Topic ID 6950
Thanks, car driver. Thanks for taking no notice of me on my bike even though I had four front lights. Thanks for coming after me as I chained my bike up when all I did was have the audacity to shake my head at your incompetent driving. Thanks for telling me it was a one way street and I shouldn't be there (nonsense). Thanks for calling me a pr*ck, t*sser, w*nker and other assorted names in front of your child sat in your passenger seat. Thanks for threatening to damage my bike. Thanks for threatening to "f*cking sort me"..........which you so cowardly retreated from when I pointed out that the whole area was covered by cameras. Photograph of car taken. Registration number noted. Your daughter works in Sainsburys as you were collecting her. Every moment was captured on CCTV. I hope the driver has sufficient intelligence to read this but I doubt it.
Reply ID 91814
This is a rather one-sided account in which you minimise and excuse your contribution. This is not the first story you have related of your involvement in an aggressive confrontation, in all of which you claim to be an innocent victim. I cycle and drive all around Hertford and often visit Sainsburys. I encounter aggressive inconsiderate drivers, sometimes i feel angry, but not once has it ever resulted in an aggressive confrontation. In fact I don't know of anyone who reports even witnessing, let alone involvement in as many angry incidents as you. Given that you are the common denominator in all these incidents, what is that you do differently do you think?
Reply ID 91815
quote:Maybe blind people with four front lights [:D]
Given that you are the common denominator in all these incidents, what is that you do differently do you think?
Reply ID 91816
Originally posted by Enoughofthat
This is a rather one-sided account in which you minimise and excuse your contribution.
How very astute of you. Of course it is one-sided. I wrote it. As for my 'contribution', I state that I shook my head.
This is not the first story you have related of your involvement in an aggressive confrontation, in all of which you claim to be an innocent victim.
And? Your point is? And can I ask why you take such an interest in me? Why challenge me when you have nothing to do with me or these incidents? Perhaps I should seek alternatives such as venting my spleen on local retailers for having advertising boards (http://www.hertford.net/yoursay/topic.php?id=6947&whichpage=1)....I quote, "I was mildly miffed enough to have a polite word with the owner".
I cycle and drive all around Hertford and often visit Sainsburys. I encounter aggressive inconsiderate drivers, sometimes i feel angry, but not once has it ever resulted in an aggressive confrontation.
Your call, not mine. If anyone is ever unncessarily agressive towards you I hope you stick by your esteemed principles and brush it off. Or perhaps you can round on yourself, blame yourself even.
In fact I don't know of anyone who reports even witnessing, let alone involvement in as many angry incidents as you.
I ask again, why come after me on a public forum for an incident that has absolutely nothing to do with you? If you have nothing constructive to add then why be so negative?
"Given that you are the common denominator in all these incidents, what is that you do differently do you think?"
"all these incidents"?
What?
"what is that you do differently do you think?"
Construct a coherent sentence, perhaps.
Perhaps I am an aggression magnet. After all, when all I have done is make a comment on this forum someone, you, with absolutley no direct involvement has sought to challenge me. I made no reference to you or anything you did, said or wrote. Yet you challenge me. Perhaps I am seen as an easy target for those with serious personal weaknesses to assert themselves. You are no different to the driver of the Mercedes.
Frankly, you need to get a more constructive hobby. I'm sure you will come on here to bump your gums and read your own words. You have sought me out on a public forum and clearly have an axe to grind on issues that have nothing to do with you.
If you were the driver of the green Mercedes who came after me then fine, contribute to the discussion. If not then your desire to aggressively challenge me on a public forum for a matter that has nothing to do with you speaks volumes for your own inadequacies.
When you find a more passive hobby please feel free to tell the world how wonderful it is.
In the meantime, please leave me alone.
Reply ID 91817
quote:I have wondered about this. [:)]
Originally posted by Forbesquote:Maybe blind people with four front lights [:D]
Given that you are the common denominator in all these incidents, what is that you do differently do you think?
Reply ID 91818
Could you just clarify what you mean by the one way street mentioned in your opening post?
Reply ID 91819
You don't appreciate it but I am trying to do you a favour by making you think about how your behaviour is different. If you don't change the way you behave you may find yourself in another incident with another anger-holic who isn't deterred by CCTV cameras. On second thoughts it's not just you I am doing a favour. You and I live in the same town as many people I care about. I shudder at the thought of one of them being caught up in one of your aggressive confrontations. It's only a matter of time before your anger ends in something more serious than a spat on an internet forum.
Reply ID 91820
quote:You really need to get some counselling, both for your clear desire for confrontation and possibly also for your shuddering. Perhaps you should sleep on the matter and in the cold light of day re-read your comments and see how negative they have been and unncessarily aggressive towards me. Please, leave me alone and cease your aggression. I have already asked you to do this in my last post, which you have ignored, and I am asking again. I believe this incident has nothing to do with you so please, please leave me alone and desist with your comments at me.
