Road rage on biker (again)
Thread started by
illafilla at 07.7.08 - 10:51 am
Fuckin' a ... everytime you forget that drivers suck, they go and maliciously hit another cyclist
laist article
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did they publish the driver's name anywhere?
Roadblock07.7.08 - 11:57 am
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Driver should be convicted of attempted murder, period. This is deliberate use of a car as a deadly weapon and the riders hit are experienced racers who would have been able to avoid harm if given the chance, but this driver had it out to assault them. The guys from Cynergy are really good people, and it's a shame to hear two of them being taken out in such circumstances. Fucking ass hole mother fucking fuck fuck car mother fucker. (I'm generally not inclined to swear very much but ass hole fucking deserves prison time.)
GarySe7en07.7.08 - 11:58 am
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Fucked up is definitely an understatement.
Most of the comments on laist pose the same questions .... what happened to the driver, etc.
Just imagine, if this would have been an MR ride as opposed to an established, sanctioned ride, there would be no press at all.
illafilla07.7.08 - 12:22 pm
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I want more info on this. DRIVER's name and who the watch commander is. THIS to me should be top priority to get this guy busted for attempted murder. this is bullshit.
who can we call and cause some polite pressure to the authorities. what's the deal with the contact info.
Roadblock07.7.08 - 12:25 pm
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I cant find any coverage of this on LA Times.... anyone find other sources for this story?
Roadblock07.7.08 - 1:04 pm
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comment from LAist....
"Captain Eaton, the commanding officer of the West LA station, reports that LAPD believes this was indeed a "road rage" incident, made an arrest, and is handling the matter as a felony criminal assault, and not as a traffic collission. The investigation will be handled by WLA Detectives, who are seeking a criminal filing. When LAPD updates us on the progress, I will be sure to share that information here.
Mike Bonin
Chief of Staff
Office of Councilmember Bill Rosendahl"
Councilman.Rosendahl@lacity.org
West LA contact info:
West Los Angeles Community Police Station
1663 Butler Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-444-0701 Voice
310-575-8719 TDD/TTY
Roadblock07.7.08 - 1:24 pm
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OH MY GOD
i heard about that because i was riding up the same exact road the next morning. we were training and another bicyclist told us that someone had been hit and to be careful, but i didn't know it was road rage!
i made it up to the top (except for the last block which is steep) but i def was watching for cars since it's a narrow road. that really upsets me.
tomato07.7.08 - 1:55 pm
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Wow! I paid Ron (the cyclist who suffered the worst injuries) for a month of coaching and a pro bike fit back when I first started riding again. He's an awesome guy. What do you want to bet that the Doctor in question will lie to the court and deny that he hit his brakes, trying to pin the blame for rearending him on the cyclists? Thankfully, there's more than one cyclist, so it isn't simply one cyclist's word against a driver's (we all know how those cases go.).
I hope they ruin the guy. Motorcyclists and bicyclists have been dealing with this kind of crap for far too long and it is far too rare to have a circumstance where the culprit (a repeat offender, in this case) can be made to feel some consequences for their actions. Usually, they just get a warning, like this guy did the last time he tried to kill a cyclist.
ideasculptor07.7.08 - 3:03 pm
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I went down to Cynergy, which I frequent regularly, during my lunch break to find out more about what happened. Thankfully all injuries are recoverable, however racing season is over for both cyclists now. Cynergy, Helen's and the club La Grange (who reported this same driver for aggressive behavior months ago) are organizing lawyers to try and get maximum punishment possible. I hope he gets jail time and has his drivers license and medical license revoked.
GarySe7en07.7.08 - 3:24 pm
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That's fucking horrible. This guy needs to be put away.
toweliesbong07.7.08 - 3:48 pm
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someone check this quack for narcotics, fucking speedemon fuck,
dannyzuko07.7.08 - 4:02 pm
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send in your emails and make those calls! every one of these incidents should be met with a flurry of pressure. especially a case like this where the culprit probably has a lot of money and influence.
Roadblock07.7.08 - 4:10 pm
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The have identified the perp...
Latest update from LAist. "Regarding the incident reported this morning where a one Dr. Christopher Thompson was involved in an alleged road rage incident between two bicyclists, Christian Stoehr and Ron Peterson, on Mandeville Canyon in Brentwood..."
skd07.7.08 - 4:13 pm
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a shrink oly fuck, lets make some calls people,
dannyzuko07.7.08 - 4:23 pm
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wait wait lets make sure first. no need to harass someone who is innocent... hahaha but if it is..... pretend to be reporters from the LA TImes
Roadblock07.7.08 - 4:23 pm
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First verify if it's that guy. If it is, we need to get his medical license revoked.
web77707.7.08 - 4:30 pm
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BOTH OF THOSE LISTING THAT ROADBLOCK PUT UP ARE OF THE SAME DOCTOR, THANK MY SUPER SLUETHING, ILL GIVE HIM A CALL NOW AND ASK HIM?
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 5:09 pm
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That's the ticket!
FBI07.7.08 - 5:11 pm
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whoa, this guy needs psychiatric help if he's road raging on defenseless cyclists
spiraldemon07.7.08 - 5:14 pm
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"First verify if it's that guy. If it is, we need to get his medical license revoked."
I believe if he gets convicted of a felony he will have is license revoked. I have friends in other medical fields who lost their licenses due to class a and b misdemeanors.
toweliesbong07.7.08 - 5:38 pm
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while we're at it, don't forget Alex Thompson. He might be the guy too.
indigis07.7.08 - 6:03 pm
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Picture of the car
Ha, I don't think Alex is has his Ph.D yet.
Seriously though, whoever this Dr. Christopher Thompson is, he needs to be prosecuted. We must allow "due process" and he should defend himself vigorously in court. In the end, the D.A. has to work hard to make an example of this type of behavior. It is criminal and cannot be tolerated.
skd07.7.08 - 6:10 pm
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Alex Thompson deserves to get peed on by Trenways... but this Christopher Thompson guy deserves a big ole C.R.A.N.K. MOB on the front lawn!
Wink Martindale07.7.08 - 6:10 pm
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Thankfully this is getting more press. I just saw a tease that KNBC will be doing a story at 11pm.
toweliesbong07.7.08 - 6:26 pm
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Whoaa, people....although messing with this guy and his supposed wife would be funny as shit....I would really discourage people from engaging in these kinds of shenanigans.
Should the guy be punished? hell yes!
But you may also hurt the cyclists' chances of recovering $$ from him later.
Let's be realistic...if he is a well to do doctor....he can afford a pricey defense attorney to help him beat the rap on the criminal charges or at least get some puny slap on the wrist sentence, like probation and community service (maybe even a mental evaluation) without any real jail/prison time if he's got no prior convictions and a relatively "clean" rap sheet. So, there's always a chance that "justice" may not be served in the criminal setting, from our perspective.
That only leaves the injured cyclists with the option of suing the pants off him in civil court for their damages, injuries etc.
If you think about it, it might actually help the cyclists for this bozo to keep his license to practice medicine for a while longer so there are potentially some assets to go after in the future. From a personal injury lawyer's perspective, you definitely like to see the defendant have some deep pockets.
Now, suppose you mess with the guy and his wife, she leaves him, divorces him and she takes her half of the community property....that might not leave him with much to go after in a civil suit after he's all ready paid for that pricey criminal defense attorney. Who knows...maybe he skips town and heads to Mexico to avoid a lawsuit. Yes, I know, all speculation....but these kinds of circumstances may really affect the strategy of a case and the possibility of monetary recovery.
Although there is nothing wrong with being proactive, vigilant and vocal about this horrible incident, I'm just saying let's not mess things up for the cyclists that were seriously injured here.
dj
DJwheels07.7.08 - 6:33 pm
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ALSO YOU DON'T HAVE TO JOIN US IN THIS THOUGHT PROCESS, THAT'S ALL IT IS, REALLY. (SO FAR, LOL!)
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 6:40 pm
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Just imagine, if this would have been an MR ride as opposed to an established, sanctioned ride, there would be no press at all.
illafilla
07.7.08 - 3:22 pm
there would be tons of press because you would have like two dozen pissed off slightly intoxicated ridazz beating the shit out of this asshole.
ruinedbyidiots07.7.08 - 7:09 pm
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Hey, if we'd like law enforcement to continue giving us the benefit of the doubt, as with a few exceptions, they have been, it might not be a good idea to give law enforcement the benefit of the doubt on this one and hold off on the vigilante nonsense for the time being.
At least one city councilman is keeping an eye on this issue, and the LAPD is treating it as a felony investigation, so lets let them do their jobs.
Instead, let's take all this energy and put the F.U.N. in FUNdraising.
Even if the two riders win their suits, it's going to be a couple of years before those cases work their way through the system, and the articles I've read said at least one if not both of the riders are going to be out of work for a while (and I can't imagine nose reattachment comes cheap), so those of you that are so anxious to "do something", how about figuring out the logistics of a fundraising ride/bash to help these guys?
If they win big in the lawsuits, they can always pay us back in beer and burritos later, but it would be cool to help them out now.
JB07.7.08 - 7:29 pm
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Enough of this nonsense. Everyone gets riled up, and rightly so, when a car driver takes their point of view on the law ("cars own the road") into their own hands and endangers cyclists.
What are people thinking with this? Do you realize how common both the names Christopher and Thompson are? There are literally hundreds of Alex Thompsons on Facebook, and probably thousands of Christopher Thompsons. It is easily possible you have the wrong person. Delete these posts - this is ridiculous.
Alex Thompson07.7.08 - 7:35 pm
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Someone closely connected to these guys (i.e. family) should set up a fund for donations. A paypal account at the least and maybe some official "passing the hat" presence at the bike film fest. .. Art show? Rock show? Peep show? Who has a venue?
frumble07.7.08 - 7:40 pm
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"into their own hands and endangers cyclists."
you mean out right tries to kill them.....
Roadblock07.7.08 - 7:48 pm
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Whose to say that the Dr's action wasn't some form of vigilante justice.
There was an incident, in the Fullerton Loop a few years ago, were someone was digging big holes on the bike trail that was meant to hurt a cyclist. Several people crashed because of these holes. When they caught the perp, he said it was in retaliation for some biker/bikers almost running him down while hiking the trail.
I'm not saying any of the violence is justified but sometimes you might be paying for some else's lack of judgement.
sc_nomad07.7.08 - 7:54 pm
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It was meant as a more general comment on how motorists often endanger cyclists because they feel we do not have a right to the road. I've been aware of this particular incident since Friday when Stephen called me about it, and it would seem to be more cut and dry = assault.
I just think it's waaay out of line to be discussing and enabling vigilantism here. That's exactly what y'all are doing by posting names and addresses. It's absolutely insane, particularly given the position of many posters on the Freeway Ride. You're potentially enabling people to act violently.
Alex Thompson07.7.08 - 7:59 pm
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it's hard to let this go. it speaks to the core of everything hated about car drivers. having witnessed hit and runs, having seen people get objects thrown at them, having cars buzz you or rev up their engines honking behind you, having all these incidents we read about on here like that of people getting hit from behind and no recourse because a positive id on the driver is needed and all this BS.....
I will go ahead and remove the address of this piece of shit. but not the name. everyone should know who this fuck is.
Roadblock07.7.08 - 8:12 pm
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Hey man - I know about all of that and I empathize. The way Stephen described things to me on Friday my jaw dropped to read quotes from Ron Peterson, as I figured he would be dealing with a brain injury. This guys is in serious shit though now that the police are taking it seriously. The mystery to me is that he stayed at the scene, but apparently did not offer medical assistance? That's neither rational (leaving) nor human (helping.)
Alex Thompson07.7.08 - 8:22 pm
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"probably thousands of Christopher Thompsons. It is easily possible you have the wrong person. Delete these posts - this is ridiculous."
true. but there is apparently only one Christopher Thompson in the area where the attempted murder took place. according to the whitepages.com site that is. but true, its totally possible that it is not the same one.
Roadblock07.7.08 - 8:26 pm
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"This guys is in serious shit though now that the police are taking it seriously."
honestly, I have no faith what so ever that this guy will do even a day in jail....
BTW did anything ever happen to the hit and run suspect in the death of Illa Pankin a couple years back? anyone want to bet that nothing happened? How about the Hit and run on Jen D. on Alvarado?
Roadblock07.7.08 - 8:30 pm
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"but apparently did not offer medical assistance? That's neither rational (leaving) nor human (helping.)"
He sounds like a sociopath:
"# Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."
# Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
# Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
# Incapacity for Love
# Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
# Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
# Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others. "
toweliesbong07.7.08 - 8:32 pm
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Probability is an odd thing. I was a TA for the math majors at UCLA in advanced probability a few times. The thing is - coincidences are very unlikely - individually. But, in a large enough context, it is guaranteed that highly unlikely events will occur. When you have 30 people in a room there is a greater than 50% chance that two of them share a birthday . . . in other words, a fairly unlikely coincidence is likely.
I never met another Alex Thompson in my life. Then one time when I'm flying the gate pages me and gives me a random seat upgrade. I didn't ask for it, but hey, I'm not complaining. I chill in my new awesome seat. The plane, however, is delayed on the ground for 10 extra minutes as the gate works to resolve some passenger issue. Then, this guy walks on board, super pissed, and the stewardess walks up and tells me that he is the Alex Thompson who's tickets I got, and that I need to go back to my cheap seat. I thought it was hilarious, but he did not see the humor in the situation.
Alex Thompson07.7.08 - 8:33 pm
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fuck math. this dude tried to kill someone.
Roadblock07.7.08 - 8:39 pm
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I tend to agree with the sociopathy intuition, but it's odd if he is indeed a licensed psychiatrist. Hannibal . . .
Alex Thompson07.7.08 - 8:39 pm
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how about they fuckin just list this guys name and age and show a mug shot like they do for those who aren't rich.
Roadblock07.7.08 - 8:42 pm
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"but he did not see the humor in the situation."
