image source:RomanAtwoodVlogs/YouTube
I recently came across an incident between a cyclist and a taxi - luckily nobody was hurt - but as the cyclist was also charged today, it seems like a debate (bike vs. car) is heating up again.
According to news reports, police are not also charging the cyclist because of an altercation that occurred previous to this video. I look forward to hearing and seeing the facts regarding that piece, however from what I have viewed in the video, the taxi driver had no justification in using his car to knock the cyclist over (regardless of any previous altercation). If the swerving action occurred moments earlier, the newspaper stands could have inflicted severe injury (I also did not notice any bicycle helmet being worn).
As someone who has ridden a bicycle in traffic, on can not lose sight of the mismatch between a human body and a vehicle. Cyclists must also obey rules - and there should be some way to deter those who would ride dangerously. But from what I could see, the cyclist was in the designated bike lane, and the taxi swerved - perhaps out of anger - to knock him down. Yes the cyclist was tapping the side window - asserting his lane (I would probably have just rung my bell and slowed to avoid the cab). Seems like the taxi driver took this as a provocation...probably lost his cool...but this cannot be excused (running a cyclist off the road).
They say fences make for good neighbours, perhaps this also applies to bike lanes, although it is not always feasible to set the plastic markers I have seen on other bike lines.
Youtube video can be seen here: