I May Have Just Seen The Worst/Aggresive/Dangerous Driver

damianmc

Sorry to start another London thread but this morning I saw a display of the worst driving I've ever seen in 13 years of cycle commuting in the Big Smoke. Thankfully I wasn't directly effected but I was at the same time open mouthed and sh**ing myself.

Guy in an Black 02 plate X5, speeding down a straight skinny quiet-ish residential 20mph limit road. Overtaking cars at about 40mph, beeping his horn and causing oncoming traffic to stop. He flew past me, then stopped in the middle of the road, jumped out and asked someone who had flashed their lights at him for a fight. I go past him and within seconds he has overtaken me and the car I'm riding behind. Overtakes two more vehicles, then goes over a raised Zebra crossing at about 40mph and turns off the road almost on two wheels. I carry on to use a bike lane and when I come to the next junction with the connecting road, he's overtaking traffic going the wrong side of a traffic island, again super fast.

All of this was in less than half a mile. All I wanted to do was call the Police, its so frustrating to see this happen and feel so helpless. I was wishing a squad car would pull up.

This was around the Elephant and Castle area, Portland Street to be precise. So if you see a vehicle like this with a 30ish white guy behind the wheel. Get out the way, do not try to "teach him a lesson" cos I think he would quite happily kill you. Nice.

always_tyred

Clearly a banker, rushing to number 10 to give GB a piece of his mind for witholding his bonus, which he deserves because of all those imaginary profits. Pity him.

damianmc

Funnily enough, only last week I saw our glorious leaders motorcade. Actually it was a very British motorcade, couple of Jags, police Range Rover and some motorbikes closing the roads as they went along. Quite low key but with enough air of menace to keep the subjects away.

Kieran_Burns

I can't help but think you could've noted the details and phoned the police. If more than one person had done so, they would've had independent witnesses and given the guy a visit.

I've seen it done (been a witness myself... a fiesta almost hit a policeman, he was too busy leaping for his life to see the car reg plate, but I did)

Judging from your description of his actions, at least one person was directly assaulted by this individual and you witnessed it... maybe he has made a complaint and is waiting for someone else to phone. Just a thought.

symo

More reasons to purchase an action cam. Get these a-holes off the road.

girv73

I have reported drivers for dangerous behaviour before, it might be worth a call to plod.

In the car once, a woman in a 4x4 ran me off the motorway slip road and on to the hard shoulder. I got her plate and called it in, for which the police thanked me, but there was no need as I saw her a bit later where she'd piled into the back of someone at the next exit. I like to think that my call helped inquiries into the later crash

always_tyred

In this instance, it may help the coroner's enquiries. The dude is probably on a pull out bed just now having just had a heart attack.

damianmc

I'm not usually bothered about the video camera thing but this morning would have been a beauty to have recorded.

Am only now calming down.

Didn't get the whole reg only the 02 bit, maybe started with a L.
It did cross my mind to take a picture with my phone but I was too scared :oops:

spen666

damianmc wrote:

Funnily enough, only last week I saw our glorious leaders motorcade. Actually it was a very British motorcade, couple of Jags, police Range Rover and some motorbikes closing the roads as they went along. Quite low key but with enough air of menace to keep the subjects away.

Are either of those companies still British owned?

Are their any British owned motor vehicle manufacturers now?

Sad state of industry

damianmc

See what you mean but I meant British as in a bit crap ie no stretch limos, people running alongside, helicopters etc.

If they did have to use British cars, what would would they use?

A Morgan? Can't see the PM in a little open top 2 seater.

Actually, maybe there is something in that......

spen666

damianmc wrote:

See what you mean but I meant British as in a bit crap ie no stretch limos, people running alongside, helicopters etc.

If they did have to use British cars, what would would they use?

A Morgan? Can't see the PM in a little open top 2 seater.

Actually, maybe there is something in that......

