|
|
Post by rattlemeter on Apr 7, 2008 12:37:09 GMT -5
Last night I was heading home from a quick cruise around my neighborhood. I was in the right lane on a 4 lane street with a 40 MPH limit, about 1/4 of a mile from my right turn back onto a residential street. Three cars were ahead of me in my lane, one of them turning right I guess, since they had slowed to about 25 to 30. From behind me in the left lane comes some guy in a ratty looking Impala; he slows down to pace me and revs his engine several times like he wants to race or something. With him on my left, cars in front and a curb and shoulder on the right that slopes steeply down to a pond, I didn't have much of an escape route if things got much weirder. I look straight at him for a moment; he's got his dome light on so I can see him and he makes a throttle-twisting gesture with his right hand while romping his gas. I smile (he probably couldn't see that through my full helmet), raise my left hand and return the twisting gesture. Then he grinned and drove off, so I guess it was all in good humor.
I'm still not sure of his motivation and why he thought it would be a good idea to fark with a guy on a scooter, even if in fun. Anyone else here have to deal with a cager or other driver trying to fark with you? Advice on dealing with such a situation?
|
|
|
|
Post by tankcommander on Apr 7, 2008 14:22:16 GMT -5
As much as I would like to mess with them also, considering what we are riding and the protection we have, I am going to have to say the prudent thing to do is ignore them. And yes, I hate to admit that but for folks who have significant others, children or grandchildren you just have to let some of the idiots on the highway of life have their day.
|
|
wyrlss
Junior Dawg
Kanpai
Posts: 11
|
Post by wyrlss on Apr 7, 2008 15:11:53 GMT -5
I have a hypothesis that wearing a suit and tie and strapping a briefcase to your scoot makes you less likely to be messed with, tailgated, whatever. Alternatively, look really friendly.
My rule for m'self is, "Let them get away." because they usually have somewhere to be. I do too, when it comes to that, so I'd like to make it there.
Saw a guy this morning on campus who a) drove his scooter from the parking department to the street (over the sidewalk which is not allowed/safe) he buzzed right past us, kind of used the crosswalk as a turn lane b) was wearing headphones, which I could hear the music coming out of and c) was not wearing a helmet. I imagined him driving in the middle of a fleet of F150s. He'll probably be okay. Maybe.
Just remember, try not to redo the end of Easy Rider.
|
|
|
|
Post by griff10 on Apr 7, 2008 20:33:52 GMT -5
If they won't leave you alone, I get off the road as quickly as possible and let them go away. Aggressive behavior on your part will eventually get you hurt, or worse.
Bill H.
|
|
|
|
Post by xmirage2kx on Apr 8, 2008 7:12:33 GMT -5
Back in my younger days I would have had some fun with people like that (probably why the ER staff know me by name), but now I just ignore them. There is always going to be idiots out there, why join them?
|
|
|
|
Post by madwolf on Apr 8, 2008 21:28:00 GMT -5
I wear a German style helmet. My theory is " if there pointing and laughing at you......... there pointing, and that means they know where you are, and since the most common phrase by a cager is "i didn't see him" i figure they can have there chuckle on the road.......... ill have mine at the gas pump." ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by slacker on Apr 10, 2008 12:41:07 GMT -5
I actually dealt with aggressive cagers a lot when I rode my "human powered" bike in Chicago. Most of the time you just have to let it go. They'll be gone in a matter of seconds. Some times they just won't let it go... It's amazing how insecure some people who drive cars are, that all it takes to antagonize them is simply being there. I got a lot of "Get the F___ of the road!" and other insults hurled at me. I've had things thrown out of cars at me. In all these instances, the only provocation on my part was legally riding my bike on the street.
Bottom line: Some people are jerks. These same people will likely always be jerks. You can't change their mind, so don't do anything stupid attempting to do so.
