I lost it (again)


Ok, on my way from Shepperton to Chertsey. A long stretch with a nice, wide, good surface, shared pavement/cyclepath running parallel to a rather narrow and a bit bendy 40mph road. No wonder I prefer the cyclepath. The problem is as follows:
Pretty much EVERYDAY, there is a stretch with cars parked on the pavement. I mean literally parked in the middle, not even a ped would be able to squeeze through without getting on the road. Today I saw this large Land Rover or something parked in the middle, no easy way to get on the road (high kerb, plus the car obstructs the view of oncoming traffic). I see two guys sitting in the car, window open. I stop and say, in a very calm manner:
-“Do you know it is illegal to park on a pavement/shared cycle path?” (btw. is it really illegal???)
The answer, a cocky: “So what?”
At this point I must shamefully admit I lost it. His attitude really pissed me off. I said something I should not have said (especially since I wouldn't really do it, just wanted to 'scare' the guy). I said:
-“Next time I see you parked like that you'll find a nice scratch on the car.”
Shame on me. That was unnecessary, no need to point it out! My mistake, and I mentally promised myself to control it next time…
Anyway, at this time the guy went ballistic a bit. Gets out of the car, seemingly ready to fight and says:
-“Anything happens to this car I you bike will be crashed” (presumably along with me?)
I just stare at him, the other guy duly joined the first one, who said a few more nasty things, but I just left fuming.
I am pretty sure I will see that car there tomorrow. I am going to take my camera, and shot a video, possibly take a few photos of the car on the pavement (if you do not see it on this forum, then I am probably crashed haha). At any rate, I want to report it (that is, the way they park). Does anybody know whose job it is to deal with cars parked on pavements??? Ideally, I'd like the cars clamped and issued with a fixed penalty notice(?)
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Just done a bit of searching if theres double yellows on the adjacent road its likelly the council, if there isnt double yellows its the police and its not parking on the pavement itself which is illegal but the obstruction caused.
Perhaps the thing to do next time is to call the police about the obstruction making a nice show of stopping front of the vehicle and reading out the number plate and taking a picture etc
You might of upset the Staines Massive! Aiii!!
Look 695 (Geared) - FCN 1
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they might tall a patrol to stop if they have one close but don't expect them to turn up.
I've done it before as it add to the statistics the love so much
Boll :evil: cked a Golf who'd pulled into a London cycle lane to take a call on his mobile, gently advised him through his open window "Excuse me, young man, but did you know that this is a cycle lane and cars are not permitted, please move"
Although I may have been a bit more succinct :twisted: and rude :roll:
Anyway, he muttered "OK mate, calm down" and (to my utter amazement) drove off...
It's just a hill. Get over it.
They are absolute zealots where I live (Bucks), we used to live in a street where they introduced residents' permits, and I let one know there was a car parked illegally and the warden RAN (I kid you not) to bang a ticket on... 8)
Mind you, everyone else hates their guts...
It's just a hill. Get over it.
Maybe a note under the windscreen wiper "Sorry, you were in the way... I've got new bar-ends btw.. sorry if they've got sharp edges" 8)
Not to be taken as any call for you to damage them.
They are expensive to repair apparently
Then read MY BLOG @ http://www.pebennett.com
Twittering @spen_666
In fact I passed a chap with a cycling plus shirt this morning riding towards Shepperton. Could that have been you? 7.40ish. I don't come here very often so it was strange to find this thread after seeing the jersey this morning.
Anyway I will wave next time, lots of traffic today only just saw said cyclist. I am on an old steel Dawes Giro with blue jersey, 3/4 bib shorts.
There will be little or no good from confronting someone over something. All it might do is wind you up, making you take your eye off your ride when you need to be concentrating.
sw