I was pushed while riding my bike. What should I do?
October 10, 2023 6:33 AM
This morning as I rode my bike to work, a passenger in a moving car leaned out the window, put their hand on my side, and shoved me. I didn't fall and I wasn't hurt. When the car was gone, I wrote down its make and model and license plate number.
1. Should I report this to the police? What will happen if I do?
2. Should I change my route to work? Take a break from riding?
3. Should I stop riding my bike to work entirely for my own safety and so as not to worry my family?
The person who pushed me didn't say anything. The car just slowed to my speed (I could tell that something strange was happening because I could feel it just hovering behind me), and then I felt the passenger's hand on my side, just below my armpit. I was riding next to a line of parked cars, so I could have been badly hurt, but I wasn't. I regained my balance and kept riding; the car slipped into the oncoming traffic lane, passed a line of cars waiting at a red light, blew the light, and was gone.
I guess I don't want to report this to the police because I am afraid of what would happen next. I don't want to confront this person, I don't want to spend a lot of time at a police station, I don't want to draw attention to myself; I guess I would rather call it the sort of random thing that happens when you share the world with other people and then move on. Please tell me what the right thing to do is, if there is one.
You can't tell me what to do about continuing to ride my bike, I guess, but I am curious what others have done after incidents like this. I know that there was a recent question about getting back to riding after an accident; I will try to find it. I am also curious about how people have responded after being shouted at or intimidated or assaulted by people driving cars. I don't think it's happened to me before, and I have been riding my bike to work in various places for almost 20 years now.
Actually, the real question is whether I owe it to my wife to stop riding. She worries about my safety when I'm riding to work or riding home at night. Right after I was pushed this morning, it occurred to me that I would have to tell her about it, and I worried that I wouldn't be able to both tell her and continue riding to work. I do not want to worry her unnecessarily; I share my location with her and I take all the precautions that a cyclist can take. I don't want to be stubbornly putting myself in danger and worrying her when I could just drive to work on these days (I could).
But I really love biking and my bike commute! Please help me decide what to do!
Additional relevant details: I'm a 40-year-old white man and I commute in Chicago through the west and south sides. I can't change my route too dramatically because there are only so many ways to cross under expressways and train tracks, but I could mix it up a little just so I'm not riding down the exact street where this happened.
Thank you!
1. Should I report this to the police? What will happen if I do?
2. Should I change my route to work? Take a break from riding?
3. Should I stop riding my bike to work entirely for my own safety and so as not to worry my family?
The person who pushed me didn't say anything. The car just slowed to my speed (I could tell that something strange was happening because I could feel it just hovering behind me), and then I felt the passenger's hand on my side, just below my armpit. I was riding next to a line of parked cars, so I could have been badly hurt, but I wasn't. I regained my balance and kept riding; the car slipped into the oncoming traffic lane, passed a line of cars waiting at a red light, blew the light, and was gone.
I guess I don't want to report this to the police because I am afraid of what would happen next. I don't want to confront this person, I don't want to spend a lot of time at a police station, I don't want to draw attention to myself; I guess I would rather call it the sort of random thing that happens when you share the world with other people and then move on. Please tell me what the right thing to do is, if there is one.
You can't tell me what to do about continuing to ride my bike, I guess, but I am curious what others have done after incidents like this. I know that there was a recent question about getting back to riding after an accident; I will try to find it. I am also curious about how people have responded after being shouted at or intimidated or assaulted by people driving cars. I don't think it's happened to me before, and I have been riding my bike to work in various places for almost 20 years now.
Actually, the real question is whether I owe it to my wife to stop riding. She worries about my safety when I'm riding to work or riding home at night. Right after I was pushed this morning, it occurred to me that I would have to tell her about it, and I worried that I wouldn't be able to both tell her and continue riding to work. I do not want to worry her unnecessarily; I share my location with her and I take all the precautions that a cyclist can take. I don't want to be stubbornly putting myself in danger and worrying her when I could just drive to work on these days (I could).
But I really love biking and my bike commute! Please help me decide what to do!
Additional relevant details: I'm a 40-year-old white man and I commute in Chicago through the west and south sides. I can't change my route too dramatically because there are only so many ways to cross under expressways and train tracks, but I could mix it up a little just so I'm not riding down the exact street where this happened.
Thank you!
In your shoes, I would report it to the cops, knowing full well that they would do nothing about it.
I have been threatened on my bike, and I have been accidentally struck by motorists on my bike. I've had shit thrown at me, but I've never been pushed. I ride more than ever. My wife worries about me too. We've both got iPhones and when I'm out riding she'll occasionally check my dot in Find My to reassure herself that I'm still moving. If you don't have iPhones, there are a lot of other ways you can passively share your location with her. I also wear a Road ID (which she refers to as my "toe tag") and have the Medical ID set up on my phone.
posted by adamrice at 6:41 AM on October 10, 2023
I have been threatened on my bike, and I have been accidentally struck by motorists on my bike. I've had shit thrown at me, but I've never been pushed. I ride more than ever. My wife worries about me too. We've both got iPhones and when I'm out riding she'll occasionally check my dot in Find My to reassure herself that I'm still moving. If you don't have iPhones, there are a lot of other ways you can passively share your location with her. I also wear a Road ID (which she refers to as my "toe tag") and have the Medical ID set up on my phone.
posted by adamrice at 6:41 AM on October 10, 2023
For some context, I'm a 39 year old white man who bikes several times a week in Philadelphia.
Whether you're personally comfortable riding after this is a question I can't really answer for you. I will say that this absolutely does sound like you were a victim of random assholes doing random assholes things. This was, basically, joyriding asshole kids who saw an easy victim, took advantage of you, and then ran away (blowing a red in the process). If you've regularly ridden this kind of route before, and generally feel safe/okay doing so, it's very unlikely that changing your route is necessary - it's very unlikely this group of people is doing this all that often, that they'd target you repeatedly, etc. This is basically the biking equivalent of being on foot, being punched by somebody who then runs away.
posted by Tomorrowful at 6:44 AM on October 10, 2023
Whether you're personally comfortable riding after this is a question I can't really answer for you. I will say that this absolutely does sound like you were a victim of random assholes doing random assholes things. This was, basically, joyriding asshole kids who saw an easy victim, took advantage of you, and then ran away (blowing a red in the process). If you've regularly ridden this kind of route before, and generally feel safe/okay doing so, it's very unlikely that changing your route is necessary - it's very unlikely this group of people is doing this all that often, that they'd target you repeatedly, etc. This is basically the biking equivalent of being on foot, being punched by somebody who then runs away.
posted by Tomorrowful at 6:44 AM on October 10, 2023
It might come to nothing, but you should consider talking to the police. It might at least result in a bench warrant, given that you got the plates.
