The responsibilities of a taxi driver

[BentMikey]

I wouldn't class ASL misuse as an incident.

Yes, I probably wouldn't either. It's not something I'm personally bothered with, even though it's illegal. Quite a few other cyclists do choose to campaign about it, mind, and I'm not going to knock their efforts.

 

[Matthew_T]

I think as well Matt that as far as ''contributions'' go, yours to commuting is far more than other poster that posts in commuting.

That is something I have a tendancy to do. With me being young, I have a lot to say so i can easily get carried away.

I apologise for going over the top with my comments.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Hey Matt, it sounds like you're doing much what I would do, head down, pedal, tune it out.

The world is full of crazy people doing nutty things, fortunately they don't have the power to define our existence.

 

[Matthew_T]

Hey Matt, it sounds like you're doing much what I would do, head down, pedal, tune it out.

The world is full of crazy people doing nutty things, fortunately they don't have the power to define our existence.

But they have the power to end it.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

What a quote and a thought for the rest of 2013, if you don't mind I will use this as a sig.

Blimey, I did a clever

 

[Andrew_Culture]

But they have the power to end it.

So potentially do the squillions* of bacteria on your eyeballs right now, but why bother focussing on these negatives? I'll tell you why not, because it's very difficult to focus on something on your own eyeballs.


*might not be an accurate measurement, or even a real word.

 

[Matthew_T]

So potentially do the squillions* of bacteria on your eyeballs right now, but why bother focussing on these negatives? I'll tell you why not, because it's very difficult to focus on something on your own eyeballs.


*might not be an accurate measurement, or even a real word.

Your on a roll today with these brilliant comments. What an awsome example.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

. What an awsome example.

Of crazy people saying nutty things? Quite probably

 

[Hotblack Desiato]

Mind you taxi drivers should stop against a red IMO.

Half an hour ago, leaving the lights, nearly ran into the back of a cyclist who braked hard enough to slide the back wheel. Looking to my right I saw that a taxi was stopped well over the lights having intended an amber gamble.

Fortunately I must have the brakes (discs) and reflexes like the hand of god. No particular god, any one will do.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Mind you taxi drivers should stop against a red IMO.

Half an hour ago, leaving the lights, nearly ran into the back of a cyclist who braked hard enough to slide the back wheel. Looking to my right I saw that a taxi was stopped well over the lights having intended an amber gamble.

Fortunately I must have the brakes (discs) and reflexes like the hand of god. No particular god, any one will do.

I'd choose Vishnu, I reckon extra arms would come in handy in traffic.

 

[benb]

Agreed.

But it looks like all your ranting at drivers has come back to haunt you though.

What an odd thing to say. Unless you believe that dice have a memory.

I really think these people that take the first opportunity to have a dig every time Matthew posts anything need to put a sock in it. Plenty of forum members have strong words with drivers, and incidents, but only Matthew gets consistently criticised for practically everything that he posts. It's rather vindictive and unpleasant and serves no useful purpose, so please stop.

 

[fossyant]

Have you phoned Coastline yet ?

 

[Matthew_T]

Have you phoned Coastline yet ?

Didnt bother. After thinking things through last night lay in bed, I went through the number of cinario's that could happen. I thought about asking to speak with the driver and making sure the convo was on camera, I thought about speaking to another Coastline driver about what had happened and if the taxi driver had any previous for this behaviour.
I also thought, can I be bothered to actually ring them when nothing much happened. After all, he hasnt broken any traffic rules (much).

As a general rule of thumb, I only really act on what has happened if 1) it was particularly dangerous, 2) the driver got out of the car and threatened me, or 3) They do something 3 times.
Normally it is 3 strikes and you are out because I dont like to report everything that happens once. If he comes near me again then I will report it to the police. I have everything he has done on camera anyway.

 

[BentMikey]

From what you've described, I'd make a report to the police now, asking them to keep it on record as you felt threatened by his behaviour.That will be a lot more credible if he does something again than if you later go and report three seperate incidents in one go.

I'd probably also want to upload it to YouTube, if only so that he is certain that there will be consequences each time he misbehaves around you.

 

[doctornige]

I agree, but it'd be better to help him learn how, rather than give him all the stick he has received here in the past. To give him his due, he's hugely better at judging things now than he was in the beginning.

Doctornige's comment, on the other hand, is hugely unhelpful IMO. I think it's just trying to say "look at what a good rider I am, and how crap young Matthew must be." To me, doctornige's comment just says "I ignore all misbehaviour and pretend it doesn't exist."

The latter point is exactly what I mean. I have had drivers behave badly, but I let it pass. My tolerance level for idiocy has gone up, and I would only be prepared to get cross if I actually got hurt. From the clips I see now and then, having a go at a driver who does something daft with no actual consequences can end up with a shouting match or worse. For me, I prefer to let it drop. I cannot change the world from atop my bike.