Did PA change the law, or are those tinted windows still illegal? Be safe out there, you never know what's going on in the head of a moron like that.
2012-12-03 22:45:53
12
Close pass alert
I'm posting this in the hopes that it creates a record of sorts, and to warn those of you who venture out my way.
On Friday, hubby and I were passed very closely - too closely - by a pickup truck. We were stopped at a red light, and it rolled up on us close enough that I could touch the back quarter panel of the truck.
Whatever, that's a normal day to run into at least one asshole, but then today, the exact same truck passed me very closely, at full speed, when there were clear sight lines and the car in front of it had passed me safely moments before.
Given the car in front passed safely, and I had 2 blinkies and a high-vis vest, and reflective strips on the milk crate on the bike, I really doubt the driver didn't see me.
No helmet cam, but here's a description in case it gets even closer next time.
Navy blue full size pickup - I think Toyota Tacoma. PA ZBK6666. Tinted out windows, so driver is hard to see, but looked mannish. Drives during rush hour on Crafton Blvd, heading towards Crafton, just where it stops being Noblestown Rd and becomes Crafton Blvd.
If there's somewhere else we're posting these types of things, let me know. I just want it out there. This person is not a nice or safe driver.
2012-12-03 22:36:48
What a d*ck! be careful out there.
You may also want to stop by the Crafton PD and make a report. I've found the boros much more responsive than the city when it comes to bike issues, and they may already "know" this individual.
2012-12-03 22:56:29
+_1 what Marko said about making a police report. Two blowby's is a trend. There's a chance they might go 'splain things to this fool.
2012-12-04 02:18:37
That's a good idea. Crafton is also small enough, and I'm on foot and bike enough around it, that I have a fairly decent chance of seeing this guy repeatedly and hopefully getting a better description of the driver.
Need to figure out when to get over to the borough building (where I think there is an outdoor clock for the Wheelset game).
Oh and RE: tinted windows, the last I heard, there was a certain level of tint that was legal but it's almost never enforced unless you've already done something wrong. Even my truck has tinted windows thanks to the previous owner.
2012-12-04 12:42:23
That really stinks. I ride through there all the time, but have not encountered this person. Did this happen at any particular time of day, or different times? I'll keep an eye out for this.
Before you talk to the police look around the borough parking lot and make sure it's not one of theirs. 
2012-12-04 12:56:57
Ha I was thinking that too.
Both times it was evening rush hour - probably pretty close to 5 on the dot.
2012-12-04 13:57:36
(If it's a full-sized pick-up, its a Tundra. The Tacoma a smaller. Just thought the clarification might help if you make a report to police.)
2012-12-04 16:39:18
Oh that's right, thank you.
2012-12-04 16:54:06
70% transmittance is legal in PA.
If you're up near North Park, the McCandless PD and/or the sheriff's department have achieved notoriety for hassling people for tint even if they're doing nothing wrong. They have the light gun and everything to test it.
35% is the legal limit in the majority of the US, except for a few select states.
2012-12-04 20:15:45
The dude freaking did it again yesterday. That's three evening commutes in a row for me. I'm calling the cops today.
And since I was watching for it, I got a better description of the truck - charcoal gray, full-size Titan (I knew it started with a T). Plate is correct as described above.
Jackwagon.
2012-12-13 12:59:38
It almost sounds like this wacko is doing some practice runs, maybe building up the nerve to hit someone on purpose. Next time, try and see if you spot any window decals and what they say; it might offer some glimmer as to whom you're dealing with. For some strange reason, a lot of rednecks seem to become incensed at the sight of a grown man on a bicycle, especially if they're wearing spandex...
2012-12-13 14:56:38