I don't think changing up everything you do is going to matter. This was almost certainly not personal, or one person's unique idea. It could happen anywhere, or never happen again to you, regardless of your route.
You should consider getting a dash cam or front and rear helmet cam, though.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:46 AM on October 10, 2023
I don't think changing up everything you do is going to matter. This was almost certainly not personal, or one person's unique idea. It could happen anywhere, or never happen again to you, regardless of your route.
You should consider getting a dash cam or front and rear helmet cam, though.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:46 AM on October 10, 2023
Oh, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It is, indeed, assault.
If it were me, I would go to the police and make a report. I would take my most confident and grounded friend or loved one with me, as moral support and advocate. You may not get much immediate action by filing said report, but creating a paper trail is important if you decide to press charges or file a civil case later.
I was hit by a commuter van in Manhattan some years ago on my daily ride to work. I was not able to get any identifying info on the van or driver, and so I did not file a report. I did change my route (to a slightly less convenient one) to avoid the blocks where those vans traveled, and that helped me feel safer as I rebuilt my confidence. I also joined another biker to commute together for a few weeks. Both those actions helped me recover.
All my best to you.
posted by minervous at 6:48 AM on October 10, 2023
If it were me, I would go to the police and make a report. I would take my most confident and grounded friend or loved one with me, as moral support and advocate. You may not get much immediate action by filing said report, but creating a paper trail is important if you decide to press charges or file a civil case later.
I was hit by a commuter van in Manhattan some years ago on my daily ride to work. I was not able to get any identifying info on the van or driver, and so I did not file a report. I did change my route (to a slightly less convenient one) to avoid the blocks where those vans traveled, and that helped me feel safer as I rebuilt my confidence. I also joined another biker to commute together for a few weeks. Both those actions helped me recover.
All my best to you.
posted by minervous at 6:48 AM on October 10, 2023
This resonates with me! I had some young teens try to push me off my bike into traffic about ten years ago. This was at a time where there was an internet trend for doing this - another friend of mine on the west coast had something similar happen. My bet is that this is some Tik Tok thing, unfortunately, and the person doing the pushing was a young person who thought it would be funny. (I'm sure the teens who pushed me didn't think "ha ha we will murder this person lol".)
It was upsetting. I still get upset when I think about it. I substantially avoid the route where it happened (also an underpass).
However, nothing similar has happened to me again. I've had some bad bike interactions, but it's not like this is something that is happening a lot to everyone. I continue to ride.
Mixing up my routes helps. But mostly when I have to ride in narrow ways, especially that particular underpass, I am very, very alert and manage my speed/timing very carefully to minimize car opportunities. I know that Chicago riding sucks a lot (I lived there and biked for a while) but how much control do you have going through underpasses? Also, can you bike on a sidewalk just while going through them? Or walk your bike if things seem really dodgy? I sometimes hop up on the sidewalk for a block or walk my bike when things are unpredictable.
Malice and stupidity like that are really terrifying and can have a lot of effect on your view of the world. I feel like I struggle against some dark stuff when I confront them, and that is exacerbated by the bike thing. I'm not mad at the teens (now adults, probably forgot the whole thing or thank their lucky stars they didn't hurt me) but it makes me feel really dark about humans as a species.
If you find that you're having trouble getting over it and can do a couple of therapy sessions, it might help.
I wouldn't call the cops. It will be a lot of trouble for you with almost no possibility of a just and helpful outcome.
posted by Frowner at 6:48 AM on October 10, 2023
It was upsetting. I still get upset when I think about it. I substantially avoid the route where it happened (also an underpass).
However, nothing similar has happened to me again. I've had some bad bike interactions, but it's not like this is something that is happening a lot to everyone. I continue to ride.
Mixing up my routes helps. But mostly when I have to ride in narrow ways, especially that particular underpass, I am very, very alert and manage my speed/timing very carefully to minimize car opportunities. I know that Chicago riding sucks a lot (I lived there and biked for a while) but how much control do you have going through underpasses? Also, can you bike on a sidewalk just while going through them? Or walk your bike if things seem really dodgy? I sometimes hop up on the sidewalk for a block or walk my bike when things are unpredictable.
Malice and stupidity like that are really terrifying and can have a lot of effect on your view of the world. I feel like I struggle against some dark stuff when I confront them, and that is exacerbated by the bike thing. I'm not mad at the teens (now adults, probably forgot the whole thing or thank their lucky stars they didn't hurt me) but it makes me feel really dark about humans as a species.
If you find that you're having trouble getting over it and can do a couple of therapy sessions, it might help.
I wouldn't call the cops. It will be a lot of trouble for you with almost no possibility of a just and helpful outcome.
posted by Frowner at 6:48 AM on October 10, 2023
I bike commute most days in Chicago. (I yelled at someone driving in the bike lane this morning on Elston, so I know how it is.) I would report it because it's probably not the first or last time that this person has done this and someone eventually will get hurt. Taking a break or changing up your routine for more "mellow" streets (if you can do it) seems like a good way to process this.
posted by Mid at 6:49 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by Mid at 6:49 AM on October 10, 2023
How scary! I'm so sorry this happened to you. Really impressed that you had the presence of mind to note the details of the car. You must have a really cool head in emergencies!
1) Yes, I think you should report this to the police. You should be able to file a report over the phone. It's actually not super likely that anything will come of it, but if, God forbid, this happens again to someone else, at least there's a record of it in the system.
2 & 3) If you feel like you want to change your route or take a break, you should. But you've been riding successfully for 20 years, so you know that this was a random incident, and rare. As for your wife's anxiety, it's understandable because she loves you and wants you to be safe, but it's also impossible to pad out all of life's sharp corners completely. Car accidents happen too! Take all reasonable precautions, but don't let this stop you from doing something that you love.
posted by merriment at 6:49 AM on October 10, 2023
1) Yes, I think you should report this to the police. You should be able to file a report over the phone. It's actually not super likely that anything will come of it, but if, God forbid, this happens again to someone else, at least there's a record of it in the system.
