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Driver arrested in road-rage incident

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to: 2 wheelbuilder | 11:56 p.m. Aug. 7, 2008
I suggest you go back to drivers education and learn a little patience. What would you do if a car was driving in your lane? You follow them at a safe distance until there is a passing lane.

I ride and fortunately find most drivers are very safe. Thank you responsible drivers!

irs fact checker | 12:23 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Myth: Cyclists don't pay for the road they ride on. Even avoiding the obvious � cyclists usually own cars too - most cycling happens on local roads (versus state and federal highways). The Utah League of Cities and Towns reports that of the $801 million spent from 99-04 on building and maintaining local roads, only 44 percent of that was paid for by gas tax revenue. The rest came from the general revenue funds of local governments, ie property and sales taxes, which we all pay.

Additionally, and most importantly, bikes produce almost zero wear and tear to road surfaces, zero winter inversions, zero summer ozone, zero health care costs to anyone who breathes, zero cyclist-caused fatalities (versus 280 due to automobiles in Utah in 07). Result: Cyclists subsidize motorists to use the road, even the ill-tempered ones, and actually improve public health and the environment. Need I even mention a connection between driving and dependence on foreign oil? War in the Middle East? Global warming? (never, mind that's a hoax)

Hate cyclists if you want. Its just the dying gasp of a slothful, entitlement culture asleep at the wheel. Bike commuter tax deductions anyone?
duh | 1:37 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
If I come upon a cyclist in my lane after right after a curve in the road or right after the crest of a hill, all the patience in the world isn't going to solve anything. I wouldn't swerve into oncoming traffic and risk injuring or killing innocent passengers in either vehicle. Some accidents cannot be avoided. Remember that next time you think you own the road. Sometimes you can't be seen until it is too late.
Comments continue below
re: irs fc | 7:11 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
but, but, but, but ...

they wear those silly pants! And, it's MY road first!

waaaaaahhhhhhhh.
to: duh | 7:46 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
I'm saddened at the poor intelligence and reading comprehension you display. You should turn in your license now until you can understand that it is YOUR responsibility to travel at a speed that allows you to safely react to objects in the road, like fallen rocks, tire treads or a bull elk. If you had to hit a range cow or an "innocent passenger," which would you choose?

Your argument about being unable to react to a cyclist doesn't hold water. A bike would be travelling away from you and at least as easy to avoid. Your description of your driving indicates you are going too fast for your abilities.

Heaven help us. The hateful "so what if I kill a cyclist, they have it coming" mentality is appalling. And by the way, I don't know anyone who has died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, but I do personally know two cyclists who have been killed by reckless drivers.

Driving a car needs to be better regulated. Take a concealed weapon course and apply everything you learn about a "weapon" to driving. Swerving at someone is the equivalent to brandishing a gun and should be punished as severely.

Wheelbuilder
Larry | 9:07 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
My solution to cyclist. MOVE OVER IF THERE ARE CARS BEHIND YOU! DON'T TAUNT DRIVERS!!!! YOU DON'T HAVE THE A RIGHT TO SLOW TRAFFIC DOWN BEHIND YOU. LEARN TO BE COURTEOUS! And by all means, get off the road when there are cars trying to pass you, and there is also an on coming car in the opposite direction. I don't know how many head on collisions you fellows have caused and then fled the scene.
Why can't we all just be friends | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Couple of suggestions amidst all the ranting:

Motorists - understand the laws of the road, obey the laws, and control your emotions.

Cyclists - understand the laws of the road, obey the laws, and control your emotions.

Oh, wait...that's way to simple and non-controversial for the society we live in today. Everyone continue the long winded, often ridiculous spouting off and arguing. That's much more productive than both sides simply owning up to the fact that motorists and cyclists need to control and improve their emotions and behavior. Give me a break! A bit of common sense and calming down would result in roads where both 2 & 4 tire modes of transportation can peacefully coexist. Keep the rubber side down - whatever you're riding or driving.

