Dickhead copper in Sydney
Geoff Lock
about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective strips
on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright flashing head
light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible from a long way off.
Several cars go by me with nary a problem but one car stayed behind me
tailgating me and tooting it's horn.
I picked up speed a bit but held my normal line which is smack bang in
the middle of the lane. There are two lanes in each direction so I
figure if I kept it up long enough the car behind me would eventually
give up and overtake me on the outside lane just like all the other cars
and trucks have done. After all, none of the other vehicles seemed to
have any problems with overtaking me.
Next thing I know, I hear a siren and I look behind me and sure enough
the dickhead tailgating car is actually an unmarked cop car with lights
a-flashing. I pull over to the side of the road immediately as I have
been harassed by coppers before for riding my bicycle late at night on a
public road despite having done everything right.
The unmarked cop car pulls up beside me, drops the passenger side
window, and the uniformed policeman driving screams out at me, "Get off
the road, you fucking idiot!". As soon as I got over the initial shock
of having being yelled at by a copper, I yelled back, "Why?".
The fucking pig seemed gobsmacked, then, proceeds to overtake me and I
promptly returned to the road behind him and continued my journey. I
could see him looking into the rearview mirror and I was hoping he would
either turn the car around and come back for me, or stop for me to catch
up, but alas, the coward drove off.
Stupidly it was only after he was about 500metres away that I realised I
should have taken his rego and report him.
Fucking cunt of a cop that one. I hope I meet him again when I ride that
stretch of road again in the weeks to come.
There, I've got it off my chest. I feel better now.
My apologies to the good coppers out there - I know they are out there
because I have met a few of them.
Peter
That's the sort of cop you want to book you so that you can prove what a
dickhead he is in court.
Peter Cremasco
> On Sat, 02 Jan 2010 02:30:23 +1100, Geoff Lock <glock@home> wrote:
>
>> Was riding back to my place along a long dark lonely stretch of road at
>> about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective strips
>> on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright flashing head
>> light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible from a long way off.
>>
>> Several cars go by me with nary a problem but one car stayed behind me
>> tailgating me and tooting it's horn.
>>
>> I picked up speed a bit but held my normal line which is smack bang in
>> the middle of the lane.
>
>
Why?
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
You can still maker a complaint.
Ask for advice in aus.legal.
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Geoff Lock
> On Sat, 02 Jan 2010 02:30:23 +1100, Geoff Lock <glock@home> wrote:
>
>> about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective strips
>> on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright flashing head
>> light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible from a long way off.
>
> I would have run ya down, ya fuck'n tossa.
>
I am guessing that you drive, so unfortunately for you, you represent
about a poofteenth of the umpteen hundreds of thousands of drivers on
the road. Road users like you are a shrinking minority but you don't
have to believe me , do your own research. You are no real road user
despite your sig but this is Usenet and you can claim whatever you like :)
I hope you like cycling because if you keep up your current behaviour
and attitude and we'll be seeing you join the growing ranks of cyclists
on the road :)
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock <glock@home> wrote:
>> Was riding back to my place along a long dark lonely stretch of road
>> at
>> about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective strips
>>
>> on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright flashing
>> head
>> light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible from a long way
>> off.
>> Stupidly it was only after he was about 500metres away that I realised
>> I
>> should have taken his rego and report him.
> That's the sort of cop you want to book you so that you can prove what a
> dickhead he is in court.
Heheheh, I wouldn't need to prove nuffin meself cos he'll do the job
himself :)
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Was riding back to my place along a long dark lonely stretch of road
>> at about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective
>> strips on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright
>> flashing head light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible from
>> a long way off.
>
> You can still maker a complaint.
>
> Ask for advice in aus.legal.
>
I am not exactly the adversarial type - it disturbs my inner calmness,
my cosmic co-existence etc etc., in other words, I don't need shit and
aggro in my life.
I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so, I'll
meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it further. He
does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of displaying their name)
so he may feel brave enough to step out of his car to confront and bully
a piss weak looking bespectacled dishevelly dressed cyclist.
Still thanks for the suggestion, mate.
Epsilon
What you describe as disturbing is not about cycling. It's about how one
policeman behaved in a situation where he thought he could do what he did
with impunity. If you don't complain, and others in a similar situation
don't complain, you can only expect police to continue behaving as they do.
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Was riding back to my place along a long dark lonely stretch of road
>>> at about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective
>>> strips on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright
>>> flashing head light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible
>>> from a long way off.
>
>> You can still maker a complaint.
>>
>> Ask for advice in aus.legal.
>
> I am not exactly the adversarial type - it disturbs my inner calmness,
> my cosmic co-existence etc etc., in other words, I don't need shit and
> aggro in my life.
I know exactly what you mean but there comes a time when we have to stand up and
let our voices be heard.
> I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so, I'll
> meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it further. He
> does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of displaying their name)
You could claim the same thing! ;-)
> so he may feel brave enough to step out of his car to confront and bully
> a piss weak looking bespectacled dishevelly dressed cyclist.