2 & 3) If you feel like you want to change your route or take a break, you should. But you've been riding successfully for 20 years, so you know that this was a random incident, and rare. As for your wife's anxiety, it's understandable because she loves you and wants you to be safe, but it's also impossible to pad out all of life's sharp corners completely. Car accidents happen too! Take all reasonable precautions, but don't let this stop you from doing something that you love.
posted by merriment at 6:49 AM on October 10, 2023
If nothing else, putting in a report will create a record that may be important one day if this person hurts someone - i.e., a hit and run with a partial plate or description of the car, for example. It may not be very likely, but at least it's possible that your police report will matter.
posted by Mid at 6:53 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by Mid at 6:53 AM on October 10, 2023
This is awful. I'm sorry this happened to you!
There does not seem to be any reason to suspect they were specifically targeting YOU -- just someone trying to be an ass and you happened to be there. So I would not be concerned about repercussion, nor particularly take this as a reason to consider cycling any less safe than you previously did. There are plenty of dangers that come with riding, and you sound like a confident and experienced biker who can handle them.
In terms of what to do -- I would consider reporting this to the police since you have the driver details and they are a dangerous driver. Perhaps they will get pulled over for future reckless driving and this report will be tied to the car - perhaps nothing will come of it - but at least it's in the system.
posted by DoubleLune at 6:53 AM on October 10, 2023
There does not seem to be any reason to suspect they were specifically targeting YOU -- just someone trying to be an ass and you happened to be there. So I would not be concerned about repercussion, nor particularly take this as a reason to consider cycling any less safe than you previously did. There are plenty of dangers that come with riding, and you sound like a confident and experienced biker who can handle them.
In terms of what to do -- I would consider reporting this to the police since you have the driver details and they are a dangerous driver. Perhaps they will get pulled over for future reckless driving and this report will be tied to the car - perhaps nothing will come of it - but at least it's in the system.
posted by DoubleLune at 6:53 AM on October 10, 2023
That's some serious criminality. You don't have to report it, and in your shoes I would very much not want to, either, but I probably would argue myself into it because A) I would feel responsible to do whatever possible to stop these feral critters from assaulting more bicyclists, and B) I would feel lottery lucky that I managed to get the plate number.
"This was, basically, joyriding asshole kids" NOPE. After they assaulted OP, " the car slipped into the oncoming traffic lane, passed a line of cars waiting at a red light, blew the light, and was gone." Not "asshole kids" tomfoolery. Not mailbox baseball. They behaved with reckless malice for a protracted period of time regardless of the safety of everybody around them. Decision after decision that endangered other people. If they continue this "joyriding" with no repercussions they will eventually get somebody seriously injured/killed. This is "tried as an adult" territory.
posted by Don Pepino at 6:55 AM on October 10, 2023
"This was, basically, joyriding asshole kids" NOPE. After they assaulted OP, " the car slipped into the oncoming traffic lane, passed a line of cars waiting at a red light, blew the light, and was gone." Not "asshole kids" tomfoolery. Not mailbox baseball. They behaved with reckless malice for a protracted period of time regardless of the safety of everybody around them. Decision after decision that endangered other people. If they continue this "joyriding" with no repercussions they will eventually get somebody seriously injured/killed. This is "tried as an adult" territory.
posted by Don Pepino at 6:55 AM on October 10, 2023
I bike commute in Chicago as well. Personally I would probably file a police report and not expect anything to come of it. But it's good to start a paper trail if people using this car do this again. It's possible the car was borrowed or stolen, so that's not saying much.
I don't think you should change your commute, but a temporary break is fine. Just think - you could just as easily have been t-boned if you were driving when that car blew the red light. Driving is dangerous too, and the mental and physical health benefits of the bike commute should not be understated.
For processing, I wonder if joining in with the amazing bike advocacy happening around here would help you find a community that understands the highs and lows of riding a bike in this city. Chicago, Bike Grid Now! and Better Streets Chicago are two orgs doing a ton right now. CBGN runs "bike buses" many Wednesday mornings for people biking to the loop, including I think a route from the south side. Might be fun to join one even if you have to go a bit out of your way to do so. Their Twitter is probably the best way to be informed about their events.
posted by misskaz at 7:00 AM on October 10, 2023
I don't think you should change your commute, but a temporary break is fine. Just think - you could just as easily have been t-boned if you were driving when that car blew the red light. Driving is dangerous too, and the mental and physical health benefits of the bike commute should not be understated.
For processing, I wonder if joining in with the amazing bike advocacy happening around here would help you find a community that understands the highs and lows of riding a bike in this city. Chicago, Bike Grid Now! and Better Streets Chicago are two orgs doing a ton right now. CBGN runs "bike buses" many Wednesday mornings for people biking to the loop, including I think a route from the south side. Might be fun to join one even if you have to go a bit out of your way to do so. Their Twitter is probably the best way to be informed about their events.
posted by misskaz at 7:00 AM on October 10, 2023
Dang! Sorry to hear that. I clocked up 40,000km commuting to work in the 90s and had a few car related incidents; actually had more pot-hole related incidents. The last txtn-while-driving event wrote off my bike and broke a few bones. But I moved homes at the same time and so no longer needed to bike so didn't have to take my own jump back in the saddle after a fall advice.
I was always conscious of being in the middle of the pecking order of damage / danger: I never cycled on the sidewalk for example. If you opt to join the car drivers you are [minutely] making life more hazardous for those now more vulnerable than you. And you like cycling so: jump back in the saddle after a shove.
posted by BobTheScientist at 7:02 AM on October 10, 2023
I was always conscious of being in the middle of the pecking order of damage / danger: I never cycled on the sidewalk for example. If you opt to join the car drivers you are [minutely] making life more hazardous for those now more vulnerable than you. And you like cycling so: jump back in the saddle after a shove.
posted by BobTheScientist at 7:02 AM on October 10, 2023
Given that you got make, model and plates, you should report it as maybe they did it to someone else who was injured.
