can’t glance back anywhere near as frequently with head swivels as you can with a mirror, and frequent glances back are key to doing the acknowledgment before its too late to do any good.
Im stunned people ride bikes without varia radar unless they just cant afford it
I really, really appreciate you posting this. One of the problems "communicating" when these incidents happen between car drivers and cyclists is...it's not communication because, as other comments have stated, cars can be deadly--the incident itself can bypass what's needed for actual effective conversation (we've all been there many times). Maybe it's the high school teacher in me, but I'd like to think I'm good at prioritizing staying calm, starting with human introductions--"My name is...", and then trying to explain what happened from my perspective. Again (channeling my interactions with students in the classroom), if people screaming at each other in a total state of panic worked to produce anything productive and behavior-changing, my life would be a lot easier. It's so hard! IF police need to be called...call the police and stay out of it. IF a conversation needs to happen, have a conversation the right way. Not a critique at all about anything in this video. Thanks! PS...also appreciated Phil's comment that you never f-ing know who you're dealing with.
Beware of old men in Porsches. There's a reason they drive them, and it's not self-confidence.
Steve, there's always one who tries to make unsupported blanket statements. Don't be that one please. Whatever the vehicle - Audi to Zonda - its the errant driver who needs to be castigated. Not the vehicle [in this case a rather tasty 993 C4S]. I'm an old guy and a serial Porsche owner. I get it, you're not a car guy and that's okay; let's just try to educate all Drivers and ride our bikes safely. ;-)
Someone's sorry they drive a porsche (Bob Fisher?)
I’m really sorry that happened to you both, very upsetting. I don’t understand why some people feel so untitled. So glad you weren’t physically hurt, but mentally that’s a horrible place to be. Must have been so emotionally exhausting.
Lewis Black had a whole rant about running over cyclists, I can't listen to him anymore
Cars still drive on gravel roads, so that’s not a solution. Thanks for making this video, and for following up with the driver.
I’m so on board w restraining my use of the finger because I’m so vulnerable on a bike. I’ll salute sarcastically or wave, or just shout for less anger please!! This is f-ed up!! Thanks for sharing.
It is so good that you posted this. Also good that you are following through. There should be a "paper trail" on this guy . . . if there is not already. I'm glad you're both okay.
Always run a camera, always ride in groups, never use a middle finger. Oh, and avoid striking the elderly.
3 foot law. Most US states have a law, must give 3 feet when passing. If there is do designated bike lane, the lane of travel becomes the bike's lane of travel, there for shall be treated as a motor vehicle.
Road signs with turtles/tortoises. I have to admit that for a long time I thought it was a sign that someone had lost one. Years went by and I was thinking “They haven’t found it yet?”. The sign said “Copy the tortoise” so I figured that was his name. 😂
Got knocked over the bars and the bonnet by a car pulling out from a side road directly across both lanes of a dual carriageway, with the driver looking at me all the time. Landed on my head in the fast lane. I went to hospital. Driver went straight to the police and made some shit up about me cycling without lights at night (sunset was half an hour after I was admitted to hospital). Police refused to even take a statement when I went there after being discharged the next day
That guy is a coward. Glad you guys are ok.
More people need to follow through like you guys with incidents like this. Allowing people to get away with this behavior is why we still have to deal with this behavior. Good on the police for taking you guys seriously too.
Most likely outcome here, grandpa will get a disorderly conduct charge for shoving her. It will stick (ask me). Since I play golf as well, I'm sure he had a really shitty round, because the next time something like this ever happens again... he's getting locked up.
Super sad situation. Phil and I share the same beliefs about drivers. I hope you all stay safe out on these crazy roads and stay the course.
He's a rich boomer. I had a middle finger situation with some meth heads in a 88 Chevy Safari Minivan, that was my last middle finger.
Thanks for posting this. The video and the comments help by reinforcing how typical these over-the-top motorist behaviors are. And that flipping them off is equivalent to cycling down a dead end street: it gets you nowhere. I struggle to stifle the middle-finger impulse. Thinking "what do I hope to accomplish by doing that?" should help.