Originally posted by Enoughofthat
You don't appreciate it but I am trying to do you a favour by making you think about how your behaviour is different. If you don't change the way you behave you may find yourself in another incident with another anger-holic who isn't deterred by CCTV cameras. On second thoughts it's not just you I am doing a favour. You and I live in the same town as many people I care about. I shudder at the thought of one of them being caught up in one of your aggressive confrontations. It's only a matter of time before your anger ends in something more serious than a spat on an internet forum.
Reply ID 91821
quote:The car went into the dead end road that used to lead to Hartham park and turned outside the McMullens gates at the end. The driver probably wasn't expecting someone to use the road and drove straight towards me, to the point where I had to mount the pavement. The driver said I should not have been there as it was a one way road. Bizarre.
Originally posted by bigbloke
Could you just clarify what you mean by the one way street mentioned in your opening post?
Reply ID 91822
Sorry, still waiting for clarification regarding the one way street? You put in your original post "Thanks for telling me it was a one way street and I shouldn't be there (nonsense)." - by that do you mean you were cycling the wrong way up a one way street? If that's the case than perhaps you should evaluate your own actions and attitude as a cyclist; obviously this does not excuse the threatening behaviour of the car driver but perhaps a little introspection is in order? The fact you have 4 lights on your bike does not provide you with a star trek style force field - please be careful and don't get yourself hurt or hurt someone else.
Reply ID 91824
quote:But were you going the wrong way on a one way street?
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:The car went into the dead end road that used to lead to Hartham park and turned outside the McMullens gates at the end. The driver probably wasn't expecting someone to use the road and drove straight towards me, to the point where I had to mount the pavement. The driver said I should not have been there as it was a one way road. Bizarre.
Originally posted by bigbloke
Could you just clarify what you mean by the one way street mentioned in your opening post?
Reply ID 91825
quote:No, he wasn't. As Ewoowar explains a few posts above: "The car went into the dead end road that used to lead to Hartham park and turned outside the McMullens gates at the end... The driver said I should not have been there as it was a one way road" I'm not sure how a dead end could be a one way road!
Originally posted by bigbloke
But were you going the wrong way on a one way street?
Reply ID 91829
quote:That explains it - thanks. I've not been to the new Sainsbury's so I'm unaware of the road layout - is there a footpath or cut through in this dead end that the author was using? I'm just trying to picture the road layout.
Originally posted by Stevequote:No, he wasn't. As Ewoowar explains a few posts above: "The car went into the dead end road that used to lead to Hartham park and turned outside the McMullens gates at the end... The driver said I should not have been there as it was a one way road" I'm not sure how a dead end could be a one way road!
Originally posted by bigbloke
But were you going the wrong way on a one way street?
Reply ID 91830
Sorry, still don't get it - I've just looked at the plans for the road layout of Sainsbury's and Hartham Lane, I cannot see where there is any section of Hartham Lane which is a dead end. If you take the right fork of Hartham Lane it becomes a one way road at the mcmullens gates, leading into the car park of the store and then exiting back into Hartham Lane and exiting via the other fork. There is no dead end. Was the author travelling down Hartham Lane towards the store when the inconsiderate driver turned round or riding up from the common on that stretch of the road against the road markings? Welcome a reply from the author.
Reply ID 91831
quote:Yes. At the end of the street, there's a cut through in the bollards for cyclists and pedestrians to enter the sainsbury's carpark. I'm with Ewoowar on this one. Although agressive behaviour towards cyclists is less common than a few years ago, there is still a big enough number of nobbers out on the roads to take the fun away. Over the years, I've had cans of lager thrown at me, been pushed off, sworn at, spat at and threated with violence. All for no other reason than for riding a bike. Mostly though, it's just drivers who are all too ignorant of how much space a cyclist needs on the road. Yesterday, when I came out of Sainsbury's I cycled out of the cowbridge exit. As I turned left at the junction, another car tried to overtake me at the same time forcing me to hop onto the pavement. Then when I was waiting to turn left at the lights in what I thought was primary position a white mini mounted and waited on the curb on my left simply so they could get away before me.
Originally posted by bigbloke is there a footpath or cut through in this dead end that the author was using? I'm just trying to picture the road layout.
Reply ID 91832
Bigbloke there is no access to the car park down that road its only for the brewery - you're met by some bollards preventing you from getting to Sainsburys.
Reply ID 91834
I think the road layout is slightly different to the original plans. Traffic accesses the supermarket using the left hand fork. The right hand fork is a dead end, providing only access to the brewery. However, pedestrians and cyclists can get through.
Reply ID 91835
quote:Brilliant - thanks for that..