Recently, a kid riding a bike was hit by a car. Published in the paper, and I realized it was just down the road from me, I also realized that given the time frame, it was probably the same 3 kids that I almost hit because they were being stupid. I was driving behind them, they were spread across the road. I followed slowly, leaving room. They all pulled off to the side of the road, and I thought they had moved to allow me through. As I passed (slowly) one of them faked pulling out in front of me, and I slammed on the brakes. They all started laughing, and they gave the finger and took off. At the time, I thought "stupid kids". But the news article prompted me to call the officer. The driver who hit the kid had a similar story to mine, but wasn't able to stop. A later news article said the kid was charged, but the driver was not.
posted by Ftsqg at 7:14 AM on October 10, 2023
Recently, a kid riding a bike was hit by a car. Published in the paper, and I realized it was just down the road from me, I also realized that given the time frame, it was probably the same 3 kids that I almost hit because they were being stupid. I was driving behind them, they were spread across the road. I followed slowly, leaving room. They all pulled off to the side of the road, and I thought they had moved to allow me through. As I passed (slowly) one of them faked pulling out in front of me, and I slammed on the brakes. They all started laughing, and they gave the finger and took off. At the time, I thought "stupid kids". But the news article prompted me to call the officer. The driver who hit the kid had a similar story to mine, but wasn't able to stop. A later news article said the kid was charged, but the driver was not.
posted by Ftsqg at 7:14 AM on October 10, 2023
I'm sorry you were assaulted., You could have been badly hurt. That's a significant event and I would call the police immediately. I would also call my town councilor, who should make sure it gets followed up.
posted by theora55 at 7:22 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by theora55 at 7:22 AM on October 10, 2023
I'm sorry those people assaulted you. Yes, you should tell the police.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:25 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by nouvelle-personne at 7:25 AM on October 10, 2023
Also I want to add: great job getting the make/model and plate! That is really hard to do, and shows you have a great level of awareness, even in a traumatic moment. I think you should be proud of yourself, I don't usually manage to do that well.
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:29 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:29 AM on October 10, 2023
If you have any cycling advocacy groups in your area, they almost certainly have some resources that can help you. Or even just someone familiar with your local laws and the likelihood of anything happening if you report it (or who you should report it to!).
Around here, our cycling groups encourage us to report incidents because the local cities maintain data about where cyclists are involved in crashes and mishaps. Having another data point (hopefully) eventually leads to infrastructure improvements. But do talk to someone from a local advocacy group, because maybe the best course of action is talking to the highway/traffic department, or your local representatives, or maybe the group will collect the information about your incident and do it on your behalf.
posted by backseatpilot at 7:39 AM on October 10, 2023
Around here, our cycling groups encourage us to report incidents because the local cities maintain data about where cyclists are involved in crashes and mishaps. Having another data point (hopefully) eventually leads to infrastructure improvements. But do talk to someone from a local advocacy group, because maybe the best course of action is talking to the highway/traffic department, or your local representatives, or maybe the group will collect the information about your incident and do it on your behalf.
posted by backseatpilot at 7:39 AM on October 10, 2023
I just wanted to say thank you for all of these kind responses! I have been reading metafilter (blue, green, and grey) for 20 years, and this thread is full of names that I have admired for a long time. I am grateful to all of you, and I am experiencing some real waves of emotion this morning; thank you.
Thanks, misskaz and others who suggested getting involved with a cycling advocacy group. I'll do that.
Thank you all! I'm grateful for this community. Standing there on the side of the street this morning, I first thought about telling my wife, and then I thought, "I can finally write an ask!" Weird morning. Thank you.
posted by The Larch at 7:53 AM on October 10, 2023
Thanks, misskaz and others who suggested getting involved with a cycling advocacy group. I'll do that.
Thank you all! I'm grateful for this community. Standing there on the side of the street this morning, I first thought about telling my wife, and then I thought, "I can finally write an ask!" Weird morning. Thank you.
posted by The Larch at 7:53 AM on October 10, 2023
I'm north of the state line but have a deep appreciation for the Chicago Bike Twitter folks. Many are friends of friends, one or two I've met in person, and many I interact with online. They are great people and I'm glad some locals recommended them. There is strength in numbers and those will be very good connections for you - you don't need to be alone in this.
https://www.bikelaneuprising.com/ is another local group with an app to report bike line obstructions, so that the data can be used to show the need for better infrastructure.
I'm so sorry this happened to you and hope that as you mentally/emotionally recover, this can lead to some new relationships with other cyclists in the city.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 8:01 AM on October 10, 2023
https://www.bikelaneuprising.com/ is another local group with an app to report bike line obstructions, so that the data can be used to show the need for better infrastructure.
I'm so sorry this happened to you and hope that as you mentally/emotionally recover, this can lead to some new relationships with other cyclists in the city.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 8:01 AM on October 10, 2023
Report it, absolutely. And while the 30+ year commuting cyclist in me says "and next time shove back or have a u-lock handy to take a swing at them", that's...more of my fantasy of How Things Should Work than a practical example of what you should do.
In all honesty, and I hate to say this, but...after you report it, shrug it off and just keep cycling as normal. You did nothing wrong; you broke no rules. I, as with others, am suuuuuuuuper impressed you had the presence of mind in that moment to get a general sense of the car, much less the actual plate number. That's amazing, and while it's true that nothing will probably come of it, reporting it to the police with those specifics at least gives them something constructive to work with.
And you never know! They may run that plate and find that the owner of the vehicle is behind on child support, or has outstanding parking tickets, or is somehow in violation of law(s) in some other way that this gets them back in the spotlight for.
posted by pdb at 8:04 AM on October 10, 2023
In all honesty, and I hate to say this, but...after you report it, shrug it off and just keep cycling as normal. You did nothing wrong; you broke no rules. I, as with others, am suuuuuuuuper impressed you had the presence of mind in that moment to get a general sense of the car, much less the actual plate number. That's amazing, and while it's true that nothing will probably come of it, reporting it to the police with those specifics at least gives them something constructive to work with.
And you never know! They may run that plate and find that the owner of the vehicle is behind on child support, or has outstanding parking tickets, or is somehow in violation of law(s) in some other way that this gets them back in the spotlight for.
posted by pdb at 8:04 AM on October 10, 2023
I'm originally from Hammond and in ancient times- 1983, last summer I spent at home, when I was 19- I was riding my bike (this was when there was ZERO provision for bikes in Hammond, so I was on the busy road), a young woman leaned out of a passing car and grabbed the strap of my backpack. I could've been killed. I screamed an obscenity at her and everyone in the car laughed. I used to get cursed at for not riding on the sidewalk- which is, of course, completely illegal, as bikes are vehicles, yes even in 1983. I have complete sympathy for you.
I never considered calling police back then, but you have something I never did: a complete description of the perpetrator and their car, even their licence plate number. Of COURSE you should contact the police! This person might be doing this a lot- you might save a life.
As to not quitting cycling- the South and West sides of Chicago- I'm conflicted. Those aren't the most bike-friendly areas and, depending on what neighbourhood you mean, are, well, dangerous. I can see your wife worrying about you. I don't know you and I worry about you.
Good luck, my friend.
posted by ethnomethodologist at 8:14 AM on October 10, 2023
I never considered calling police back then, but you have something I never did: a complete description of the perpetrator and their car, even their licence plate number. Of COURSE you should contact the police! This person might be doing this a lot- you might save a life.