Even TVR is foreign owned now - or was last time I heard of it - does it still exist?

schlepcycling

damianmc wrote:

See what you mean but I meant British as in a bit crap ie no stretch limos, people running alongside, helicopters etc.

If they did have to use British cars, what would would they use?

A Morgan? Can't see the PM in a little open top 2 seater.

Actually, maybe there is something in that......

How about the Ariel Atom?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:ArielAtom5807.jpg

downfader

symo wrote:

More reasons to purchase an action cam. Get these a-holes off the road.

Although, having used cameras on-bike since around may I'd say its more for telling what actually happened (presuming you can capture the scene) rather than making us all Plod-alikes

Bike cams get a horribly negative reactions (online etc), and it should be said that when you carry one - if anyone notices it, prepare for public dismay, lol! Also if you're involved in an accident dont let that camera out of your possession.

damianmc wrote:

Sorry to start another London thread but this morning I saw a display of the worst driving I've ever seen in 13 years of cycle commuting in the Big Smoke. Thankfully I wasn't directly effected but I was at the same time open mouthed and sh**ing myself.

Guy in an Black 02 plate X5, speeding down a straight skinny quiet-ish residential 20mph limit road. Overtaking cars at about 40mph, beeping his horn and causing oncoming traffic to stop. He flew past me, then stopped in the middle of the road, jumped out and asked someone who had flashed their lights at him for a fight. I go past him and within seconds he has overtaken me and the car I'm riding behind. Overtakes two more vehicles, then goes over a raised Zebra crossing at about 40mph and turns off the road almost on two wheels. I carry on to use a bike lane and when I come to the next junction with the connecting road, he's overtaking traffic going the wrong side of a traffic island, again super fast.

All of this was in less than half a mile. All I wanted to do was call the Police, its so frustrating to see this happen and feel so helpless. I was wishing a squad car would pull up.

This was around the Elephant and Castle area, Portland Street to be precise. So if you see a vehicle like this with a 30ish white guy behind the wheel. Get out the way, do not try to "teach him a lesson" cos I think he would quite happily kill you. Nice.

You can still call the police. Or if you feel really threatened by the whole process fill out a crimestoppers online form. The police might need extra info to back up what has already been reported (as has already been said)... your story does make me think drugs are involved to some extent. :?

damianmc

You can still call the police. Or if you feel really threatened by the whole process fill out a crimestoppers online form. The police might need extra info to back up what has already been reported (as has already been said)... your story does make me think drugs are involved to some extent.

Filled in a Crimestoppers form FWIW. You never know?

downfader

damianmc wrote:

You can still call the police. Or if you feel really threatened by the whole process fill out a crimestoppers online form. The police might need extra info to back up what has already been reported (as has already been said)... your story does make me think drugs are involved to some extent.

Filled in a Crimestoppers form FWIW. You never know?

8)

always_tyred

downfader wrote:

Bike cams get a horribly negative reactions (online etc), and it should be said that when you carry one - if anyone notices it, prepare for public dismay, lol! Also if you're involved in an accident dont let that camera out of your possession.

I remember that thread - I think someone suggested that you chill a little and enjoy cycling - but then we know what happened next so maybe you had a point!!
Hopefully no one is actually critical of carrying a camera per se. I'm certainly not, I just don't have room on my bars.

il_principe

You should have taken his plate and reported him. Chances are that someone else will have as well so the more the merrier if you see what I mean...

Kieran_Burns

Always Tyred wrote:

downfader wrote:

Bike cams get a horribly negative reactions (online etc), and it should be said that when you carry one - if anyone notices it, prepare for public dismay, lol! Also if you're involved in an accident dont let that camera out of your possession.

I remember that thread - I think someone suggested that you chill a little and enjoy cycling - but then we know what happened next so maybe you had a point!!
Hopefully no one is actually critical of carrying a camera per se. I'm certainly not, I just don't have room on my bars.

