Jess and I just got called ‘bitch’ about 20 times in 30 seconds at the corner of Williams & Russell, by a really angry driver, for no reason.
We had just picked my big dummy from Metropolis cycles. It was loaded up with the Tikit, which I’d ridden downtown while the dummy got repaired so my load was wider than usual.
“Watch out,” Jess said, as a white sedan pulled up too fast and too close on my right, as if preparing to make a turn. I moved into the center of the bike lane and stopped behind Jess, as she shook her head in disgust at the display of unsafe driving.
That was enough to set him off.
“WHAT’S WRONG BITCH? I CAN’T PARK HERE BITCH!? FUCK YOU AND YOUR BIKE BITCH!
…and he went on like that in a continuous stream. It reminded me of that old Callahan cartoon about what we say to dogs vs what they here. It was just a string of vitriol, and the only thing that stuck in my head was ‘bitch’ shouted every few words.
I was stunned and couldn’t think of anything to say except, “why are you so angry?” I was honestly curious. But of course all he did was include me more directly in his tirade.
It seemed to take a long time for the light to change and I wondered if we should go up on the sidewalk in case he tried to run us over but he didn’t follow us.
I’ve had my share of incidents with drivers that leave me shaking with rage and fantasizing about shooting people. This guy I just felt sorry for. There’s no way that much rage could have anything to do with us. I feel like he’ll probably have a heart attack or develop a serious illness if he doesn’t get a handle on all that rage.
Be careful out there, and be kind to each other.
Permalink
ugh. i too pity such people. it can’t be fun to go through life that filled with anger.