As to not quitting cycling- the South and West sides of Chicago- I'm conflicted. Those aren't the most bike-friendly areas and, depending on what neighbourhood you mean, are, well, dangerous. I can see your wife worrying about you. I don't know you and I worry about you.
Good luck, my friend.
posted by ethnomethodologist at 8:14 AM on October 10, 2023
As far as number 3: I am the wife of an avid cyclist* and I was terrified for my husband on his daily bike commute when he had one. Like I was half certain he would die every day five days a week. I never would have dreamed of asking him to stop riding his bike because of my anxiety. I can't speak for your wife and you two obviously have to come to your own agreement about it. Just remember that bicycling is not as dangerous as driving so let's be real about risk factors right? Also if you like to ride your bike then you should be able to do that. Plenty of people choose to do a variety of risky activities and they still have families who support them. You're not going to the damn moon or something. Even if you were does an astronaut owe it to his wife to choose a less dangerous career?
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 8:28 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 8:28 AM on October 10, 2023
Nthing what Frowner said about the trending hypothesis. There have been two incidents in the last two weeks serious enough to be reported in the news. One guy was a retired police chief from Southern California who had retired to Las Vegas. The poor guy was bumped while cycling and hit his head on the curb and died later from his injuries. The police were able to pick up the car license from surveillance cameras and charge the teens. This is no joke dangerous.
posted by effluvia at 8:39 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by effluvia at 8:39 AM on October 10, 2023
I've heard that many cyclists use GoPro cameras mounted on a bike or helmet to help deter random acts of aggression.
posted by dobi at 8:42 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by dobi at 8:42 AM on October 10, 2023
I just want to validate you and say that this is a scary and traumatic thing that happened, and I’m glad you’re okay and it’s okay to be upset. It’s okay to take a break from biking if you feel you need to, but also it’s fine to just power through and keep going. I would personally probably not call CPD but that’s your call, too. You aren’t obligated to do ANYTHING, just take care of yourself in whatever way that means.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 8:42 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by jeweled accumulation at 8:42 AM on October 10, 2023
I am so mad for you. So, so mad. What a thoughtless jerk the people who did this to you were. I am so sorry.
I agree with others that you should report this. Cops generally do not give any shits about what happens to people biking in the cities as they see it as part of what cyclists deserve for interrupting traffic and being different. HOWEVER, I think the police may take this a bit more seriously than the typical vehicular violence because it steps outside of the agreed-upon level of violence toward pedestrians and cyclists as being okay if done with a car only. For some reason there is that line that cannot be crossed and I think this probably crosses that (ridiculous) line. That said, I don't know the cops in your city, but I think in my own they would do something about this.
But don't let the assholes who did this to you steal the joy of cycling from you, even with the dodgy crap we have to deal with - including things like this. This was random and not targetted (except at any cyclist) and probably just a whim those jerks had at the time. Just keep going, if you can do it. You'll probably never get over this incident, but you'll gradually think about it less and less as time goes on.
posted by urbanlenny at 8:43 AM on October 10, 2023
I agree with others that you should report this. Cops generally do not give any shits about what happens to people biking in the cities as they see it as part of what cyclists deserve for interrupting traffic and being different. HOWEVER, I think the police may take this a bit more seriously than the typical vehicular violence because it steps outside of the agreed-upon level of violence toward pedestrians and cyclists as being okay if done with a car only. For some reason there is that line that cannot be crossed and I think this probably crosses that (ridiculous) line. That said, I don't know the cops in your city, but I think in my own they would do something about this.
But don't let the assholes who did this to you steal the joy of cycling from you, even with the dodgy crap we have to deal with - including things like this. This was random and not targetted (except at any cyclist) and probably just a whim those jerks had at the time. Just keep going, if you can do it. You'll probably never get over this incident, but you'll gradually think about it less and less as time goes on.
posted by urbanlenny at 8:43 AM on October 10, 2023
Imagine if the person who pushes you pushes someone else next week, and the next person gets hurt.
If you report this incident, it means that if the next person gets hurt,
the person who pushed you can't say "I've never done this before/it was a spur of the moment impulse" and have the Police/Judge believe them.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:50 AM on October 10, 2023
If you report this incident, it means that if the next person gets hurt,
the person who pushed you can't say "I've never done this before/it was a spur of the moment impulse" and have the Police/Judge believe them.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:50 AM on October 10, 2023
Also, a friend of mine was injured by a similar action like ~10 years ago - this was in Logan Square, so an area of town that even back then was known as a haven for cyclists. Someone reached out of a car and grabbed her messenger bag and dragged her along with them, and unfortunately she did fall as a result.
I just found the old article about it! I believe the injury ended up nagging her for years until she had surgery.
posted by misskaz at 8:54 AM on October 10, 2023
I just found the old article about it! I believe the injury ended up nagging her for years until she had surgery.
posted by misskaz at 8:54 AM on October 10, 2023
The reason I would report this is that there may be a pattern to the behavior, and if several people also report then the police might indeed take it seriously, whereas if no one reports then someone else might get hurt later on.
posted by OHenryPacey at 8:58 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by OHenryPacey at 8:58 AM on October 10, 2023
"If nothing else, putting in a report will create a record that may be important one day..."
From what I understand, reporting helps cops decide how to allocate resources. So even if nothing comes out of reporting this specific act of violence [Spoiler alert -- it won't], it may help direct whatever funds and officers onto the bike beat.
posted by Capt. Renault at 9:22 AM on October 10, 2023
From what I understand, reporting helps cops decide how to allocate resources. So even if nothing comes out of reporting this specific act of violence [Spoiler alert -- it won't], it may help direct whatever funds and officers onto the bike beat.
posted by Capt. Renault at 9:22 AM on October 10, 2023
What this person did to you was so awful, and disturbing. I am so sorry.
Once while riding back roads along the New England coast, my husband and I had an SUV slow down and throw fountain soda in our faces. Ice cubes and all! It was super dangerous and really unpleasant. I did feel a bit like my faith in humanity was shaken. We could hear teenagers laughing inside the car. I had ridden my bike through Boston regularly for a few years, and been shouted at more than once by a truck driver, but never experienced anything really malicious like that!
I felt apprehensive about riding my bike for a while, but it eventually passed, and as others have remarked here, nothing like that has ever happened again. My vote would be keep riding, switch up your route. Maybe take a short break for your sanity (and your wife’s).
I’d counsel you to report this to the police, too, but wouldn’t blame you at all if you didn’t.