Ditto - but then, I'd helmet mount it myself. The only problem I can forsee with that idea is the amount of girly flesh shots in the summer :oops:

cjcp

downfader wrote:

symo wrote:

your story does make me think drugs are involved to some extent. :?

Exactly what I was thinking.

(I mean, an X5 in the Elephant & Castle area?)

biondino

Talking of bad drivers, please please please please let Lewis Hamilton repeat last year's phenomenal choking! Please

damianmc

At least drugs might explain his behaviour!!!!

He just seemed incredibly pi**ed off and brimming with macho anger.
I think its possible he was just a total **** and was late for something really important. Saying that, he managed to find the time to square up to someone so maybe not.

You should have taken his plate and reported him. Chances are that someone else will have as well so the more the merrier if you see what I mean...

I was so amazed/scared by the whole thing, it was only as the car zoomed out of sight, I thought to take the full reg plus I was trying to stay out of his way.

And as I said, I think he would have taken exception to anyone obviously recording his particulars.

Driving like that though, he can't go unnoticed by the law for much longer. Hopefully he won't kill or injure someone in the meantime.

cjcp

damianmc wrote:

Driving like that though, he can't go unnoticed by the law for much longer. Hopefully he won't kill or injure someone in the meantime.

Is that a congestion charge zone? If so, wouldn't their cameras spot the car?

damianmc

Is that a congestion charge zone? If so, wouldn't their cameras spot the car?

Just outside, he headed towards the Old Kent Road so could have gone in or out.

Specialized Needs

cjcp wrote:

Is that a congestion charge zone? If so, wouldn't their cameras spot the car?

Nope, just south of the CC zone, but if told soon enough the police may have access to some other cameras that will give them the details and he may have passed into the zone near E&C. That's if they are interested.

IMHO, for what it is worth (and to me that is lots, as I cut through East Street etc, myself so might meet this vehicle one day ), it is worth contacting the police ASAP with what details you can (roads, times, directions, descriptions of cars involved - not just the X5 - if you can remember). It may be that they have other reports, or that they can tally it up with some video footage and get the no. plate (esp if you are in the CCTV yourself, to verify timings - but lots of cyclists around there in the morning :? ). At least your anger and frustration wil have had an outlet and you will have done all that you could.

Stuart

the_hundredth_idiot

I was tempted to make some flippant comment along the lines of, "BMW driver, driving like an absolute ar$e? Who would have thought it?"

But this guy sounds bad enough to make other Beemer drivers wince. A cam does sound a bit anal but being able to send footage to Plod would have been quite satisfying.

(On that note, I doubt many pedestrians/car drivers even notice a cam and know what it is - it probably just blends in with all the other lights, computers and things on the handlebars.)

always_tyred

The other day I got chopped up really badly by a people carrier in a (in hindsight) rough part of town. I shouted (non-verbal utterance) and fended off the guy's car as he turned across the bike lane having not overtaken me and I had to turn with him into a side road.

Next thing I know I'm standing in the road holding my bike in front of me while this guy tries to punch me.

I digress. My point is that it was unprovoked... no, sorry, I was cycling, which itself is provokation.....and a camera of some sort would have been great. I'd have made a complaint for assault. As it was, I had to make do with satisfyingly denting the guy's forehead with my handlebars.

damianmc

http://www.myroadrage.co.uk/dangerous-driving.php?make=BMW

Quite a lot of Black X5's!!! One nasty incident in Forest Hill, not too far away, see below.

BMW 4x4, black driven by male
Seen at 01:15pm on 09-Jun-2008 on Forest Hill Road London Greater London
Driver lost temper after possible minor insult. Threatened cyclist to stop. Cyclist didn't. Driver chased and over took cyclist, got out of car, tackled cyclist dragged across to opposite side of the road and began violently demanding an apology. The driver was apparently concerned that the cyclist had used insulting language in the presence of his son - assault seems to be permissible

I've got the Walworth Cop Shop number and will call.

cee

Always Tyred wrote:

The other day I got chopped up really badly by a people carrier in a (in hindsight) rough part of town. I shouted (non-verbal utterance) and fended off the guy's car as he turned across the bike lane having not overtaken me and I had to turn with him into a side road.

