Worst abuse in 10 years of central London commuting... by another cyclist

[Cab]

You get these absolute cretins once in a blue moon. It can be a motorist, a cyclist, anyone really.

And there seems to be huge regional variation in this; never had one on Tyneside, in Lancashire or in Notts, get them semi-annually in Cambs.

 

[bryce]

He was your rabbit. You were the faster rider and overtook him. That's the best way to leave a situation like that. The words must have been annoying but snot-blasting onto you deliberately? I would have lost my temper with that..

 

[HobbesChoice]

Again, I completely agree with the words from Jonny in that there was obviously something else going on with him that you got the brunt of. I really hope (and do actually believe) that if you were to see this fella again on a different day he'd probably act like he'd never seen you before. But I agree that there's no shame avoiding this particular area if you feel the need to.

I'd honestly not absorb too much of this because the abuse you received I totally believe was some frustrations from the rest of the day. It's completely wrong that you should have caught the main brunt of it all though so I'm really sorry you had to go through that in an otherwise enjoyable ride. He didn't even have a viable problem either. You can't overtake someone and then complain that they're right behind you. No one owns any specific speed and it takes a mighty paranoid person to believe they're being followed in a way that's so upsetting only death can be the answer!

I also agree with BentMikey in how well I think you handled that. Your handling of the situation stopped it spiralling out of control. I also hope that if the way he acted with you is in his usual nature that he does pick on the wrong guy next time.

So I believe tea and chocolate cake are very much called for now!

 

[Twenty Inch]

His rage sounds a bit pharmaceutical, if you ask me.

That's what I thought too.

 

[very-near]

He was your rabbit. You were the faster rider and overtook him. That's the best way to leave a situation like that. The words must have been annoying but snot-blasting onto you deliberately? I would have lost my temper with that..

Depending on what mood I was in at the time could have provoked a bigger response than just shouting. Blowing his nose on the OP was a filthy and c@ntish thing to do thing to do. No body likes a bully.

At least the OP knows which route this pillock takes now....

 

[andyfromotley]

be fair, you were tailgating after all...................

 

[Lizban]

How very odd - nothing else could have started this?

It seems so out of proportion.

 

[ianrauk]

Indeed, must be a very unhinged individual.

How very odd - nothing else could have started this?

It seems so out of proportion.

 

[I am Spartacus]

a Village Person down on his luck?
only ask 'cos of the tache

 

[Alan Whicker]

I'm definately no expert - but this sounds like a matter for the police, not that there's much chance of tracking him down now, I suspect. If he did this to you, he'll do it to others and they may not be so "lucky". Making threats to kill is illegal, and being sprayed with snot might be considered assault. In fact, isn't there now a precedent for someone being convicted for "verbal assault"?

 

[Trevrev]

Maybe his lycra was chafing !!!

 

[peanut]

I suppose eventually you would be likely to meet someone like him whether cyclist or car driver. Very sorry to hear about your experience though.
Sounds like he might be have a mental health issue or possible be on drugs . His behaviour was totally irrational .

 

[Wheeledweenie]

What a nob, well done for doing the braver and more sensible thing of walking away.

Perhaps he's got a tiny willy.

 

[ttcycle]

Hi Paul

just read this, sorry to hear about the abuse - I can't imagine what you did alone would warrant that kind of reply- snotting all over you was not on really to put it mildly. Seems like you were the catalyst in either a very bad day or a very bad life.

Glad you made it out in one piece..take it easy

 

[u9ge]

I do love drafting idiots to piss them off (normally RLJ’s) but the best response for it happening to me is to push it hard enough till I leave them. Should this not work it’s time to freewheel. Never a need to get like this deranged character!

Will keep an eye out around Putney for him and draft away.