^ Ant, we do, actually. There have been many times I've seen groups of riders confront asshats on two-wheels. They get called out on the forums and in person. True, it usually doesn't become as epic as this has, mostly because it's handled right there in the moment, or shortly thereafter. I think that we do a pretty good job self-policing; that doesn't mean there aren't asshats on bikes, but we do make a real effort to eat our own when they deserve it. I think it goes hand-in-hand with a desire for safe, fun rides and improving skill. There have been dozens of BARFers who helped teach me to be a safe and skilled rider, and they continue to do so. If I ever do something that puts my life or the lives of others at risk I
want to get called on it - who knows? Maybe I wasn't even aware it was a problem. The only way to fix it is to call it out, and we do that on BARF.
everything is clear except why not just talk to him? he isnt underage he is 19 parents dont need to be brought into this. it seems people are assuming his parents bought him his car??
Is he still on their insurance? Does he still live at home without payment of rent? Then they are supporting him and in a lawsuit their assets are on the chopping block, not just his. I wonder if they are aware he is putting everything they own at risk for some stupid stunts on public roads.
A statement some of you may have missed:
redwood road is my favorite road to be on. and from now on when you see me on this road, i am in my own lane, driving will be to and extent where it won't endanger other drivers or riders but still in my mind of having fun, and yes i know what that is and how it feels like.
We'll see, but at least he's given an indication that he'll stay on his side of the road.
My problem with this, tzrider, is that so far he has tried to lie, blame others and generally displace responsibility for his actions. He has said that it was a 1-time road-rage, when his own videos show that is not the case. He said the Miata brake-checked him and he was trying to avoid a collision, which Hun says is a lie.
He's acting like an adolescent, saying whatever we want to hear to try to get off the hook. If he had come clean in the beginning I would be more inclined to believe him, but this has the ring of someone just reciting a script. I sense no genuine remorse or understanding at the consequences of
DEATH, or the ripple effect it has on families and our community.
I know I have been accused of being too hard on him, but I maintain that, considering his habitual and intentional dangerous actions and the dire and permanent consequences thereof, it is highly unlikely that words on a forum can be considered "too harsh."
I know there are some on the board who disagree with me, and they are entitled to their opinion; I respect those members and their stance.
Had he been honest from the beginning then words of genuine remorse and understanding, along with his demonstrated understanding of the consequences of his actions, would have satisfied me. However, he tried to worm his way out of responsibility with caveats and excuses. As I said shortly after his arrival: "He has hit rock-bottom, and started to dig."
Now it will take an even greater effort and more tangible evidence to show me, and many others in the community, that he fully comprehends the gravity of his choices. I don't think that's harsh, I think that's a reasonable consequence for his utter failure to do what's right the first time. I can see why he's not in here anymore, I doubt anyone has ever held his feet to the fire or consistently enforced a punishment or consequence in his life - and this is a continuation of that learned pattern of behavior.
How does a hundred knuckle heads showing up at some guy's parents house even remotely seem like the right thing to do? It just makes motorcycle riders look like a bunch of thugs.
Don't get me wrong, I would probably call the guy out if I happened to come across him at Starbucks, In-and-Out Burger or Safeway.
Like Ant said, this thread had tremendous oppertunity for education and understanding that seems to have been lost in the white noise and name calling.
Well, it depends on the message. For example:
I was in the outside lane (right lane) of a two-lane left turn and the woman in the Jag to my left blew the turn and ran wide. I anticipated this, and throttled out long the fog-stripe to escape. At the next light she turned into a strip mall, so I turned in as well. Once she parked, I approached her and said, "Hi. I'm here because you nearly hit me on that left back there." I was not threatening, just stating a fact. She apologized and said she was aware of her mistake as soon as I honked. She understood she made a mistake and fessed up right away. "No problem. I just stopped to talk to you because, as a rider, I'm very vulnerable on the road. I just want to make sure we all get home safe at the end of the day. I'm not angry, it wasn't intentional. I just wanted to have a friendly chat about motorcycle safety and awareness. Enjoy the rest of your day, ma'am!"
That was it. No shouting, no kicking of doors or bulging neck veins, just a quiet chat about the importance of motorcycle safety. She was really shaken up, not by my stopping, but because she knew she could have seriously injured me; actually, I was more calm than she was. I hope that interactions like this help promote the image of riders as being reasonable and courteous. Not all conversations about safety have to be confrontational. I never set out looking for a confrontation, that's up to the other driver.
