jr98664
02-23-2008, 08:21 PM
First of all, I'm from Fisher's Landing in Vancouver, so my memory of which intersection it was might be just a tad fuzzy. I'm almost positive it was N Interstate & Albina Ave., but it might have been Tillamook, I'd have to ride though there again to be sure, but I'm 95% sure it's Albina.
Anyway, all of this happened more or less just after sunset. I was riding home on Interstate Ave. when I began to slow down for a red light. As soon as I began decelerating, the light turned green and I kept on going. As soon as I got up to the intersection, a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or something of that sort) darted out of the lane of travel in the process of making a right turn. Only one problem—I was in that bike line. Actually, come to think of it, there was another problem. This man had neglected to use his turn signal whilst failing to yield to a cyclist in the bike lane. To make matters worse, he was on a cell phone. Too bad this wasn't in Washington, or that would have been a third illegal move on his part.
Had I been just a foot or two behind, I would have easily hit the side of the van. Luckily, I was in just the right spot to get the driver's attention. Unfortunately, it was just that. I had to wave my arm like crazy to get his attention. And good thing I did, because I had a one-way ticket straight onto his hood.
As soon as I was clear, he took off, probably thinking nothing of it as he carried on with his phone conversation. Luckily, I believe I was able to get his license plate number. Unfortunately, I'm not 100% positive about this either. I do know for sure it was 7?7 C?D, and I'm pretty sure it was 727 COD, 737 CQD, or something of the sort.
Is there any way that I could file a citizen initiated citation against this guy for failing to use his turn signal and failing to yield to a cyclist in a bike lane? Does it matter that I'm a resident of Vancouver? Any comments would greatly appreciated.
Anyway, all of this happened more or less just after sunset. I was riding home on Interstate Ave. when I began to slow down for a red light. As soon as I began decelerating, the light turned green and I kept on going. As soon as I got up to the intersection, a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (or something of that sort) darted out of the lane of travel in the process of making a right turn. Only one problem—I was in that bike line. Actually, come to think of it, there was another problem. This man had neglected to use his turn signal whilst failing to yield to a cyclist in the bike lane. To make matters worse, he was on a cell phone. Too bad this wasn't in Washington, or that would have been a third illegal move on his part.
Had I been just a foot or two behind, I would have easily hit the side of the van. Luckily, I was in just the right spot to get the driver's attention. Unfortunately, it was just that. I had to wave my arm like crazy to get his attention. And good thing I did, because I had a one-way ticket straight onto his hood.
As soon as I was clear, he took off, probably thinking nothing of it as he carried on with his phone conversation. Luckily, I believe I was able to get his license plate number. Unfortunately, I'm not 100% positive about this either. I do know for sure it was 7?7 C?D, and I'm pretty sure it was 727 COD, 737 CQD, or something of the sort.
Is there any way that I could file a citizen initiated citation against this guy for failing to use his turn signal and failing to yield to a cyclist in a bike lane? Does it matter that I'm a resident of Vancouver? Any comments would greatly appreciated.