Sincerely - an avid cyclist racer who rides on the road every day (and, yes - I signal when I turn, I stop at signs and lights and do my best to obey the traffic laws. I may roll a stop sign here and there...but wait...I do that when I'm driving at times too - I'm sure none of you non-cyclist motorists would ever do such a thing)
BigD | 10:02 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Larry,

The majority of cyclists are courteous. If there is a car behind me and they honk to get me to get out of there way, I will do it if I can safely. Sometimes, the road or hazards on the road dictate that I continue until I can move over to safely let you pass. It is my judgement call on where to ride, either in the lane or to the far right as possible.

A few weeks ago, my brother and I were down in Pleasant Grove, there was a block of road construction with orange barrels down the middle. It create only enough room for one car to go through. While we were riding through this zone a small pickup comes up behind us and starts honking and the driver and passenger were yelling out their windows. How do I safely let them pass? Stop, dismount, get on the sidewalk and wave as they go by?

Racer X Jones got it right. No child wants to grow up without a father or mother. Be Safe!
Jean | 11:07 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
I suppose we need to make separate highways for both biker and motorists. And we need trails where we can walk, where there are no bikers trying to run us down while we enjoy our sport of hiking. I have ditched at least 100 speeding bikes in the mountains so as not to get hit or killed while hiking. I suppose we need speed limits in the mountains as well for bikers to protect us walkers.
Dawn | 11:42 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
I like the idea of using bike lanes and trails when possible, but NOTHING replaces just paying attention, on both sides. Last weekend my sister-in-law was almost hit by a car backing out of a parking lot ACROSS the Provo Canyon walking/biking trail. She reacted quickly and got out of the way but there were families at play and kids on bikes etc. The motorist never even realized what had happened.
Also, not all, but MOST people who ride probably also still use cars so the argument of who "pays" for the roads falls a little flat. Are you suggesting that we should not be allowed to use the roads that we helped pay for? Or maybe we should just raise taxes elsewhere to pay for new bike lanes & trails? More construction on the roads would be fun...
AND! Anyone who would actually RUN OVER a biker, probably would react the same way to any other inconvenience: the 80 yr. old on a sunday drive through the scenic backroads. "Run 'em down!" This guy has some issues... I'm sure the judge will require anger management classes...that will really inconvenience him.
duh | 11:46 a.m. Aug. 8, 2008
wheelbuilder-your reading comprehension is pathetic. I'm not talking about swerving into a cyclist. I'm talking about finding a cyclist in the traffic lane coming over the crest of a hill-that has happened to me before. I won't risk hurting innocent peoplle by swerving into oncoming traffic just because of one stupid cyclist who thinks he's invincible.
duh 11:46 am | 12:04 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
re: coming over the crest of a hill... Um, the pedal in the middle is the brake, please apply when you see anyone in your lane moving slower than you are, speed limits are determined with road conditions/visibility in mind. Best of luck and may you never kill anyone.
to above poster | 12:36 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
The pedal in the middle of what? My up to date car has two pedals. The brake is always applied when I see someone moving slower than I am. It is especially used when seeing a biker who is mentally slower than most.
Jeeepeers | 1:08 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
could someone please change the design of the cyclist, stink suit, gear. it annoys me, and is very distracting in the worst way while i'm driving.
jamie | 3:08 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Bikes don't belong on the road? Um, actually they do. What doesn't belong on the road is a sociopathic driver. Isn't there some way the DMV can screen for this?
So many of you posted comments that begin..."while I don't condone what the driver did--I understand why yada yada". So you don't condone attempted murder. But you understand it. These posters understand why someone would want to murder another person because of the grievous offense of riding a bike. Does this worry anyone else?
Jamie | 4:14 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Yep, it worries me too.
kenra | 6:42 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Any parent can tell you that kids can be very frustrating too. Doesn't mean they condone child abuse. Inconsiderate cyclists can be frustrating but that doesn't excuse what the car driver did. Violence is never okay unless it is truly self defense. It ought to be obvious to the avid cyclists that many drivers find them annoying. Act accordingly goes to both sides. We'll all be safer.
To: Creepy Jeeepeers | 7:52 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
If you don't have the mental concentration to focus on your driving, and maintain control of your vehicle despite any percieved distractions, then you should go turn in your license.
re: ..over the crest of the hill | 8:00 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
1.SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!

