Former Professional Cyclist Posts Encounter on Youtube
A viral Youtube video of an incident between two cyclists and a driver of a Ford Explorer has resulted in the ticketing of the driver in addition to an outpouring of criticism and debate surrounding cyclist-motorist encounters.
The altercation took place on a road just east of Longmont, CO this past Sunday. Dirk Friel, former professional cyclist and founder of a software development company targeting coaches of endurance athletes, was riding with a friend on the shoulder of the road when a an older male driver approached them from behind in his grey SUV. The driver began honking repeatedly, and would not speed up to pass the two cyclists even after they slowed to a near halt.
After a two day investigation, Colorado State Patrol located the driver. James Ernst, 75, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of harassment, impeding the flow of traffic, and improper use of a horn or warning.
Friel indicated that less experienced cyclists could have easily become distracted and crashed as a result of the excessive honking. The both bikers and police are still baffled as to why the driver initiated the honking spree, though it appears that the vehicle has been involved in other situations with cyclists.
"We were single file even when he approached us," Friel said. "At least we kept our cool."
In the description section of Friel's video on Youtube, expresses more frustration: "Here is what was supposed to be my relaxing Sunday morning ride with my teammate until things became a bit unsettling when an older male driver came up behind us in his Ford Explorer (license plate Colorado 893 EKG)."
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Sources: Longmont-area driver honks at cyclists nonstop; Colorado State Patrol investigates, Man ticketed on suspicion of harassing cyclists
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