Deseret News | Driver arrested in road-rage incident

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Driver arrested in road-rage incident

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Ted | 3:51 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

I don't mind cyclists on the road, but they shouldn't ride side-by-side like they 'own' the road. Single file please.

Sad | 4:03 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

It's really sad that motorists can't deal with a few runners and bikers on the road. Whether it's a race, a recreational ride or kids biking from school, they all deserve respect from people driving vehicles. Far too many times I have had to deal with some pathetic driver who thinks they own the road. I think when a driver gets a dose of road rage against cyclists, it's really a part of their brain telling them they should be biking too. The rage comes from knowing that they are too lazy and weak to tackle this kind of an activity.

Mahonri | 4:08 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

The cyclist may well have had a right to be there but he is Dumber than Dirt for responding to a 2000+ pound truck by his side. Did he go to public school in Panguitch or something?

Comments continue below

paul armendariz | 4:30 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

i cant believe the driver of the truck is out on the streets again.he should be locked up in a insane asylum.if i was the bicylist i would get a attorney and sue that wacko for all he is worth and than some.what if next time its children on bikes,instead of adults? he should be facing attempted murder charges!

John | 4:36 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

I'm going to say it. NO ONE wants bikes on the road. There are trails to ride on for this reason. I don't ride my car on the trails. For the most part bikes are not a problem, but it's when they try to be cars that it does not work. YOUR NOT A CAR! You don't speed up like a car and cant go as fast as one. If you think you are a car we will treat you like one. If a car went 20 in a 35 I would honk at him as well. The place for bikes is NOT on the road.
With that said the guy in this car should be charged with attempted murder. If you slammed your car into a cop they could legally shoot you!

got news for you | 4:41 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Cyclists do own the road. Just as much as motorists own the road. Property taxes pay for the roads.

And riding two-abreast is legal.

Trying to run a cyclist off the road because you're going to be slowed down by five seconds, however, is not legal.

Garmon | 4:55 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Ted,
Riding two abreast is legal. See the Utah Drivers Handbook.

Motorists need to share the road. Cars are not the only valid form of transportation.

Courtney | 4:55 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

It's amazing to me after reading this story is a comment about cyclists "owning the road". Let's focus on the criminal in the story...The Driver!

Mike Miller | 4:55 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Read the Utah Motor Vehicle Code. Apart from that, next time I'm having a bad day I'll just run over some kids jaywalking on the way home from school. After all, they're acting like they own the road too. Let's not forget people who cut me off in traffic, pull left hand turns in front of me, and tailgate behind. That's what the shotgun is for.

If this man (term used loosely) can't control his temper, then he needs to lose his license, spend some time doing community service by picking up garbage and sweeping gravel on the side of busy roads, and pay for the bike.

Nothing ever justifies putting someone's life in danger.

jamie | 5:15 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Bicylcist don't own the road anymore than a car owns the road. And bicyclists don't want to die, but may have to ride out into the road to avoid glass, wood planks other things in the "bike lane". Bicyclist have the right to use the road for travel, that is the law. Are Utah roads so clogged with cyclists that drivers are forced to add even a minute to their travels? Is losing a few seconds to slow for or safely pass a cyclist so onerous a burden? I wonder if we are losing our minds...

Cycling Commuter | 5:16 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Before you go making a lot of comments, ride a bike for a month everywhere you go. Many of the anti-bicyclist comments will evaporate.

The most dangerous cyclists you will find are kids running around their neighborhoods, a good reason to keep your speed down to keep the little tykes safe.

People who ride all the time are mostly extremely careful. The cyclist loses big time in any collision so most of don't want to tempt fate.

If you rode a bike you would also understand some things...like why we ride thru an intersection just left of the right hand turn lane. If I ride against the curb, I will get creamed by a car turning right. You also don't see the condition of the road like I do. Sometimes the road is so bad that I can't ride any further over to the right.

When a cyclist (or motorcyclist) makes a mistake, the cyclist suffers. When a car makes a mistake, the cyclist suffers. Cars and trucks should drive carefully, not yapping on the cell phone, speeding, texting, and taking out their unresolved emotional problems on others.

Road Biker | 5:16 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

I have done several triathlons and the portion of the race that scares me the most is the bike portion. Most motorists have no respect for bikers on the road, and since motorists would be even more upset if we closed the road for our races...we all have to share the pavement. Ever Tri I have done has rules about riding side-by-side, you will be DQ if you do, with the exception of passing, and even then you only have so many seconds to execute your pass, otherwise you must fall back and ride single file. Motorists need to be more patient.