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 9:26 AM on October 10, 2023
Once while riding back roads along the New England coast, my husband and I had an SUV slow down and throw fountain soda in our faces. Ice cubes and all! It was super dangerous and really unpleasant. I did feel a bit like my faith in humanity was shaken. We could hear teenagers laughing inside the car. I had ridden my bike through Boston regularly for a few years, and been shouted at more than once by a truck driver, but never experienced anything really malicious like that!
I felt apprehensive about riding my bike for a while, but it eventually passed, and as others have remarked here, nothing like that has ever happened again. My vote would be keep riding, switch up your route. Maybe take a short break for your sanity (and your wife’s).
I’d counsel you to report this to the police, too, but wouldn’t blame you at all if you didn’t.
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 9:26 AM on October 10, 2023
I’d report it, on the same theory as others — one story won’t mean much, but if this is part of a pattern, you won’t want to have wasted the chance to bear witness to that, in case the attacker hurts someone later.
There was an assailant stringing up garroting wire of some kind across bike paths in my town a year or two ago. Some people have really violent and twisted impulses toward bikers specifically, it seems, and this person could be one of those.
posted by eirias at 9:48 AM on October 10, 2023
There was an assailant stringing up garroting wire of some kind across bike paths in my town a year or two ago. Some people have really violent and twisted impulses toward bikers specifically, it seems, and this person could be one of those.
posted by eirias at 9:48 AM on October 10, 2023
RE the risk, lots of people do riskier things regularly. People take 200 mile road trips without thinking about it, and that's likely riskier than a week of commuting for you. People also smoke, drink, swim in lakes, climb ladders, and eat unpasteurized cheese: sometimes it's worth it. Your commute is giving you exercise which I bet would be hard to fit into your life otherwise, especially with the same consistency, and odds are that will extend your life.
posted by metasarah at 9:57 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by metasarah at 9:57 AM on October 10, 2023
I'm sorry this happened to you.
I think it's a toss-up about calling the police, since they won't do anything. But I think you should mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that they'll victim-blame you for the audacity to be a bike commuter. I've seen cops do this to people in other situations, and they would have been greatly helped if they'd had the opportunity to do some emotional prep.
Of the few cities I've lived in, including my current home of Los Angeles, Chicago drivers were the most virulently anti-cyclist. Many panicked memories of cars on Western basically running me down to within feet of my back wheel. It is a real shame.
posted by kensington314 at 11:02 AM on October 10, 2023
I think it's a toss-up about calling the police, since they won't do anything. But I think you should mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that they'll victim-blame you for the audacity to be a bike commuter. I've seen cops do this to people in other situations, and they would have been greatly helped if they'd had the opportunity to do some emotional prep.
Of the few cities I've lived in, including my current home of Los Angeles, Chicago drivers were the most virulently anti-cyclist. Many panicked memories of cars on Western basically running me down to within feet of my back wheel. It is a real shame.
posted by kensington314 at 11:02 AM on October 10, 2023
Could be materially worthwhile and personally satisfying to also call your Alderman's office and ask for some reasonable fucking bicycle infrastructure.
posted by kensington314 at 11:06 AM on October 10, 2023
posted by kensington314 at 11:06 AM on October 10, 2023
That's terrible The Larch.
When I've had stuff like this happen (as a cyclist, as a driver, as a pedestrian) in NZ I report it, and police sort the problem out (even calling back saying they visited person and warned them, and that they took their licence in one case.). I have had drivers change lanes and drive at me twice overseas, Alaska & Scotland (while cycling), so no easy way to call cops and once in NZ (couldn't see plate).
US obv. has a terrible police system.
posted by unearthed at 11:39 AM on October 10, 2023
When I've had stuff like this happen (as a cyclist, as a driver, as a pedestrian) in NZ I report it, and police sort the problem out (even calling back saying they visited person and warned them, and that they took their licence in one case.). I have had drivers change lanes and drive at me twice overseas, Alaska & Scotland (while cycling), so no easy way to call cops and once in NZ (couldn't see plate).
US obv. has a terrible police system.
posted by unearthed at 11:39 AM on October 10, 2023
Hey friend, I'm also an urban bike commuter, and this sounds super scary. You were assaulted, and that's awful. I'm very sorry that happened to you. I am not a fan of the police, but I think I'd file a police report so that this sort of thing was officially on the record as an assault.
I'd probably also avoid that route for the time being, not because it would keep me safer, but because it might help me feel better and more relaxed for a bit. And yes, do connect with other active bike folks. It can be reassuring to have that community connection.
I know you know this, but I also want to remind you of the incredible health benefits of bike commuting. I am going to guess that your physical and mental health are much better because of your active commuting. Your wife's fears about your commute aren't necessarily connected to the level of danger you experience. If you think that she'll have such a strong reaction, centering her emotions and fears rather than your assault and how it impacted you, then I think it might be okay to wait a few days to tell her, until you can make sure you are regulated. I also might suggest first talking it through with a friend who isn't your wife, because some emotions might come out when you say it out loud.
I'm really sorry this happened to you. There's so little space for us on bikes, and we are pretty vulnerable to cars, and biking is still fantastic, but that doesn't mean it always goes well. I'm sorry those people assaulted you.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:54 PM on October 10, 2023
I'd probably also avoid that route for the time being, not because it would keep me safer, but because it might help me feel better and more relaxed for a bit. And yes, do connect with other active bike folks. It can be reassuring to have that community connection.
I know you know this, but I also want to remind you of the incredible health benefits of bike commuting. I am going to guess that your physical and mental health are much better because of your active commuting. Your wife's fears about your commute aren't necessarily connected to the level of danger you experience. If you think that she'll have such a strong reaction, centering her emotions and fears rather than your assault and how it impacted you, then I think it might be okay to wait a few days to tell her, until you can make sure you are regulated. I also might suggest first talking it through with a friend who isn't your wife, because some emotions might come out when you say it out loud.
I'm really sorry this happened to you. There's so little space for us on bikes, and we are pretty vulnerable to cars, and biking is still fantastic, but that doesn't mean it always goes well. I'm sorry those people assaulted you.
posted by bluedaisy at 12:54 PM on October 10, 2023
I've been struck by a car while biking (after a huge cycling event no less, when thousands of cyclists were on the streets) and reported it to a very disinterested police officer (he questioned whether I actually wanted to make a report) but I wanted that data that an incident had taken place to be collected and recorded. City planners, politicians, and advocates can use that data to make a case for more investment in separated, protected bike lanes and other safety measures.
posted by brookeb at 1:10 PM on October 10, 2023
posted by brookeb at 1:10 PM on October 10, 2023
I just wanted to say thank you again to everyone who responded. These comments helped a ton this morning!