2. Golly! You got one of dem "up to date" cars wit one of dem aurtomatic twansmissions!!! Why are you calling others mentally slow? Automatic transmissions have been around since at least the 1950s.

Moreover, when my California Highway Patrol FIL taught my wife to drive she wanted to learn on an automatic. He told her.."You are going to learn to drive a stick, a monkey can drive an automatic".
Hmmmm...
ha ha | 8:52 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Monkeys may be able to drive an automatic. They can also ride bikes. So can most 6 year olds. That doesn't mean they should be allowed to ride in traffic. Car drivers are required to be licensed to prove they are capable of driving a car. Cyclists however are not required to prove they are capable of anything.
to: duh | 9:00 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
You still read poorly. I'll restate more simply.

A driver needs to be in control of his car and drive safely, accounting for conditions. Your hypothetical example illustrates a driver who is not in control.

Mr. Barto reportedly swerved at multiple riders before his final meltdown. This is similar to brandishing a gun and should be treated similarly.

As a cyclist, I try to occupy as little of the road as I can and let car drivers pass immediately or at least as soon as possible. When I'm a driver, I try to pass with more than just adequate room and I'm willing to cut a bike rider some slack if I'm briefly held up.

I'm also irritated by poor drivers and bad cyclists, but it's highly unlikely I'll ever be killed by a cyclist. If you drive recklessly, you stand a chance of hurting me or my family. That's why the state controls drivers licenses and drunk drivers who loose their licenses often end up riding bikes.

Please consider your driving habits and drive in control. The most telling thing about your example is the people in the oncoming car are "innocent," but not the cyclist.

Wheelbuilder
duh | 11:44 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
The correct term is "lose", not "loose" their licenses. The people in the oncoming car are innocent. So is the driver if the cyclist creates a hazardous condition. They didn't choose for a brazen cyclist to be creating hazardous conditions for many people by their macho attitudes. A cyclist could kill someone by creating the situation that caused someone to swerve to avoid hitting them. I am not talking about the idiot who deliberately swerved into a group of cyclists because he was annoyed. There is no excuse for his behavior. I'm talking about responsible careful drivers who unexpectedly find something in the middle of the road that really shouldn't be there. If a farmer's cattle get LOOSE and cause an accident, he is held responsible for creating the hazard. Cyclists should be no different. Please note that I am not talking about cyclists who are riding on the side of the road. I am talking about those who ride in the middle of the lane. I"ve seen them refuse to pull to the side and keep a long string of cars going 5mph because it's too dangerous to pass them.








hey wheelbuilder | 11:53 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008
Since no one can see what is coming after the crest of a hill or around a blind curve, does that mean we should all stop our cars and push them until we can see that no cyclists are riding down the middle of the road? After all, tiny cyclists are taught when they should dismount and walk their bikes, such as at an intersection. If we all push our cars, some cyclists will be saved from their own stupidity and we can be sure we are in control of our cars.
re: ha ha | 12:25 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008
Yes monkeys can ride bikes but they need special training. I would be happy to provide you with lessons.

Obviously, licensing car drivers is doing nothing to ensure competent driving skills. I'm assuming that Mr. Barto was licensed.

Also, cyclists are not driving IN traffic. Cyclists are PART of the traffic.
Proper Gear | 12:28 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008

Why do some of you haters have such a problem with the shorts? Do they stir feelings in you that you would rather repress?

I'd love to go on a 100 mile ride with one of you.

