Physician accused of deliberately injuring two bicyclists is convicted

[Ferret Mike]

Source: L.A. Times



(picture caption) Dr. Christopher Thompson is handcuffed by L.A. County Sheriffs after being found guilty on all 7 counts. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times / November 2, 2009)


A physician accused of deliberately injuring two cyclists by slamming on his car's brakes on a narrow Brentwood road was convicted Monday of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon and other serious criminal charges.

Dr. Christopher Thompson, 60, slumped forward and held his face in his hands after the verdicts were announced in a courtroom packed mostly with supporters and cyclists.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Mary Stone, who prosecuted the case, asked for Thompson to be jailed immediately, calling him a flight risk and a safety threat to cyclists.

"There's not a cyclist in Los Angeles who would feel comfortable with this defendant out on the road after this verdict," Stone told the court.


Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-cyclist3-2009no...

---

I am glad of this outcome. I ride for transportation and sport, and know how dangerous creeps like this make the roads. I hope he gets 10 years, the maximum sentence, which won't in all likelihood happen if his record is otherwise clean.

In any event, he should also lose his medical license. He does not have the mental stability to be a doctor in a high stress job.

[redwitch]

1. He should have addressed his anger problem before this.

Damned lucky those cyclists weren't even more seriously injured or killed.
First, do no harm. Jeez.

[Ferret Mike]

2. To ride to any degree means you have personal stories like this one

I remember climbing a hill out of the town of Walton here in Lane County Oregon and having a pick-up swerve in close and a guy in the back threw beer on me.

There was a rodeo in Veneta and when I got there, I found the truck, used my valve stem remover to flatten the tires. I did leave a note thanking them for the beer too just so they would know the why to the valve amputation.

I loathe people like this, and hope that I don't die someday because of someone texting while drunk smack into me and my bike.

[krispos42]

5. Ha!

[a la izquierda]

6. My husband was out riding...

and he saw a pickup charge toward a group of pedestrians leaving campus, crossing the street. My husband was riding alongside the truck, and the drivers tried to slam him into the curb. He rode up next to the truck at a light and demanded that the two kids (college students) get out and throw down, if they're so tough. The passenger looked petrified, but the driver, as he pulled away, tried to run my husband off the road yet again. Finally, my husband hocked a huge loogie on the windshield and ducked down a street. Well, wouldn't you know, these jackass kids took a 44oz soda and whipped it at his head when they caught up to him

My husband got the last laugh: cops saw what the kids did, I think one of them ended up getting arrested.

I've had guys in trucks swerve into my lane while out on country roads. It's very clear that I'm a woman. Idiot tough guys. We've had several in Oklahoma either die, or become seriously injured because of idiot text-drivers, drunk drivers, and general asshats.

[central scrutinizer]

15. Another Lane County cyclist here

Yeah, I've met people like that as well. My favorite is the cretin who hangs out the passenger window and shouts in your ear when they pass by, then laugh. Oregon does allow for people to request citations be issued to drivers who do illegal things. Just take a picture with your cell phone of the car, note the time and place and details and be ready to go to court.

[CatholicEdHead]

43. I always have to watch out in rural Minnesota

Riding along the farm fields near the edge of the road I had some high school kids not only go by 6in to my left but they also tossed a 20oz Mountain Dew in my direction. They thankfully missed ahead of me but that would have done lots of damage as it was a full bottle and the car was doing at least 60.

[Barack_America]

3. We really need to do something about the culture of anger in this society.

It's costing us dearly.

We almost lost two lives here. We did lose a physician in a field that is already hemorrhaging doctors. And now we'll be spending tax dollars to punish this man, rather than him paying tax dollars into the system.

And for what? Why are are we all so determined that others "must be taught a lesson"? Whatever happened to tolerance and acceptance in this country, if it ever existed? Barring that, whatever happened to civility?

[redwitch]

4. we are living in a toxic society.

Anger is out of control. we have a hard time being civil even on this message board and most people seem to be in need of a double shot of empathy. I don't get it myself, no way a doctor should have been putting lives in danger. Really sad story.

