Reckless driver found guilty in LA road rage incident against cyclists

November 2, 8:56 PMPhiladelphia Cycling ExaminerAnne Rock

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November 2, 2009: Emergency Room doctor Christopher Thompson was found guilty on several counts stemming from a July 4 incident involving two cyclists.  His crimes include assault with a deadly weapon and battery with serious bodily injury and mayhem. 

An example of road rage against cyclists:

After an altercation with cyclists, Dr. Thompson accelerated ahead of them on the twisty descent down Mandeville Canyon Road and then cut in front of them and slammed on the brakes, forcing one rider to launch over Thompson's car and the other to smash through the rear window.

 While this bodes well for cyclists regularly terrorized by aggressive drivers, they should not get too comfortable on the streets of Philadelphia.  Just last week, a cyclist riding through Manayunk was "doored" by a car stopped at a red light.  As the cyclist went around the car's passenger side, the passenger opened his door in time for the cyclist to slam into it.  The car passenger then laughed uproariously before he and his driver left the scene.

Numerous Philadelphia cyclists have been squeezed off the road, doored, verbally assaulted, and harassed in other ways by inconsiderate drivers.  Cyclists, however, are not exempt from responsibility for many have ignored the rules of the road and created hazardous conditions for pedestrians, joggers, roller bladers, and other perambulators.  A busy weekend on Kelly and Martin Luther King Drives offers numerous examples of reckless cycling.

The recent addition of bike lanes in Center City has sparked further controversy and acrimony between those who favor two wheels over four.  Whether you're a commuter or on a training ride, be mindful of cars and respectful of other road users.

Perhaps this incident will highlight to an even greater extent the dangers vulnerable cyclists face than the recent Philadelphia Naked Bike ride.

Bottom line: Be respectful of the road rules and don't give drivers reason to lash out or retaliate. Even if you're right, your 15 pound bike will always lose against the 2 ton car.