How best to respond to dangerously belligerant bikers (bicyclists)

A narrow trail is U shaped... it's like being on rail or piloting a slot car that doesn't pop out of the slot on a curve. I've not found many of these but I have ridden them and achieved some pretty fast speed for ducking tree limbs and not even being able to see the trail, just feel it by staying in the groove.

I'd pay 20 bucks to see a video of you doing so. -----

- gpsman

If you had twenty bucks.

I borrowed it. Green cash. If you can or cannot.

You still on W. Westmoreland? I'll mail it. -----

- gpsman

You pull out the cell phone camera and take a video while they've got you surrounded. Its amazing how that will make some people behave.

Here's what I think 'happened'.

Note: This is pure conjecture on my opinion of their part:

1. The bicyclists had 'planned' on using the whole road.
2. They stationed the two 'enforcers' at the rear, to block the road.
3. When you politely beeped, they had no intention of moving.
4. When you passed, they were rather upset that you did so.
5. When they caught up with you at the T intersection, they were mad.
6. You clearly wanted to have nothing to do with them.
7. They just as clearly wanted to have 'something' to do with you.
8. Hence, the altercation.
9. I'll bet they were angry that you were 'getting away' from them.
10. You should be glad you did - as their numbers would have overwhelmed you.

Cyclists need their own 'roads' known as paths or trails. Sharing the road with motor vehicles is like playing Russian roulette. At the least, we always need a paved shoulder so as not to be in the lane. And the most important lesson of all is NEVER hold up motor vehicle traffic. If you do that, sooner or later someone is going to run right over you.

? I once saw a program on TV about bicycle messengers in NYC.I think it said about 300 of them get hurt, or die, each year in NYC.

On the other hand, in case of a big disaster in a big city, riding a bicycle would probally be the fastest way to get out of town. cuhulin

I dont think your answer is very useful.

pot, meet kettle - you are the useless answer MASTER. and responding like that to a post that is more than a month old - that really is uselessness piles upon uselessness.

We talking Hells Angels here, with Hogs, leather jackets and all? Or wussy bicycles that you'll barely notice as they pass under your rear wheels?

A day or two ago I read somewhere about 100 - 150 wild motorbikers in the Saint Louis area were causing some problems. cuhulin

Well then it depends on what kind of car the OP was driving. A big bike can actually do some damage to a compact car. You might take out that one biker, but once your car comes to a stop, you are surrounded by his buddies.

My truck could easily take out even the biggest Hog. And barely slow down. So that's not an issue in my case.

If this is an ongoing problem and the cops haven't put a stop to it yet, I'd suspect that a few drivers will arm themselves and start thinning the herd pretty soon.

1500 motorcycles took over St.Louis area roads. cuhulin