What a dick.
toweliesbong07.7.08 - 8:47 pm
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It would make sense if he is the psychiatrist. They have access to the nastiest pills. Drug abuse among doctors is
well known.
And a psychiatrist for the LA County youth correctional system? Hmm... That works really well.... They have a system that really "reforms" kids. Prisons and doctors has a
warm fuzzy feel to it.
marino07.7.08 - 8:58 pm
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There is an exceedingly high chance that this guy will get off with a slap on the wrist and increased insurance premiums - in a criminal case. I can think of many cases where motorists have run down and killed motorcyclists and had almost no consequences at all. There was a woman in San Diego who was traveling 70mph on a 50mph twisty road in thick fog when she slammed into a motorcyclist from behind, crushing him. Juries are notoriously antagonistic to motorcycles and they let her off, blaming the foggy conditions for the accident rather than the fact that she was going twice what could be considered safe for conditions. Then there was the former governor of South Dakota who ran a stop sign at 100mph - a stop sign he'd been cited for running before - killing a motorcyclist. He got off with a misdemeanor charge. And he refused a breathalyzer and blood alcohol test, claiming he had low blood sugar from a diabetic condition or some such nonsense.
My point is that if this guy is going to suffer consequences, it is highly likely that they are going to be the result of a civil suit rather than a criminal prosecution, and that's going to take a while. If we want to do something to help, my guess is that fundraising for the cyclists in question is the thing to do. If they can keep their costs to a minimum, it may allow them to pressure him more severely than if they become desperate to recoup some of their costs. Also, the doc is likely carrying some pretty hefty personal liability insurance, though I don't know if that would apply if he is convicted in a criminal case related to the suit, but if we want him to feel the pain, the award is going to have to be well in excess of $1 million, I'd guess.
One thing that would be particularly amusing - we need to pressure the state to revoke his driving license. And then we need to show up in court when he begs the judge for permission to drive to and from work in order to deny him that privilege. There is something exceedingly just about the thought of this guy having to ride a bicycle up that fucking hill every day because he has lost the privilege to drive.
ideasculptor07.7.08 - 9:03 pm
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Taking justice into your own hands only adds more crime to an already dramatic issue. I can't tell anyone what to do but I'd hope that people would be this pissed if I got hit but at the same time I hope they would use that energy to do some good rather then just beat the piss out of this guy.
Nothing more would make me happy temporarily but we're then stooping to the level of the angry motorist who is upset at a situation out of his control. He had no control over those bikers being on the road so he chose to act irrationally. We have no control over what has already happened, but we can turn this into a positive if we choose to. No one was killed so everyone be thankful there. The things we can do:
- Help set up any paypal/donations for the injured for any bills (medical, lawyer, etc). If someone can do this, I'll gladly put 20 in.
- Offer to help out the families involved if you can. This doesn't mean beating the crap out of this guy. Let the law settle it before we pass judgement.
- Spread the word about this incident to everyone you know. The more people who know how ridiculous and sad this guy was, the more likely they will be to think twice about being a dick to cyclists.
DetroitRider07.7.08 - 9:17 pm
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THE REALITY IS THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO HUNT HIM DOWN, AND FORCE HIS GOLDFISH, DOG, AND CAT TO HAVE SEX WITH US,
I KNOW THERE ARE SOME SICK FUCKERS HERE, (MYSELF INCLUDED) AND GOING TO HIS HOUSE, TO DO HIM WRONG, IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN EITHER,
BUT THE REALITY IS THAT I'M REALLY TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT CYCLIST GETTING HIT, HURT, AND DISRESPECTED BY POLICE, PERIOD,
MAYBE ONE DAY WE CAN GET 2,000,000 CYCLIST TO RIDE DOWNTOWN, WITH BIG FUCKING SIGNS, AT SAY CITY HALL, OR (PLACE YOUR IDEA HERE).
SEEMS THAT ALL WE DO IS PARTY, AND RIDE, YA WE GOT SOME PEEPS THAT GO TO EVENTS AT CITY HALLS, AND CITY HALL JUST IGNORES THEM, AT 1:30 AM, MIND YOU, (WHICH IS THE LAST TIME I DID THAT SHIT)
YA I KNOW THAT THAT ORDINANCE DID NOT PASS, BUT IT WASNT BECAUSE OF US,
REMEMBER THAT OLD FART THAT WAS THERE, HE WAS OUR ONLY OPPONENT THERE, IT DID NOT PASS BECAUSE OF A C.V.C. PERIOD,
.....YOU WANT TO CLAIM THAT VICTORY?
CALL ME STUPID IF YOU WANT TO, BUT YOU GOT TO ASK YOURSELF,
"DO YOU FEEL LUCKY PUNK?"
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THE BIKE LIFE WITH OUT GETTING HURT, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL?
ALL I WANT IS FOR YOU GUYZ TO THINK ABOUT IT, THATS ALL.
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 9:31 pm
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DetroitRider -
"Spread the word about this incident to everyone you know. The more people who know how ridiculous and sad this guy was, the more likely they will be to think twice about being a dick to cyclists."
Me -
This is exactly what I was thinking while reading this thread. This asshole has to feel the pain that these guys are feeling. One way to do it and completely legal and ethical is to make sure all his current and future patients know what a prick this guy is. Best way to do that is lobby in front of this guy's office and show his patients what this guy did and how he acted. The more we're there doing this, the more pressure he'll feel to do the right think and care about these two guys.
This would be far more affective than getting together a few hundred dollars. Something that I would personally be up to doing too.
User107.7.08 - 9:37 pm
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I'm a rider on the Cynergy team, a teammate of Christian and coached by Ron. Please refrain from calling, emailing, writing or doing anything to the driver of the car. First of all, there are two Dr. Christopher Thompsons in the LA area and you might be messing with the wrong guy. Secondly and more importantly, anything done can be brought up in court and hurt the case. We're all taking this very personally but need to things under control.
A strong legal team has been set up to prosecute the case and make sure the DA follows through with the harshest penalties possible. As this driver was already warned when he drove two riders off the road back in March, it is unlikely he will get off with a slap on the wrist like has been suggested. The two riders involved last time pressured the DA to pursue charges but he decided not too. The DA will be under increased pressure to correct this mistake. He had a chance to do something before but refused and now someone was nearly killed. He wont make the same mistake again.
The story should be in the LA Time tomorrow. We've had trouble getting through to them. It will be covered by both channel 9 and 4 news tonight.
JShier07.7.08 - 9:41 pm
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Taking any sort of physical action against the doctor is a bad idea.
You can however:
Make a complaint to the medical licensing board of CA, explaining that the good doctor is not currently fit to practice, due to his various issues.
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/consumer/complaint_info.html
Central Complaint Unit
California toll-free line: 1-800-633-2322
Phone: (916) 263-2424
You can also fill out a DMV "Request for Reexamination" explaining that the Dr's "Mental/Emotional Condition" has rendered him unfit to be on the road.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/ds/ds699.pdf.
Does anybody know if anybody at the scene filled out a vehicle incident report and sent it to the DMV? If somebody knows the parties, it would be good to get a copy of the police report and make sure that the proper report gets filed with the DMV.
http://dmv.ca.gov/forms/sr/sr1.pdf
http://kfiam640.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=153218&article=3923495 - A news item on the accident.
There's no need for vigilanteism, but a timely notification of ALL appropriate authorities might be in order.
JB07.7.08 - 9:44 pm
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^^^^
OK, i think this is as strong an argument as any. Thanks for posting and updating.
Mebbe you could occasionally post and let us all know how things are proceeding.
illafilla07.7.08 - 9:45 pm
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MONEY DOES NOT SOLVE THAT PROBLEM, ALSO MONEY WILL NOT MAKE YOU HAPPY.
THE THING THAT HELPED ME THE MOST WHEN I WAS DOWN, WAS THE HELP AND SUPPORT I RECEIVED
FROM SOME MR DUDES,
THIS GUYS A DOCTOR?
PHYSIOLOGIST COMMIT SUICIDE MORE ANY OTHER DOCTORS. CAN YOU IMAGINE IF HE KILLED HIS SELF BECAUSE OF WHAT HE DID?
YA I KNOW, JUST SAYING...
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 9:45 pm
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I MISSED IT WHERE ELSE?
NERVER MIND ILL JUST GO TO KCAL 9 . C O M
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 10:02 pm
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Channel 4 at 11PM.
The Channel 9 piece will be reaired on CBS during their 11:00 hour.
JShier07.7.08 - 10:05 pm
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I WOULD TAKE GREAT JOY IN SEVERING THIS ASSHOLE SURGEONS HANDS OFF AND BEHEADING THIS FUCK WITH TWO LIGHT SABERS LIKE ANAKIN DID TO DOOKU.
DARTH VELOZ07.7.08 - 10:18 pm
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I agree with VELOZ. i would like to joust his buthole with a lance on my bike down the same hill as he is tied up like a roasted pig bent over on the road. I don't care if i endo as long as i impail the mother fucker from his ass to his fucking mouth.
Eddie GOpez07.7.08 - 10:21 pm
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They just ran the story on fox news,they said there is a court date set for july 18th (I think).Anyone wanna take a ride?
blackout_blacklung07.7.08 - 10:22 pm
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DID ANYBODY READ THIS SHIT?
LETS BOYCOT HIS PLACE OF BUSINES TOMARROW.
THE REALITY IS THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO HUNT HIM DOWN, AND FORCE HIS GOLDFISH, DOG, AND CAT TO HAVE SEX WITH US,
I KNOW THERE ARE SOME SICK FUCKERS HERE, (MYSELF INCLUDED) AND GOING TO HIS HOUSE, TO DO HIM WRONG, IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN EITHER,
BUT THE REALITY IS THAT I'M REALLY TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT CYCLIST GETTING HIT, HURT, AND DISRESPECTED BY POLICE, PERIOD,
MAYBE ONE DAY WE CAN GET 2,000,000 CYCLIST TO RIDE DOWNTOWN, WITH BIG FUCKING SIGNS, AT SAY CITY HALL, OR (PLACE YOUR IDEA HERE).
SEEMS THAT ALL WE DO IS PARTY, AND RIDE, YA WE GOT SOME PEEPS THAT GO TO EVENTS AT CITY HALLS, AND CITY HALL JUST IGNORES THEM, AT 1:30 AM, MIND YOU, (WHICH IS THE LAST TIME I DID THAT SHIT)
YA I KNOW THAT THAT ORDINANCE DID NOT PASS, BUT IT WASNT BECAUSE OF US,
REMEMBER THAT OLD FART THAT WAS THERE, HE WAS OUR ONLY OPPONENT THERE, IT DID NOT PASS BECAUSE OF A C.V.C. PERIOD,
.....YOU WANT TO CLAIM THAT VICTORY?
CALL ME STUPID IF YOU WANT TO, BUT YOU GOT TO ASK YOURSELF,
"DO YOU FEEL LUCKY PUNK?"
DO YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THE BIKE LIFE WITH OUT GETTING HURT, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL?
ALL I WANT IS FOR YOU GUYZ TO THINK ABOUT IT, THATS ALL.
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 10:23 pm
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i have no remorse for what i've just said. im darker than VELOZ at times.
Eddie GOpez07.7.08 - 10:25 pm
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I for one care very much ,if not for the fact that anyone on a bike is family,a brother in arms,then at least for the selfish fact that Dr. Christopher Thompson needs to be made an example for all asshole drivers.
blackout_blacklung07.7.08 - 10:37 pm
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DTV 2.1 CBS-DT NEWS BRIEF AT 10:36PM, TOP STORY, YOU GUESSED IT, QUOTE :SCORES OF PEOPLE ARE MAD" UNQUOTE -
HMMMMM, NEWS AT 11, STAY TUNED.
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 10:39 pm
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Results 1 - 10 of about 2,870,000 for Dr. Christopher Thompson. (0.20 seconds)
LOL, ANY CHANCE SOMEONE CAN PULL THIS GUYZ JACKET?
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 10:42 pm
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Far far far too often the bicyclist gets fucked when it's bicycle verses anything but a sign pole. Just once I want to see the other side get what they deserve. I want to be there in court when this guy is arraigned.
I would put off any type of harassment if that's what the plaintiffs want in this case. At least till the legal phase is played out. I hope no one is going to argue that going to this hearing is harassment, are they?
User107.7.08 - 10:46 pm
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im down to support.
July07.7.08 - 10:56 pm
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I CANT BELIEVE THAT ALLEN'S ON THE BANDWAGON, WELCOME BACK YOU BIG OLD FRIENDLY GUY! ;)
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 10:58 pm
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I believe there are a lot of "anti-bicycle terrorists" out there. We must be careful and vigilante (not vigilantes). Regarding this incident, I urge everyone to support the injured cyclist and to let "due process" play out. The suspect has had a previous run in with bicyclists, so his reign of terror may well have come to an end. We got one, now let the D.A. and the LAPD do it's job to get a conviction. That would send a message, loud and clear, to the "anti-bicycle terrorists".
skd07.7.08 - 11:08 pm
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HIS NEIGHBORS SAY THAT THE STREET IS NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR CARS AND BIKES, SURE SOUNDS JUSTAFIED
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 11:08 pm
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KFI website.
http://kfiam640.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=153218&article=3923495
web77707.7.08 - 11:13 pm
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A WEEK AGO NIGHTLINE DID A 20 MINUTE ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF ER DOCTORS, SHIT AND NOW THIS? THIS FUCKER PLANED IT.
eddieboyinla07.7.08 - 11:20 pm
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What's his plates say?
TCH MDY
Or
TCH MRY
?
User107.7.08 - 11:29 pm
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I am a little pissed that the bail was only $30,000. Is that all a bicyclist life is worth? We have got to change that.
skd07.7.08 - 11:29 pm
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Eddie, let's go boycott his workplace tomorrow!
Joe Borfo07.7.08 - 11:31 pm
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I agree with Roadblock, where is this guys mug shot?
We should also organize a ride to the hospital that employs him.
