Runner, Cyclist Forge Unlikely Alliance to Berate Motorist
/
depositphotos.com
A distracted driver yesterday presented a local runner and a local cyclist with a common foe, Dumb Runner has learned, briefly uniting them in rage before they went their separate ways.
The incident, which witnesses said lasted just a few seconds, occurred at a downtown intersection when an unidentified motorist began to steer his vehicle through a right turn. The motorist, a middle-aged man, was having a phone conversation at the time and did not look both ways or check his mirrors or his blind spot before initiating the turn.
That blind spot, on the vehicle’s right side, included a cyclist who had to brake hard to avoid being hit.
“Whoa!” screamed the cyclist, identified as Steve Gibson, 32. “What the fuck!”
That sentiment was shared by a runner who was in the crosswalk at the time, just a few feet from the motorist’s front bumper.
“Dude!” shouted the runner, Cecile Glenn, 38. “Are you serious?”
The duo, who did not know each other, paused to continue berating the motorist, who appeared annoyed as he tried to wave them on. Within moments, they parted ways, shouting to the driver to put his phone away and pay attention.
In a phone interview, Glenn told Dumb Runner that cyclists are obnoxious but that at times like this one, runners and cyclists must put their differences aside and present a united front; Gibson told Dumb Runner that runners are obnoxious but that at times like this one, runners and cyclists must put their differences aside and present a united front.
“Fucking drivers, man,” they both said.
The driver, last seen watching a YouTube video at a red light, could not be reached for comment.
Does Dumb Runner regularly brighten your day? Here’s your chance to return the favor. Make a pledge or donation now, and help me keep doing what I do—100% independent and ad-free!