>
> Still thanks for the suggestion, mate.
Could you describe him?
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Was riding back to my place along a long dark lonely stretch of road
>>>> at about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective
>>>> strips on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright
>>>> flashing head light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible
>>>> from a long way off.
>>
>>>
>>> You can still maker a complaint.
>>>
>>> Ask for advice in aus.legal.
>>>
>>
>> I am not exactly the adversarial type - it disturbs my inner calmness,
>> my cosmic co-existence etc etc., in other words, I don't need shit and
>> aggro in my life.
>
> What you describe as disturbing is not about cycling. It's about how
> one policeman behaved in a situation where he thought he could do what
> he did with impunity. If you don't complain, and others in a similar
> situation don't complain, you can only expect police to continue
> behaving as they do.
I am more inclined to think that the copper abused his position of
authority and his responsibilty to the community at large although one
could also be right in saying that he probably thought he could act wih
impunity with respect to the uniform he was wearing but I think legal
folks would say that this is all moot :)
I believe it is unfair to tar all coppers with the same brush just
because of one dickhead who probably KNOWS he acted in a manner
unbefitting a police officer and that satisfies me to some extent. On
the balance of probability, most wannabe goodie two shoes, and I count
myself as one, are cursed with a guilt complex and it is hard to carry
that big rock around one's neck on a day-to-day basis. For those who do
not have a guilt complex yet, I am pretty sure it is not hard to acquire
one despite all of one's protestations :)
I am a forgiving person and I seldom seek retribution as a form of
ameliorating my anger.
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Was riding back to my place along a long dark lonely stretch of road
>>>> at about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with reflective
>>>> strips on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had a bright
>>>> flashing head light, so I was quite confident I was quite visible
>>>> from a long way off.
>>
>>> You can still maker a complaint.
>>>
>>> Ask for advice in aus.legal.
>>
>> I am not exactly the adversarial type - it disturbs my inner calmness,
>> my cosmic co-existence etc etc., in other words, I don't need shit and
>> aggro in my life.
>
> I know exactly what you mean but there comes a time when we have to
> stand up and let our voices be heard.
The fact that I have interaction with folks here demostrates that quite
well, methinks.
Escalating, what is essentially, a minor incident involving one copper,
who may or may not be having a hard day/night, is not really fair to the
many other coppers who genuinely have the interests of the community a
large, albeit in a very jaundiced manner for some.
>> I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so, I'll
>> meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it further. He
>> does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of displaying their name)
>
> You could claim the same thing! ;-)
:)
>
>> so he may feel brave enough to step out of his car to confront and
>> bully a piss weak looking bespectacled dishevelly dressed cyclist.
>>
>> Still thanks for the suggestion, mate.
>
> Could you describe him?
>
The whole thing was over in about 10-15 seconds, the light was poor and
I was pretty pissed off by the whole thing :) Still, I don't think it
would be too difficult to determine exactly which copper it was if I
REALLY REALLY wanted to nail him - time, vehicle, route, patrol area,
etc are some of the elements one could draw upon.
Like I said in a previous post, I am a forgiving person and I am
grateful that there are folks out there who understand my position in
regards to my cycling.
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Was riding back to my place along a long dark lonely stretch of
>>>>> road at about 0030 just now. I had my yellow fluorovest with
>>>>> reflective strips on, had a bright flashing rear red light and had
>>>>> a bright flashing head light, so I was quite confident I was quite
>>>>> visible from a long way off.
>>>
>>>> You can still maker a complaint.
>>>>
>>>> Ask for advice in aus.legal.
>>>
>>> I am not exactly the adversarial type - it disturbs my inner
>>> calmness, my cosmic co-existence etc etc., in other words, I don't
>>> need shit and aggro in my life.
>>
>> I know exactly what you mean but there comes a time when we have to
>> stand up and let our voices be heard.
>
> The fact that I have interaction with folks here demostrates that quite
> well, methinks.
Yes, but the newsgroups don't "carry" very far.
> Escalating, what is essentially, a minor incident involving one copper,
> who may or may not be having a hard day/night, is not really fair to the
> many other coppers who genuinely have the interests of the community a
> large, albeit in a very jaundiced manner for some.
While true, we are increasingly suffering from a blight called road rage where
inconsiderate or impatient arseholes think they own the road. As it is, we don't
know what the police officer did before or after he came across you. We do know
that some road rage incidents have resulted in death. Lodging an official
complaint may enrage him enough to perhaps come after you but it might remind
him of what his duty and responsibilities are. Remember, nobody is above the
law. Especially not police officers, judges, magistrates, lawyers and politicians.
>>> I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so,
>>> I'll meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it
>>> further. He does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of
>>> displaying their name)
>>
>> You could claim the same thing! ;-)
>
> :)
Do you ever point that out to people?