Most frustrating is it was a safe road to bike on.
In all fairness, every road you can legally ride on, should be safe. We shouldn't need to think we are not safe, and it is a real shame that we have to feel unsafe even on the quietest of roads. I am lucky that 99% of the drivers are great in my area, but you still have to deal with the occasional muppet.
Heck! The middle finger is how me and my friends say hello...the nerve of that guy!! Thank you for sharing.
I ride with a roll of pennies and mace. I'd recommend everyone else do so too.
A D Cell battery also works pretty well, but probably costs more than 50cents
@@simonburkeisable Im not telling anyone to use them right away or escalate the situation. You wouldn't tell a new road rider to go out on a long ride without a spare tube and Co2. Being ready never hurts anyone. Angry drivers can escalate situations, and you should be prepared to defend yourself in the event of them doing so.
Two years ago, I was minding my own business on a road in the middle of nowhere, and this car pulls up next to me. A woman leans out of the car, spits at me yells at me. The driver honks his ass off. Then the driver gets in front of me starts slamming the brakes. Had I been less experienced, I would have crashed into him and gotten injured. I told the cops about it. As per usual, the cops didn't do shit because cops are fucking useless. In fact, they said that "oh, the driver said you had headphones on and were looking at your phone" (While I do ride with headphones, my phone didn't come out till I had to snap a picture of his plate) Even though this absolute peach of an individual had previously beaten his wife to the point of sending her to the hospital more than once and later had his guns taken away by the cops. They still basically sided with him and his psycho girlfriend anyway. They can only "help" after the fact; cops can't defend you in real-time and very well might side with the driver after the fact.
You can shift into the small chainring and use the big one, bike swung from the handlebars! It's always with you.
Glad everyone is ok. Kudos to you Phil for not punching the guy.
How he refrained from punching grandpa is amazing.
Sorry you guys had to endure such a small-brained individual. And agreed on middle finger etiquette. Having lived in SoCal for 10 years, I realized that flipping someone off was simply an invitation to be shot, but smiling and waving happily while cursing in a low voice REALLY ticked people off. I haven’t been shot at for smiling and waving, yet.
This advice should be required for all beginning cyclists
Thanks for posting this. I ride Wells all the time, very familiar with these roads as an avid Los Angeles cyclist. Its just more aggressive LA driving and since returning from the pandemic it feels worse. This town (many towns) needs alternatives to driving. I got cameras now and run them for all rides.
Thank you for making this and raising awareness Emily and Phil! So many assholes out there
Phil so sorry to hear this happened to you guys. Not that it will help but this happens to me on almost a daily basis in England. Drivers always seem to be in an unnecessary rush to get nowhere. I hope law enforcement in LA deal with this coward in the most robust manner that they can. It’s great that you are using your platform to raise awareness of this senseless dangerous and unnecessary behaviour from a small section of drivers. Keep peddling both of you and stay safe
As an Instagram account would say "that's why I carry a U-lock"
Good luck guys 🙌
Nah I just carry a Glock
Glad all three of you are safe.
It’s funny when a car has to speed to pass me the same cuts me off with a right turn
I was hanging a left the other day, I'm signal with my left hand and slowing for the turn and the guy behind me is blaring his horn. Cuz cars never slow down to turn left or anything.
I’m so glad you weren’t hurt! Thanks for making the video. 🍪 ❤️
Doesn't deserve to own a 993
But not surprising someone in a 993 would behave in such a way.
Typical type of car a dick would own
He’s feeling inadequate that it isn’t a C2S or Turbo
I really enjoyed the instant change of attitude when Phil rolled up. He went from "what are you gonna do?" (confidently unthreatened by a female) to "let just talk about this" in about .01 seconds
My favorite are the pickups who "roll coal" in my face. Thanks bruh! 🤬
Obnoxious, illegal, uncomfortable, but not a mortal danger, you must agree.
this is so upsetting, thankfully you guys didn't get hurt. cycling is such a beautiful sport and some people are such assholes about things.