Anonymous | 5:28 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Mahonri...what do you have against Panguitch? It is a beautiful little town, and a few years back I think they even had a kid who nailed a perfect score on his ACT college entrance exam. Public school must not be too bad there....

re: Ted | 5:31 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

It was a race. And even if it wasn't a bicycle has the same right of way as any other motor vehicle. They can take the whole lane if they want. They are specifically forbidden on freeways but that's about it. Cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles. They are all the same on the road. And yes they have to obey the same laws as any car. And it is possible to speed on a bicycle and they have to obey other road signs too.

Anonymous | 5:35 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Was that white trash driving his truck shirtless or did he take it off afterwards just to show his guns off for the mug shot?

Way to go | 5:44 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Way to go Alex, I am on your side in this. I have had way to many bikers think they own the whole road and ride at 10 miles an hour. Who really does pay for the road - its NOT the bikers. It comes from our gas taxes pay for by MOTOR vechiles. Bikers are trespassors on roades paid for by those who buy gas. Hope you get off without having to pay for this biker turps bike.
AN EX-BIker. (I stopped riding by bike 20+ years ago because I did not want to be identifed with the group of crazy road hogs they became.)

TO Got news for you | 5:44 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Your property taxes go mostly to the school systimes along with most all your state income taxes. Look at your next statement.

Any one know? | 5:49 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Just out of interest; Do these bike clubs have to pay the same fee to go up the canyon that cars do? Last time I was on the Mirrow Lake highway, I had to pay something like 3 dollars for the chance to stop along the way.

To:John | 5:49 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

You need therapy dude.

Alice | 6:02 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Each time I drive my car to an appointment and pass
a cyclist, I say halleluya. These cyclist are keeping their bodies in good shape, saving gas, having a wonderful time and often pushing themselves to do better today what they did well yesterday. And I am somewhat jealous, but lately
I'm happy to be walking to enjoy the beauty of the
out of doors.

Paul Smith Carter | 7:13 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Over sixty years ago, I would regularly ride my bicycle up and down 21st South as well as many other places with very little difficulty. I was delivering the morning newspaper at the time, so it was frequently in the dark. My main worry was whether cars would see me soon enough. Occasionally a driver would honk at me, but I did not feel that the driver was trying to hurry me up, but wanted to warn me that he was there. People have become much more short tempered because they think that the world should kowtow to them.

SteveS | 7:16 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Rage against cyclists baffles me, seriously. You don't ever hear of motorists running scooters and mopeds off the road, so why bikes? I think the motorists have the mistaken idea that bikes belong on sidewalks or on offroad trails, or that only children should ride bikes.

Motorists who feel like they need to "teach" cyclists a lesson with their words and automobiles are some of the most dangerous users of public roads. Not only could they destroy property, but they can also permanently injure or kill a cyclist by their behavior. I've not heard of a cyclist going to jail for being hit by a car; it's always the other way around. Motorists take a hint: you're not going to come out on top, so its best to just leave cyclists be and drive on.

Similarly, cyclists can take a similar lesson and realize that slowing down momentarily to let a dangerous driver move on is safer than engaging them in a conversation about who owns the road. Its just not worth the mental energy to argue with someone who isn't going to change their minds while frustrated and irrational.

Jason | 7:17 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Oh yea, check out the picture of this dude. hes a winner.

Bike no more... | 7:21 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Sorry to hear that biking in Utah has taken a turn for the worse.

After years of biking touring,on a mission, to work in Utah, no accidents, no road rage--just effecient, healthy fun.

I relocated to my Harris County, Texas with a short 7-8 mile communte to work-it looked like a great bike commute. Tried it twice and came closer to being killed than any time in the preceeding 35 years.

Now,it is pick-up for what would be a nice 16 miles a day. 'Cause riding to work on a bike is a fatal habit in NW Houston. And I haul my bike, in the pick-up to a place to ride ;(

When will the motorized nuts of the world get it. Sue the twit and take him bank account, truck and all. Or maybe you could find a judge with a creative flair and get him sentance to a year of bicycle riding.

Fairness for all | 7:26 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Seeing how these riders are saying they also own the road, then I would suggest that they have a duty to obey the same traffic laws that cars do. Try driving up around the U of U sometimes. Those students are either dump or have a death wish. I have had some very close calls as they run the red lights or stopsigns, not paying attention and cutting in front of cars. These are not 9 or 10 year olds but college students. Wish the law inforcement -either city or U would hand out tickets to the bad riders.

At times..... | 8:41 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

it is wise not to talk back at upset people on the roads and highways. Do everything to get away from them even if it means getting out of their way to put space between them and you.

Don't keep adding fuel to an already out of control fire....