>>> so he may feel brave enough to step out of his car to confront and
>>> bully a piss weak looking bespectacled dishevelly dressed cyclist.
>>>
>>> Still thanks for the suggestion, mate.
>>
>> Could you describe him?
>
> The whole thing was over in about 10-15 seconds, the light was poor and
> I was pretty pissed off by the whole thing :) Still, I don't think it
> would be too difficult to determine exactly which copper it was if I
> REALLY REALLY wanted to nail him - time, vehicle, route, patrol area,
> etc are some of the elements one could draw upon.
Yes, pretty much. Nearest police station too.
> Like I said in a previous post, I am a forgiving person and I am
> grateful that there are folks out there who understand my position in
> regards to my cycling.
I let things slide too, although sometimes I don't think I should. One problem
we have is people tend to get away with things because others are too forgiving.
If you do run into him again, note the rego and try and get a description. Also
make sure you're not doing anything wrong.
Geoff Lock
>
My rationale for being in the middle of the lane has EVRYTHING to do
with safety for me and other road users - it is not for the petty
desires of being arrogant nor being inconsiderate.
Together with my personal protective equipment, being in the middle of
the lane represents the HIGHEST VISIBILITY possible at ALL TIMES.
For a person claiming to be a "real road user" you seem to know very
little about road rules and road safety, eh? :) You may want to consider
reading the Road Users Handbook and the Road Rules as published by the
NSW Govt or whatever the equivalent is in the state you're in, just like
I did before responding to your post - you may yet become a "real road
user" one day.
I am also guessing that you believe your current attitude is not
arrogant nor inconsiderate. Keep it up :) You are a prime candidate to
join me on the road as a cyclist :)
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> You can still maker a complaint.
>>>>>
>>>>> Ask for advice in aus.legal.
>>>>
>>>> I am not exactly the adversarial type - it disturbs my inner
>>>> calmness, my cosmic co-existence etc etc., in other words, I don't
>>>> need shit and aggro in my life.
>>>
>>> I know exactly what you mean but there comes a time when we have to
>>> stand up and let our voices be heard.
>>
>> The fact that I have interaction with folks here demostrates that
>> quite well, methinks.
>
> Yes, but the newsgroups don't "carry" very far.
True, true but it'll have to do for now.
>> Escalating, what is essentially, a minor incident involving one
>> copper, who may or may not be having a hard day/night, is not really
>> fair to the many other coppers who genuinely have the interests of the
>> community a large, albeit in a very jaundiced manner for some.
>
> While true, we are increasingly suffering from a blight called road rage
> where inconsiderate or impatient arseholes think they own the road. As
> it is, we don't know what the police officer did before or after he came
> across you. We do know that some road rage incidents have resulted in
> death.
Yes, road rage has caused death and I do think about that every time I
get on my bike. I have a little mantra I chant every time before I ride
- "Today is a good day to die" (Courtesy of a cheat code found in an
early version of Warcraft :) ). If it happens then hopefully my estate
will profit out of it :)
Lodging an official complaint may enrage him enough to perhaps
> come after you but it might remind him of what his duty and
> responsibilities are. Remember, nobody is above the law. Especially not
> police officers, judges, magistrates, lawyers and politicians.
I am reasonably certain that the copper knows his duty and
responsibilities and as you rightly pointed out, we have no idea what
prompted him to act the way he did. Being a copper can be a thankless
job and I guess my decision not to prosecute is a reflection of my
sympathies for an oft-maligned profession in our society.
>>>> I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so,
>>>> I'll meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it
>>>> further. He does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of
>>>> displaying their name)
>>>
>>> You could claim the same thing! ;-)
>>
>> :)
>
> Do you ever point that out to people?
I am a big fan of the products purveyed by Gaston. :)
>> Like I said in a previous post, I am a forgiving person and I am
>> grateful that there are folks out there who understand my position in
>> regards to my cycling.
>
> I let things slide too, although sometimes I don't think I should. One
> problem we have is people tend to get away with things because others
> are too forgiving. If you do run into him again, note the rego and try
> and get a description. Also make sure you're not doing anything wrong.
>
My excuse for letting things slide is that I am a wannabe goodie two
shoes :) What is yours? :)
I totally agree that being too forgiving can be a real social problem in
so many ways. In this specific case, I am adopting the "poor bastard"
approach with the copper being the "poor bastard" in question. Rightly
or wrongly, I am giving him the benefit of the doubt here in this instance.
Now if I met him again and I recognise him and he behaved the same way,
I will be consoled by the fact that I will have the support of many in
aus.bicycles and aus.legal and elsewhere to prosecute him to the fullest
extent possible.
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>
>>>>>> You can still maker a complaint.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Ask for advice in aus.legal.
>>>>>
>>>>> I am not exactly the adversarial type - it disturbs my inner
>>>>> calmness, my cosmic co-existence etc etc., in other words, I don't
>>>>> need shit and aggro in my life.
>>>>
>>>> I know exactly what you mean but there comes a time when we have to
>>>> stand up and let our voices be heard.