Terrorism against bicyclists is...Terrorism!
skd07.7.08 - 11:36 pm
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here is some more info on this fucker from the AMA (American Medical Association) website including his address and medical license number
http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/WLLQRYNA$LCEV2.QueryView?P_LICENSE_NUMBER=31475&P_LTE_ID=790
pavetheplanet07.8.08 - 12:23 am
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yup. this story was all over the 11 o'clock news. cbs picked it up as top story even.... and NBC did a more in depth report.
this shit scares me.
ingipet07.8.08 - 12:34 am
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good you should be scared of that weird psychopathic morons we call "motorists"
theshues07.8.08 - 12:42 am
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"A malpractice judgment has been rendered against the licensee by a civil court."
big surprise.
indigis07.8.08 - 12:53 am
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Just saw the KNBC replay.
And the kicker is that when Dr. Thompson got out of the car, HE WAS WEARING SCRUBS!
two wheels good07.8.08 - 4:44 am
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Eddie, let's go boycott his workplace tomorrow!
Joe Borfo
07.8.08 - 2:31 am
Do you guys mean picket instead of boycott?
sc_nomad07.8.08 - 6:24 am
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Fuck picketting lets paint sharrows in his drive way,on the road he hit them on and in front of this work place.We should put a bike rack with cruches chained to it out front of his house.Lets peacfully let him know we are watching him!!!!!!
blackout_blacklung07.8.08 - 6:46 am
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LAist has closed the discussion thread for this incident because someone posted the doctors home address and called for "revenge".
I do think that peaceful protest in front of his place of employment and on the sidewalk in front of his house is acceptable. We can all chant, "Stop Terrorizing Bicycle riders!".
skd07.8.08 - 8:43 am
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KABC 7 is covering this a day late, should be on one of our shows in the afternoon block.
bananaphone07.8.08 - 9:15 am
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why not make his residence/mandeville canyon the flash point to raise cycling awareness?
as the number of riders increases in this city, so will the number of these incidents. NOW is the perfect time to inform drivers of their responsibilities on the road. NOW while the press is paying attention. NOW before a rider gets killed.
we can stage a vigil this saturday evening...and, then ride down to sawtelle for ROB011010010TZ Ride DUCK!
kurtz07.8.08 - 9:15 am
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I really do love the idea of the good doctor being forced to ride a bike to work.
blackout_blacklung07.8.08 - 9:19 am
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Here's a first person account of the incident.
Oh and while we're here, I saw what I believe is the "Wolfpack" in action for the first time last night. Watched them blow through a red light at Beverly and Rossmore. Maybe a good step in trying to prevent people from raging would be for everyone to start following the law.
Subject: July 4th Road Rage
This is a description of what happened.
The mood was great as we all had a great, safe and uneventful ride to the top of Mandeville Cyn. We then all left at different times down the Canyon. My friend Ed, was riding about 40 yards ahead of me. I was traveling at approximately 25 mph. I was then passed by 2 cyclists, Ron and Christian, who I have seen many times before on our weekly rides in the South Bay and these Holiday rides. I would estimate their speed at probably 3 to 5 mph faster than myself. They slowly pulled ahead of me and when they were about 50 ft. in front of me, a car started approaching from my rear with it's horn blaring intermittently and passed me in a very aggressive way. The red Infinity, which was traveling at a speed that I would estimate to be between 40 to 45 mph, passed around to my left over the dividing line with it's right side tires still in the right lane. I would guess the car to have been about 3-4 ft. away from me on my left. My position was just to the right of center of the lane. Ron and Christian were ahead of me and Ron was close to the center of the lane and Christian was to his right. The car continued on the same line and as it approached Ron and Christian, it passed them and then immediately cut in front of them in an intimidating deliberate, aggressive way. The driver was about 3-5 ft in front of Ron
and Christian, who then yelled out to the driver in startled amazement and the driver then abruptly and with no notification whatsoever, slammed the brakes of his car. Ron immediately slammed into the back endof the car impacting the trunk portion and shattering the rear windshield with his face.
Christian, who at the moment just prior to impact was about 2 feet behind and to the right of Ron, attempted to stop and hit Ron's bike and flew over the trunk of the car to the left into the opposite lane of traffic. I immediately applied my brakes to stop at the scene. The time lapse from the car veering into their path and the impact and crash was about 2-3 seconds. As I approached the car
about 4 to 5 seconds later, Ron was leaning against the trunk
motionless, bleeding profusely from the face, his hands over his face, clearly in shock. Christian was lying on the ground moaning in severe pain.
As I was holding onto Ron, the driver got out of his car and
approached towards us. I yelled at him in utter amazement "Why did you do this? What are you doing, get the fuck away". He was aggressive in his response saying, "Don't tell me what to do". I said to him "Look what you've done, get away." I then yelled at him to turn his car off.
He again said "don't tell me what to do." I again ordered him in a very
terse and commanding tone to turn his car off, which he then did. I then sat Ron down and headed towards Christian who was lying on the ground in severe pain. I looked at his shoulder and it was protruding out which appeared to be either a dislocation or broken collar bone. Cars then approached and I went to the first car and the woman driver already had her cell phone out and ready to give me. I called 911 and told the operator that we need an ambulance, that there were severely injured cyclists and the police, as a blatant crime of assault with a car had just happened.
About 3 to 5 minutes had elapsed at this point when numerous drivers and neighbors had stopped and were assisting in the
care of Ron and Christian. When I walked back to Ron, a gentleman named Bruce Rogan was tending to him. He was making a suggestion about hiscare when the road rage driver interjected something about what to do regarding Ron's care saying he was a Doctor. The man attending to Ron then stated that he was a Doctor also. It was about 10 minutes later that Fire Department Paramedics personnel arrived and took over the care of Ron and Christian. I then walked over to Christian, who by this time was on the side of the road in a neighbor arms. She was comforting him until paramedics arrived. Her name was Wendy Lynch. Christian was in
obvious pain and I could see his shoulder bone protruding and he was stating that he felt like he was going to faint. Wendy stated that she and her husband were walking their dog when she heard the commotion of the "accident". She pointed out her husband about 50 to 100 yards away slowing traffic approaching the scene. About 5 minutes later, the first of many LAPD arrived. I was subsequently asked by paramedics as I was walking around to assist in holding Ron's head stationary as the rescue personnel were concerned about possible neck injuries to him while they applied a body brace. I was also asked a few minutes later to assist in keeping Christian's arm still as the paramedics applied stabilizing straps to him.
Shortly thereafter the police officer approached me for my statement.
chunk07.8.08 - 10:40 am
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Well if this guy is a licensed shrink, then let's hope he gets to meet bubba!!
I sort of lost respect for these people after losing out on an LEO job after being branded a "short-fuse".
Chances are that this was one of those guys that probably went into the mental-health trade for the mere promise of millions.
Jerk-off's!!!
bentstrider07.8.08 - 10:54 am
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"Oh and while we're here, I saw what I believe is the "Wolfpack" in action for the first time last night. Watched them blow through a red light at Beverly and Rossmore. Maybe a good step in trying to prevent people from raging would be for everyone to start following the law."
good one. it's bicyclists' fault that drivers run them off the road.
indigis07.8.08 - 10:54 am
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J Shier,
If there are peaceful ways by which the Southbay Cruisers of Hermosa Beach can support the victims of this incident, please contact us @ info@southbaycruisers.com .
Wild Johnny07.8.08 - 11:11 am
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Chunk, sounds like you handles the situation very well for Ron and Christian after the accident. It was probably the nature of your 911 call that set the police straight to actually arrest this creep.
Joe Borfo07.8.08 - 11:18 am
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"good one. it's bicyclists' fault that drivers run them off the road."
That's NOT what I said. Way to go ahead and make something up.
Last night while driving home from a birthday dinner, (had to wear a suit so I thought I'd drive for the first time in two weeks.) I was involved in a near pile up at the corner of Beverly and Rossmore when the "Wolfpack" blew through a red light causing everyone who had the right of way to slam on their brakes to avoid a collision.
Sure, the "Wolfpack" might be having a gang of fun on a Monday night but take a step back and think about how their actions affect the cycling community as a whole.
I think it's atrocious that so many people throw tantrums about equal rights on the road for cyclists but then they won't think twice about breaking the law when its convenient.
chunk07.8.08 - 11:32 am
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"Rossmore when the "Wolfpack" blew through a red light causing everyone who had the right of way to slam on their brakes to avoid a collision."
I remember that. I admit that was a sketchy turn and wish we could take it back. But we didnt blow through that intersection as your statement implies. we were turning right from Rossmore south onto Beverly west. To my recollection the light was green for Rossmore south up until the last second and cars had not begun moving west on Beverly when we turned right. Yes, it's true it was a sketchy right turn because of the stale green turning red. But west bound beverly traffic had not begun moving and to my recollection had not entered the intersection. there were no cars in the right lane of westbound beverly and we turned into the right lane of beverly heading west. we're not callous but there have been times where bad decisions have been made and we really try to reign everyone in especially on entering intersections.
Roadblock07.8.08 - 11:44 am
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I do also believe that when cars have to slam on their brakes for us it's bad for the cycling community. we really do everything we can to keep it disciplined for that to not happen. ask anyone who has shown up. I always brief newbies about safe ways to roll and that we absolutely don't want cars slamming on their breaks. we've even gotten into it with a few riders who refused to listen. but on occasion it does get out of hand and it IS bad and we do yell at people for riding dangerous.
Roadblock07.8.08 - 11:48 am
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Glad to see you're coming along. Give uncle nick a big squeeze for me.
vvvvvvvvv
420LaHaRR07.8.08 - 12:02 pm
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"Oh and while we're here, I saw what I believe is the "Wolfpack" in action for the first time last night. Watched them blow through a red light at Beverly and Rossmore. Maybe a good step in trying to prevent people from raging would be for everyone to start following the law."
Are you ATF, FBI or LAPD? Why through that in. Cars always have to yield to bikes like bikes always have to yeild to walkers.
porterhouse07.8.08 - 2:20 pm
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sorry chunk. let me rephrase my comment:
"Oh and while we're here, I saw what I believe is the "Wolfpack" in action for the first time last night. Watched them blow through a red light at Beverly and Rossmore. Maybe a good step in trying to prevent people from raging would be for everyone to start following the law."
good one. it's bicyclists' fault that drivers run them off the road.
indigis07.8.08 - 2:42 pm
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Indigis-
What you're saying makes no sense. Is your dress too tight?
For the last time, I believe that if cyclists want to be treated with equal rights by the general public than that means that cyclists need to start respecting the law. If a cyclist has the same rights to the road as a driver than cyclists have the same obligation to follow the law which doesn't include the "right" to run red lights en masse.
chunk07.8.08 - 3:24 pm
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Chunk,
I do appreciate the thorough eye witness account. Is it your own, or is it someone else's?
You're in the wrong place to be preaching this red light stuff. Howling at the moon really. Remember, motorists always find something to bitch about when it comes to cyclists . . . do you really think they'd stop talking smack if no one ran red lights anymore? Be real.
Let's just focus on the commonalities.
Alex Thompson07.8.08 - 3:31 pm
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KFI just did an interview with Ron who took the worst of the damage in the incident, with many face stitches and the doctor removing shards of glass out of his nasal cavity. In positive news in this case, if the driver is convicted and found guilty of assault with a vehicle he loses his right to drive, permanently, and in all 50 states.
GarySe7en07.8.08 - 3:34 pm
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Chunk thanks for the detailed account you provided.
Your preface though was a non sequitur. Made it sound like if MR were not blowing red lights on a different day, different part of town the two cyclists would not have been hit.
marino07.8.08 - 3:35 pm
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Chuck do you know what happens to bacon in a frying pan? We should serve you up with some scramblded egg.
porterhouse07.8.08 - 3:59 pm
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@ Joe Borfo
yesss!!! finally a monkey dust clip!!!!
Was wondering when I would see the cyclists...haha
-J-
Justin07.8.08 - 4:00 pm
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even though his account of wolfpack implies a more menacing scenario than what I feel happened.... unfortunately, IMHO chunk does make a valid point about how we conduct ourselves as group rides. that point is that there are those who think in terms of stereotypes. it's the same type of thinking that enables people to see "all mexicans as illegals" or "all muslims as terrorists" or "all cyclists as scofflaws" etc etc. it is not intelligent or logical and it sucks but it IS reality.
with regards to the chistopher t. Thompson attempted murder case, as I understand it, this driver had a run in with a couple cyclists from La Grange riding club a few months before (according to comments on LAist) which I hear also is known to run lights and stops signs. so following chunk's line of reasoning, chunk should be blaming La Grange for this more so than Wolfpack. and even though the logic of stereo typing and "collective punishment" is completely wrong, it's what quite a few people tend to think like, and it is something to be aware of. Obviously I'm being dramatic but you get the point.
HOWEVER I tend to agree with Alex that, even if every cyclist in LA obeyed every single traffic law.... there would still be people who hate having to change lanes to pass a slower cyclist as this guy seemed to be angry about... there will always be people who are complete assholes. this guy was one of them and there is no excuse for what he did.
on a side note, we might have received some karmic retribution last night on the way back.... some asshole in an SUV cut right in front of us to make a right turn. at the time we were riding completely legal, and completely at the speed of traffic (200mph.) I will try to refrain from thinking that all SUV drivers are moronic assholes even though most if not all of them are.
Roadblock07.8.08 - 4:43 pm
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With regards to the previous incident with this driver, I know at least one of the riders was a Helen's rider. I don't think the other rider was a La Granger. La Grange has been very helpful and motivated in dealing with this situations though.
From what I've heard from my teammates and friends who were present at the accident, things did unfold pretty close to "Chuck's" description.
I've spoken to some of the other people who ride for Cynergy and agree that any type of demonstration should be held at the courthouse on August 1st when he shows up for his arraignment. It would be an amazing show of solidarity, especially when people see rec riders, racers, commuters, messengers and maniacs all standing together in support of our fallen riders.