The only time I ever actually did something was when a jerk in a pickup truck in front of me spun his tires taking off at a green light. There was gravel on the road due to some construction, and a few of the pebbles hit my face. I caught up to him at the next light and let him have it. He got the message. in retrospect it was really stupid... but I have to admit it felt good.
|
|
|
|
Post by termite on Apr 20, 2008 11:17:52 GMT -5
Remember: you're on a scooter. Scooters generally don't have enough speed to outrun most cars, if you seriously piss off the driver. Keep that in mind.
My attitude when I am on the Majesty is different than when I'm on the ZR-7S. The chances of an angry driver catching me if I'm on the ZR-7S are pretty slim, unless his car can turn a 12 second quarter mile, and top 130 mph.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aerostudent on Apr 20, 2008 18:22:12 GMT -5
My attitude when I am on the Majesty is different than when I'm on the ZR-7S. The chances of an angry driver catching me if I'm on the ZR-7S are pretty slim, unless his car can turn a 12 second quarter mile, and top 130 mph. ;D That's my theory, but my mom still says scooters are a whole lot safer, BECAUSE they CAN'T go fast. Aero |
|
|
|
Post by griff10 on Apr 21, 2008 2:43:24 GMT -5
Your mom don't want you dead, big surprise, so that's why she likes the scooter with lower power.
Doesn't in any way make it safer assuming the rider has the skills (and brains) to safely ride a machine with more power.
Bill H.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aerostudent on May 3, 2008 18:56:01 GMT -5
"and brains..." a very key part, one that I definately do have (3.5 gpa in college as an engineering major, and very good common sense as well) but a good portion of people lack the brains. Statistically, only 7% of the population has so-called "common" sense.
Aero
|
|
|
|
Post by slowscootin07 on May 3, 2008 21:54:03 GMT -5
Well Aero, since we're on the topic of common sense, Then why didn't you "majorly engineer" a better LEGO explosion? hehe. Things do go boom every once and a while don't they, but I'd expect a little better than that  I have a spare airbag/wheel assembly and I want to see how far into the air I can launch a Barbie. What height do you think I can achieve? Of course I'll make a video of it and share it here. Any insight Aero? I know this is a bit off the topic and no thread jacking is intended. |
|
|
|
Post by Aerostudent on May 14, 2008 20:02:34 GMT -5
HAHA!!! We have a better explosion design already!!! This one has less fire, but the blast radius is about 5 times the size (6ft radius of legos, maybe 8ft) for more flying lego pieces! To be honest, none of us knew what the last one would do.
I once saw a Max-X episode where some guy tried to launch HIMSELF on the airbag assy. It was funny to watch the airbag box thing go flying away at about 200MPH with they guy left writhing on the ground holding his backside! LOL, good times!
If you are going to launch the barbie, I would make some sort of basic bracket to hold the airbag in place and level, that will put more of the force into the barbie and less into launching the airbag (what happened in mentioned stupid-guy's attempt). Assuming a 200MPH launch (~90m/s) and basic kinematics it comes out to be about 1300ft max, but that is probably about 25%-40% higher than actual (no air restance, critical velocity, etc.), so I would expect around 700ft, IF the barbie launches perfectly verticle (which it most likely won't), but that atleast gives you a basic idea (providing my calculations are right). YOU'VE GOTTA GET THIS ON VIDEO!!! I didn't expect numbers so high (I would have guessed 100ft +/-), it seems that you have a barbie CANNON!!! I would use multiple cameras to get a close up as well as a further back shot of the total height.