I did end up calling to file a police report. The license number that I was SO SURE I'd written down correctly returned no results, so I guess I am not quite as cool-headed and observant as many people kindly gave me credit for. Still, something is recorded.
There are too many wonderful comments to respond to here, but I'm very grateful to everyone. Thank you! I'm ending my work day and getting ready to bike back home, and I'm still looking forward to it. It's true what so many people said, that biking is a wonderful thing. I'll look for more people to share that with.
Thanks, everyone!
posted by The Larch at 1:41 PM on October 10, 2023
I did end up calling to file a police report. The license number that I was SO SURE I'd written down correctly returned no results, so I guess I am not quite as cool-headed and observant as many people kindly gave me credit for. Still, something is recorded.
There are too many wonderful comments to respond to here, but I'm very grateful to everyone. Thank you! I'm ending my work day and getting ready to bike back home, and I'm still looking forward to it. It's true what so many people said, that biking is a wonderful thing. I'll look for more people to share that with.
Thanks, everyone!
posted by The Larch at 1:41 PM on October 10, 2023
I'm so sorry this happened to you! I'm also a bike commuter and this sounds like a nightmare to me. As far as your questions are concerned:
1. Yes report it and take it as far as you can. Even if nothing comes of it.
2. Keep riding but changing up your route isn't a bad idea. I doubt you'll encounter the same people again so I'm not saying change for that but there may be an alternate route that you end up liking. I've been taking a multi-use-path for part of my commute over the last couple of months and it's been nice not having to worry about cars for that stretch of it.
3. My daily commute has been a big boon to my physical and mental health so I wouldn't give it up if I could help it. I've been on the fence about getting a GoPro or other camera for my bike and if an incident like that happened to me I'd probably buy one immediately.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:45 PM on October 10, 2023
1. Yes report it and take it as far as you can. Even if nothing comes of it.
2. Keep riding but changing up your route isn't a bad idea. I doubt you'll encounter the same people again so I'm not saying change for that but there may be an alternate route that you end up liking. I've been taking a multi-use-path for part of my commute over the last couple of months and it's been nice not having to worry about cars for that stretch of it.
3. My daily commute has been a big boon to my physical and mental health so I wouldn't give it up if I could help it. I've been on the fence about getting a GoPro or other camera for my bike and if an incident like that happened to me I'd probably buy one immediately.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:45 PM on October 10, 2023
Chicago area bicycle advocacy group is the Active Transportation Alliance. Definitely reach out to them and talk - they will be interested in hearing the report just to help them know what is going on in the region, but also they may have some specific suggestions or avenues you can pursue.
There might be other advocacy groups around you can reach out to as well (often smaller scrappy groups pop up in large metros with a lot of cycling, and often they are very active and helpful - and they usually concentrate on one specific region or type of bicycling, etc) but Active Transportation Alliance is the large & long-established one.
Another specific thing you can do is get "dash cams" to video the front & rear as you ride. If nothing else, just the fact that you obviously are videoing will often dissuade idiots from doing things they otherwise might. And they will capture the action in an "objective" manner that is helpful for presenting to the police. Sometimes they can capture the license plate as well (though the systems I have seen and tested, don't depend on that being 100% positive ID - capturing those small, fast-moving license plate numbers that are a l-o-n-g way from the camera, from a platform that is also moving and jostling around, is not as easy as you might think).
posted by flug at 3:29 PM on October 10, 2023
There might be other advocacy groups around you can reach out to as well (often smaller scrappy groups pop up in large metros with a lot of cycling, and often they are very active and helpful - and they usually concentrate on one specific region or type of bicycling, etc) but Active Transportation Alliance is the large & long-established one.
Another specific thing you can do is get "dash cams" to video the front & rear as you ride. If nothing else, just the fact that you obviously are videoing will often dissuade idiots from doing things they otherwise might. And they will capture the action in an "objective" manner that is helpful for presenting to the police. Sometimes they can capture the license plate as well (though the systems I have seen and tested, don't depend on that being 100% positive ID - capturing those small, fast-moving license plate numbers that are a l-o-n-g way from the camera, from a platform that is also moving and jostling around, is not as easy as you might think).
posted by flug at 3:29 PM on October 10, 2023
I totally understand not wanting to engage further with these people or police. One idea could be to reach out to your local cycling advocacy group to see if they have any advice or if they would be willing to make a police report on your behalf.
I do think even if nothing concrete immediately happens to the driver it may be critically important for other cyclists if there is a paper trail showing a pattern of this behavior.
posted by forkisbetter at 5:31 PM on October 10, 2023
I do think even if nothing concrete immediately happens to the driver it may be critically important for other cyclists if there is a paper trail showing a pattern of this behavior.
posted by forkisbetter at 5:31 PM on October 10, 2023
For a handful of dollars you can turn a plate # into a name and address of the car’s owner.
posted by creiszhanson at 6:17 PM on October 10, 2023
posted by creiszhanson at 6:17 PM on October 10, 2023
I might look into bike-busing this - riding with others who share some/all of your route. That can be fun once a schedule gets going! And maybe get a rearview mirror for your bike/helmet.
FWIW, I think the hands-on part might indeed get police attention, more than a rundown, ironically.
posted by drowsy at 8:18 PM on October 10, 2023
FWIW, I think the hands-on part might indeed get police attention, more than a rundown, ironically.
posted by drowsy at 8:18 PM on October 10, 2023
Would public shaming work? Like "BOLO for bike-assaulting, bicycles should avoid this car at all costs" etc?
posted by kschang at 9:35 PM on October 10, 2023
posted by kschang at 9:35 PM on October 10, 2023
This hasn't happened to me, but I did face a similar choice after a random mugging in New York in 1989...and someone else I knew similarly faced the same choice the following year.
I was mugged while walking from the grocery store back to my college dorm. I was carrying a sort of a "decoy wallet" by accident (I'd gotten a new wallet, and hadn't yet gotten around to moving all my ID and cards from the old one to the new), so when the guys jogged up behind me and cornered me on a stoop and said that "this is a stickup, we have a gun, just give us your wallet" I gave them the new wallet with ten bucks in it and they left. I was only out ten bucks, but I still called the police anyway. And did a ride-along with them that night and went to look at mug shots the next day. Nothing else happened.