We will try to coordinate with the appropriate media to get the event covered and I'll stop by closer to the Aug 1st with details.
Thank you again for your support.
JShier07.8.08 - 5:48 pm
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even though I am 78% scofflaw I 1000000000000000% agree and am willing to organize a ride to the courthouse.
LET's FUCKING DO THIS!!!!
gimme 10 minutes I will post the ride
Roadblock07.8.08 - 6:06 pm
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"even though his account implies a more menacing scenario than what I feel happened...."
PS I was referring to Chunk's account of Wolfpack blowing a light NOT to his account of the attempted murder by Christopher T. Thompson
Roadblock07.8.08 - 6:08 pm
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"I've spoken to some of the other people who ride for Cynergy and agree that any type of demonstration should be held at the courthouse on August 1st when he shows up for his arraignment. It would be an amazing show of solidarity, especially when people see rec riders, racers, commuters, messengers and maniacs all standing together in support of our fallen riders"
Excellent idea! Can you keep us informed of any plans to do this?
We can make an event out of it.
And what statement are we all going to be making other than support for a fallen rider?
Joe Borfo07.8.08 - 6:10 pm
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can we get some info on which courthouse and the time?
Roadblock07.8.08 - 6:13 pm
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I think it is the LAX courthouse, where Alex T nearly served jury duty in a murder trial.
Alex Thompson07.8.08 - 6:16 pm
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well someone let me know cause I am motivated times 1 billion to see this bitch ass walking into court.
Roadblock07.8.08 - 6:19 pm
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RIDE POSTED Keep us updated ASAP so I can create a route and coordinate with anyone else who is creating a ride.
Roadblock07.8.08 - 6:40 pm
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As long as I don't find a job before then (God forbid), I will make this ride.
Creative Thing07.8.08 - 6:45 pm
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+100,000!
=CORRECT!! (excellent work roadblock!!)
and be sure to get excellent video and photo from the event as well for those of us who really want to make it (but might have to work) and want to also show solidarity.
this thread is really incredible to read.
i hope ron and christian are recovering.
thank you to the others who shared their accounts of that horrific incident here.
truth be told i was a bit more fearful out there riding today.
booooo! muderous motorists!! boo!!!!
ingipet07.8.08 - 6:46 pm
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I got my zoom lens. The motherfucker will have his mug on teh internets trust.
Roadblock07.8.08 - 6:50 pm
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I'll pass on as much information as I can as soon as I get it. They are meeting with their lawyer for the first time tomorrow. We should be getting more details by the end of the week.
In the mean time, there was excellent coverage on ABC7; Top story on their homepage:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/channel?section=news&id=5914682
and a good interview of Ron on KFI. It's starts a few minutes into their broadcast
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KFI-AM/JK0708083P.mp3
JShier07.8.08 - 8:38 pm
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oh, and sorry for my misunderstanding of your statement earlier Roadblock.
JShier07.8.08 - 8:39 pm
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After viewing the ABC7 video i would recommend contacting LA Council member Bill Rosendahl (http://www.lacity.org/council/cd11/). He mentions getting a Cyclists' Bill of Rights....
e-rock07.8.08 - 9:24 pm
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i'd respond to chunk's earlier posting but he's already old news.
as for the ride, i'd like to start it from the guy's house on mandeville.
indigis07.8.08 - 9:52 pm
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¡Que Ch*ngue su p*tisima madre este doctorsito hijo de p*ta peda8so de mierda! ¡Este imbecil es una existencia patetica! ¡P*nche degaste de oxijeno, que desperdicio de humanidad! Que poca clase siendo muy clase alta el buey.
Eddie GOpez07.8.08 - 9:59 pm
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Cyclists' Bill of Rights, now endorsed by the East Hollywood Neighborhood Council and the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, going to Atwater Village Neighborhood Council on Thursday evening.
SoapBoxLA07.8.08 - 11:44 pm
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says Rosendahl on ABC clip--
'they need a bill of rights"
Bike Writers Collective + SoapboxLA = ROCKING THE CYCLIST BILL OF RIGHTS INTO REALITY!!
(thank yoU!!)
hopefully rosendahl has a copy in hand now!
BWC!
ingipet07.9.08 - 12:34 am
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¡Aun digo que ese buey vaya a ch*ngar a su p*ta madre! ¡Y que se rompa su p*nche madre con su p*nche cochesito de lujo contra un p*nche poste y que se quede feo para siempre ese hijo de p*ta desgraciado y sin-verguenza! ¡Que se pudra en el p*to infierno ese inutil!!
Eddie GOpez07.9.08 - 1:04 am
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SITH APPRENTICE... those are powerful hateful words. the bikeside of the force can be very dark at times... especially against those drivers that are against us. careful of your ill wishes for this insecure mortal man. your hatred may cost him his manhood and the little security he is gripping to with this ill energy. as a reformed sith i tell you this is not a time to use the dark powers. let him be. let him face his own destructive fate all on his own. his path is what he choses and he's already down a destructive downward spiral to damnation. let the force judge him and serve him what he deserves padawan.
DARTH VELOZ07.9.08 - 1:14 am
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thank you for your wisdom LORD VELOZ. n thank you for your alliegiance to our cause.
Eddie GOpez07.9.08 - 1:15 am
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58 year old, ER physician.
Either he just had an awfully, busy night, or the stress of life has finally pushed his brain out of this realm.
Not trying to defend or bash this guy, but I think the life of a doctor is less than glamarous.
You've practically got to be in it for the long-haul in order to stay working.
bentstrider07.9.08 - 2:40 am
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مرحبا إدّي إن أنت تريد أن يقول شيء رأي هو لذلك نحن يستطيع فهمت هو. شكرت أنت
indigis07.9.08 - 4:40 am
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marino! did you read the post above!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^
!!
ingipet07.9.08 - 10:00 am
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REPOST!
:P
Did my comment show up yet?
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 10:15 am
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they must have not approved of my comment. fricking media.
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 10:20 am
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the times is going for sympathy for, yes, the MOTORIST!
D'OH!!!!
ingipet07.9.08 - 10:20 am
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Peter Swarth, Thompson's attorney, denied that his client had done anything wrong and said the cyclists' account was inaccurate. "This isn't an incident of road rage," Swarth said. "It is a very unfortunate accident. Dr. Thompson hopes for the injured cyclists' recovery."
Like I said....pricey defense attorney. Smart move trying to control the media spin on the story by releasing that statement. Cycling community will definitely have to rally together and spin the media the other way.
http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/member_detail.aspx?x=143573
http://lawyers.nolo.com/attorney.cfm?attorneyID=774#top.
DJwheels07.9.08 - 10:22 am
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So much for being "interactive". Frigging LA Times Sucks Balls.
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 10:22 am
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Fuck that shit.
Your honor, I didn't mean to slam on my brakes in front of oncoming cyclists. It just happened man....
BULLSHIT!
He better not get away with this.
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 10:24 am
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i just posted over at the times as well... it usually takes about an hour to show up...
this is going to get uglier methinks.
there is simply NO justification for using a vehicle as a weapon.
ingipet07.9.08 - 10:27 am
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wow... comments are up! thanks borfo!
reading through them though...ugh. we've got a lot of edumacating to do.
holy C.R.A.P.!
ingipet07.9.08 - 10:33 am
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ingipet wrote:
marino! did you read the post above!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^
Umm... Now I did but earlier no.
Sorry Ingrid, great minds think alike. From the time I hit the reply button to finding the LA Times articles to looking up the creep's company "Touch Medix" (helping him with google here) I didn't realize you had already posted.
marino07.9.08 - 10:44 am
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i just took the time to read all those comments on LAtimes.. and jesus christ some of these people are ridiculous. my favorite is the one where they say the cyclists were just riding too fast and should be treated like a tailgaiting car. whhhhh at.
tinycities07.9.08 - 10:47 am
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i just wrote a "shame on you" email to the times writers for their FAILURE to comprehend that using a vehicle as an instrument of violence is UNACCEPTABLE!
ingipet07.9.08 - 10:56 am
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We have been fighting skirmishes with cars for years. This incident, and from LA Times discussion 50% of the car drivers want to attack, kill, hurt or injure bicyclists, may be the shot that starts the war.
If drivers want to terrorize and hurt bicyclists....then I say bring it on! We should organize a Critical Mass type-ride through Mandeville canyon. Hundreds of bicycles riding up and down the canyon at 5-10 mph...as we are legally allowed. We can scream and yell at every driver and every house, and tell them "we're here! Try and kill us now!"
skd07.9.08 - 10:58 am
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I say we ride from the doktors house to the la time building to the courtsteps.
porterhouse07.9.08 - 10:59 am
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Let 'em hear it...
richard.winton@latimes.com,
martha.groves@latimes.com
I love the idea of a ride from/to the Times building. With all the attention bikes were given there this week, they are still WAAAAY off the mark with this one.
We need to find our allies over there and get some articles spun towards OUR agenda!!! Bikes on the street! it's the LAW!
ingipet07.9.08 - 11:02 am
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Christopher T. Thompson tried to murder two people with his car. why do they not show this criminal's mug shot? he was booked wasn't he? where's the fuckin mug shot!
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:16 am
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Start emailing his company's sponsors and let them know what a monster they are associated with. That should hit him hard, if he loses them.
We should probably not gather critical mass style down that canyon suart, remember it was the action of 1 asshole motorist lets not piss off the people who support us there.
DeKadenzy07.9.08 - 11:16 am
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His mug shot is public property. We should be able to get our hands on it.
skd07.9.08 - 11:26 am
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speaking of assholes using their vehicles as a weapon... this was actually published in the austin chronicle (its like our la times) last week
by Stephen MacMillan Moser....what a fucking asshole..
"FREEWHEELING I recently went to Tribeza's party at Lance Armstrong's new venture, Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop at Fourth and Nueces. I suppose if I were really into bikes, I'd have been in hog heaven, but I made do with plenty of socializing with old friends instead. Lance greeted me warmly; I thanked him for the marvelous sponsor party he gave before the Texas Film Hall of Fame. He, in turn, was most solicitous about my cancer and gave me a big spiritual boost that made the rest of the evening fly by. I especially laughed over the in-store coffee shop called Juan Pelota Cafe. You figure that one out. Speaking of bikes, my heart began to turn to stone as I was stopped at Riverside and Lamar watching a parade of bikes indulging, presumably, in some form of civil disobedience. What that meant was that dozens of clowns on bicycles took up the entire street and brought most traffic to a standstill. After several minutes of obnoxious waving and smiling from the riders, I was ready to pull a Lizzie Grubman and plow right through them and be on my way. But I was hesitant to rack up a lot of hit-and-run charges against me ... and then there would be all that damage to my car. The thing is, all the smiling and waving did not make me sympathetic to the scofflaws' "cause." It made me think: "Don't give bikes the right. Give 'em the finger.""
A lot of people wrote in about "murder being okay with the chronicle" and one letter was even published...but i bet this asshole still has his job
widowmaker07.9.08 - 11:28 am
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If we ride on street legally why would his neighbohrs be mad?
porterhouse07.9.08 - 11:29 am
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"can I use that RB?"
what you talkin bout Borfis?
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:34 am
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We can scream and yell at every driver and every house, and tell them "we're here! Try and kill us now!" - SKD
I was refering to this part.
DeKadenzy07.9.08 - 11:42 am
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those LA times comments are scary dude. i think i need a walk around the block now.
we're all doomed.
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!!!
ingipet07.9.08 - 11:42 am
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thanks for posting the ride, Roadblock.
HOWEVER - if there is going to be an "angry mob" mentality to the ride, count me out.
A peaceful protest and ride of solidarity (as titled) to support the cyclists is the only way to show up IMO.
yes the driver deserves a U-lock party, but hopefully we can all keep our shit together on the 1st.
Thrasher07.9.08 - 11:43 am
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(looks up, shakes fist at sky)
ingipet07.9.08 - 11:43 am
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"thanks for posting the ride, Roadblock.
HOWEVER - if there is going to be an "angry mob" mentality to the ride, count me out.
A peaceful protest and ride of solidarity (as titled) to support the cyclists is the only way to show up IMO.
yes the driver deserves a U-lock party, but hopefully we can all keep our shit together on the 1st. "
ahhhhhhhhh you're right you're right.... I will change the title. it's hard not to get absolutely irate about this shit.... but you're right.
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:45 am
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i think i need an ice cream, or a room full of cute kids, or something!!! this stuff is so f-u-c-t up!!!
ingipet07.9.08 - 11:47 am
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Why not have two rides one for Gandi Ridazz(pussies) and one for Malcum X Ridazz?
porterhouse07.9.08 - 11:50 am
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hahaha ^^^^
how about just we splash the guy with fake blood and bicycle grease
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:51 am
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no no no no I didnt say that. ZEN RIDAZZ.
Turn the other cheek.
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:52 am
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I still think we should ride up Mandeville Canyon this Saturday, maybe before the unCrank Mob ride, and raise our U-locks in the air...chanting. "Don't make us defend ourselves...because we will."
skd07.9.08 - 11:56 am
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Ghandi was no pussy by the way.... neither was Malcom X.....
either way I'm going to be at that courthouse. I got a nice peaceful route scoped out with an early morning beach ride. It will be very ZEN.
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:58 am
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Also what Dr. Thompson did was more than attempted murder....it was terrorism. He was attempting to scare and injure the bicyclists into not returning to the area. That's why I think we need to return to the area.
skd07.9.08 - 11:58 am
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That's the best idea hear yet! Blacks didn't get where they are by turning the other cheek? If they didn't fight back like animals do you think Obama would be next president? No way.
porterhouse07.9.08 - 12:00 pm
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interesting idea.... I like the idea of the ride starting from Christopher T. Thompson's house. like he swatted a bee's nest!
Roadblock07.9.08 - 12:00 pm
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read the article.the spin has already started.makes it sound as if the bikers have had it coming. eek!!!!!!
what about getting his medical license revoked?arent doctors supposed to give aid in emergency situations?
what to do?
robert stanfield07.9.08 - 12:06 pm
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yeah...the spin on this is getting really off the mark.
what else should we do?
1. solidarity ride = 100% GO
2. meeting with councilmember rosendahl ---- really should make it happen!
3. writing, calling in, etc...
4. bribe someone at the Times? i got 5 dollars right here.
ingipet07.9.08 - 12:09 pm
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the LA Times is going downhill fast. they need the $5 trust.
Roadblock07.9.08 - 12:10 pm
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re; ingpet
#1 yes
#2 yes
#3 yes
#4 yes
fuck the times.i fear its going to be open season on bikers.
if the doctor gets charged with less than attemped murder and assult with a deadly weapon we have lost.
robert stanfield07.9.08 - 12:19 pm
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If we don't fight back then we insult the soldiers in irac. They fight for our freedom so we can be free here! This is somthing we should do now. I'm sick of cars doing dumbshit like screaming at me trying to make me fall or swerving in front on purpose. We need to fight back.
porterhouse07.9.08 - 12:20 pm
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We are in a precarious situation. If we cringe too much and withdraw from confrontation, we will be perceived as weak and attacks on bicyclists will increase exponentially. Yet we don't want to overreact and beat up a bunch of motorists. We need to show strength and unity though, we need to show the driving public that we will defend ourselves, we will fight back. And that if they attack one of us, they attack us all.
skd07.9.08 - 12:24 pm
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SKD,
Okay... non violently of course.
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 12:54 pm
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I don't think attacks on cyclist will increase exponentially if we don't act or perceived as weak; your just promoting hysteria.
All our actions need to be calm and carefully planned. Knee-jerk reactions and comments will feel good temporarily but they might have a long lasting downside. The ball is in our court since we have not done anything yet but vent.
The courthouse, in my opinion, is the proper venue to hold a protest. Protesting the doctors home might not be a good idea since you will be protesting in an area that is known to have a bias against cyclists. Also, the doctor's family and neighbors will also be affected and they really have nothing to do with the incident.
Public opinion is very fickle and I'm afraid that we might be portrayed as a mob that threatened someone's family. Our actions need to be directly directed at the doctor.
Also characterizing motorists as one big group, and taking one motorist's action as representative of the whole is BS. Most of us drive, do you really turn psycho and start hunting down cyclists when you get behind the wheel of a car?
sc_nomad07.9.08 - 1:58 pm
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Also, bike accidents happen all the time. Are you guys aware of a similar incident at the Rosebowl last Thursday? Not a case of roadrage but a motorist, allegedly on her cellphone, not paying attention and pulling out in front of the several cyclist. One crashed into the car and ended up in the car. The cyclist was hurt pretty badly.
Point is, not every incident makes the news. Make the ones that do count.
sc_nomad07.9.08 - 2:05 pm
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I'm trying to toss in rebuttals on Times to those defending the doctor when I can, but I think I have to stop, reading so many comments can be crushing for one's faith in humanity. It completely blind sided me just how many people actually blame the cyclists in a case that is so clear cut that road rage was involved. I agree we need to be calm and careful in our protest, but with so many people harboring such views, it does start to seem like a war zone out there.
GarySe7en07.9.08 - 2:20 pm
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It is a war zone and they have the numbers, we cannot win head on. Gotta be smarter.
sc_nomad07.9.08 - 2:24 pm
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Gary,
I know. It suck. LA's true colors are revealing themselves.
But if you want change, this needs to happen.
Squeaky wheel get's the grease. This is our time now to make a statement.
I'm not focused on retaliation. We just need to open peoples eyes to who we are.
I think we can change old ways of thinking step by step. It's happening.
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 2:26 pm
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Just emailed his partners with a link to the LA Times story and let them know they do business with a monster. One one of his partners I was able to get the presidents email address.
DeKadenzy07.9.08 - 2:37 pm
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had to clip the following LA Times post i made into into 5 different postings b/c of the stupid 650 character limit:
1. Cyclists ARE TRAFFIC which means:
2. The Road IS NOT primarily for automobiles
3. and the driving public rarely gives any considerable thought that cyclists exist or are even present most of the time, when
4. Single File riding ISNT'T a law and is practiced on the road by cyclists as a courtesy ONLY when it is safe to do so
5. especially when traveling the posted speed limit, which is not a requirement to do so as a posted speed limit sign means that all vehicular traffic, whether automotive, animal-powered, or human-powered, is required by law not to exceed said posted rate of speed of signage. (A 30mph sign mean traffic flows between 1mph UP TO 30mph and an average cyclist on an average bike can easily travel at an average speed of 15mph if needed.)
Fact: Cyclists often times don't use bike lanes in LA becuase they are not properly constructed for safe riding as they are constantly impeded upon by automobiles and are in the dreaded "door zone" making the road a safer option. Most of these bike lanes were planned by a civil engineering department with obvious little or no cycling knowledge.
Fact: Sidewalks are not Siderides. Bike do not belong on them as they are made specifically for pedestrians. When you see cyclists riding on them it is because the majority of them are afraid of their lives because of people like "Dr." Thompson. It is also ILLEGAL to ride bicycles within certain city limits.
FACT: Cycling awareness is a public safety issue more so than it is an environmental, economic, or traffic issue. However, having more bicycles on the road also helps to solve the other 3.
I drive/cycle regularly and I can say that since I started cycling my driving ability and awareness has improved tremendously and I only use my automobile about 10% each month now.
OPINION: Cycling is dangerous (i've been hit by an unaware automobile before, breaking bones and killing my best friend but still continue to ride) because of the lack of education of the rules of the road. I hope that this incident serves as a wake up call to everyone as more and more bicycles are taking to the road every year. Its an adjustment everyone will have to make, whether they want to or not. It's the evolution of things.
OPINION: This is a case of attempted murder through a really bad decision regardless of his reasoning. I sincerely hope "Dr." Thompson burns for this one.
Oh and one more thing . . .
IM KING
jchungerford07.9.08 - 2:52 pm
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Over 50% of the responses to the LA Times article on the road rage incident was in favor of some type of violent action against bicyclists. It is hardly hysteria to warn of impending danger to cyclists and delusional to believe that violence will not continue to increase as more bicycles vie for space on the roads.
It is not a knee-jerk reaction to respond quickly and lawfully with appropriate protests (Mandeville Canyon is public property) in the relevant locations. A courthouse protest will garnish the media attention but will not sway the judiciary process.
We have two bloodied cyclists, how many more casualties are needed before we stand up and show the public that we won’t take it anymore. I prefer this carnage stop now…not take a calm attitude while bicyclists continue to be targeted, injured and killed. You go your way. I’ll go mine.
skd07.9.08 - 2:54 pm
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attempted murder is nothing to be calm about...
skd07.9.08 - 3:01 pm
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eh. if we only knew what your way means?
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 3:05 pm
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I would advise against gathering around his house. There is a large contingent of Mandeville resident who do support cyclists. Their HOA sent a sincere apology letter to Ron and Christian as soon as the news broke. They don't want things to get ugly between the two groups and neither do we.
As appauled as we all are by Times article, you can protest them at their office if you'd like. I still think that best place for showing our solidarity is the courthouse on August 1st.
With so much of the media turned to our favor right now, we really need to be careful to not do something that will ruin it.
Another update though. The wife of one of our riders spoke to someone at the governor's office. Here is her email:
"Surprise...i just received a phone call from Aaron at the governor's office. I always put my phone number on emails i send out to newspapers, govt officials etc. Anyway he was very aware of the problem...stated that the court case will be August 1st. When i commented that it was sad the DA would not take the case when this guy was involved in the past, Aaron remarked that the DA would be paying close attention to this one due to all the media coverage it is getting. He also stated he would let the governor know about it. I do not recall all he said but he seemed supportive."
Progress is being made.
JShier07.9.08 - 3:06 pm
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I am not calling for vigilantism. A protest ride up Mandeville Canyon this weekend, a show of force and unity.
skd07.9.08 - 3:09 pm
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Porterhouse, you're comparing this incident (and I guess the other road rage cases against cyclists) to slavery of an entire race (saying they acted like animals??) and to an actual war. Have you lost your mind? I love the enthusiasm, but dial it back a bit, k?
Glad to see the discussion has calmed down some. I just read the article and had to physically walk away from it before I wrote something really stupid. Some people just don't get the laws cyclists have but give it a little time and a few more increases in gas prices and a lot more will. This is a war to enlighten and educate and no war is won overnight or with one attempt or action.
DetroitRider07.9.08 - 3:11 pm
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This war has been going on for years. For those who haven't been hit by a car, spit on, verbally abused or had objects thrown at you from moving vehicles....welcome to the battlefield. A bicycle has a legal right to the road. So let's not cower in the corner and accept the crumbs like an orphan. We need to assert our rights.
skd07.9.08 - 3:32 pm
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i just personally witnessed Stephen Box handing the Cyclists Bill of Rights to a crew of very VERY supportive members of the Los Angeles City Council.... (a.k.a. the transportation committee meeting today)
Councilman Rosendahl especially made some eloquent and compassionate statements about the incident by way of introduction.
He emphasized that he never EVER again wanted to see a situation like this emerge and how crucial it is to address these issues right away.
There is so much support out there and i hope we all can progress as a result of this horrible incident.
I will agree with Gary however, reading those comments over on LA Times is no fun at all. Scary to realize how much aggression and violence underpins our entire society.
ingipet07.9.08 - 3:42 pm
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I'm against a protest up Mandeville Canyon unless the injured bicyclists ask us to do it. There are several neighbors who are friendly witnesses there and we could screw it up by going there.
So far the reaction by the media, city councilman, police has been very positive for the cyclists.
The doctor's action is described by everyone (not jus us) as road rage and he has been charged with felony. There are numerous witnesses against him and none in his favor. What else do we want? Go up Mandeville and hang him on the spot?
And the LA Times article was 99% positive. It mentions road rage in the title and it quotes extensively the cyclist friendly witnesses. There is just one negative comment by the HOA lady and even that is discounted when it's mentioned that the perpetrator's wife serves with her on the board.
I think so far the system has worked. Even if you think it hasn't try to work with the people who were actually involved in the accident instead of planning actions without their consent or opinion.
marino07.9.08 - 3:45 pm
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I think we broke the internets over at the LA Times. I have posted several responses since noon, and not have come through.
skd07.9.08 - 3:51 pm
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I've purposefully refrained from reading the comments over at LA Times.com. I can imagine it only too well, but I just don't want to see that side of human nature right now; the incident is ugly enough by itself.
There seems to be this huge amount of hostility and rage directed towards humans that ride bikes - where the fuck does that come from? Are we somehow to blame for all that is wrong in the lives of these people or are we that much of a threat to all that they hold dear?
mr rollers07.9.08 - 4:05 pm
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I would say that its the LA driver's "don't get in my way" attitude, but we experience the same thing up in Santa Cruz.
An incident that I observe very often are drivers yelling at me to get a car. Its never bothered me, just interested me in the subconscious reasoning behind this comment. Perhaps drivers see themselves as "better" because they have a car and thus they are more important people?
Who knows what it is, although I think some serious biker awareness campaigns need to be started. Perhaps we should start carrying banners on critical masses? Who knows what its going to take.
TallPaul07.9.08 - 4:18 pm
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I think half of the most obnoxious comments in LA Times were made by fellow cyclists trolling for a reaction.
By world standards, even US standards I don't think the LA drivers are that aggressive. When you ride 5 miles you pass by 1,000 cars. Will you have more than one incident with aggro driver? One in a thousand is not that much. There are places in the world where every other car will try to run you off the road.
marino07.9.08 - 4:31 pm
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i just got a response back from martha at la times to my earlier email...
"Dear Ingrid:
Thanks for taking the time to email.
We would be terribly irresponsible as a newspaper to convict the guy in print before he has had a chance to tell his side of the story, whatever that side might be.
The police described it as a "road rage incident." I believe that readers drew the proper conclusion.
Martha"
I just sent back a 1000 word essay.
ingipet07.9.08 - 4:31 pm
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One of our riders spoke to the DA. Below is a copy of his email:
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Just got off the phone with District Attorney Steve Cooley. He noted that there has been a great deal of interest in this case, however, the case has not yet been presented by the police to the district attorney. (All the attorneys out there will know this next bit) Once the case is presented, the DA will make a determination about whether or not charges will be filed. Because Thompson is free on bail and there isn't an arraignment this week, that gives the police and the DA more time to investigate.
Update: just got off the phone with Chief Deputy John Lynch at the airport division. He, too, noted the high interest in the case and said the reports had just been filed with the DA.
I'm working on stories for Bicycle Retailer and VeloNews.com.
Keep up the pressure on the police, the DA and the media for the time being.
------------------------------------
JShier07.9.08 - 4:59 pm
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yo I work in a camp in brentwood and I drive the kids around in a school bus. All I have to say is people there drive like assholes I get cut off all the time! who the fuck cuts off a school bus? I have also ridden my bike to work and drivers there dont give a fuck about cyclist
apineda07.9.08 - 6:35 pm
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sounds ridiculous that we have to lobby the DA to file charges??? pretty obvious that this was a criminal act. I don't get it.
so if the DA doesn't files charges then what happens?
Giant Johnson07.9.08 - 9:13 pm
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detroit,
I'm apologize for the comment I was just really really mad. This is not a race thing or a war think I was just making my point strongly. If you're a black I didn't mean anything by it so sorry ok?
porterhouse07.9.08 - 9:33 pm
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A support ride doesn't necessarily have to start at that bastard's house, but could follow the same route the two cyclists were taking that same day. Whose streets?
jericho1ne07.9.08 - 10:13 pm
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I think going to the court house is the best deal.
It's important to make a statement there, because, if they let this slide, it will set the precedent against our cause. Going to the neighborhood is a waste of energy.
So there it is. That's that. Roadblock posted it.
Lets do it.
