Inappropriate Car Behavior

Photo courtesy of sustrans

Like many neighborhoods, the one in which I live was built before the invention of the automobile...many of the streets are narrow and crowded, and for that reason cars sometimes feel out of place (to me)...sometimes the streets simply are not wide enough. Anyhow, I was on my way to work this morning riding the Mundo...going about two miles an hour as usual (even though I was late for work). I had just passed this intersection when I heard a crunching sound followed by glass hitting the pavement. I turn to look and it was a van making a right turn, and it had turned too soon (or quickly) and tore the side view mirror off another van that was parked there. I slowed to a stop and watched (because I thought they were going to keep going). They did stop ( I think because they saw me watching them) and observed the damage. I heard them mutter a few expletives then head back to their vehicle; I assumed they were getting something to write a note on. I started pedaling again. Then to my amazement, as I looked back (they were a block behind me now), they got back in the van and took off. I really do think that driving, particularly in an urban setting, makes people a little crazy at times. I know that when I'm behind the wheel and I hit traffic light after traffic light I immediately become annoyed, and if someone cuts me off it makes the hair on the back of my neck bristle...but I never feel that way when I'm on one of my bikes (or walking). I'll be the first to admit that I am far from car free, but I ride or walk as much as possible...and when I walk or ride it makes me feel good, not mad. I'm fully convinced that walking and riding bikes are good for a person's psyche...not just their physical health but mental as well...when is the last time you witnessed bike rage.