>>>
>>> The fact that I have interaction with folks here demostrates that
>>> quite well, methinks.
>>
>> Yes, but the newsgroups don't "carry" very far.
>
> True, true but it'll have to do for now.
Yep, its a start.
>>> Escalating, what is essentially, a minor incident involving one
>>> copper, who may or may not be having a hard day/night, is not really
>>> fair to the many other coppers who genuinely have the interests of
>>> the community a large, albeit in a very jaundiced manner for some.
>>
>> While true, we are increasingly suffering from a blight called road
>> rage where inconsiderate or impatient arseholes think they own the
>> road. As it is, we don't know what the police officer did before or
>> after he came across you. We do know that some road rage incidents
>> have resulted in death.
>
> Yes, road rage has caused death and I do think about that every time I
> get on my bike. I have a little mantra I chant every time before I ride
> - "Today is a good day to die" (Courtesy of a cheat code found in an
> early version of Warcraft :) ). If it happens then hopefully my estate
> will profit out of it :)
Speaking of road rage, this report was in the paper today -
http://www.smh.com.au/national/road-rage-stabbing-20100103-lmtp.html
>> Lodging an official complaint may enrage him enough to perhaps
>> come after you but it might remind him of what his duty and
>> responsibilities are. Remember, nobody is above the law. Especially
>> not police officers, judges, magistrates, lawyers and politicians.
>
> I am reasonably certain that the copper knows his duty and
> responsibilities and as you rightly pointed out, we have no idea what
> prompted him to act the way he did. Being a copper can be a thankless
> job and I guess my decision not to prosecute is a reflection of my
> sympathies for an oft-maligned profession in our society.
Try making friends with him the next time you see him.
>>>>> I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so,
>>>>> I'll meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it
>>>>> further. He does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of
>>>>> displaying their name)
>>>>
>>>> You could claim the same thing! ;-)
>>>
>>> :)
>>
>> Do you ever point that out to people?
>
> I am a big fan of the products purveyed by Gaston. :)
I don't know what that is. Tried googling but with no luck.
> >> Like I said in a previous post, I am a forgiving person and I am
>>> grateful that there are folks out there who understand my position in
>>> regards to my cycling.
>>
>> I let things slide too, although sometimes I don't think I should. One
>> problem we have is people tend to get away with things because others
>> are too forgiving. If you do run into him again, note the rego and try
>> and get a description. Also make sure you're not doing anything wrong.
>
> My excuse for letting things slide is that I am a wannabe goodie two
> shoes :) What is yours? :)
Lazy. Prefer to err on the side of caution. Take your pick.
> I totally agree that being too forgiving can be a real social problem in
> so many ways. In this specific case, I am adopting the "poor bastard"
> approach with the copper being the "poor bastard" in question. Rightly
> or wrongly, I am giving him the benefit of the doubt here in this instance.
>
> Now if I met him again and I recognise him and he behaved the same way,
> I will be consoled by the fact that I will have the support of many in
> aus.bicycles and aus.legal and elsewhere to prosecute him to the fullest
> extent possible.
Then again, you may never see him again.
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>
>> Yes, road rage has caused death and I do think about that every time I
>> get on my bike. I have a little mantra I chant every time before I
>> ride - "Today is a good day to die" (Courtesy of a cheat code found in
>> an early version of Warcraft :) ). If it happens then hopefully my
>> estate will profit out of it :)
>
> Speaking of road rage, this report was in the paper today -
>
> http://www.smh.com.au/national/road-rage-stabbing-20100103-lmtp.html
A bit silly to get into an argument and than parking one's car where the
other fellow knows to find it.
>> I am reasonably certain that the copper knows his duty and
>> responsibilities and as you rightly pointed out, we have no idea what
>> prompted him to act the way he did. Being a copper can be a thankless
>> job and I guess my decision not to prosecute is a reflection of my
>> sympathies for an oft-maligned profession in our society.
>
> Try making friends with him the next time you see him.
I always try to make friends first with anybody.
>>>>>> I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so,
>>>>>> I'll meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it
>>>>>> further. He does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of
>>>>>> displaying their name)
>>>>>
>>>>> You could claim the same thing! ;-)
>>>>
>>>> :)
>>>
>>> Do you ever point that out to people?
>>
>> I am a big fan of the products purveyed by Gaston. :)
>
> I don't know what that is. Tried googling but with no luck.
Gaston Glock is the founder of GLOCK. :)
>> My excuse for letting things slide is that I am a wannabe goodie two
>> shoes :) What is yours? :)
>
> Lazy. Prefer to err on the side of caution. Take your pick.
Gotta shovel? :)
>> I totally agree that being too forgiving can be a real social problem
>> in so many ways. In this specific case, I am adopting the "poor
>> bastard" approach with the copper being the "poor bastard" in
>> question. Rightly or wrongly, I am giving him the benefit of the doubt
>> here in this instance.