(p.s. I think porterhouse is a bit over done now)
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 10:21 pm
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KTLA just ran a piece on the accident that was spun in favor of the driver and against the cyclists. I'm so infuriated after watching it that I'm not going to sleep well. It's not up on their website yet but please keep an eye out for it.
What they just did is more outrageous than what the LA Times did. Whenever they post the video, listen closely to how they worded everything. They even Michael Moore'd a cyclist and used a soundbite to make cyclists look even worse. I wrote a raging angry email to my club about it so I'll just copy it below to give you a taste of what I'm talking about.
If you want to protest something, protest KTLA's hack journalism.
=====================================
I can't believe how many of the facts they got wrong. Now I know why I don't watch this station. It's pretty clear they didn't do any research or interview anyone of importance (aside from Ron and Chris).
some quotes:
"...in what the LAPD INITIALLY called road rage."
"Although they plan to seek legal action the District Attorney has yet to file charges against the driver"
Let's not forget the lovely quotes by the boneheaded resident who had more airtime then anyone else involved in the accident who said, "I've been almost clipped by them." then to end the piece with her saying "It's my understanding that he pulled over to tell them not to do that."
Oh yeah, and the one cyclist interviewed in Michael Moore fashion who says "I'll sometimes slow down to a sonic boom but yeah, I usually go pretty fast." I love how they added that quote after the reporter says "residents are outraged that cyclists disobey traffic laws as they speed through Mandeville Canyon Road."
It's pretty clear this segment was set up by the residents of Mandeville Cyn who wanted to spin things in the fine doctor's favor, hence them being the last network to say anything about it. When more information comes to light and this guy is prosecuted, make sure nobody gives KTLA any information. Feed it all to the networks who looked at the facts and reported a more truthful story.
=======================================
JShier07.9.08 - 11:03 pm
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One of our riders went through all 317 LA Times comments and made an excel spreadsheet of the comments that did not defend the cyclists. The spreadsheet is unbelievably incredible. He summarized what he found to be the basic statement against cyclists. Prepare to get angry.
======================================
I only tallied opinions expressed by people who were not defending the cyclists. The following is a list of opinions expressed and how often:
Cyclists break the law (27)
Cyclists are arrogant, have feelings of entitlement (27)
Cyclists should not be on the road; the road is for vehicles only (23)
Cyclists shouldn't ride two abreast; should always ride single file (18)
Cyclists are not part of traffic (16)
Cyclists don't give cars enough room to pass (15)
Cyclists shouldn't be in the street because it is dangerous (13)
If a vehicle/bike altercation happens, the cyclist must be at fault in some way (12)
It is against the law to ride two-abreast (9)
Cyclists must always ride to right and not in the lane (9)
Cyclists incite harassment fromn vehicles by not following the law (8)
Recreational use of the roads by cyclists should not be allowed (6)
Cyclists should only use streets that aren't busy or dangerous (5)
Cyclists have bad manners and shouldn't incite bad vehicular behavior (4)
Cyclists shouldn't be on road because they don't pay for them (3)
Cyclists should be licensed/insured (3)
Cyclists should not have a right to the road if they do not follow the laws (2)
Doesn't matter what vehicular law is; nobody drives that way anyhow (1)
Who cares what rights cyclists have under the law (1)
Cars are bigger and therefore have more rights (1)
First off, most people seemed angry at cyclists (in general) for breaking the law (running stop signs and lights) and the general attitude of arrogance such riders display. Most commentors felt that cyclists have no right to the road whatsoever; the roadway is for motor vehicles only. This is an opinion I hope we can change with better education, but it is part of a paradigm of driver entitlement that will be hard to change. Many commenters noted that the cyclists were riding two abreast, which they feel should never be done under any circumstances. Some expecility stated that riding two abreast is illegal. Another commonly held view is that cyclists are not part of "traffic" and that cyclists often ride in a location in a lane that make it difficult for a vehicle to pass.
Obviously we have a long way to go until LA is a cyclist-friendly city. Let's hope recent events help us get there more quickly.
Cheers,
Marcus
=====================================
JShier07.9.08 - 11:13 pm
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Christian had this to say in response to the KTLA story.
"Its amazing, we stressed the point to her multiple times that he had done that before, also told her that by passing us he was going way over the speed limit, we have to ride in the center of our lane a lot for safety issues with huge pot holes, roots, and to stay clear of cars backing out of driveways."
I'll stop posting now. I don't want to seem like I'm flaming your boards. We all appreciate the support you've given us.
JShier07.9.08 - 11:21 pm
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not a problem!
Thanks for posting.
That KTLA shit blows.
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 11:32 pm
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said it before.... say it again. Main stream media is GARBAGE.
Michael Moore is a hero in my book.
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:43 pm
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Here is another reason why we should be careful about how we react. If the doctor gets charged and goes to court, more than likely they will ask for a jury trial. As demonstrated by the responses to the LA times article, it is really not that hard to find people who have a bias against cyclists. It just takes a couple of jurists to have hung jury. Joe Public's opinion is critical to get this guy convicted.
I know there are several things that can happen before a trial, there's a possibility of a plea. The charges that DA will place will also be a factor, going for the maximum charge will make conviction more difficult.
But the good part is cyclist are getting media attention and for the most part we are portrayed as victims. As much as I hate playing the victim role, it has it's place. It gives us time to contemplate on the next move. Let's not give anyone reason to portray us as aggressors. Bad judgement can sabotage the actual victims chances for justice.
sc_nomad07.9.08 - 11:43 pm
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Agitator... er, I mean, Dennis.
I agree. But it doesn't mean we cant speak our minds and make a statement by going to the courthouse, right?
How do you know about all that court stuff anyway?
Joe Borfo07.9.08 - 11:50 pm
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going to the courthouse is mandatory. it's VERY rare that we get a chance for our voices to be heard.
as for a jury trial you thinking too deep about it. dude is a wealthy doctor from a wealthy neighborhood with an expensive lawyer. he aint going to do time that's for sure.
Roadblock07.9.08 - 11:53 pm
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I'm all for going to the courthouse. I just don't see the value in protesting in Mandeville Canyon. There are several things that concern me about Mandeville Canyon.
First they have a homeowners association, they can be a tight knit group.
Second there is history between the residents and cyclists and it is not necessarily good. Mandeville Canyon is access to a popular mountain bike trail in the area, there have been confrontations between hikers, MTB'ers and equestrians. Some residents are not too thrilled when we park in their streets.
Lastly, Mandeville Canyon is home to many rich and influential people. I believe the Governor lives there. It's a double edge sword, just don't want to be on the losing end.
sc_nomad07.10.08 - 12:12 am
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"Lastly, Mandeville Canyon is home to many rich and influential people."
I'm sure this is why there is no mug shot of the criminal.
Roadblock07.10.08 - 12:22 am
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I'm medium rare Barfo. I just too angry. I've been chasing cars last two days for looking at me wrong because of thisi. Sorry for going over the edge.
porterhouse07.10.08 - 12:23 am
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An apology? Oh, never mind. I thought you were someone else.
Joe Borfo07.10.08 - 12:24 am
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boo hoo. too bad for the rich people that cyclists are dirtying up theoir hood. makes me want to roll on through.
Roadblock07.10.08 - 12:26 am
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The video is up on their homepage http://ktla.trb.com/ it's the 4th story down in their video list right now.
For the record, I'm a big Michael Moore fan too. I was just pointing out that the reporter used his most infamous tactic against us.
JShier07.10.08 - 9:51 am
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I am getting a little tired of the rich thinking they own public streets or that they are above-the-law. Maybe it's time to redistribute their wealth so they become a little more humble.
skd07.10.08 - 10:06 am
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Wow. That KTLA piece is poorly done. You walk a fine line trying to spin a story and affect public opinion through the media. They aren't in the business of reporting the truth. They're in the business of making money by selling "stories" that people want to read or watch. Unfortunately, people tend to consume stories full of drama, controversy and speculation...blood and guts....violence....corruption.
I'd say we're feeding the trolls by talking to the TV reporters and participating on their blogs. They are only going to put the story out in a way that will stir the pot some more in order to ride the current interest (or controversy) in the story. Compared to the network pieces..the LA times article is starting to sound sort of balanced. Gonna have to remind them to keep it balanced.
We're also best off putting pressure directly on city council members, the D.A's office and anybody else who actually will be involved in running the Doc through the system.
Hopefully the Doc and the Mandeville Canyon Homeowner's Association doesn't have more contacts, networks and friends than the cycling community.
Sadness....I haz it.
DJwheels07.10.08 - 10:36 am
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Councilmember Bill Rosendahl just announced a meeting on cycling in Mandeville Canyon this Monday night.
Here's all the deets-
Who: Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl
Los Angeles Police Department
Los Angeles Department of Transportation
Homeowners Association representatives
Bicycle Activists
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Where: West Los Angeles Municipal Building - 2nd floor Hearing Room
1645 Corinth Avenue (between Iowa and Santa Monica Blvd. )
Los Angeles , CA 90025
(Automobile Parking available behind the Municipal Building )
(Bicycle Parking at bike racks and allowed in the building lobby)
What: In the wake of a July 4 automobile accident that hospitalized two cyclists, Councilmember Bill Rosendahl will host a public meeting to bring cyclists, motorists and residents together to discuss ideas and proposals to make it easier for everyone to share the Mandeville Canyon Road .
City officials will welcome suggestions from all parties on how to improve safety on the narrow 5 mile roadway that is heavily used by residents, visitors to nearby recreation areas, and cyclists. Discussion will also focus on efforts to better inform the public about laws and vehicle code sections pertaining to cycling and sharing the road.
The specifics of the July 4 incident, which is being investigated by law enforcement officials, will not be a subject of the meeting.
###
This message was sent to GlennBaileySFV@yahoo.com by:
Councilman Bill Rosendahl
200 N. Spring Street, Room 415
Mailstop 218
Los Angeles, CA 90012
chunk07.10.08 - 10:44 am
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I am getting a little tired of the rich thinking they own public streets or that they are above-the-law. Maybe it's time to redistribute their wealth so they become a little more humble.
skd
07.10.08 - 1:06 pm
What's stopping you? This is the land of opportunity, you reap what you sow.
sc_nomad07.10.08 - 11:03 am
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i want to go to this. i can get off work a half hour early around 5:30pm in k-town. if anyone wants a ride (yes i will be driving there) to attend this meeting, contact me.
jchungerford07.10.08 - 11:34 am
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A friend of Christian and an ex-pro cyclist in Europe writes:
===========================
You are going to see almost all the media coverage start leaning this way, to an anti-cyclist bias. Even if there is sympathy in the beginning, the bias always ends anti-cyclist in the mainstream. You can see it in the forums too. Normal people don't understand why cyclists do what they do on the road (ride in the middle when there are potholes, etc.) so it is always assumed that the cyclists are at fault. You will see this especially when going through the criminal part of the trial. I still think it's unlikely they will file charges, so you guys just need to go through the civil suit to get justice on this guy.
Also, the result of this is going to be an enormous increase in law enforcement in Mandeville. But again, it's always going to be anti cyclist. They are going to write 10 to 15 tickets to cyclists, for every one they write for a car. The cyclists get screwed in the end because we won't be able to really ride in Mandeville, and the number of tickets written is just going to validate the car drivers complaints against cyclists. And I guarantee that will be used against you guys in both the criminal and civil trials. So tell your friends to stop riding Mandeville, especially big group rides, or at least be hyper aware of following the rules. Anything that a cyclist does to even slightly inconvenience a car in Mandeville will be used against you. I guarantee you will have people from the neighborhood out video taping all the time and recording anything that shows a cyclist in the middle of the road, or riding two abreast, or running stop signs. Even when a cyclist does something that is totally justified it will still be used against you. Again, normal people don't understand why we do things, so everything will have to be explained.... but by that time, already a negative impression was given, so people will still be biased against the justifiable act.
And be careful what you guys are saying in the media. I'm seeing some inconsistencies and things that can be used against your case later in court. And it's all permanently recorded now. Lawyers are great at twisting people's words around, so just be really careful. It might be about time for you to let your lawyers do all the talking for you.
And make sure no one harasses this guy, or even shows up to the sentencing like the CBR guy recommended. It gives a bad impression on you guys. And the sentencing is only a couple minutes long, and the lawyer just says "not guilty" anyway. There is no reason to be there until, or if, there is an actual trial. It just doesn't look good to have people hanging out in the sentencing procedure that are against the accused.
Anyway, I have personally been through several of these cases, one where I was the victim and even a couple involving the death of the cyclist.... friends of mine. So this is what I have learned through those experiences. It would sicken you to see how things are always turned around to make it seem like cyclists are at fault. So now is the time to proceed cautiously with this process.
===================================
This might be some good advice.
JShier07.10.08 - 12:01 pm
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so we're supposed to just chill and trust that lawyers to speak for us?...
Joe Borfo07.10.08 - 12:10 pm
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I think that Dr. Thompson would LOVE if we just stayed quiet during all of this.
Our silence means that we agree.
kyber07.10.08 - 12:25 pm
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someone started a thread on yelp about this accident...people seem pretty sympathetic to the cyclists...
http://www.yelp.com/topic/brea-bike-accident
Wild Johnny07.10.08 - 12:30 pm
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that long write by the Euro Biker sounds fishy or should I say porkyish. How does not showing our colors help a fallen ridazz?
porterhouse07.10.08 - 12:47 pm
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Way to stay positive Jshier, ex-pro Euro racer. D-BAG
Its cyclist like you that don't see the bigger picture.
EVERYTHING IS NEGATIVE.
I wish I had the power to kick you out of the Forums.
parlorbikes07.10.08 - 1:04 pm
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Them some tough words you got there parlorbikes. I take it you haven't been reading this thread that much since there isn't anybody here who wanted this guy to rot in prison more then I do. I like how little you've contributed to this discussion since it started 4 days ago yet feel compelled to chime in now and add nothing constructive. Nice work. You set a wonderful example for everyone. Ron is my coach and Christian is my teammate. Christian emailed this message from his friend to our club and many other local clubs. I felt it worth presenting to this board as well. Maybe he's lost faith after the things he's been through and you haven't yet but you should watch what you say before you start sounding like a jackass.
