Well this is a highly charged topic and I really thank BC for passing along his "total annihilation" approach when negotiation or conciliation fails.
First it is my opinion that many - not all - of the close calls between car and bike are the result of stupidity or inattention. In such cases a calm word to the driver works much better than hollering - it's a public relations issue and we have to think about what that driver will do the NEXT time they pass a bicyclist.
It's been my experience that signing out a complaint or pressing charges against a motorist does'nt get much attention from the police dept unless there is an injury. Simply threatening or harrassing a bicyclist is unfortunately not something that will get atttention from the cops. OR the motorist will say you flipped him off, etc.
But BC's recommendation to attack the driver when a confrontation is inevitable might be a good one IF YOU FEEL YOUR SAFETY IS THREATENED. However, aggressive behaviour that causes injury to another person may land YOU in the poco instead of the driver, AND have the unfortunate consequence of causing that driver to simply clip the next bicyclist he/she passes on the road.
Dave B is right - there are a lotta friggin crazies out there, and you have to be really careful - quick and smart - when dealing with these total unknowns. Would enjoy hearing the perspective of any of the attornies on the list, particularly on the topic of "pressing charges" when harrassed by a motorist.
===================================================== Mark Petry 206.618.9642 Beautiful Bainbridge Island, WA mpetry@bainbridgeisland.net ===================================================== Congratulations. You have made it this far. You must have been found worthy. At least somewhat worthy.
J. R. "Bob" Dobbs =====================================================