>>
>> Now if I met him again and I recognise him and he behaved the same
>> way, I will be consoled by the fact that I will have the support of
>> many in aus.bicycles and aus.legal and elsewhere to prosecute him to
>> the fullest extent possible.
>
> Then again, you may never see him again.
>
True.
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>
>>> Yes, road rage has caused death and I do think about that every time
>>> I get on my bike. I have a little mantra I chant every time before I
>>> ride - "Today is a good day to die" (Courtesy of a cheat code found
>>> in an early version of Warcraft :) ). If it happens then hopefully my
>>> estate will profit out of it :)
>>
>> Speaking of road rage, this report was in the paper today -
>>
>> http://www.smh.com.au/national/road-rage-stabbing-20100103-lmtp.html
>
> A bit silly to get into an argument and than parking one's car where the
> other fellow knows to find it.
Yes but the real problem is all this road rage that's occurring all too often now.
>>> I am reasonably certain that the copper knows his duty and
>>> responsibilities and as you rightly pointed out, we have no idea what
>>> prompted him to act the way he did. Being a copper can be a thankless
>>> job and I guess my decision not to prosecute is a reflection of my
>>> sympathies for an oft-maligned profession in our society.
>>
>> Try making friends with him the next time you see him.
>
> I always try to make friends first with anybody.
I've met people who just don't like me no matter what. Very strange.
>>>>>>> I use that stretch of road often and if the cycling gods deem so,
>>>>>>> I'll meet that copper again and I'll see if he wants to take it
>>>>>>> further. He does have a GLOCK (the company's preferred way of
>>>>>>> displaying their name)
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You could claim the same thing! ;-)
>>>>>
>>>>> :)
>>>>
>>>> Do you ever point that out to people?
>>>
>>> I am a big fan of the products purveyed by Gaston. :)
>>
>> I don't know what that is. Tried googling but with no luck.
>
> Gaston Glock is the founder of GLOCK. :)
Ah, no wonder I couldn't find anything. So he would have signed his name
G.GLOCK. ;-)
>>> My excuse for letting things slide is that I am a wannabe goodie two
>>> shoes :) What is yours? :)
>>
>> Lazy. Prefer to err on the side of caution. Take your pick.
>
> Gotta shovel? :)
Yes, as a matter of fact I do. And its a Spear & Jackson. Possibly a No. 5. No
brass handle though. What about you?
>>> I totally agree that being too forgiving can be a real social problem
>>> in so many ways. In this specific case, I am adopting the "poor
>>> bastard" approach with the copper being the "poor bastard" in
>>> question. Rightly or wrongly, I am giving him the benefit of the
>>> doubt here in this instance.
>>>
>>> Now if I met him again and I recognise him and he behaved the same
>>> way, I will be consoled by the fact that I will have the support of
>>> many in aus.bicycles and aus.legal and elsewhere to prosecute him to
>>> the fullest extent possible.
>>
>> Then again, you may never see him again.
>
> True.
In that case, there's nothing to work up a lather about.
F Murtz
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>
>>>> Yes, road rage has caused death and I do think about that every time
>>>> I get on my bike. I have a little mantra I chant every time before I
>>>> ride - "Today is a good day to die" (Courtesy of a cheat code found
>>>> in an early version of Warcraft :) ). If it happens then hopefully
>>>> my estate will profit out of it :)
>>>
>>> Speaking of road rage, this report was in the paper today -
>>>
>>> http://www.smh.com.au/national/road-rage-stabbing-20100103-lmtp.html
>>
>> A bit silly to get into an argument and than parking one's car where
>> the other fellow knows to find it.
>
> Yes but the real problem is all this road rage that's occurring all too
> often now.
This road rage will continue to get worse while ever the govt.s and
councils install traffic control devices( speed humps,
chicanes,unnecessary traffic lights,funneling traffic on to slow main
roads out of back streets.
frustration is the basic cause of road rage.
In days gone by you could chose shortcuts and if you were held up it was
your own fault,with no one to blame but yourself,now you are forcibly
funneled on to packed roads and you have no individual choice so you get
cranky and irritable
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>
>> Yes but the real problem is all this road rage that's occurring all too
>> often now.
>
> This road rage will continue to get worse while ever the govt.s and
> councils install traffic control devices( speed humps,
> chicanes,unnecessary traffic lights,funneling traffic on to slow main
> roads out of back streets.
> frustration is the basic cause of road rage.
> In days gone by you could chose shortcuts and if you were held up it was
> your own fault,with no one to blame but yourself,now you are forcibly
> funneled on to packed roads and you have no individual choice so you get
> cranky and irritable
I don't believe that's really the case as road rage is typically drivers
attacking other drivers. That seems to suggest something else is the cause.
F Murtz
> F Murtz wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>
>>> Yes but the real problem is all this road rage that's occurring all too
>>> often now.