I will be at the courthouse on August 1st regardless and like I've said several times before, we really appreciate the support we've gotten from you guys.
JShier07.10.08 - 1:42 pm
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Already, we have infighting. There is a a lot the cycling community can do if we just stick together. There isn't a lot of instances that draws all cyclist together. The last one I can think of was when the Rosebowl ride was threaten and a ordinance about riding two abreast was being considered. It took both this community and the local clubs to affect or stop change. This roadrage incident affects all of us, think before you act.
sc_nomad07.10.08 - 2:22 pm
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JShier is not stating anything negative. He is stating the truth, to this point. This is not the first time this type of incident happened, what is described is a pattern similar to my and my friends' experience.
Roadies have dealt with this issue for decades, they have some experience in that space. What the MR community can provide fresh eyes to an old problem.
sc_nomad07.10.08 - 2:42 pm
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The general concensus from the roadies has been to continue riding Mandeville en masse and not decrease our presence there. The most important thing to do is to obey the traffic laws though. There will probably be increased police patrols in the area so be sure to stop at the stop signs near the bottom of the road.
I'll be heading out there around noon.
oh, and take the road on the way back down.
JShier07.10.08 - 3:11 pm
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JShier,
Some folks and I are organizing a BIKE SUMMIT to deal with exactly the issues we face as a community as a whole. There is in-fighting (as with any social movement) and then there is the whole challenge of dealing with ROAD RAGING motorists. Now is the time to work on these issues and to come together around a common goal.
NOW is the moment to SEIZE.
We need to learn to rally together around a positive and common goal. We hope that the BIKE SUMMIT can help with that.
I hope you will be willing to work with us, I am proud of the way you and Ron and Christian et al. are responding to this horrific experience.
can we contact you directly? or email me ingrid dot peterson at gmail.
ingipet07.10.08 - 3:24 pm
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Christian's Euro friend may mean well, but his advice is terrible and doesn't merit anything but being politely ignored.
PC07.10.08 - 3:36 pm
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Mandeville canyon critical mass. Ha. Lets do it.
The richy rich residents of mandeville canyon are like the richy rich residents of malibu who are trying to keep the public off of what they consider to be their own private beach.
I now want to ride mandeville just because they are trying to keep me out. How's that for them applezz.
Its a public street. End of argument. That meeting with the residents and bill rosendahl and the cops is bs. No need for discussion. Life doesn't always work out for you even if you are rich.
Roadblock07.10.08 - 3:43 pm
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The rosendahl meeting is BS because the statement says "accident" not "road rage."
Roadblock07.10.08 - 3:47 pm
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Alex Thompson will be at the Rosendahl meeting on Monday, and he advises that you go as well. That is all.
Alex Thompson07.10.08 - 4:02 pm
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This needs to be made clear, it's not "road rage" - That's somebody shaking their fist out a car window at you.
It was ASSAULT.
Joe Borfo07.10.08 - 4:17 pm
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Thanks PC and Roadblock for keeping it REAL
I am pretty sure that J Shier is being pretty negative, from the post I read? Maybe I don't speek Inglesh reellee wel.
Yes I have been following the story since it was sent to me on the DAY IT HAPPENED.
I have an inbox with about 35 e-mails pertaining to this. I also got a phone call shortly after it happened.
I am not their teamates but I have been racing bicycles and doing triathlons at a pro or near pro level since 1996 when I was 17.
Thanks and stay positive J Sheir.
parlorbikes07.10.08 - 4:22 pm
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porterhouse you and Jsheir are on the same page. we all hate what happened and you and him both intend to ride to the courthouse and both you and him agree that mendeville cyn is to be ridden.... IT"S ALL GOOD IN THE (richee rich) HOOD!!
Roadblock07.10.08 - 4:27 pm
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I do think we should do a Mandyvillas ride.
We should wait till the court hearing happens and plan a ride according to the outcome. It might not be the best idea to mess with this guy before the appearance in court.
Props to Roadblocks 2nd picture from the BIG BANG RIDE. The first picture tells the story how you thought your handlebars where your seat?
Smoke'm if you got'm.
parlorbikes07.10.08 - 5:07 pm
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Local rider and author Patrick Brady submitted an article to VeloNews regarding the incident. It's on their site now. Check it out.
http://www.velonews.com/article/79771
JShier07.10.08 - 5:57 pm
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I want to see this guy prosecuted as badly as the next guy, but please try to keep it civil, at least until we see if he gets charged.
If we want the LAPD / DA's office to continue being as patient and respectful to us as, with a few notable exceptions, they have been as we go about our activities as cyclists, then maybe we should make an effort to be patient and respectful to them as they go about their business as law enforcement and prosecutors.
They've already said he's under arrest for felony criminal assault, and the City Council is keeping an eye on the situation, and this is a REPEAT OFFENSE, so the odds are pretty good he'll be facing charges. Even expensive attorneys can't change the basic facts of the matter.
Make your voice heard! Call the LAPD/DA's office and ask for updates, be visible at the hearing, talk to the media and city councilpersons, etc.,
But intentionally inflaming homeowners, regardless of their economic status, or taking this in an angry, vengeful, or destructive direction, won't help very much.
If you're going to "TAKE ACTION", figure out what the results are likely to be first and then take the action likely to produce the desired results. It has to be more than a group temper tantrum if we're hoping to achieve anything.
If the LAPD wanted to make life miserable for riders, they could do it, and do it EASILY, Just google "Sacramento Critical Mass" to see what riding is like when the local cops decide they've had it with cyclists. It doesn't look like much fun.
I don't know about you all, but I don't have enough time or discretionary cash to fight multiple tickets, or replace my bike with a similar one if it got confiscated, so I'd just as soon keep as many people as possible favorably disposed toward cycling and cyclists.
JB07.10.08 - 8:23 pm
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Roadblock the roady you can include me too!! Mandevile to La Times to the courthouse to Washington dc.
porterhouse07.10.08 - 8:45 pm
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felony wreckless driving?
pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffft
IT'S FELONY ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON
Roadblock07.11.08 - 12:53 pm
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whoops...also 2 counts of battery...and 2 counts of special counts of great bodily injury.
DJwheels07.11.08 - 12:57 pm
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hmmmmm does this mean he could actually do time?
Roadblock07.11.08 - 12:57 pm
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Definitely a chance he could do time....when you add up the 6 counts...it's no joke. I'm not familiar with sentencing guidelines, but the article states he faces up to SEVEN YEARS EIGHT MONTHS if convicted on ALL counts.
I think the fact that there was serious injuries makes it harder to plea to a lesser charge. I suppose there is always a plea of guilty and praying the judge in lenient and suspends the prison sentence in favor of community service, anger management.
Too early to tell though. That defense attorney has a lot of work ahead of him.
DJwheels07.11.08 - 1:09 pm
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Don't count on it. The bitch that hit & ran on slackar and me got 3 years probation. Yeah, she has a felony record now, but she didn't get any county lockup time. She wasn't even a rich bitch and this dr dumbass is.
Jeronimo07.11.08 - 1:11 pm
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sounds like it's going to take a lot of work to make sure this piece of shit does some time. lot's of pressure. an example must be made.
Roadblock07.11.08 - 1:12 pm
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Jeronimo that is so disheartening to hear. these people need to do TIME. get it in the public's mindset that if you hit cyclists on purpose or you run away that when you get caught you are going to PAY.
ps what up with my bike?? :)
Roadblock07.11.08 - 1:13 pm
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We're waiting on some of the lawyers in the club to explain what this all means in english so I'll share that with you as soon as we get it.
I think the charge of felony reckless driving might be easier to get a conviction for then felony assault with a deadly weapon. Regardless of the eyewitness accounts and the way the driver has acted in the past and acted at the scene, I don't think the DA thinks he can convince a jury that he INTENTIONALLY went out of his way to injure them with his car. I think because he stopped in the road and the riders when into his truck he fears the defense might be able to convince the jury that it was more of an accident. It's much easier to get him on reckless driving. The felony count would make him lose his medical license though. That's a good thing.
Keep in mind I'm not a lawyer and I'm pretty much talking about of my ass here. I'll be back as soon as I get some facts.
JShier07.11.08 - 1:24 pm
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"The felony count would make him lose his medical license though."
wow, if that's true and he actually gets convicted of a felony, that would be GREAT NEWS.
Roadblock07.11.08 - 1:26 pm
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Well, he's not practicing anymore. He's retiring age, and he runs a medical records company. So, losing his MD licence, or whatever, might not sting as much as I thought, at first. The civil suits should be the ones that have teeth, in my opinion.
tern07.11.08 - 1:33 pm
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ahh true.... but the motherfucker still needs to DO TIME. it's important to the community that this guys not get away with shit especially considering the publicity surrounding it. if people hear that this dude only gets a slap on the wrist they wont be as hesitant to fuck with other cyclists.
Jeronimo.... are you able to seek civil damages against the bitch that hit and ran on you?
Roadblock07.11.08 - 1:36 pm
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Jeronimo, sorry to hear that. Sometimes judges are nice..sometimes they are not. Sometimes they take special interest in a case because of the public outcry, and sometimes they are just biased against or in favor of particular attorneys. It's a silly game, as I'm learning so far in only a couple years of civil practice.
Positives for the Doc:: he's a doctor, probably a clean rap sheet, probably pays his taxes and his bills. the collision was also from the rear...as opposed to a side swipe or a head on collision where the intent of the driver or at least the wilfull disregard for safety is more apparent. therefore, that defense attorney will probably want those two counts of reckless driving dropped right away. he could argue that he was "just trying to stop to tell them not to do that" as was suggested by the lady interviewed in the KTLA piece and that the riders were just following too close and that's why they hit the back of his car. Probably a disingenuous argument though. the only place that statement could have come from is from the good ol' Doc himself. and in a criminal case, most attorneys won't let their client take the stand.
Negatives for the Doc: reports of him being involved in a similar incident with other cyclists. you better believe the attorney is going to object to any of that kind of evidence and look to exclude it from every being brought up. there are evidence rules at his disposal to either preclude that evidence or at least limit it's use. speed limit will probably also be an issue as well if the riders were descending at that speed all ready and he still decided to pass them by speeding up.
It's like a poker game....expect more posturing from both sides and media spin.
I can't believe I just wrote all that. I need to go ride my bike.
DJwheels07.11.08 - 1:42 pm
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I was casually reading a friend's blog when I cam upon this comment on his post about the incident. It was posted by Anonymous. I'm not sure if it's real or not but based on what I read on the LATimes comments I bet it's real. Make what you will of it.
===================================================================
This came into my mailbox yesterday:
This Nina Guerini:
Nina Guerini Real Estate Agent in La Habra Heights, CaliforniaAgency: Southwest Real Estate
Telephone: 562-690-0675
Address: 1747 Le Flore Dr
La Habra Heights, California 90631-8687
----- Original Message -----
From: Nina Guerini
To: web.master@lawheelm en.org
Cc: Nina Guerini
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2008 1:29 PM
Subject: Mandeville accident
HOORAY FOR THE DOCTOR. It's about time you lawless bunch of crayolas get what you deserve! There are several of us current and former La Habra Heights residents ready, willing and able to testify on behalf of the doctor. YOU DON'T OWN THE STREETS, don't follow the law and are a blight on society. You have no care for any living being even yourselves! What I saw before I moved on my own street should make you ashamed of yourselves but you're not because you are all lawless, arrogant idiots...... .......Just like the bike racer I saw one day flying down my street, downhill, on a 660' blind corner WITH A BABY IN A BABY SEAT ON THE BACK OF HIS BIKE! I hope you all get hit by cars!!!
===================================================================
JShier07.11.08 - 3:20 pm
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Well I scanned through my 50+ e-mails about this from all kinds of cycling groups. I now have the address and the 3 current phone numbers of the Doc along with his medical liscence number and past 2 residences. I also have the address of his practice and documentation business. He does have one malpractice suit filed against him in 2001, however no info on that was available. Anyone?
I want to talk with that lady about the 660 degree corner, that sounds like fun. I guess we bunch of ignorammazzes can still tell her that a complete circle is 360 degrees. I learneded that shit from X-games bitch. LOL
parlorbikes07.11.08 - 3:34 pm
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From what I uncovered, the reasons for and results of malpractice suits aren't usually made public. I guess they only put up the amount that was awarded as a result of the suit. I searched for more info on el doctor and came up empty.
JShier07.11.08 - 3:39 pm
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RB, I'll get up with you about the bike via email. I've been neglecting a lot of stuff in order to ride, including my civil suit against the hit & run driver. I'll get some dough out of her for sure though.
Jeronimo07.11.08 - 3:44 pm
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That nina guano needs a reality czech.
Jeronimo07.11.08 - 3:57 pm
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One of our guys just heard the Doctor get interviewed on KCRW. Not sure how to get a hold of audio.
JShier07.11.08 - 4:34 pm
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I really want to hear that. What show was it? I am assuming Which Way LA.
Joe Borfo07.11.08 - 4:52 pm
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I don't have any more info right now. He just sent a txt while in the car.
JShier07.11.08 - 5:06 pm
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KFI discussed the charges brought against the doctor on their program yesterday. They interviewed someone who came to a similar conclusion that lesser charges were filed because it may be too difficult to get him for assault.
check it out for yourselves. It's a few minutes into their show.
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KFI-AM/JK0711083P.mp3?CPROG=PCAST&MARKET=LOSANGELES-CA&NG_FORMAT=talk&SITE_ID=616&STATION_ID=KFI-AM&PCAST_AUTHOR=KFI_AM_640&PCAST_CAT=Arts_and_Entertainment&PCAST_TITLE=JOHN_AND_KEN
JShier07.12.08 - 1:55 pm
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http://www.agentscoreboard.com/agent/136075_Nina_Guerini_Southwest_Real_Estate
Nina Guerini, agentsscoreboard is the second thing to come up in a google search. You can quickly register and leave a comment/rate Nina Guerini.
thayr07.12.08 - 10:23 pm
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Anybody ever see that 2Fast2Furious movie?
