Paul Martens Threatened by Motorist While Training
The war between motorists and cyclists does not seem to be calming down any, as 26-year-old Rabobank rider Paul Martens was threatened by a driver while he was riding. The source of the rider’s anger is that he “felt that I held him up often in traffic.” The driver was so upset “that he tried to force me into the ditch on an open field,” Martens said on his personal Website. The driver “jumped out of his car like a fury and threatened to hit me, and said that as soon as I started riding again, he would drive me down! You can imagine my shock, because as a cyclist you are helpless against such people,” he said. Luckily, “an attentive and courageous driver stopped and accompanied me” until the situation was calm. It’s a shame that us cyclists have to deal with people like that.
carry some pepper spay in one of your pockets. im not saying to hurt him or escalate the encounter but it would be nice to know that you dont have to break your hand if it comes down a fist fight. just me 2 cents. plus us road bikes tend to have large legs and small upper body not the best for a fight. lol
I agree with Karl, and ride to the left of the fog line to give yourself room should you get squeezed over. If you try to be conscientious and ride right, you are not giving yourself enough room for an evasive maneuver.
Hi! I took this picture in the 2008 Tour of California, in Santa Barbara. I’m a big fan of Paul Martens; and, we email back & forth. I told him to do what I do; because, this has happened to me several times. Stop & keep your distance. Take your cell phone out & call the police to report a road rage incident, involving license plate ########.
That has always worked to get the guy back in his car and drive away. Once, a police car actually intercepted me as I was riding away; and, asked if I wanted to file a report. They said I could end up in court. I filed a report anyway; but, he must’ve pleaded guilty because I didn’t have to show. Another time, the police came to my home and took a report. So, SAFETY FIRST. Keep a safe distance. Report it! That’s not only my advice. That’s what I do.