[kestrel91316]

31. Fuck his money. I don't want this man practicing medicine in my state.

He is a dangerous, hotheaded nutcase. Probably a dedicated RWer, too.

[Iggo]

7. Good. Fuck that motherfucker. (n/t)

[bertman]

8. As a former bicyclist and someone who lives in an area where there are MANY bicyclists

I would like to point out that the number of clueless, reckless, inconsiderate, and dangerous bicyclists is astoundingly high.

That certainly does not justify what the doctor did, but those of you who are imagining that car and truck drivers are totally to blame are delusional.

Just last week I saw a guy in full racing regalia weaving his way through slow-moving afternoon rush-hour vehicles, then turn in front of an oncoming vehicle that had the right of way and had to slam on brakes to miss him. As long as people keep riding their bicycles in this manner, some drivers are going to lose it and do bad things.

Just sayin'.

[frylock]

11. it's the riders who refuse to set up a pace line..

and insist on riding side-by-side, sometimes three across, that give all cyclists a bad name. with the exception of a few rides downtown, i typically stick to the trails. not trying to excuse what this jackoff did. i hope he enjoys his time in the slam.

[Lautremont]

20. Where I come from, at least, it's perfectly legal for a bike to take up a whole lane.

I rarely do, but there are times when it's necessary or at least advisable.

[bertman]

25. Agreed, Lautremont. Where I come from, it's also stated that bicyclists must adhere

to the same rules of the road as automobiles, but that is observed more in the breach than the adherence.

[kestrel91316]

37. There is no law in CA that cyclists "set up a pace line", whatever the hell

that is. Two cyclists together can ride side-by-side within their lane, or single file. They are to be treated just like a car, and they have an absolute right to the use of that entire lane.

This driver was 100% in the wrong. Besides that, IMHO, he tried to MURDER them.

[Lance_Boyle]

39. You are wrong - two cyclists are to be treated as TWO cars.

Riding two abreast is dangerous and wrong (and in my state, now illegal) unless they have a parade permit and police escort.

Cyclists need to be more courteous.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

89. Needs to apply to Motorcycles too

I say some nut riding side-by-side on the freeway, and one of them was right on the center line!

[frylock]

62. many cyclists along mission gorge are often times not riding within the bike lane..

and are riding 2-3 abreast so that they can chit-chat. this is a stretch of road with a posted speed limit of 55MPH where people drive in excess of 70MPH. feel free to ride any style you like. i ride an MTB and pretty much stick to the trails. however, my instinct for self-preservation tends to kick in whenever i happen to ride in heavy traffic. if you would prefer to ride outside of the marked bike lanes because it's within your rights then knock yourself out.

if you had read my post, then you would realize that i too believe that this scum should rot in prison. unfortunately, there are cyclists out there that are either too oblivious, or appear to have an axe to grind against motorists. if you're out there riding like you have a point to prove, then your days are probably numbered.

[kestrel91316]

72. Where a bike lane exists, OF COURSE the bikes are required to use it

single file as it is intended, and must stay out of the car lane. I was referring to when there IS no bike lane, which is the case on 99.999999% of our streets in Los Angeles.

[kestrel91316]

74. Like the other poster who hates cyclists, if you think that simply riding down

the street responsibly and obeying traffic laws means I have an axe to grind and a point to prove, rather than a FUCKING JOB TO GET TO, you are in need of professional help and medication.

[frylock]

81. i AM a cyclist!!

[Gormy Cuss]

73. In most instances, bicyclists are expected to ride single file in CA.

When road conditions are such that a car and a bicyclist can not share the lane safely the bicyclist can claim the whole lane, otherwise the bicyclist is expected to travel as far to the right of the road as practical.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/shr_slow_veh.htm#bike

[Regret My New Name]

21. The idiots who do that will weed themselves out...

I would assume most of bicyclist do not behave like that.