>>
>> This road rage will continue to get worse while ever the govt.s and
>> councils install traffic control devices( speed humps,
>> chicanes,unnecessary traffic lights,funneling traffic on to slow main
>> roads out of back streets.
>> frustration is the basic cause of road rage.
>> In days gone by you could chose shortcuts and if you were held up it
>> was your own fault,with no one to blame but yourself,now you are
>> forcibly funneled on to packed roads and you have no individual choice
>> so you get cranky and irritable
>
> I don't believe that's really the case as road rage is typically drivers
> attacking other drivers. That seems to suggest something else is the cause.
>
Exactly, frustration,continual irritability and that annoying driver
getting in the way of what I want to do or putting one more obstacle in
my way (shoving in etc)
Tomasso
You are being baited by lowlife detritus.
Please DO write your reply, but associate it with the original post
from Geoff Lock (if he isn't a troll, and I suspect he isn't), or
anyone *intelligent* who responded.
Or refrain!
Why waste life on some dickwad who fervently serves
his totally vacuously agenda (eg, obvious trolls like "Dr. Sir
John Howard, AC, WSCMoF" and other contrivances like
it)?
Otherwise, join the Ed Dolan throng of puss on a stick.
Onward and upward (please).
Tomasso.
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Speaking of road rage, this report was in the paper today -
>>>
>>> http://www.smh.com.au/national/road-rage-stabbing-20100103-lmtp.html
>>
>> A bit silly to get into an argument and than parking one's car where
>> the other fellow knows to find it.
>
> Yes but the real problem is all this road rage that's occurring all too
> often now.
Speaking for myself, I don't get involved in road rage incidents only
because I like to think I am a nice person :)
If another person wishes to indulge, I can only respond on a case by
case basis.
>>>> I am a big fan of the products purveyed by Gaston. :)
>>>
>>> I don't know what that is. Tried googling but with no luck.
>>
>> Gaston Glock is the founder of GLOCK. :)
>
> Ah, no wonder I couldn't find anything. So he would have signed his name
> G.GLOCK. ;-)
Probably :)
>>>> My excuse for letting things slide is that I am a wannabe goodie two
>>>> shoes :) What is yours? :)
>>>
>>> Lazy. Prefer to err on the side of caution. Take your pick.
>>
>> Gotta shovel? :)
>
> Yes, as a matter of fact I do. And its a Spear & Jackson. Possibly a No.
> 5. No brass handle though. What about you?
I've got nuffin here so gimme a url where I can download that shovel,
will yer? :)
>>>> Now if I met him again and I recognise him and he behaved the same
>>>> way, I will be consoled by the fact that I will have the support of
>>>> many in aus.bicycles and aus.legal and elsewhere to prosecute him to
>>>> the fullest extent possible.
>>>
>>> Then again, you may never see him again.
>>
>> True.
>
> In that case, there's nothing to work up a lather about.
>
True, the cosmic balance of my chi in relation to the harmony of the
flow of energy shall remain undisturbed - in other words, I don't really
give a shit, mate :)
Geoff Lock
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>
>>>>> Yes, road rage has caused death and I do think about that every time
>>>>> I get on my bike. I have a little mantra I chant every time before I
>>>>> ride - "Today is a good day to die" (Courtesy of a cheat code found
>>>>> in an early version of Warcraft :) ). If it happens then hopefully
>>>>> my estate will profit out of it :)
>> Yes but the real problem is all this road rage that's occurring all too
>> often now.
>
> This road rage will continue to get worse while ever the govt.s and
> councils install traffic control devices( speed humps,
> chicanes,unnecessary traffic lights,funneling traffic on to slow main
> roads out of back streets.
> frustration is the basic cause of road rage.
> In days gone by you could chose shortcuts and if you were held up it was
> your own fault,with no one to blame but yourself,now you are forcibly
> funneled on to packed roads and you have no individual choice so you get
> cranky and irritable
If you were a cyclist, and I am responding to this post via aus.bicycle,
you will be surprised at the number of shortcuts you can take.
So, really, those "old" days you pine for have NOT really gone by if you
were cycling :)
Traffic control devices? Hm, speaking as a cyclist, I don't really have
a problem with them as I recognise the need for some form of managing
traffic flow. I am sure some people who could talk all night about the
merits of a speed hump with a 120cm rise and a 30 degree incline but
I'll have to pass on that one because I simply have not been able to
jump one yet on my mountain bike. Might need to change the ratios on my
big chainrings I think or grow bigger muscles :)
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>
>>>> Speaking of road rage, this report was in the paper today -
>>>>
>>>> http://www.smh.com.au/national/road-rage-stabbing-20100103-lmtp.html
>>>
>>> A bit silly to get into an argument and than parking one's car where
>>> the other fellow knows to find it.
>>
>> Yes but the real problem is all this road rage that's occurring all
>> too often now.
>
> Speaking for myself, I don't get involved in road rage incidents only
> because I like to think I am a nice person :)
It doesn't really matter how nice you are. Its the other arsehole that's the
problem. They tend to take advantage of our good nature.