Looking at.... | 8:40 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

the picture, I thought I was looking at Shaggy from Scoopy Doo......LOL!!

ike | 9:08 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

In my experience, those who are just out for a pleasure ride are the cautious, courteous bikers. It's the ones all decked out in their matching shorts and helmets who think they are Olympians that cause problems. They ride as close to the street as they can, sometimes even in the lane of traffic and then act very defiant. We have clearly marked bike paths where I live and yet it's the fanatic bikers that like to push the edges of safety. They'll ride 2-3 abreast, ride down the middle of the traffic lane and slow everyone behind them. I think it's a control issue with them. They are probably a bunch of freaks trying to impress others with their macho power. Road rage is not an appropriate response but I can see how some people become extremely frustrated with inconsiderate bikers who are complete jerks.

Cycling Commuter | 9:43 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Some car drivers here insist on taking the conflictual view.

For them, the following comments -

1. Who "pays" for the roads is complicated. Government funding is complicated. The point is, who "pays" is IRRELEVANT. The vast majority of cyclists also drive cars and pay taxes. One difference, the bicycle is like a knat when it comes to putting stress on the road. Cars and trucks deserve to pay far more taxes if you want to go gown that road.

2.Cyclists SHOULD obey traffic laws...Agreed.
However, the motorist has a greater responsibility since the consequences for his breaking of traffic laws are far graver to others. The person running around town with a loaded 12 gauge is far more dangerous than someone with an airsoft pistol.

These comments are similar to the arrogant, callous comments of motorists who are angry about pedestrians crossing the street. I guess living life "Elevated" in Utah means flying thru the air after being hit by a driver who needed to get to work or pick up a pizza 15 seconds sooner.

Kally | 9:57 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

There are some crazy people out there. We had some guys on their bicycles blocking the whole road so that we and others could not pass them as they blocked the entire road, and we had to drive very slowly behind them to avoid hitting them, because they would not move. I think the rule is people are suppose to drive single file and share the road as well with those of us who drive vehicles. However, the guys on bikes like to taunt people in cars. I think it is getting way out of hand with motorcycle's and especially bicycles. These people are on BIKES especially are down right rude.

Paul | 10:16 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

About 3 weeks ago we had some biker come up and throw a hissy fit, and he deliberately hit are car with his helmet, because we were in his way, when we indeed had the right away--he ran the stop sign, also dented our car in his fit of rage, but took off so that we could not report him. How can we report these bicyclers who break the law if there is nothing there for us to report?

weird.. | 10:47 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

I really do NOT get the hostility towards bikers- would you rather them get in cars instead? Jam up traffic just a little more, use a little more gas (demand makes prices go up), pollute our air a little more.. I'm not a biker, but I appreciate that they are doing me a FAVOR by riding instead of driving. How insecure must a person be to HATE people just because they're riding bikes, or because of what they're wearing, or whatever..?

re kally | 11:32 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Would it help your perspective if you were to try riding a bike like they do? Have a little patient. Peopleï¿½s lives are at stake. Im glad you drove slow. nothing like what this guy did.

AL | 11:52 p.m. Aug. 6, 2008

Roads are for cars. Yes this driver was criminal. That being said roads are for cars. If there is a bike lane that is fine, but if not roads are for cars. If you are going to have a race then shut down the road. If the road needs to be open then the road is for cars. I would even be ok of the bikes used the parking lanes, but with that said roads are for cars. You would not use a tool that was engineered to preform a specific function for a differant purpose than that in which it was designed and not expect some problems. Most roads were not designed for bikes. Roads are for cars.

Re: Kally and ike | 12:02 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

For every rude cyclist you find I can find 10,000 rude motorists. Stop trying to demonize cyclists.
If a rude cyclist runs into you, your car gets scratched and the cyclist is badly injured or killed. Get a bike and ride along with them! Cyclists are not the hazard to life and limb here.

You can easily kill or maim cyclists, pedestrians, little kids walking home fron school, and small animals with your Escalade. Drive safely and courteously.Cyclists lower gas prices, save the environment and help some people be a little healthier. Slow down and have a nice day.

To: Paul | 4:06 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

There is much more to this story than you are telling us...like how you almost hit the guy etc.

I have been hit by a careless driver. Luckily it just knocked his sideview mirror back and I wasn't knocked to the ground.

Paul,
I think you must be oblivious.

Hmmmm, So Paul.... | 4:12 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

He DENTED your STEEL car with his STYROFOAM helmet?

I think you need a better made car.

Watch It AL | 4:14 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

With the attitude you are expressing, I guess we may be seeing your photo in the DESNEWS in the coming days.

rights vs right | 5:07 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

Yea, bike riders may have a right to ride side by side on the roads, but it's still pretty dumb. As for owning the roads, don't drivers pay an extra 50 cents a gallon for gas to pay for road repairs? I think that gives them the right to drive without having to dodge bikers that are too dumb to get out of the way.

