For the past month or so I've been funding my continued career search by driving a pedicab (bicycle rickshaw) around the streets of Austin a couple nights a week. It is a lot of fun, and a ton of hard work.
If you want to see what it is like, check out Ron Swafford's excellent 2009 documentary about pedicabbing in Austin: Who Want's a Ride? Part one is below, parts 2-4 are after the break.
*This is a developing story, I will update as new facts surface, and link to video and pictures of the assault.*
Photo By DougMC
3/26/2010
Austin-- On today's Critical Mass ride, a male driver in his mid thirties hit a single cyclist and then tried to 'push' two or three others out of the way with his truck in an attempt to flee the scene of the crime. He was detained and released by Austin police after brandishing a handgun in a confrontation with other cyclists on the ride. None of the cyclists were seriously injured.
The truck suffered at least two severe body dents/scratches, two slashed tires, and a broken rear window. The damage to the vehicle was done not in the initial attack, but in a barrage of U-Locks after being surrounded by angry cyclists. The extent of biker property damage is not known.
The driver apparently wielded a handgun, and even chambered a round. He did not point the weapon. He was handcuffed and detained by police before being released. The APD was unavailable for comment.
According to one source who considers the vehicular damage a fair penance for the attack there were no charges filed against the suspect, who claimed self defense.
Gabe
UPDATE:
I've spoken to more eyewitnesses who described the beginning of the incident. The truck was trying to pass the mass in the left lane of a one way street and some riders may have turned left in front of him cutting/pissing him off.
Some do not believe the initial collision was intentional, but that he may have been swerving to avoid others cyclists. In any case he was driving recklessly and attempting to hit and run. The things done to his vehicle were illegal and no cyclists have been charged yet in the incident either.
Click the photo above for full gallery, or go: Here
Gabe
Ok, so in case anyone missed it, Jason has come through with a full report (w/lively comments section), and follow up coverage (with video below) as well as a report from the actual media.