Aero
|
|
|
|
Post by olderthandirt on Jan 25, 2009 17:02:16 GMT -5
If they won't leave you alone, I get off the road as quickly as possible and let them go away. Aggressive behavior on your part will eventually get you hurt, or worse. Bill H. Read many of your post...and agree as a rule. Watch them,avoid them, don't tic them off, follow a passive rule.Was raised a passivest (sp?) They have the mass to do damage. ut, if you play the "1%er" in the city..most-will back off. Tv casting gives us the upper hand if you follow the 'shike aspect. remember tv/movies make "bikers" 1%ers...Does work if they aren't so wrapped up in in there inseurites to see what is happening in the real world. have a great day ya'll |
|
|
|
Post by olderthandirt on Jan 25, 2009 17:15:10 GMT -5
"and brains..." a very key part, one that I definately do have (3.5 gpa in college as an engineering major, and very good common sense as well) but a good portion of people lack the brains. Statistically, only 7% of the population has so-called "common" sense. Aero[/quoteWhat I don't understand..whet do they call it "common sense" when it seems to be such a RARE commodity? Please forgive me for being so dumb..  |
|
|
|
Post by bldevine on Jul 7, 2012 23:38:05 GMT -5
I carry scooter counter measures rusted lug nuts ball bearings jack rocks things like that. Here in my hometown people like to screw with scooters on the highway . But it makes them back off real quick when you drop it on the road
|
|
|
|
Post by katastroff on Jul 8, 2012 6:29:11 GMT -5
The main problem is that most of them few cagers/road ragers, when they see a scooter, they see a 14-15 yrs old teen on a big toy.
We are a nuisance to many them. Many times while on a red light, i've seen cars change lane in my mirror just so they would not be stuck behind me. I've been cut off a few times only to see that the car got in a parking lot or take a left turn only a few 100 feet in front of me. Some of them will still remember me in 20 years.(evil grin)
On the open road, not much we can do about them. In the city, its another story because they will always be that next red light where i ll catch up to them and give them a few !&*%.
Up here in Quebec,, it cost about the same to register my scooter or a car ($232 for my bike, $250 for a car). So them few f*^%$ dumb ass cagers either get the finger or a kick in the door at the next red light.
We have as much right to ride the street as they do, so for me its: live with it or get the f*&^% out my way.
Small bike, big temper.
|
|
|
|
Post by flscooter on Jul 17, 2012 9:51:56 GMT -5
A friend of mine who rides motorbikes as a State Trooper gave me this helpful tip back when I rode road bikes. Carry a pocket of glass marbles, make sure they are glass, if someone is going out of their way to harrass you or even worst pelt their windsheild at speed with the marbles. Glass marbles explode on impact so no finger prints when they call the cops to whine about how they were just driving along and a crazy on a scooter broke their window. 98% of cops won't even bother to have fingerprints done or a true investigation because they know they deserved it.
|
|
|
|
Post by isellscoots on Jul 17, 2012 10:31:43 GMT -5
Most drivers seem to be very considerate. It is funny to me how some drivers feel like they have done something great by speeding up or dashing out to pass a scooter. Makes them really feel awesome I guess. Pretty funny to me. Women drivers seem to be the worst. Seems like the men don't tale gate as much. Always wondered why? Not meaning to start a debate here, just what I have observed over the last two years.
Safe Safe!
|
|
|
|
Post by skuttadawg on Jul 17, 2012 10:35:38 GMT -5
Get a concealed weapons permit and get a Taurus Judge which can shoot Colt 45s or 410 shotgun shells .
I bought a machete at Harbor Freight to go camping with one night and it was too long to fit into the trunk or under the seat . I had some goobers yell out " Get off of the road " , well a redlight caught them . I pulled up , put my scooter on the CS and yelled " WTF " to them and walked to the car . One of them said " OMG he has a sword " and rolled up the window . I tapped on the window and they ran the redlight . It was funny to me as I was only going to mess with them since they did me .
I bet if I had a loaded gun rack like I did in my pickup truck Id never get any BS
|
|
|
|
Post by katastroff on Jul 17, 2012 10:37:17 GMT -5
This should fix any tale gatting problems.
|
|
|
|
Post by inkyben on Jul 17, 2012 10:40:57 GMT -5
I keep a .25 in my tool bag for road ragers that have a big ego.
|
|
|
|
Post by skuttadawg on Jul 17, 2012 10:56:51 GMT -5
Wow I want a flame thrower to !!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by jwalz1 on Jul 19, 2012 18:20:00 GMT -5
+1 for the flame thrower.