But even though they didn't catch the guys - it helped me bounce back from the attack way faster, because I was taking action. I wasn't just the scared and powerless victim, I had taken a step to take my power and agency back by calling the police, and even just that helped a lot. I still exercised caution and was a lot more careful and aware of my surroundings, but I didn't feel completely helpless and powerless and that helped a lot.
Even better - a year later someone came to visit my roommate, and she had just been mugged right before she got to our room. She had come straight to us, and said she wasn't sure she wanted to go to the police because "what would they do". I immediately told her about my own mugging and said that even if they couldn't do anything, SHE would probably feel a hell of a lot better because she'd feel like she'd taken action and done something. She was skeptical, but left (with my roommate) to the police to report the mugging. And when she got there - she discovered that the police had already caught the guy, at the behest of a witness who'd seen the whole thing. And they were just about to let him go because no victim had come forward. But - here she was now. "So do you want to press charges?"
"HELL YES!" And she got everything back that he'd taken. She thanked me profusely when I saw her next.
So yes, I would definitely go to the police, because at the very least you will feel like you Did Something and that will be invaluable.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:03 AM on October 11, 2023
I was mugged while walking from the grocery store back to my college dorm. I was carrying a sort of a "decoy wallet" by accident (I'd gotten a new wallet, and hadn't yet gotten around to moving all my ID and cards from the old one to the new), so when the guys jogged up behind me and cornered me on a stoop and said that "this is a stickup, we have a gun, just give us your wallet" I gave them the new wallet with ten bucks in it and they left. I was only out ten bucks, but I still called the police anyway. And did a ride-along with them that night and went to look at mug shots the next day. Nothing else happened.
But even though they didn't catch the guys - it helped me bounce back from the attack way faster, because I was taking action. I wasn't just the scared and powerless victim, I had taken a step to take my power and agency back by calling the police, and even just that helped a lot. I still exercised caution and was a lot more careful and aware of my surroundings, but I didn't feel completely helpless and powerless and that helped a lot.
Even better - a year later someone came to visit my roommate, and she had just been mugged right before she got to our room. She had come straight to us, and said she wasn't sure she wanted to go to the police because "what would they do". I immediately told her about my own mugging and said that even if they couldn't do anything, SHE would probably feel a hell of a lot better because she'd feel like she'd taken action and done something. She was skeptical, but left (with my roommate) to the police to report the mugging. And when she got there - she discovered that the police had already caught the guy, at the behest of a witness who'd seen the whole thing. And they were just about to let him go because no victim had come forward. But - here she was now. "So do you want to press charges?"
"HELL YES!" And she got everything back that he'd taken. She thanked me profusely when I saw her next.
So yes, I would definitely go to the police, because at the very least you will feel like you Did Something and that will be invaluable.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:03 AM on October 11, 2023
As someone who's been commuting/riding Chicago streets for a few years more than you have, my first instinct was to regale you with all the more terrible things that have happened to me on a bike therein. Partially to show my bona fides, but primarily because you said nothing like it had happened before!? I'd recommend that you pause and consider that you may have been very lucky to only encounter a situation like this now, so long into your urban cycling career.
That said, things are different and way scarier now, so being rattled and changing things up are a perfectly normal response. A few things to keep in mind or try follow...
For justice/closure, if you still need it.
•If you remember the exact spot where you were pushed, go back and ask any of the businesses if they have cctv coverage of that part of the street.
•The car may very well have been stolen, so tracking it down accurately may not get you any closer to a culprit.
To keep enjoying your bike commute:
• Devise a 'maximum chill' commuting route that keeps you close to parks/ protected bike lanes and quieter streets whenever possible, and allow for a mile or two to be added on to keep you in a less stressful gear. Time it out and see if it's a sometimes thing or a new daily route. Bring your wife out to try it, so she can have a feel for it, too.
and finally a controversial suggestion:
Be less visible. I developed this philosophy of no hi-viz gear, no blinky lights, just reflectors on my bike and bag after a few too many getting things thrown at me/ getting slapped on the (white) helmet by pedestrians riding downtown and on the southside incidents. This works for me because I've always assumed that people DON'T see me, even in broad daylight, so I have a super reactive riding style. While I'm sure people will argue with it, and I've heard them, however, I also don't draw any attention to myself and haven't been physically assaulted (much) since I adopted 'stealth mode'.
Tl;Dr:
You're fine. You aren't hurt, your reaction to this event is normal and unfortunately shit like this happens a lot. Do not stop riding, both for yourself and because that would let the assholes win. There are things you can change about your commute, but don't go denying your love for biking.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 4:55 PM on October 11, 2023
That said, things are different and way scarier now, so being rattled and changing things up are a perfectly normal response. A few things to keep in mind or try follow...
For justice/closure, if you still need it.
•If you remember the exact spot where you were pushed, go back and ask any of the businesses if they have cctv coverage of that part of the street.
•The car may very well have been stolen, so tracking it down accurately may not get you any closer to a culprit.
To keep enjoying your bike commute:
• Devise a 'maximum chill' commuting route that keeps you close to parks/ protected bike lanes and quieter streets whenever possible, and allow for a mile or two to be added on to keep you in a less stressful gear. Time it out and see if it's a sometimes thing or a new daily route. Bring your wife out to try it, so she can have a feel for it, too.
and finally a controversial suggestion:
Be less visible. I developed this philosophy of no hi-viz gear, no blinky lights, just reflectors on my bike and bag after a few too many getting things thrown at me/ getting slapped on the (white) helmet by pedestrians riding downtown and on the southside incidents. This works for me because I've always assumed that people DON'T see me, even in broad daylight, so I have a super reactive riding style. While I'm sure people will argue with it, and I've heard them, however, I also don't draw any attention to myself and haven't been physically assaulted (much) since I adopted 'stealth mode'.
Tl;Dr:
You're fine. You aren't hurt, your reaction to this event is normal and unfortunately shit like this happens a lot. Do not stop riding, both for yourself and because that would let the assholes win. There are things you can change about your commute, but don't go denying your love for biking.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 4:55 PM on October 11, 2023
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I also encourage you to keep biking, because more cyclists out there makes it safer for all of us. I'd understand if you wanted to change your route for a while, or just take a total break until your nerves settle. I have done this after being harassed for biking.
This scum wasn't targeting you per se, they are typically very frightened insecure people who for strange reasons are intimidated by bikes and choose to intentionally harm cyclists, thinking that they can get away with it. And if you do nothing, they can.
posted by SaltySalticid at 6:40 AM on October 10, 2023