Category: law

Intentionally bumped by a car

Richard MasonerJune 14, 201114 Comments on Intentionally bumped by a car

Two years ago, the driver of a red BMW pulled up behind me, intentionally bumped my bike and ran. Santa Cruz police responded to my 911 call with admirable swiftness, but the plate number I rattled off in the heat of the moment was incorrect, so Mr. Wonderful got away.

Something similar happened to Kate in Washington DC last February. She stopped at a red light while biking home from work. The driver behind her stopped. Maybe this driver is a fan of Tony Kornheiser — the ESPN announcer who told his listeners to “run them [cyclists] over” — because the driver pulled up and nudged Kate, pushing her forward into the intersection. The car occupants started laughing and bumped Kate again. Then things got interesting for the driver.

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Poll: The law and reflective clothing

Richard MasonerMay 11, 201019 Comments on Poll: The law and reflective clothing

In a recent mailing list discussion, somebody proposed a law in which reflective or high visibility clothing for cyclists should be mandatory.

As far as I know, New Hampshire is the only state with this requirement — NH RSA 265:144 “Special Rules for Bicycles” states, in part, “A bicyclist shall wear at least one item of reflective outerwear apparel, such as a reflective vest, jacket, or helmet strip, during the period from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.”

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Posted In law | safety
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