P
Pete Biggs
Guest
Watch out for minicab drivers off their boxes around the North Finchley area in London.
One nearly ran into me late tonight. I was cycling uphill along a quiet lit main-ish road. Car
approaches a t-junction ahead of me from a side road. Seems like the driver's seen me because he
brakes to a dead-slow crawl and lingers for some time (no other traffic about).
Just as I go past (a few feet out into the lane, with lights and bright yellow jacket), he puts his
foot down and almost hits me. I was going far to slow to dodge or accelerate out the way and
instinctively braked. So there I am with my hand on his bonnet. I yell at him of course, but get no
response. Nothing. Not apologetic, not angry - his face and body language was totally blank.
I suppose I should have taken his number, but shaken, I was more interested in self-preservation at
the time and just moved off (after a bit more yelling). I did have a witness (another cyclist
behind me).
I'm told minicab drivers regularly drive under the influence of drugs in this area. After my
experience tonight, I can believe it!
~PB
One nearly ran into me late tonight. I was cycling uphill along a quiet lit main-ish road. Car
approaches a t-junction ahead of me from a side road. Seems like the driver's seen me because he
brakes to a dead-slow crawl and lingers for some time (no other traffic about).
Just as I go past (a few feet out into the lane, with lights and bright yellow jacket), he puts his
foot down and almost hits me. I was going far to slow to dodge or accelerate out the way and
instinctively braked. So there I am with my hand on his bonnet. I yell at him of course, but get no
response. Nothing. Not apologetic, not angry - his face and body language was totally blank.
I suppose I should have taken his number, but shaken, I was more interested in self-preservation at
the time and just moved off (after a bit more yelling). I did have a witness (another cyclist
behind me).
I'm told minicab drivers regularly drive under the influence of drugs in this area. After my
experience tonight, I can believe it!
~PB