I generally find a bubble and stay away from everybody, but tailgaters are a pain. I generally just let go of the throttle and let the bike coast to as slow as it needs to get until they switch lanes and pass.
|
|
|
|
Post by tug54 on Jul 19, 2012 18:59:54 GMT -5
I carry a loaded DX 45 cal 13 rounds in clip and one in chamber in my Reflex glove box with a laser....
|
|
|
|
Post by katastroff on Jul 19, 2012 21:53:23 GMT -5
 The Vespa 150 TAP is an Italian Vespa scooter modified to transport a M20 75 mm recoilless rifle, which was used in the 1950s by the French Airborne Forces. It was produced by Ateliers de Construction de Motocycles et Automobiles (ACMA), a licensed assembler of Vespas in France, in 1956 and 1959. Its mounted M20, a U.S.-made light anti-armour cannon, was very light when compared to a standard 75mm cannon but was still able to penetrate 100 mm of armour. The recoil is counteracted by venting propellant gases out the rear of the weapon which eliminated the need for a mechanical recoil system or heavy mounts, enabling the weapon to be fired from the Vespa frame. The scooters would be parachute-dropped in pairs, accompanied by a two-man team. The gun was carried on one scooter, while the ammunition was loaded on the other. Due to the lack of any kind of aiming devices the recoiless rifle was never designed to be fired from the scooter, the gun was mounted on a tripod which was also carried by the scooter, before being fired. The "Bazooka Vespa" was relatively cheap: Vespas cost roughly $500 at the time, and the M20s were plentiful. Roughly 800 of these scooters were deployed in the Algerian War. |
|
|
|
Post by skuttadawg on Jul 19, 2012 21:59:30 GMT -5
Wow that looks neato
|
|
|
|
Post by psychedelicode on Jul 23, 2012 18:49:42 GMT -5
I personally dive for the sidewalk, Here people have NO respect for bicycles or scooters. I just get the heck out of the way. I hate cars and most people who drive them. But at least if you can get a picture of the plate and pitch a b**** at the police they will issue a ticket and hearing for wrongful endangerment and reckless driving. I have done that to at least 10 people who have wet my willy since I started riding a scooter. 3 of them I chased down through he city streets and skidded out in front of them at a red light just to get the photo because they scared me that bad. 1 wanted to get in a nasty brawl untill my riding buddy pulled up behind him:)
|
|
|
|
Post by bambamofatlanta on Dec 10, 2012 22:36:55 GMT -5
katastroff, you have to turn the gun around to point out the back of the scooter, then it would work perfect!
I noticed that people tended to stay off my rear when my boy was on the back.
So I now ride around with a stuffed toddler tied to my waist.
If they still don't get the message and ride my rear, I simply pull the string around my stomach and let the fake child fall off the back of my scooter. Crashed every car behind me so far. Just make sure all other cars are clear first so no one inocent gets hurt.
|
|
|
|
Post by wutzthedeal on Dec 11, 2012 0:00:40 GMT -5
I have to admit that I'll probably end up getting killed if people get too crazy around here. I live in a small, relatively "nice" town but there are the "born heres" and the "come heres" (don't get me started). All of the born-heres tend to favor huge pickups; no problem with that except that in my experience, they are compensating for something. The bigger the truck, the smaller the oh Hell no he did not. Anyway, I've already gotten into the faces of two guys. They have more respect for cyclists around here, it seems, than scooter riders (we only have about 5 or 6 regular riders in this ~9k person town). If I can get them to stop, we will have words. I wish I had a horn that could blow the skin off of an elephant. I'd push it regularly. Instead, I have to rely on my size and generally quick wit, and my size means nothing when going to battle via scooter against truck.
|
|