Me: I'll be wearing lycra shorts that move with my legs so that I won't have serious chafing at the end of the ride. I'll also be wearing a sweat wicking jersey and a helmet.

You: You'll be sporting a nice pair of boot cut 501s, wife beater t-shirt and some Carhartt boots.
You can top that off with an attractive Massey Ferguson baseball cap.

After the ride, we'll see who was more comfortable.
Thick | 12:35 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008
The anti-bicyclist comments boil down to "I just don't like bicycles on the road, and no matter what you say or whether it is legal or not, I'll keep complaining and threatening to run over cyclists".

How can you have any kind of rational conversation with such an immature and ignorant person.
To duh | 7:35 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008
hmmm, Brazen Cyclist Kills Again". a headline we see daily. Yep, another innocent car driver taken down by a renegade cyclist. riding in the middle of the road...if I've seen it once etc etc
Duh...
PS Please don't get angry and mow down a brazen cyclist because of this note!
Dave | 9:36 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008
To Thick
I see there is nothing but BONE between those ears of yours.
Naomi | 10:53 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008
RE: Proper Gear?
Do YOU call ladies underwear PROPER GEAR?
James | 11:49 a.m. Aug. 9, 2008
Proper gear? Don't make me pee my pants...lol!
Men in tights | 1:29 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008
To PROPER GEAR

I prefer a real man with broad shoulders who really works out. Not one who pedals his bike in colorful tights, with big thighs, all day long. You guys seem to need the extra attention for some reason. It's like-- LOOK AT ME SYNDROME--I'M SUCH A PRETTY BOY! HA HA!
ike | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008
thick-the immature and ignorant ones tend to be the fanatic cyclists. They think they are immune from danger and think nothing of engaging in very dangerous behavior. Kinda like toddlers and teenagers.
Proper Gear | 3:54 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008
I think some of you are a little slow on the uptake. Start riding and we'll see how long it takes you to figure out that cycling pants are not for looks. They are for function. Same with the tops. We wear the brightest most garish colors we can find so that all of you who are challenged to safely maneuver a vehicle WILL SEE US, and hopefully not leave some fatherless kids.

Hey "Men in tights" - I'm 6'4" broad shouldered and I never had any trouble snagging a girlfriend(s). Sorry...off the market. Maybe you should take up cycling. You could meet someone. Oh....and I'm assuming you are a woman...right?
To: ike | 4:06 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008
I guess I'm safe to assume you are not the hard core cyclist "ike" that I know who can pedal up the Squaw Peak road in 27 minutes.
Rider | 5:06 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008
2 wheels; 4 wheels; maybe you all ought to ride busses in Utah.
Naomi | 9:12 p.m. Aug. 9, 2008
RE: Proper Gear-- what kind of function are you talking about? I see nothing functional about that bike gear except sweating and smelling bad. I have a sniffer and I have been close enough, and never mind the rest.
Wheelbuilder | 7:23 a.m. Aug. 10, 2008
The arguing on the internet / special olympics comparison comes to mind: I guess I must be as "special" as y'all angry motorists to keep trying on this issue.

Here's my final contribution to this madness. If you are driving around "blind corners" where your speed doesn't allow you to be in control of your car, you either drive too fast, or with too little skill or with inadequate attention. Maybe a speed governor, a performance driving course or a cancellation of a cell phone plan could help you overcome your problem with these "blind" corners. Hint: you will always have the final option of suing the state for making such dangerous roads.