[Ferret Mike]

27. There are unskilled bicyclers and skilled bicyclists

I obey most laws unless it is a situation where it makes no sense to stop at a sign I slow and look around at. I am not going to be an Uncle Tom of the road just because traffic laws are simplified to the benefit of cars and not the realities of bicycling.

If I did a stop and go through a neighborhood I merely could cruise slow and look carefully while traversing, I use far less energy and have far less hassle. I'm usually only in that sort of place to stay out of a car traffic mainstream anyway.

I agree courtesy and safety is both the automobile and bicycle's responsibility. I am a bicyclist extremely dedicated to the modus of transportation.

I am 55 and look 40, usually ride my Cinelli Super Coursa (1988) and have owned a Volkswagen beetle and a Ford Pinto in my life. Cars don't interest me at all, unless one is antagonizing me in the mix on the road. Bicycles are mankind's best invention.

[kestrel91316]

34. Good. Hijack the thread to badmouth all cyclists because you have seen

a few bad ones. Well, I ride my bike a lot, and have watched a lot of cyclists on the road here while driving in LA for 26 years, and I have rarely seen problem cyclists. But the problem DRIVERS are TNTC.

In CA, a cyclist has an absolute unquestioned right to take up an entire driving lane, just like a car. If he is slower than the cars on the road, TOUGH. If he weaves some in his lane, TOUGH. He gets treated with the same consideration that a car in that lane does. People who don't like this FACT need to go live somewhere else.

[Robb]

51. Yep. Cyclists are NEVER to blame.

Never, rarely, ever. In fact virtually no one riding a bicycle isn't deserving of some combination of sainthood and the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jackasses abound. They ride, drive, walk and fly. The only distinction is the kinetic reality of the consequences when one kind of jackass is a jackass to another.

Sometimes they don't think. I like to tell the story about the "Ride the Rockies" injury I was called to a few years back. When I came on scene I was told by the guy's riding partner he had seen the injured rider weave left to pass another bike (going uphill) without looking or signalling. I was reasonably certain as I walked up that the bicyclist struck by the pickup was a disabled guy on a hand-bike.

It was several moments before I realized his previously full-length legs were neatly folded up underneath his body, with the crease about halfway up his thigh. The bike was unrecognizable as a bicycle. The only possible good outcome is that he never regained consciousness.

Your right-of-way means exactly nothing to a 7,000-pound object moving at 65 mph. It would be better if more bicyclists kept this in mind.

[tinrobot]

57. Believe me, we keep it in mind.

Cyclists are well aware of what hitting a car means to their bodies. We behave accordingly.

Statistics will bear out that, in the vast majority of car-bike incidents, the car is at fault - as much as 90% of the time.

Yep, we're assholes.

[Robb]

69. You've missed the point.

Again, I could care less if you're an asshole. Who is at fault means nothing to the dead cyclists. Self-righteousness is no substitute for caution, and the right-of-way will not protect you from trauma.

I've been to enough accidents to promise you that.

Cyclists are well aware of what hitting a car means to their bodies. We behave accordingly.

No, they/you do not. Not even close.

(FWIW, I quickly found this (PDF). College campus in my state, relatively recent. 35 reports of bike vs. car accidents since 2006 on campus, 19 deemed motorist's fault, 16 the bicyclists. Hardly definitive, of course, from a study perspective. But also hardly "the vast majority" of anything. I'm sure with more time I could find something to back up your 90% statement, too, I suppose.)

[kestrel91316]

71. We are assholes for having the nerve to simply exist.

[musicblind]

77. No where did he say that. What you are proposing is called a "strawman fallacy"

[frylock]

64. and this is the attitude i'm talking about right here..

this FTW i'm a cyclist and you all can fuck off because i'm within my rights to be an obnoxious asshole. good luck with that.

[kestrel91316]

70. If riding at a normal speed in a responsible manner in a single lane of traffic is

your idea of being an obnoxious asshole, you are seriously in need of professional help and probably medication.

[robinlynne]

9. not just two. there were 3 others he did similar things to testifying yesterday.