> If another person wishes to indulge, I can only respond on a case by
> case basis.
>
>>>>> I am a big fan of the products purveyed by Gaston. :)
>>>>
>>>> I don't know what that is. Tried googling but with no luck.
>>>
>>> Gaston Glock is the founder of GLOCK. :)
>>
>> Ah, no wonder I couldn't find anything. So he would have signed his
>> name G.GLOCK. ;-)
>
> Probably :)
>
>>>>> My excuse for letting things slide is that I am a wannabe goodie
>>>>> two shoes :) What is yours? :)
>>>>
>>>> Lazy. Prefer to err on the side of caution. Take your pick.
>>>
>>> Gotta shovel? :)
>>
>> Yes, as a matter of fact I do. And its a Spear & Jackson. Possibly a
>> No. 5. No brass handle though. What about you?
>
> I've got nuffin here so gimme a url where I can download that shovel,
> will yer? :)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0686866/
>>>>> Now if I met him again and I recognise him and he behaved the same
>>>>> way, I will be consoled by the fact that I will have the support of
>>>>> many in aus.bicycles and aus.legal and elsewhere to prosecute him
>>>>> to the fullest extent possible.
>>>>
>>>> Then again, you may never see him again.
>>>
>>> True.
>>
>> In that case, there's nothing to work up a lather about.
>
> True, the cosmic balance of my chi in relation to the harmony of the
> flow of energy shall remain undisturbed - in other words, I don't really
> give a shit, mate :)
No worries.
Geoff Lock
> Haven't you guys heard of trolls and killfiles?
>
> You are being baited by lowlife detritus.
I may be wrong but so far, I have only seen one troll so no need to
panic yet, mate.
>
> Please DO write your reply, but associate it with the original post
> from Geoff Lock (if he isn't a troll, and I suspect he isn't), or anyone
> *intelligent* who responded.
I am no troll. I speak only of my experiences on the streets of Sydney
and I don't really care if trolls want to get invovled as long as they
on topic.
Of course, when I start getting bored with a troll ... _shrug_
> Or refrain!
You jest!!! :)
> Why waste life on some dickwad who fervently serves
> his totally vacuously agenda (eg, obvious trolls like "Dr. Sir John
> Howard, AC, WSCMoF" and other contrivances like
> it)?
Personally, I don't have a problem right now with the man as he has been
on topic as far as I am concerned.
> Otherwise, join the Ed Dolan throng of puss on a stick.
Come now, Ed Dolan provides entertainment - some times :) I confess I
very seldom read his posts but at least he keeps the "faith" - whatever
his version of the "faith" may be. I sometimes wonder if he is Jean-Paul
Turcaud in another guise. Now you got to admit that JPT is really
something special as he has maintained his "rage" all these years. That
alone should qualify JPT for something, I dunno, free accomodation in a
quiet room at a peaceful "resort" perhaps :)
>
> Onward and upward (please).
Indeed, I was digressing :)
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
>
> Traffic control devices? Hm, speaking as a cyclist, I don't really have
> a problem with them as I recognise the need for some form of managing
> traffic flow. I am sure some people who could talk all night about the
> merits of a speed hump with a 120cm rise and a 30 degree incline but
> I'll have to pass on that one because I simply have not been able to
> jump one yet on my mountain bike. Might need to change the ratios on my
> big chainrings I think or grow bigger muscles :)
Don't ask me why, but I had a feeling you rode a mountain bike. What have you got?
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>
>> Speaking for myself, I don't get involved in road rage incidents only
>> because I like to think I am a nice person :)
>
> It doesn't really matter how nice you are. Its the other arsehole that's
> the problem. They tend to take advantage of our good nature.
Tell me something new :)
How I chose to respond to an arsehole is dependent on many factors and
should perhaps be more correctly discussed on aus.socialengineering or
aus.psychology or
aus.how.to.handle.arseholes.and.other.similar.personalities :)
As Tomasso rightly pointed out in a previous post, my original post was
on aus.bicycles and as I readily accepted the cross post to aus.legal I
should really be on topic on both newsgroups, and therefore some of my
main concerns with regards to arseholes would probably be -
(1) To what degree does said arsehole affect my bicycling experience?
(2) Do I have a duty of care towards said arsehole?
(3) Does said arsehole have a duty of care towards me?
(4) Most importantly, do I give a fuck about arseholes if I took the
trouble to fix my 24-speed Malvern mountain bike gear cable and I can
just cycle away from said arsehole? :)
BTW I ride a 35(?) y.o 12-speed road bike right now so maybe I should
make the effort to fix that gear cable on the Malvern but that is
another story for another time :)
Geoff Lock
>>
>> Traffic control devices? Hm, speaking as a cyclist, I don't really
>> have a problem with them as I recognise the need for some form of
>> managing traffic flow. I am sure some people who could talk all night
>> about the merits of a speed hump with a 120cm rise and a 30 degree
>> incline but I'll have to pass on that one because I simply have not
>> been able to jump one yet on my mountain bike. Might need to change
>> the ratios on my big chainrings I think or grow bigger muscles :)
>
> Don't ask me why, but I had a feeling you rode a mountain bike. What
> have you got?
