Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Justice sandwich


CT Transit buses don't like bikes despite those front racks. Or at the very least, they don't like bikes in Hartford. Maybe they think bikes are taking their business. Who knows?

Anyway, back in September I was riding to work and dealing with a particularly unfriendly bus. I passed it around South Green's bus stop and then it passed me, then I passed it again. I guess the driver got mad about this, because when he passed me at Main and Buckingham, he slammed on the brakes in the middle of the intersection right after he passed me. I was force to switch lanes to avoid the bus, but there was a Rav 4 waiting for me in the other lane that had stopped because a bus had pulled out in front of it. I hit the Rav 4 and broke its taillight and dented the rear quarter panel. I was contrite and apologized. The driver was very concerned that I was going to take off.

Called 911, etc. The cops were initially nice. I admitted fault for hitting the car. They gave me a warning and right before I was about to leave, they changed their minds and decided to write a ticket for following too closely. I thought that was unfair, but despite being a fellow City employee, I avoid arguing with cops.

My renter's insurance (Liberty Mutual, they're good!) thankfully covered the Rav-4 damage, because the repair bill was almost $1000. I plead not guilty, because I figured taking evasive action to avoid an angry bus shouldn't warrant a $170 fine. My court date was today and I won! The State's attorney at first thought I was operating a motorcycle, but when I told her it was a bicycle she questioned how I could even receive a ticket for failure to signal a turn ((C.G.S. §14-242) which is what the ticket ended up being for, not sure why the cops told me something else). She also told me to be careful.

Anyway, thank you CT Judicial Branch for being lenient with me. Watch out of buses.

10 comments:

Schleppi Longstocking said...

Mazel tov!

Years back when I tried to start riding again, all my progress ended one day when I had a scare involving a bus in the same spot. I had the complete right of way, but a bus pulling out from the South Green busstop BLASTED its horn and cut me off. I was so grateful it didn't hit me, but nearly shat myself while cussing out the driver. I agree with your assessment. They really do seem to hate cyclists in Hartford. Anyway, it took me a few years to get the nerve to ride my bike again after that incident.

Brendan said...

The stretch from the end of Retreat to Central Row is the worst bus zone on Earth. Cars are mostly predictable there. My problems always with buses.

Schleppi Longstocking said...

Since so many cyclists are seasonal riders, meaning they get on the bus during shitty weather, you'd think the buses would be more careful about preserving the lives of their sometimes customers.

Brendan said...

I thought most cyclists retreat to their cars when the weather gets bad.

Mark said...

Brendan, congrats on beating the ticket!

In this part of the state I haven't seen anyone on a bike in month! Granted, bike commuters are more warmer seasonal (I am trying to break the mold) and of course all the roadies around here have retreated to their trainers and spin classes. I don't have a trainer but spin 2x a week is the only pedal time I am getting right now.

Brendan said...

Commuting is practically the only riding i'm getting right now. But just think, the trails being unrideable will make them seem that much more awesome come spring.

Mark said...

Spring is going to be sloppy!

Tony C said...

If you ever have a bad experience with a bus driver, it is essential to report it to CT Transit. Every company has bad employees, and the transit district will have a policy for disciplining dangerous behaviour.

In Champaign-Urbana where the bike / ped mode share was about 8X higher there were still occasional run ins with irritable bus drivers. The bus district had no tolerance for dangerous driving and welcomed the feedback from cyclists on bad actors.

Glad that the court system tossed out the shoddy ticket.

Still getting in decent commuter miles lately, but the salt is super punishing to my poor bikes. I should be wiping them down and re-lubing more often.

Neil Davis said...

Congrats on beating the wrap, and I like the low key approach to obnoxious drivers. We have similar issues here in NorCal ( http://www.mendo2milechallenge.org/) and I find for my own peace of mind I can't let drivers get me mad.

Brendan said...

I agree, Neil, though I think that one must be careful not be walked all over (driven all over) by drivers in my opinion. The zen/doormat ratio should equal 1?