Originally posted by Golden
Bigbloke there is no access to the car park down that road its only for the brewery - you're met by some bollards preventing you from getting to Sainsburys.
Reply ID 91836
That explains it for me, if the author was coming up from the park the rude driver would not have expected any traffic to be coming from that direction, if riding towards the store obviously was inattentive as he wad not expecting traffic to be passing him at the bollards.
Reply ID 91839
Just looked at the plans again - my mistake - it does show the bollards directly after the gates for the brewery. It then becomes the car park for the store.
Reply ID 91840
Ewoowar, were you chaining your bike up outside the store when the driver abused you?
Reply ID 91841
Hartham Lane splits in two as you enter it from Cowbridge. The left side is the road which takes you to the Sainsburys car park, the pool and gym and the park. The right fork is a dead end that is clearly marked as such. It even has a dead end sign with another sign underneath that states "except cycles". I have no problem with the Merc or any other car being there, but when I take only a few feet of the correct side of the road and they drive at me and then come after me because I had the audacity to shake my head I take exception. If I had raised a finger or two or mouthed an expletive I would be more contrite, but no. I shook my head. I explained everything to the driver calmly but he became threatening. That is when he made up some nonsense about it being a one way road. Frankly, if it was a one way road what was he doing there himself? After he threatened me and damage to the bike I backed off. James.......thanks. I've cycled in London for years and around Hertford too. Cyclists aren't saints but we do take a lot of stick.
Reply ID 91843
quote:I was at the store chaining my bike up. He parked opposite the entrance to McMullens and came after me waving his arms.
Originally posted by bigbloke
Ewoowar, were you chaining your bike up outside the store when the driver abused you?
Reply ID 91845
quote:James, you're right, there are many drivers who give no consideration to cyclists, I rode for years in London myself, both on a bicycle and motorbike, and lost count of the number of times I was almost knocked off by inattentive drivers. I am aware however of a minority of cyclists who ride aggressively and with little consideration to other road users and pedestrians - going through red lights, through pedestrian crossings without stopping, riding through pedestrianised areas to name a few. I'm sure that Ewoowar was not in the wrong on this occasion, and if it is as he (or she) says then should report it to the police as the drivers behaviour is obviously extremely worrying.
Originally posted by jamesquote:Yes. At the end of the street, there's a cut through in the bollards for cyclists and pedestrians to enter the sainsbury's carpark. I'm with Ewoowar on this one. Although agressive behaviour towards cyclists is less common than a few years ago, there is still a big enough number of nobbers out on the roads to take the fun away. Over the years, I've had cans of lager thrown at me, been pushed off, sworn at, spat at and threated with violence. All for no other reason than for riding a bike. Mostly though, it's just drivers who are all too ignorant of how much space a cyclist needs on the road. Yesterday, when I came out of Sainsbury's I cycled out of the cowbridge exit. As I turned left at the junction, another car tried to overtake me at the same time forcing me to hop onto the pavement. Then when I was waiting to turn left at the lights in what I thought was primary position a white mini mounted and waited on the curb on my left simply so they could get away before me.
Originally posted by bigbloke is there a footpath or cut through in this dead end that the author was using? I'm just trying to picture the road layout.
Reply ID 91848
Ewoowar - as above, I too hope you reported this indicent to the police. You have a fair bit of info on the driver so hopefully they will be able to track him down and at the very least "have a word"
Reply ID 91849
So as you rode your bike (2 ft from curb guessing) towards Sailsbury he drove at you (potentially where the road narrows). You shook your head he reversed parked outside mcmullens gates (which I think are almost on the bollards) and got out (having picked up daughter)and walked after you....you parked your bike had confrontation backed off following threats but still got photos. this is how I read this post...if that's the case I'd report him not only to police but too store manager also...but would love to hear drivers side as there are always two sides not saying yours is wrong...
Reply ID 91850
Are you sure that after the near miss, you didn't stop the other side of the bollards, and then take a picture of his car? This may have been the catalyst that caused our angry driver to follow and threaten you.
Reply ID 91852
I was unaware of his nature until he came towards me at the bike stand outside the store. After he threatened me I took a photo of the car. His daughter didn't come out until after the incident. I'm not an aggressive person. I'm tempted to return next week to offer my hand and put the matter to bed, simply because I don't like confrontation and leaving matters unresolved. Whatever his issues are he must have thought he was just. I am firmly against those cyclists who ride aggressively and jump the lights. I got some confused looks from some pedestrians as I sat on my bike at a completely empty Old Cross junction on Christmas day waiting for a green light. My view is that if I was in a car I wouldn't jump the lights so in a bike I won't either.