>
Oops, I answered this but to expand, I currently ride a 35(?) y.o 12
speed road bike. I also have a 24 speed Malvern mountain bike with a
dodgy gear cable, a 21 speed Gemini mounain bike with a buggered rear
gear cluster, a 21 speed Huffy mountain bike with a buggered bottom
bracket plus several other bikes (I've given up trying to count how many
as there are too many loose pieces) in various stages of disrepair. :)
Oh yes, the road bike does not handle jumps too well so I try not to
partly because the lock ring on the head stem tends to come loose and
this can make the jump a bit more exciting than planned. My mountain
bikes are OK with jumps (suspension on the front forks are handy) but I
am trying to be as good as Danny MacAskill so I think I may need a bit
more practice as I can only manage 50 cm curbs at the moment :)
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>
>>> Speaking for myself, I don't get involved in road rage incidents only
>>> because I like to think I am a nice person :)
>>
>> It doesn't really matter how nice you are. Its the other arsehole
>> that's the problem. They tend to take advantage of our good nature.
>
> Tell me something new :)
Happens to you a lot too?
> How I chose to respond to an arsehole is dependent on many factors and
> should perhaps be more correctly discussed on aus.socialengineering or
> aus.psychology or
> aus.how.to.handle.arseholes.and.other.similar.personalities :)
>
> As Tomasso rightly pointed out in a previous post, my original post was
> on aus.bicycles and as I readily accepted the cross post to aus.legal I
> should really be on topic on both newsgroups, and therefore some of my
> main concerns with regards to arseholes would probably be -
I've taken aus.legal back out as we're no longer discussing anything legal related.
> (1) To what degree does said arsehole affect my bicycling experience?
I would be a lot more encompassing. Its not just with cycling. I come across
them just walking around, shopping or answering the phone to telemarketers.
> (2) Do I have a duty of care towards said arsehole?
Never. ;-)
> (3) Does said arsehole have a duty of care towards me?
I've found that they rarely care about anything other than themselves.
> (4) Most importantly, do I give a fuck about arseholes if I took the
> trouble to fix my 24-speed Malvern mountain bike gear cable and I can
> just cycle away from said arsehole? :)
Head in the other direction.
> BTW I ride a 35(?) y.o 12-speed road bike right now so maybe I should
> make the effort to fix that gear cable on the Malvern but that is
> another story for another time :)
Another day, another thread.
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>
>>> Traffic control devices? Hm, speaking as a cyclist, I don't really
>>> have a problem with them as I recognise the need for some form of
>>> managing traffic flow. I am sure some people who could talk all night
>>> about the merits of a speed hump with a 120cm rise and a 30 degree
>>> incline but I'll have to pass on that one because I simply have not
>>> been able to jump one yet on my mountain bike. Might need to change
>>> the ratios on my big chainrings I think or grow bigger muscles :)
>>
>> Don't ask me why, but I had a feeling you rode a mountain bike. What
>> have you got?
>
> Oops, I answered this but to expand, I currently ride a 35(?) y.o 12
> speed road bike. I also have a 24 speed Malvern mountain bike with a
> dodgy gear cable, a 21 speed Gemini mounain bike with a buggered rear
> gear cluster, a 21 speed Huffy mountain bike with a buggered bottom
> bracket plus several other bikes (I've given up trying to count how many
> as there are too many loose pieces) in various stages of disrepair. :)
Yeah, it happens. I fell in love with mountain bikes about 20 years ago because
they let me go places road and racing bikes couldn't. I've only had two. My
biggest problems were rust.
> Oh yes, the road bike does not handle jumps too well so I try not to
> partly because the lock ring on the head stem tends to come loose and
> this can make the jump a bit more exciting than planned. My mountain
> bikes are OK with jumps (suspension on the front forks are handy) but I
> am trying to be as good as Danny MacAskill so I think I may need a bit
> more practice as I can only manage 50 cm curbs at the moment :)
Yeah, for my next one, I'd love suspension on the front forks. As I'm getting
older, the bone jarring bumps are getting more noticeable.
Epsilon
>> What you describe as disturbing is not about cycling. It's about how
>> one policeman behaved in a situation where he thought he could do
>> what he did with impunity. If you don't complain, and others in a
>> similar situation don't complain, you can only expect police to
>> continue behaving as they do.
Whoever "Chris Baird" might be didn't write that.
> The chances are very slim that his equally-as-unsuited-for-the-job
> mates won't defend him past the point of perjury, but still, I always
> carry a cheap MP3 player that can record any sort of confrontation.
> Probably inadmissable in court,
Quite admissible in court.
> but great circumstantial evidence.
It's not circumstantial evidence. It's a recording of a conversation.