[damntexdem]

10. I didn't know the gun was loaded.

I mean, who would have imagined that a car could hurt a bicycle rider?

Well, now he'll have some time to meditate on the issue.

[seemunkee]

12. Been following this on Velonews

Photo of the car
http://www.velonews.com/photo/99645

I've had a couple of friends killed on the road. I've had beer thrown at me, dodged cars, people speed up to turn right in front of me.
Ghost bikes for our fallen brothers and sisters.
http://www.ghostbikes.org/

[Jdub4abluenc]

13. As much as I hate it - I have taken to carrying when riding

I have come close to being assaulted out on country roads near home - both times I pulled out my cell phone & the perps drove off. Realistically it would have taken a deputy at least 15 minutes to get to my location & they just didn't have the guts to stick around. Lately, I have taken to carrying my trusty KelTec .380 in my handlebar bag & my concealed carry permit with me when I go for a ride. If I quite riding the bastards have won.I used to ride for relaxation; all I get is more uptight - geesh!

[Techn0Girl]

32. Carrying While riding?? wtf?

I realize this is the teh internets and virtually all "tough guys" are cheeto eating basement dwellers but if you truly do (and I doubt it) carry around a gun while riding because you "feel the need" - than you are part of the problem. I now return you to your regularly scheduled fantasy ....

[pitohui]

14. this is a cruel society, this is ridiculous for slamming on one's brakes and maybe yelling something

this doctor must have the worst lawyer in the world

if everyone who slams on their brakes is guilty of the crime of battery and injuring then everyone on DU, everybody in america, is a criminal -- yes, you too, who are reading this and pretending to be so holy because someone else had the bad luck to get in the accident instead of you

cyclists just like those of in cars need to be aware that someone can slam on their brakes at any time, i can't think how many times an animal or a pedestrian has jumped out in front of me without warning and i had no choice but to slam on my brakes -- if you're following too close, then you're at fault NO EXCEPTIONS, i don't have eyes in back of my head and i'm amazed that they found an entire jury of people who do

these cyclists were going to get hurt INEVITABLY as a result of their own actions, at the hands of some vehicle, it was just this doc's bad luck that it was his vehicle from the sound of it

oh yeah and he yelled at them to ride single file instead of taking up the whole road so that makes HIM the criminal? if rudeness is a crime, the bicyclists were just as rude and they started it, jeez

jesus what the hell is the matter with people? this case should have never gone to court

i suppose the bicyclists had rich parents or other undue influence in the community

meanwhile i know of cases of bicyclists killed in hit and runs and nothing is done

double standard much?

i really hope there is more to the story than in this link, because if not, what an awful miscarriage of justice and what a waste of a man's career and life, not to mention taxpayer dollars

too many people these days profit from putting someone, anyone in a cage

bottom line -- if you don't follow too close, then it doesn't matter if the guy ahead of you slams on his brakes -- and stop kidding yourself it's all about YOU because most times, most days, the brakes are slammed to prevent hitting someone/something on the road ahead

[tonysam]

17. Cry me a river

This guy had a history of anger towards cyclists.

This guy deserves jail and more. He ruined the lives of two people.

[Lautremont]

18. Yeah, that poor misunderstood guy.

ptooee on you too.

[tkmorris]

23. "i really hope there is more to the story than in this link"

Of course there is, though it is interesting that you acknowledge that you are unaware of it, yet go on and post very emphatic opinions on the case anyway. Do you do that sort of thing a lot? Hold forth on topics you know little to nothing about? You might want to ease up on on that, it's a sure fire way to look like a horse's patootie.

To address just one of many ill conceived "points" you tried to make, the cyclist were NOT following too closely. The doctor whipped around them from behind at speed and immediately locked his brakes. If I speed past your car while in mine, then pull directly in front of you and lock em up I can make you rear end me as well. I bet you'd be outraged if I did that and then some yahoo accused you of "following too closely".