Next thing I know I'm standing in the road holding my bike in front of me while this guy tries to punch me.

I digress. My point is that it was unprovoked... no, sorry, I was cycling, which itself is provokation.....and a camera of some sort would have been great. I'd have made a complaint for assault. As it was, I had to make do with satisfyingly denting the guy's forehead with my handlebars.

jings......should have tickled his lughole with your d-lock

always_tyred

cee wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

The other day I got chopped up really badly by a people carrier in a (in hindsight) rough part of town. I shouted (non-verbal utterance) and fended off the guy's car as he turned across the bike lane having not overtaken me and I had to turn with him into a side road.

Next thing I know I'm standing in the road holding my bike in front of me while this guy tries to punch me.

I digress. My point is that it was unprovoked... no, sorry, I was cycling, which itself is provokation.....and a camera of some sort would have been great. I'd have made a complaint for assault. As it was, I had to make do with satisfyingly denting the guy's forehead with my handlebars.

jings......should have tickled his lughole with your d-lock

I leanred 2 things -

1) the scots seem to be able to go from zero to mental more effectively than any other race (this being mere confirmation of prior experience)
2) speedplay cleats offer very little grip and therefore make it rather difficult to leverage your bike against someone's head
3) if you are going to do this, its important to keep a good hold of your bike. Thankfully, I was wearing my gloves and had a jolly good grip.

(Spot the deliberate accounting error)

chuckcork

Always Tyred wrote:

cee wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

The other day I got chopped up really badly by a people carrier in a (in hindsight) rough part of town. I shouted (non-verbal utterance) and fended off the guy's car as he turned across the bike lane having not overtaken me and I had to turn with him into a side road.

Next thing I know I'm standing in the road holding my bike in front of me while this guy tries to punch me.

I digress. My point is that it was unprovoked... no, sorry, I was cycling, which itself is provokation.....and a camera of some sort would have been great. I'd have made a complaint for assault. As it was, I had to make do with satisfyingly denting the guy's forehead with my handlebars.

jings......should have tickled his lughole with your d-lock

I leanred 2 things -

1) the scots seem to be able to go from zero to mental more effectively than any other race (this being mere confirmation of prior experience)
2) speedplay cleats offer very little grip and therefore make it rather difficult to leverage your bike against someone's head
3) if you are going to do this, its important to keep a good hold of your bike. Thankfully, I was wearing my gloves and had a jolly good grip.

(Spot the deliberate accounting error)

I can't spot it, what was it you leanred?

FWIW a work collegue of mine a few years ago got ticked off by a Porsche driver for some stupid reason, and responded by dinging his car with his bike. The driver and his mate never did catch him.

Personally the closest I've come is I think the BMW (the pattern becomes clear) that did a U-turn across the front of me forcing avoiding action into a bus pull in bay. I would have taken them up on them but they looked the kind of people who would respond with a little bit of a stabbing or maybe a shooting, so i let it go.

Whereas the woman who pulled out of her driveway in her huge tractor without seeing me was just blind...

OldSkoolKona

It must be the time for it, as I had a similar experience last night. I'd had to take my car, and I was driving back through Kingston when the car but one behind started blaring the horn everytime the car in front of him (ie one behind me) stopped at a mini roundabout or junction. That car peeled off, so I got the mad man directly behind me and he was driving right on my bumper, beeping and weaving aggressively. With hindsight I should have pulled over and got rid of him, but I had him all the way through a 20mph section where he got even more wound up.

Eventually we went our separate ways at a junction, but it was a worrying experience, doesn't bear thinking what he'd have done to a cyclist. Got his number plate and plan to report him ( a cheeky look at the Ask MID site shows that he was uninsured though... :? )

Any one advise on the appropriate route to report? Ring the local police station? Will they take heed.