Bob G | 5:27 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

Hey people, this was a bike race, not some people out there sight seeing and intentionally interfering with a few moments of your time. Be caustious and have some respect for one of the few remaining non commercialized sports. When bike and runner races are established they request permission to use the roads and pay for safety vehicles to follow the bikers and runners to assist them when needed. Perhaps to satisfy the rude drivers they should close the roads for the races, like they do in europe. Using the roads for races also acts to preserve the wildlife enviornment by not having to build trails through the wilderness that is already shrinking daily. These racers don't need to be harassed by irresonsible drivers who think its their road. These drivers are criminal that purposefully attack and endanger others with their vehicles. Taxes paid for the Delta center and the REAL soccer stadiums but do you terrorize the players? Pedestrians don't pay a road tax either so should we run them down for getting in your way? Drivers are responsible for mainting control of their vehicles and their attitudes, which it seems many commentors have a bad one.

Cyclist Obey Traffic Laws? | 5:55 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

Cyclist only want to obey traffic laws when they benefit the cyclist. Ever see a cyclist decked out in colorful gear stopped at a stop light? More likely cutting through the cross walk.

I'm a car, no, a pedestrian, no a car, no a pedestrian.

How about signaling for a turn? No need to bother. Just be a pedestrian and cut across the road. I about hit a cyclist two days ago on Wasatch Blvd. She was going the wrong way in the middle of a 50 mph lane at the crest of a hill. Couldn't see her until I crested the hill. But she didn't need to deal with all that pesky turn signaling.

If you want to be legalistic about your rights to the road on a bicycle, try following ALL the laws of the road!

Richard | 5:53 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

The biker argued and also broke the mirror off the truck. I sense the anger was not one sided. Of course none of that justifies the actions of the driver but it does suggest that there was pride on both parts and a little bit of courtesy from either the driver or the biker would have avoided the unfortunate results.

Kate | 6:15 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

Mr. Barto may find himself on a bike someday--given gas prices and all... what goes around comes around.
Oh....if we could only learn that "Golden Rule"...

wisdom | 6:27 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

Bikers have as much right to be on the road as cars. However, with the increased amount of bikers, I wish UDOT would widen more roads and place bike lanes so that safety is increased.

Forcing the "right-of-way" is not the answer. Cooperation is the answer. If bicyclists attempt to force their will on vehicles, they usually lose. The same can be said for motorists. Avoiding accidents and exercising patience is the answer.

NY | 7:00 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

AL, You are as ignorant as they come.

Another problem is | 7:18 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

that not all cyclists on the road are "true" cyclists. The ones that are in training for races or serious recreational riders know the rules of the road and are not a problem to motorists. The ones that ride the wrong way in traffic, make risky manuevers in front of cars, commuters rubber-necking all over the place,etc.. give the serious bikers a bad name. When some drivers have put up with enough of the bad bikers, it's always a serious seasoned biker that gets killed because of that rage. I'm not sure how to fix the problem, but watching out for all cyclists and making an effort to safely drive around them is really not that hard to do.

From Tooele to Cache Valley | 7:53 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

How about registration and license plates for any bicycle designed for road-riding (not for kids). It would be nice to be able to have a way to identify those who do the "I'm a vehicle, now I'm a pedestrian, now I'm a vehicle again" thing.
Come on up to Cache Valley and check out the folks riding on the narrow country roads barely wide enough for vehicles with four wheels on the pavement...

Himself | 8:10 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

There is a strong psychological aspect to this
endless discussion. When an human gets in a car the
there is an evolutionary acceleration.
All animal instincts are multiplied by 100.
Territorial (get out of my lane!), defense (stay away from me or I'll attack!), group competition (Cars forever, all others must perish!)

Step out of the car and the lion reverts to the lamb. It can't be helped, it's just our manner.

The solution: Vehicular segregation, 100%.
The probability: 0%, Lions run the kingdom.

The long term condition? Lions are becoming extinct.
The us vs. them chat increases with the price of gas. But the lion is doomed, long live the lamb!

Vernal Roid | 8:13 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

I can't believe that there are preple defending this behavior,unexceptable.

Morgan | 8:18 a.m. Aug. 7, 2008

Another problem is... by your definition, not all automobile drivers are 'true" drivers Commuters rubber-necking, texting, reading, etc. Risky maneuvers in front of cars. Are you arguing that risky behavior by bad drivers somehow justifies road-rage? innocent people are most often the victims of rode-rage bullies, either when riding a bike or driving a car. I believe that the problem is with people like Alexander Jason Barto. It seems like anything could have triggered him "going nuts." I agree with you that a little common sense and courtesy would benefit all of us, no matter what we are driving.

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5 photos

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.

Gallery (5 photos)