Modern Vespa

Fun times in Pasadena today. I was rolling through a parking lot around 20 or so mph when a tow truck coming the opposite way decided to cut a hard left in front of me into a parking spot. Rear wheel came off the ground a bit as I slammed on my breaks on the ol' ET4. No turn signal. No courtesy. No apology. He also looked at me like it was somehow my fault.

Sometimes, its hard to hold my temper with idiots. But hey, I'm out on sunny day cruising on my Vespa while this guy is answering AA calls and being pissed/aggro about who knows what.

Did see a young lady on a pink Buddy today. That was nice.
Venting session over.

Must be a full moon... I almost bought it today too -- I almost had a classic accident.

In the map below, I'm the green arrow, stopping about 6 ft. shy of Mr. Jackass (who didn't see me or the cars behind me):



My Spidey Sense was tingling though -- I just had this feeling that he was going to do this... I slowed from 55 mph to 40 mph or so (and he proved my suspicions... Thank goodness for dual disc brakes. Didn't even squeal the tires... Panic stop in action. Thank goodness the cars behind me could also stop in time.

I should mention that Northbound traffic (the opposite direction of the divided highway) was stop and go, so he really wasn't going anywhere fast. But it was smooth sailing Southbound (the way I was riding).

I was too panicked to honk though. Someone else did for me. I guess once I stopped I could've verbally ripped into Mr. Jackass, but I really wanted to get out of the middle of the intersection...



I ride with the mentality that ALL drivers are out to hit me, or they don't see me but they really want to hit me.

Yikes, I'm glad you're both okay. Be careful everyone!

Lisa

We just can't take our safety for granted.


Stay alert and ride defensively

Glad you're okay.

Having said that, does anyone else see the irony of being hit by a tow truck? Seriously? The economy is so bad they're out drumming up their own business?

Panel truck pulled out in front of me yesterday. Serious stoppie!
4 others scared me too. All in 25 miles.

We need to get you guys wrapped in some bubble wrap.

That would give me something to do at stoplights.

Might be a little sweaty though.

I posted the above on 10/7...

Not even a month later, same intersection, one fatality (in a car, not on a bike/scoot):
http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=112551

I was coming down a little slope on Hickey Blvd toward 82 today and unestimated the grade. Needless to say I managed to stop myself with the soles of my feet BEFORE I t-boned a moving van.

Talk about peeing your pants.