[Lance_Boyle]

35. Were they riding two abreast prior to the incident, deliberately preventing him from passing?

Refusing to keep right so he could get by safely? I see that one ALL THE TIME on my narrow winding country road. Cyclists need to be more courteous.

[tkmorris]

54. Not exactly, no

They had apparently been riding two abreast, but one pulled in behind the other when they became aware of the car.

[Lance_Boyle]

60. Hrm. I cannot fault cyclists riding single-file, near the right line.

How long it took them to "become aware of" the car could be an issue. An issue that could be resolved immediately by making it illegal nationwide for cyclists to ride two or more abreast. I can see no reason for permitting cyclists to ride two or more abreast, and lots of reasons why it shouldn't be done. Wonder where the majority of cyclists stand on the issue, and why?

[frylock]

26. you may want to read further before making a complete asshole of yourself..

they weren't following to closely as you suggest. rather this fuckhole swerved in front of them and applied a "brake check." if some asshole pulled that on me, jailtime would be the least of his concerns.

[kestrel91316]

41. The cyclists weren't tailgating the car, lol. The car came up behind, got

pissed off at them because they inconvenienced him by existing, raced in front of them and then slammed on his brakes for the sole purpose of injuring them.

[Romulox]

45. The guy confessed; give it up. nt

[slackmaster]

90. He tried to kill two people

...cyclists just like those of in cars need to be aware that someone can slam on their brakes at any time...

It's illegal to slam on the brakes when you don't need to.

[unblock]

16. i was wondering how they could be so sure he was guilty -- he confessed.

he told the police he wanted "to teach them a lesson".

there's real legal idiocy right there. i'm glad it led to the right result, but had he kept his mouth shut, like any defense lawyer would have advised, the prosecutor would have had a tougher time proving its case.

though the fact that TWO cyclists were injured would have made it a much stronger case than had it been just one.

[tonysam]

19. He undoubtedly was the stereotypical arrogant doctor

He thought he could play God with people's lives--this time outside of a medical facility.

[Lance_Boyle]

36. So his sudden stop got them both - they WERE riding two abreast.

That's newly illegal here, though I have yet to see the new law enforced. Cyclists need to be more courteous.

[unblock]

44. not clear, the second one's injuries might have been from being forced off the road

but agreed, everyone needs to share the road.

[Lance_Boyle]

46. That would also be the cyclist's fault - safe following distance.

I have nothing against recreational bicycling. I think it's great exercise and great fun. But (and it's a HUGE but), cyclists *desperately* need to be disabused of the notion that they can emulate tour de france behaviors on public roads. It's just not safe to ride like you're Lance friggin Armstrong (and 20+ teammates) when other vehicles are trying to use the same stretch of public road.

In short, cyclists need to be more courteous.

[tinrobot]

50. 9 out of 10 cyclist fatalities are the motorist's fault.

...and we need to be more courteous.

Right.

[Lance_Boyle]

56. cite?

[tinrobot]

59. Start here...

It's a statistical report of bike and pedestrian deaths in NYC. They combed the court records and added up the findings

Summary:
http://www.cars-suck.org/news/kbarelease.html

64 page report (.pdf)
http://www.cars-suck.org/research/kba_text.pdf

(edit - spelling)

[Lance_Boyle]

61. NYC is hardly relevant to most cycling, or most driving.

Gimme some stats on this from Westchester north, or from rural North Carolina.

[tinrobot]

63. If I did, you wouldn't believe that, either...

[Lance_Boyle]

68. I fully believe that cyclists in NYC are less often at fault than car drivers.

I just don't believe those statistics mean anything at all when someone attempts to extrapolate from them data about areas outside the metropolis.

Here's one for you: who runs stop signs more often in rural NC, drivers or cyclists?

[Lautremont]

80. You tell us.

[unblock]

88. not if the situation was as described -- the driver pulled in front and slammed on the brakes.

[undeterred]

22. I think there's a connection between road rage and narcissistic

personality disorder. This guy seems to have both.