Reply ID 91856
Sadly this is all too typical of what cyclists have to put up with on occasions. I don't cycle as much as I used to but I do know just how vulnerable a cyclist feels when faced with an aggressive motorist like this. It seems like you acted with utmost restraint Ewoowar, I think I would have fired a few choice expletives back at this idiot. Good luck if you do decide to take it any further.
Reply ID 91874
I have always taught my son not to litter. When he was about 10, he was eating an apple and asked if it was littering so I discussed biodegradeable etc. He then said "So an apple core is not littering", wound down the window and threw it out whereby it hit an innocent cyclist I was overtaking at the time. As it was a derestricted busy road (Watton bypass), it would have been dangerous to have stopped. It was an amazing shot and he would not have been able to do it when I was travelling at that speed if he had tried. I am sure the cyclist would have thought it was deliberate. Not entirely relevant (although possibly an attach on cyclists) I guess but amusing nonetheless.
Reply ID 91882
It is often hard to divine actual traffic layouts or priorities from plans. Just make sure you don't use the "tourist" map on Discover Hertford Online - Sainsbury doesn't even feature. With reference to Ewoowar and Enoughofthat's latest spat I would question why, if the confrontation was no-one else's business than those involved, would one want to create a forum for it?
Reply ID 91885
quote:I looked at the official final plans from EHC planning dept, but your point is well taken. However, I agree with you regarding the forum. Don't start a post and then get upset when people comment on it......
Originally posted by Darcy Sarto
It is often hard to divine actual traffic layouts or priorities from plans. Just make sure you don't use the "tourist" map on Discover Hertford Online - Sainsbury doesn't even feature. With reference to Ewoowar and Enoughofthat's latest spat I would question why, if the confrontation was no-one else's business than those involved, would one want to create a forum for it?
Reply ID 91909
So now I know who threw that half eaten apple at me LOL.
Reply ID 91940
quote:I think there is a difference between commenting on the substance and making a valid contribution, something which I have no grievance with, and acerbic vitriol. It is akin to hiding behind a bush and waiting for me to walk past before jumping on my back.
Originally posted by bigblokequote:I looked at the official final plans from EHC planning dept, but your point is well taken. However, I agree with you regarding the forum. Don't start a post and then get upset when people comment on it......
Originally posted by Darcy Sarto
It is often hard to divine actual traffic layouts or priorities from plans. Just make sure you don't use the "tourist" map on Discover Hertford Online - Sainsbury doesn't even feature. With reference to Ewoowar and Enoughofthat's latest spat I would question why, if the confrontation was no-one else's business than those involved, would one want to create a forum for it?
Reply ID 91945
My comments were an honest opinion on your post. If I were pursuing a vendetta or trolling then I wouldn't have respected your request to stop commenting on this thread. I am only doing so now because you have referred to it again. I read you as in a state of denial about how your behaviour contributes to the situations you keep finding yourself in. I'm simply trying to give you a message that you don't want to hear. The type of message your best friend should give you. Colluding with you will be sending you the wrong message. In this state of mind you are perfect fodder for a troll. If I were here to bait you then I could have made hay with your emotional lash out on the sandwich board. I didn't. I saw it in the context of your conduct in this thread.
Reply ID 91970
quote:If you have no vendetta then the simplicity of my request to "please leave me alone" should not need repeating. This is the third time I have asked. If someone followed you down the road making comments and you asked them to leave you alone I feel sure you would have an expectation that your request is respected. If they then continue and ignore a second request to leave you alone you have to question their motives. Now, despite two requests you comment directly at me again and I have to ask a third time. If you are struggling with the English please ask someone to read it for you. Alternatively simply start following and harassing someone else. Your desire to be aggressive towards me is becoming a concern. Please desist.
Originally posted by Enoughofthat
My comments were an honest opinion on your post. If I were pursuing a vendetta or trolling then I wouldn't have respected your request to stop commenting on this thread. I am only doing so now because you have referred to it again. I read you as in a state of denial about how your behaviour contributes to the situations you keep finding yourself in. I'm simply trying to give you a message that you don't want to hear. The type of message your best friend should give you. Colluding with you will be sending you the wrong message. In this state of mind you are perfect fodder for a troll. If I were here to bait you then I could have made hay with your emotional lash out on the sandwich board. I didn't. I saw it in the context of your conduct in this thread.
Reply ID 91974
Let me be clear. Whether or not I make a comment is my choice and not influenced by one of your hissy fits. I posted because I had a point to make. I stopped posting because the point had been made. It's clear you don't want to hear criticism, but that is another symptom of the core issue that keeps bringing you into conflicts. Another is the faintly paranoid insistance that people who give you news you don't like are out to get you. I posted again because you raised a new point that I wanted to address. I have now done so. I won't post again. Feel free to throw more of your toys from your pram but if you make another reference to me I will reply, or not, as I see fit.