I always wanted to see if it was possible to make that car-disabler device that they shot from the helicopter.
A car tries to plow into you, misses, then you pull out the disabler and fry their ECU!!!
bentstrider07.12.08 - 10:30 pm
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Storm the Bastille is on!
On Monday, July 14, we ride from REDquarters (Santa Monica & Vermont Red Line Station) @ 11 to the South Lawn of City Hall for a noon rally.
We've got a Bastillion ideas on ways to make this a GREAT City but we're gonna start with the
Cyclists' Bill of Rights and we're gonna call on our City Leadership to join us in making this a GREAT City with GREAT Streets! (6500 miles of roadway, all of it ridable!)
See you on the Streets!
SoapBoxLA07.13.08 - 8:03 am
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i am only a member here and LAFXD. does anyone know what the other clubs are planning in protest, peaceful or otherwise? i can't imagine the spandex riders of the city are sitting idly by.
kurtz07.13.08 - 9:07 am
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he'll get it in the end where it hurts. civil suit.
indigis07.13.08 - 9:48 am
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they have to make some portable EMP bombs, that would take their car out.
XPC07.13.08 - 12:21 pm
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this property is for sale on mandeville canyon. if we pool our resources, we can purchase it and turn it in to a haven for cyclists.
http://www.rodeorealty.com/printable.php?property_ID=5
kurtz07.13.08 - 4:49 pm
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I just listened to that KFI broadcast, and I got to say, this is probably the only redeeming quality about these John and Ken guys.
Joe Borfo07.13.08 - 5:36 pm
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Bump... Just making sure this doesn't drop off.
sc_nomad07.14.08 - 10:35 pm
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^^^^
That former Robert Taylor ranch that's for sale on Mandeville Cyn for $65 mil , I used to go there every day in my (motor)bike messenger days. We had an account there. The business manager was gay and he liked having my cute lil leather clad greek ass around. Haven't been there in 20 years but I rememember the fun of zigzagging Sunset Blvd and then up Mandeville.
marino07.14.08 - 11:14 pm
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So it's a small consolation, but apparently this bastard Christopher Thomas Thompson made a website back in 1999 featuring some of the shitty ass music he's made. What a douchebag. Your killer ladies and gentlemen...
http://dwarfmusic.com/ct.htm
Blockhead Mark07.15.08 - 1:36 am
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Holy shit balls!
I nominate the Doc's classic punk hit
DJwheels07.15.08 - 9:13 am
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html FAIL...sorry.
go here: http://www.dwarfmusic.com/musicsamples.htm
listen to: Nobody Cares
DJwheels07.15.08 - 9:15 am
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i don't think that's the perp.
kurtz07.15.08 - 9:28 am
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story on KCRW:
http://laist.com/2008/07/16/kcrw_looks_into_bicyling_in_a_car_c.php
kurtz07.16.08 - 7:53 pm
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ok I'm planning this route to the LAX courthouse.... first of all what time is this guy's court appearance?
Roadblock07.25.08 - 10:54 pm
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did the anger fade out?
lets make it a friday get out of work day. the courthouse is not far from docweiller beach and bbq pits. this could be a protest and a party
Roadblock07.26.08 - 1:09 pm
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I know I am still upset that this happened.
Post a ride Don, and post another thread re: that ride.
I think people may have gotten burned out on this (epic) thread.
adamthelizard07.26.08 - 8:29 pm
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http://sweetbike.org/?p=184
"...Mass was rolling down a narrow residential street and they tried to cork this guy until we passed so he wouldn’t hurt anybody. He got angry and impatient and tried to go anyhow, driving over bicycles and hitting people. When cyclists stopped him from leaving until the police arrived by slashing his tires, the cyclists are now in jail and the media is spinning this like a man simply trying to protect his family (and pregnant wife!) against violent thuggery by a mob of angry cyclists."
Heres another eye witness account
http://arcanius.silverfir.net/blog/critical-mass-collision
Joe Borfo07.26.08 - 10:51 pm
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^^^ saw this info on Bike Pirates (LJ) - Just Sharing.
Joe Borfo07.26.08 - 10:52 pm
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another Borfo Bomb
sexy07.27.08 - 12:40 pm
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Hey Roadblock I love the idea of a ride!
we have to support each other in the bike community because we are the only ones that understand the ways of cycling.
I just got hit after LACM the guy took off and noticed a little boy helping me from the street. He came back but never said sorry. he just wanted info from everyone. my bike is gone so i hope to make it out as soon as i can. it sucks being looked at as if it were our fault because we are on bikes.
puglife07.27.08 - 4:34 pm
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+1 on the ride.
Gabby hope you're ok. Sucks hearing about confrontations with cars from the ridazz here. Just about everyone of them ends up with the rida getting the worst end of the deal. Keep your head up and your smile for everyone. Post up if you need any help.
User107.27.08 - 5:50 pm
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thanks user1!!!
sorry but i don't know who you are. i know i have met you because you remember my name. thanks I am a little scared of handling this whole situation so i will post for her thanks a lot you have made my day.
puglife07.27.08 - 11:47 pm
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DOES ANYBODY OUT THERE KNOW WHAT TIME TO BE AT THE COURTHOUSE THIS FRIDAY?
how about we ride to the courthouse, witness the attempted murder chistopher t. thompson get arraigned. Then we roll to docweiller and have a bbq. then we roll on some crimanimalz shit!
Roadblock07.28.08 - 1:32 am
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RB--dont know if you already posted..What time is the solidarity ride??
deesimple07.28.08 - 2:11 am
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how can we find out the Time to be there? Please keep posting I am very interested in this ride thanks!!!!
puglife07.28.08 - 11:50 am
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what courthouse?
The courts usually post the dockets for the day.
Call the courthouse, or call the da at the courthouse. It is usually 8;30am and 1:30 pm that courts start. Everybody just wait there turn.
sexy07.28.08 - 11:54 am
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bumping for the trees!
User107.28.08 - 4:12 pm
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I called the DA and they said 8:30AM is the time.... should we ride? should we redline blueline greenline or should we sleep in and say fugg it...
Roadblock07.30.08 - 1:25 pm
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Lets ride!!!
I know its early but it is important to support.
We can ride to the beach or somewhere really nice after and then sleep. how does that sound?
just set your alarm.
puglife07.30.08 - 1:29 pm
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The address on the ride posted to the right is where we're meeting up, or where the courthouse is?
User107.30.08 - 2:19 pm
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it's where the courthouse is. I will have the ride start at the kitchen. working on it right now....
Roadblock07.30.08 - 2:23 pm
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7 AM sounds good and horrible, but I'll be there. Hey, anyone doing Bicykillers want to pull an all nighter to get to this ride? Or at least meet up at NoHo at like 5 when we'll need to get there to make the ride?
*btw, I'm Sarah, the chick on the purple Schwinn hybrid, finally delurking*
danya07.30.08 - 3:14 pm
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take the redline down it's about 20 mins from NoHo.... but we have to leave at 7AM SHARP. I have the route going fairly flat and it does go out of the way to ride the beach in the morning which is really really nice.... I'm still waiting to hear from Jshier about whether hsi group will be showing up... would be nice! come on out y'all. show some support for the:
cyclists.
Roadblock07.30.08 - 3:21 pm
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I waaaay over estimated the bus times there... Red Line leaves at 6:29 AM, so Valley riders meet at NoHo by 6:15? Hope I'm not the only one who shows :/
I'm excited for the beach ride, I keep meaning to go out there in the morning, but I never end up waking up before 10. Thanks for posting the route, it looks great!
danya07.30.08 - 3:42 pm
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I'm not one for getting up that freakin early, but I'll at least be at the courthouse. I'll figure out my day later tonite.
Thanks for putting it togehter RB.
User107.30.08 - 3:52 pm
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I'll probably not be able to make the court proceeding (because of work) but I'm gonna try my best to be up and outta the house and at Heliotrope by 7a.m. to ride with you to Sepulveda in Culver City if not all the way to the courthouse.
Agent Orange07.30.08 - 3:56 pm
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I live right there in El Segundo, so depending on what time I get to bed the night before, I'll chill down on the beach and meet up with you guys as you pass
TallPaul07.30.08 - 5:29 pm
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It's going to be a tough waking up, and I will have to hustle home afterwards to get to work, but I want to show up for this, to support and to document. Since I am already westward bound, I may try and catch the ride at the mustache bridge since I see that is on the route.
GarySe7en07.31.08 - 4:47 pm
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Where court house is this at? I'd really like to ride to this, and it sounds like its on the west side, somewhere. Is it just where that gmaps route ends next to the 105/405?
dudemannerist07.31.08 - 7:06 pm
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Sorry Roadblock I figured I would get better but my knee is still killing me. I sorry to let you down:(
puglife07.31.08 - 11:27 pm
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Tried to catch you guys at the mustache bridge which I saw on the route, didn't see anyone. I guess I just missed the group, waited for a bit but let too much time pass and had to start heading to work. Let me know how it goes, I hope someone else had a camera there.
GarySe7en08.1.08 - 11:17 am
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just saw pics on laist ... doesn't seem like many cyclists showed up ... does anyone have better pics?
illafilla08.1.08 - 1:08 pm
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User1, Kurtz, danya, JShier & SoapBox were all on hand to represent.
http://laist.com/2008/08/01/mandeville_road_rage_doctor_arraign.php
The arraignment went quickly but the real opportunity was with the significant number of press on hand. We were able to discuss cycling in LA and the Cyclists' Bill of Rights with KFI, NBC, KCAL and CNN.
The District Attorney is looking for any info on the Dr., this incident or the old incident or any other incidents.
The District Attorney is Mary Stone. Her number is 310-727-6719.
See you on the Streets!
SoapBoxLA08.1.08 - 4:16 pm
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The news truck out numbered the ridazz on this. Nice work bike community!
Mr. Box is a saint and should be voted to sainthood! Incredibly valuable member of the bike community. We're very lucky to have him.
User108.1.08 - 6:13 pm
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Only 5 people, where was everyone? Did the ride from the kitchen even happen? Was I waiting for no one at the bridge or did I actually miss the group?
GarySe7en08.1.08 - 6:22 pm
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The group never materialized. We, Sharon and I (hope that's the right name) were sitting there in court talking, and this lady reporter heard us. She asked if we were part of the riders from the group on the 4th of July. We said no, we're here to show some support. We told her that there were riders planning on showing up.
This would have been easy and fast for a lot of riders to show up to since there was a light rail station less than five minutes away. Lost a golden opportunity to get some positive PR from the press.
User108.1.08 - 6:58 pm
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Next time there is something like this I guess I will plan my own route to the courthouse instead of waiting for mythical ridazz to show. I thought for sure with how serious this was I could count on at least a small crew of people to show, I was waiting at the bridge on the posted route for a very long time. Sigh.
GarySe7en08.1.08 - 7:02 pm
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Maybe there should have been advertised, ride of solidarity now WITH FREE BEER!! Fail.
GarySe7en08.1.08 - 7:06 pm
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I was at the kitchen from 6:45 to about 7:15am and no one showed. Looking back I should have railed it over solo but I was dissappointed and let it discourage me. I just went home.
Hey gary7 I texted you I guess you didn't get it?
The no shows were a bummer. 2 weeks ago I think more people would have shown but it seemed like all the furor died down since then.
Sorry for flaking guys. But bravo to those that went. I thought for sure the roadie community would be all over it but Jshier didn't know of anything planned either.
Maybe we can show up to the verdict reading. I don't know, but I won't be the one to plan it. Ill ride though.
Roadblock08.2.08 - 1:26 am
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Sorry to hear that Roadblock. About texting, sorry I should have mentioned we texted you night before from Meghan's phone because my phone doesn't send or receive texts. My phone setup is very last century at the moment.
GarySe7en08.2.08 - 6:59 am
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Here's an easy way to contribute to the effort. Pick up the phone, call the District Attorney and simply identify yourself as a cyclist and then thank her for her hard work.
Her name is Mary Stone and her phone number is 310-727-6719.
Leave her a message over the weekend and give her some encouragement!
SoapBoxLA08.2.08 - 8:15 am
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Sorry about missing out on the ride from the Bike Kitchen, I slept through my alarm and ended up driving to the courthouse instead. Would've tried harder to get up if I had known that only a ccouple other people were going to show out there.
Since this was just the arraignment, we still have a chance to make a big show for the trial and verdict. If we want to try and take the advice of the KTLA reporter we were talking to, we could do a Mandeville Canyon protest ride the Saturday/Sunday immediately before the trial, as well as a MASSIVE ride to the courthouse on both the first and last day of the trial.
Mad props to SoapBoxLA, he made riders look ridiculously good to the press, answering questions patiently and eloquently while Thompson's lawyer made a 30 second statement and ran off.
@User1- It's Sarah, lol. It's so hard to leep names straight!
danya08.2.08 - 12:33 pm
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idk if this was posted but i just seen this vedio on cnnvedios... alex is on his tall bike and 'thank you' graham is on commentary...it's all about getting this guy in jail for 7 years deep down...
Lady Hand Jams08.17.08 - 9:01 pm
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I thought it would be good to have some kind of update regarding this incident. There was supposed to be a hearing on Sept. 12, but I don't think anyone covered it. I also emailed Steve Hymon at LA Times to see what the deal was on this case, since he had written about it on the Bottleneck Blog. Unfortunately, he's not in the office today.
So I called the District Attorney assigned to this case, Mary Stone. (310) 727 - 6719
She informed me that at the September 12 hearing they set a date for a Preliminary Hearing, which will take place on DECEMBER 11, 2008 at the LAX Courthouse.
DJwheels09.26.08 - 11:08 am
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Ridazz Roulette!
ok... IT CAN HAS CHANGED.
the trouble with us humans.
gauntlet has been cast.