[grantcart]

24. He wouldn't try that shit with Cliffordu - or would live to regret it!

[PJPhreak]

28. I am usually a peaceable person,

But if I am out riding my Mt Bike/Tourer and someone does something like this to me,they better hurt me BAD....For I Will Pull them outta their car or truck and beat the living crap outta them.

[NoodleyAppendage]

29. Roads are for CARS, not bicycles. If you want to ride a bike, then get on a BIKE PATH.

I don't endorse what the doctor did in this case, but that's a separate issue from the danger that cyclist pose to themselves and others by riding on busy streets. I live in NC where it is common to see weekend warrior cyclists on two lane back roads that are heavily travelled with little-to-no shoulder on the road. These cyclists cause cars to pass them by crossing the center line into oncoming traffic, thus posing an unnecessary risk to the MAJORITY OF TAXPAYERS using the road...those in cars.

[depakid]

33. There's no room in Mandeville Canyon for a bike lane

And the cyclists were likely coming from a ride in the Santa Monica mountains- where there are hundreds of miles of fire roads, closed off to cars (due to fire danger).

Bottom line:

[Lance_Boyle]

38. Cyclists riding two or more abreast is recently illegal in NC.

I wish to the gawds the new law would be applied. Where I live (on the two lane back country roads you mention) they haul their bikes in on SUVs and then proceed to create slow moving hazards on every road, often in packs of 20+ with no parade permit. It is fucking intolerable.

Cyclists need to be more courteous.

[Lautremont]

47. So, what are you saying? That cyclists need to be more courteous?

Funny message on a thread about cyclists who got their faces rearranged by an asshole in a car.

[Lance_Boyle]

52. That's PRECISELY what I'm saying.

I would add a footnote to this one post, however, that homicidal medical professionals with anger management issues should also strive to be more courteous on the road.

Interesting that the driver in this case would probably have gotten off scot free had he "seen a squirrel run out in the road" in front of his car before slamming on the brakes. Safe following distance, like other rules of the road, does not apply to internal combustion engine powered vehicles only.

[tinrobot]

55. You still don't get it.

He didn't give them time to assume a "safe following distance"

He pulled in front of them and immediately hit the brakes. If you were in a car or on a motorcycle and he did the same thing to you, he'd be equally at fault.

[Lance_Boyle]

58. He may have had legitimate reason to immediately hit the brakes after passing.

It sure sounds like, in this case, he didn't. But there is no immutable law that says a squirrel (or a child, or a camaro) cannot dart out in front of your car just as you finish passing someone.

I would love to know how long the injured cyclists trapped this guy behind them without proving a safe opportunity to pass. But I guess that's going to remain unknowable. I sympathize with the cyclists who want safer riding conditions. Perhaps they can persuade their not-so-civilized fellow cyclists to be more courteous.

Cyclists need to be more courteous.

[tinrobot]

66. So how many cyclists have you run off the road?

Given the chance, you sure sound like the type that would.

[Lance_Boyle]

67. Not a one, but I have had the sherrif's dept halt unauthorized parades

when "cycling groups" decide they can fill lanes and even direct traffic at intersections with no authority.

All I'm asking for here is a little consideration from cyclists - share the road doesn't just work one-way.

[kestrel91316]

42. FAIL. Actually, EPIC FAIL.

Roads are not just for cars in CA. Roads are also for bicycles and motorcycles. The only place bicycles are legally impermissible here is on controlled access roads aka freeways.

We don't have many bike paths here in Los Angeles, and the ones we have don't go anywhere I want or need to go for the most part, so are useless for commuting.

Bikes are required to follow the rules of the road just like cars, and are in return given the same rights. YMMV. This case happened here in CA.

As I said: EPIC FAIL.

[tinrobot]

53. Next time you're stuck behind some cyclists...

Sit back in your leather seat, turn up the climate control, listen to your surround sound stereo, lift up that mocha-latte in your cupholder, take a long sip...

...and chill the fuck out.

