upsetting incident on the rye today

[Belle]

No real point to this post other than to relate something upsetting that happened today which I wanted to share with forumites. Me and my mum were taking my wee one for a walk in his pram and had got to the Nunhead edge of the rye today. I didn't quite see what happened but from what we can gather, as we crossed from the grass to the pavement my mum didn't realise a guy on a mountain bike was very close, so he had to brake suddenly to avoid the pram. She immediately apologised. Next thing I knew he was shouting at us - we thought he was just joking at first - saying 'that's right, hide behind your pram, hide behind the baby'. I started to laugh then realised he looked really angry and was REALLY yelling, at which point my baby woke up. i'm ashamed to admit I did lose my temper at that point and snapped at him for waking up the baby (he was still yelling and telling us to F*** off - we weren't lingering for fun, we were waiting at a crossing). I did also point out he was the one on a bike on the pavement. He kept on yelling, at one point even stopped and looked like he might get off his bike - and finally he said 'F*** off and take your happiness with you' (at which point I swore back and he left). My mum has pointed out that I was very silly to engage as he was clearly not in control of his senses and it could have been dangerous, but it was like some kind of maternal ire had arisen in me, I was just so angry that he was being very aggressive around my baby (and annoyed that he'd woken him up!). What was quite nice was that some men in a white van who'd seen it all as they were at a red light called out to check we were ok as they drove through the crossing. Also my mum pointed out that she finds the people round here very pleasant generally, which is true - nice to know this really is an isolated incident.

[Pickle]

Scary situation Belle, and so hard to know how you will react until you're there. I probably would have done exactly the same as you. Nice to know there are people out there who care enough to stop and check you were OK though.

Hope you're feeling OK now, not a nice thing to have happen.

P x

[Ko]

Belle Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

I did

> also point out he was the one on a bike on the

> pavement.

poor you. pity there wasn't a policeman there to arrest him. i would have answered back too.

today at the pedestrian crossing by peckham rye train station, 2 bicycle riders went straight through the red light while i was crossing (one rider from one side, and the other rider from the other side). this was mid way through the green man flashing and the pips sounding. i have lost count of the number of times bicycle riders have blatantly gone through the red lights by ED Iceland and the Mrs Robinson lights.

its a shame bicycles don't have to have number plates or otherwise we could report such offenders to the police.

try not to worry about it. what an awful man. you did nothing wrong and its horrible when nasty people ruin your day like that.

[snowboarder]

oh - scary - I hate it when some horrid random incident like that upsets what was a nice day - especially when so lovely and sunny. Hope you all ok...x

[everyman]

Poor you. It sounds awful and frightening.

I have found situations like that far worse since having kids.

As you say - thank goodness for the people in the white van, demonstrating that you were right to be upset and also that most people are basically decent

[Moos]

So sorry this happened - but thank goodness for the guy that stopped. That protective anger can really take over, but it can be really hard to let go of too.

Your mum sounds like a wise lady - people generally are nice around here and look out for each other.

[Belle]

Thanks all. Know for next time to try not to react!

Ko - know just what you mean - and don't get me started on drivers not stopping at zebra crossings, even when halfway across WITH PRAM I've had drivers zoom through.

[The Nappy Lady]

He was completely in the wrong for being on the pavement, my hubby is a daily bike rider and gets so cross with those who ride on pavement, ignore red lights etc.

So sorry you had to experience this, very scary with baby there. Hope you feel ok now.

Molly xxx

[candj]

Poor you! What a w*nker for riding on the pavement and then having the audacity to shout at you for being in the way (and with a baby). I must say that I too would have reacted in the same manner - although since having children, I do try to keep my mouth and temper in check because I simply don't know exactly how that person will react.

Nice the white van drivers checked to see you were okay, as well.

[ratty]

Typical cyclist in my experience.