In the countryside there are range cattle that have the right of way. You as a driver are responsible not to hit them, the owner isn't responsible to keep them off the road. If you don't understand the above paragraphs, don't go on the Mirror Lake Highway or many other back roads in the state. If you are forced to choose between an "innocent" driver or an "innocent" cow on a "blind corner," you will be an unhappy camper. Elk and deer are also similarly undisciplined.
true story | 10:37 a.m. Aug. 10, 2008
I've had 3 friends seriously injured in bicycle accidents and NONE of them involved a car. Ironically two of them were caused by other cyclists in their herd mentality, hitting into my friends while trying to pass them. The other one rode his bike into the grates of a storm drain and went flying over the handlebars, suffering a head injury.
Anonymous | 9:28 p.m. Aug. 10, 2008
This is very sad.
warning | 10:15 p.m. Aug. 10, 2008
I saw a newsmagazine that showed the internal damage done to a man who spends alot of time on a bike. It can cause him to not be able to father children. The pressure narrows vital areas related to fertility.
Stitches | 12:13 p.m. Aug. 11, 2008
A courteous cyclist by "car standards" is a dead cyclist. I used to ride the shoulder so cars could pass. Then I got hit by a truck pulling into the road a little too quick from a bar.

Newsflash is cars dont watch for traffic in the shoulders, they watch for traffic in the middle of the road. If you want to be seen on a bike be in the lane of traffic.

Richard | 2:25 p.m. Aug. 11, 2008
Motor vehicles pay not only gas tax, but property taxes as well. The property taxes are based on the value of the vehicle.
I feel, bikes should be licensed the same as cars and property taxes paid on the value of the bikes.
I wonder if the $14,000 custom built bike would still be worth $14,000 if property taxes had to be paid on it.
The road rage guy needs to be put away for a long time, his behavior was criminal, but in the same light, the behavior of many cyclists borders on being extremely childish.
Jamie | 5:03 p.m. Aug. 11, 2008
To Richard,
Are these car and truck related taxes used for infra-structure repair? Road work needed due to wear and tear of car and truck traffic? If yes, then perhaps bikes owners should recieve a tax credit since riding a bike instead of using a motor vehicle reduces road damage. I wonder how I would persue this idea--any thoughts?
devin | 5:22 p.m. Aug. 11, 2008
you cyclist guys need to quit feeling sorry for yourselves. feel sorry for how ridiculous you guys look in your body wear.
Charlie | 5:44 p.m. Aug. 11, 2008
That is funny picture of the bike. Looks like someone made it look extra good for the camera. Is there a picture of the guys truck mirror? It looks to me like two guys fighting with each other. It takes two tango! This doesn't look like a one man deal.
Get a Grip | 2:05 p.m. Aug. 12, 2008
There is a theme here. Cyclists make well reasoned comments. Haters talk about how cyclists "look" and how cyclists make them wait 15 extra seconds to get their pizza. Please try and refocus your thoughts on driving better, stop speeding and tailgating.

I don't understand why desnews restricts so many comments and then publishes juvenile taunting by guys like "devin".
To: "devin" | 2:17 p.m. Aug. 12, 2008
Devin,
Your concerns were addressed above in "Proper Gear". You are obviously completely ignorant about bike gear and have never ridden a bicycle a long distance.

What comment has led you to believe that cyclists are feeling sorry for themselves? Come on a ride, and when you are huffing and puffing, we'll see who is feeling sorry.
To:"Charlie" | 2:37 p.m. Aug. 12, 2008
Of course this was more than a "one Man deal", however ONE MAN, Mr.Barto, was the aggressor and instigator.

Charlie,
Do you lie awake at night worrying about being attacked by a gang of cyclists? Give us all a "brake"!
get a clue | 8:27 p.m. Aug. 12, 2008
Hey "Way to Go"...GET A CLUE! Funding for road development and improvement doesn't only come from gasoline tax. Many average household taxes fund this program. Why do you feel as though you can justify cyclists not being on the road. Were you never a kid who learned to ride without training wheels? Don't be so bitter!
Hey Charlie | 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12, 2008
Charlie...
They made the picture look "real good" huh? Sounds like there's not much we could teach you about driving safely. You seem to know it all already. Great grammer!

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Patrick Fasse

The bicycle of Salt Lake's Shane Duleavy is left in pieces after being run over on the Mirror Lake Highway in Summit County on Saturday morning, August 2, 2008.

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