I'm glad you guys are okay and mentally strong enough to get back out there. BTW: There's a psychology word for what that guy tried to do to you (the "I feel sorry for you for being married to her") to make it "you-and-him" vs her situation. It's a wimpy way to soften the aggression against himself. I can't recall it right now, but it's like "passive aggressive" or something. Can't recall.
Divide and conquer.
@@viralnorn9173 that might be it
I think what most don’t understand is honking at us while riding is the equivalent of us responding by flipping you off. It sparks a negative energy.
I raced track at Encino, in the 1970's. Do you ever go there, to the Encino Velodrome? Pretty fun! Anyway,
I was on a training ride, with some Montrose guys, and some PAA guys. And my two training buds. Me and my training buds are from Sierra Madre.
Anyway, as we were turning onto Beach Boulevard from Whittier Boulevard, some asshole ran the oncoming left turn lane red light, and almost hit me. His passenger side window was open, and he started yelling at me! I returned fire. After he had said some shit, I had enough. I hosed him down with my water bottle. He immediately swerved into me. He missed hitting me, of course, because I swerved too, and bunny hopped the curb. I hopped off my bike, and he stopped, with his front tire on the dirt parkway, about two feet from my bike. He got out, and rushed towards me. I'm small, only 140 at sprinting weigh, and 5'7".
He was about six foot, and pretty lean. He threw a punch at me, and I side stepped him, and kneed him in the belly, as hard as I could. I got my BB from Ed Parker, in Pasadena, when I was 19. He bent over, and I kneed him in the face. He still didn't go down. So, I swept his legs out. With a bigger guy, you want them on the ground, asap. It takes away their base. Evens things up a bit. But, he was getting up quickly. As he was getting up, I got a hold of his head, in a head lock, and there was a chain link fence, about four feet way. I pushed him over to it, and started grating his face on the fence. Right then, I heard sirens, and a moment later, like six cop cars showed up, One was even coming up Beach, against traffic. The one going against traffic got there first, and he jumped out of his car, but didn't pull his gun. He saw the six other guys on bikes, watching, and two guys fighting. He told us to stop. So, I let him go. All the other cops were out of their cars too. After the cop got the story from all the witnesses, he not only let me go, he asked me if I wanted to press charges on the guy for vehicular assault. I said no. I just wanted to finish our ride. We we going to the OP Surf Invitational. At Huntington Beach. The cop told me and my friends, that the call came in, as a riot in progress! Seriously! lol. On a Sunday morning! I guess the person seeing the group of people, not knowing what was going on, could assume everyone was fighting, or rioting. I guess. That was the infamous surf contest, where swim suit tops were getting pulled off, and they turned over a cop car, and lit it on fire. Huntington Beach. Figures.
With as many miles as a competitive rides a year, incidences with cars occur. You never know when a coward with an ego will have a gun. I learned to let things go. Nobody wants their TREK or SPECIALIZED or COLNAGO smashed up by a rude or careless driver. I pisses you off. Now that I am 65, I stick to the river trails.
I like what you said. That we are in a society. I comment on that often. So, as a society, we all must just get along. Respect isn't always earned. It is often a requirement, in order to conduct day to day living. Like driving. Driving is where conservative behavior is needed. Everyone doing the accepted driving activities. We also need to respect everyone's individuality, and their place in society. Getting along makes those things work. Being rude and self-centered, often cause conflict.
We all just need to get along. And not murder people.
Stay safe, everyone. Especially cyclists! Sepp Kuss of the USA just won a stage of the Tour de France! Congratulations to him! And on the roads of his home away from home, Andorra! Great job!
If you had that situation to do over again, would you have hosed him down with your water bottle?
@@rcranes2227 I imagine I would do the same thing.
Thanks for sharing this story that sounds all too familiar for those of us who ride bikes in LA.
Sorry for you guys, having to deal with these things, but this does make me appreciate living in the Netherlands.
Really sucks that this happened. All the best. Stay safe people!