Then when you're calm enough, realize that the cyclists do have a right to the road and pass them when it's safe. I guarantee you'll still arrive at your destination on time -- and with lower blood pressure.

[musicblind]

75. you're right about everything except for

"I guarantee you'll still arrive at your destination on time"

[Ignis]

83. ...

http://cdn-www.cracked.com/phpimages/photoshop/7/1/4/17...

[PJPhreak]

85. Like Hell!

I own two cars,Drive them all the time,pay my road usage taxes,registration,Ks.Auto property tax,AND the laws say I have FULL use of the right lane on a four lane road (Except Interstate Hwys.) and on two lane roads I have use of the first three feet from the curb or edge line.

If you wanna drive a car go to a race course!!

jerk!

Edit to add: I drive a 30,000 lb articulated Truck for a living AND Ride 40-60 Miles a Day,So at least I see the problem from both points of view....And your point of view is what gets cyclists hurt or killed!

[MadHound]

87. No, the roads are for everybody, four and two wheels,

This has been the rules of the road since bikes actually had to start accommodating those new fangled cars. I live in the country, and there are no bike paths within a thirty mile radius, what do you propose, that I simply not ride? Fuck that, and fuck this attitude that you have about cyclists in general. Sorry, but I pay my taxes for those roads as well and I have as just as much right to ride on them as you have to drive.

As far as crossing the center line, out on a country road, oh boo hoo. It's the country, drivers out here cross the center line all the time, for reasons ranging from avoiding animals to avoiding potholes, to just the simple fact that they want to. Deal with it.

[proteus_lives]

30. This guy is an asshole and deserves to be in jail.

But something in your comments make me want to say, "roads are for cars, not bikes!"

Stay in the bike lanes or off the road. I can't tell you how many times I've been in traffic that was slowed to a crawl because of bike on the side of the road.

[depakid]

65. If you're driving faster than bikes on that road- then you're speeding

Then again- some can't bother to ever be inconvienced- and for those folks, there will be some solace in watching as their gas prices rise to $5-$7 and $10+ per gallon.

The shoe will then be on the other foot, so to speak.

[musicblind]

76. That arguement doesn't even make sense?

If a bike is going 25 miles an hour, and the speed limit is 55 miles per-hour and you have to go 35 miles per hour... you aren't speeding.

[depakid]

78. You've never driven or ridden in Mandeville Canyon

It's quite narrow and windy in places, the speed limit is 25 and 30- though drivers frequently speed (and hit animals, among other things).

Cyclists also speed, for that matter- I know that I have.

[proteus_lives]

79. They are certainly not going the speed limit.

Especially up a hill. Add the two-wheeled wonders to the delivery boys darting in and out of lanes. Uggh.

The shoe actually is on the other foot when it's 10 degrees with a couple feet of snow on the ground and the bikers are shivering at the bus stop.

[Jennicut]

40. My brother is a hardcore cyclist who rides from 50 to 70 miles a day.

If some jerk ever did that to him I would be devastated. He has already been thrown off his bike when a car almost hit him (driver not paying attention). My brother had to swerve quickly and hit a curb and when over. What a terrible thing to do to someone else. I worry about my older bro all the time but he is extremely experienced and competes in races, he actually gets more hurt going around a track with other bikers them cycling along a road.

[Vehl]

48. He must have taken the hypocritic oath instead of the hippocratic oath!!

doctors are supposed to save people...not injure them!

[shanti]

49. whatever happened to the hippocratic oath?

"first, do no harm..."

[tabasco]

82. His dumb ass will pay big bucks in the civil suit, too.

Fuckin' asswipe.

[cliffordu]

84. I would have needed to be restrained had I been in the courtroom.

I ride everywhere, pretty much. I hate that man.

[TexasObserver]

86. I can never understand how someone does something like this.

[slackmaster]

91. When people question the relationship between humans and great apes, I point to driving behavior

The way some people behave while driving is very similar to territorial fighting between male chimpanzees and gorillas.

[AlphaCentauri]

92. Good those crips driving big autos allways scare me when I ride my bike