I was out running some errands today in my pick up, stopped at a light with a truck to my left blocking my view of the pedestrian lane. The light went green, I pulled away and almost smacked a spandex rider who had run the red light and was crossing in front of traffic which had the right-of-way. He gave me the finger and a dirty look, as if I had done something wrong. I, being a biker myself felt like pursuing the matter and giving this jerk a little instruction about what he was supposed to do at red lights but I was in a good mood and just went on my way. This guy had ample opportunity to see and respond to the traffic signal but instead elected to cross the street apparently thinking cars are supposed to stop for him because he was on a bicycle. I didn't hit him because I used caution moving ahead when I couldn't see the pedestrian crossing but there are plenty of drivers out there that don't do that but simply take off when they see the green light. If it had been one of them, my spandex friend would have been splattered under their front wheels. Since getting involved with motorized bikes I've become very aware of my two wheeled companions out there and try hard to give them the right of way and plenty of room when I pass but idiots like this one today try my patients. This was no kid, he had to be in his 40s, complete with all the requisite sponsor logos on his clothes and trying hard to look like Lance Armstrong. Sorry, just venting here a little. That guy really p***ed me off.
Tom
Tom