Originally Posted by Brian Ratliff

I get it you are mad at this rider and your feelings are heightened by your feelings for your mother, but this open letter is in bad taste and probably not the parting memory of your mother you'd like to enshrine in the public record. Let the rude be rude if this is the case, though chances are high this is just a massive misunderstanding. You are grieving privately, inwardly, but also in public. Respect that the rest of the public is not grieving with you and life goes on for those sharing the world around your procession. Calm those around you who are talking about injuring and maiming another human being for the crime of being rude by his mere uninvited presence. I doubt this person was actually rude in his behavior. Just merely uninvited and unfamiliar; not dressed in black with a somber face; not sharing your grief. Forgive this one individual in your mind rather than shouting your rebuke to the world. If nothing else, be glad your mother's last journey provided a joyful stranger on a bike some unexpected shelter from the hazards of the road.

Originally Posted by qcpmsame

Sorry for you loss, Lotek, I cannot imagine how badly this idiot must have made you feel. Losing your mother must be really tough, I hope that you are at peace, or finding some means of solace. I have absolutely no doubt that he realized exactly what he was doing, there is no excuse for that kind of disrespect and rudeness. Hopefully, Karma will quickly find this low life, I do not care if he is a cyclist, he deserves what ever comes his way.

In Escambia County, the police or sheriff's escort, would have taken him out of the procession, they make any motorist remain in the procession, and sit in their vehicle during the graveside, or columbarium, service. They may, or may not, receive a ticket for violating a county ordinance, depending on their attitude. I have seen them put cyclist to the side of the road and have them wait until the procession passes. It can be a release to watch them stew about getting caught, I watched them hold a motorcyclist for trying to cross an intersection, cutting between the vehicles in the procession. Truly a screwed up person that would do this type of thing.

Bill

Originally Posted by Brian Ratliff

I get it . . . blah blah blah.

Originally Posted by Brian Ratliff

. . .

Originally Posted by 10 Wheels

Prayer works for Every Problem.

Originally Posted by BillyD

No, you don't get it, because if you had any empathy or even any class at all you might have considered writing the OP a private message instead of making a splash with this inconsiderate, self-serving, attention-grabbing post. There's an ages-old truism that goes 'if you can't say nothing nice, don't say nothing at all'.

Originally Posted by BillyD

No, you don't get it, because if you had any empathy or even any class at all you might have considered writing the OP a private message instead of making a splash with this inconsiderate, self-serving, attention-grabbing post. There's an ages-old truism that goes 'if you can't say nothing nice, don't say nothing at all'.

Originally Posted by BillyD

There's an ages-old truism that goes 'if you can't say nothing nice, don't say nothing at all'.

Originally Posted by lotek

we as cyclists suffer from poor perception by the general population,
something like this does nothing to dispel the idea that cyclists are just another nuisance who have
little or no respect for traffic laws or people in general.

Originally Posted by Dan333SP

I wish this post was a joke. Hitching a free ride on a funeral procession is just poor taste on every level.

Not really the same thing, but I always get annoyed when I see cars (usually SUVs) following directly behind an ambulance when traffic has moved aside to let it through.

Originally Posted by lotek

I sincerely hope that whoever you are you had a good long ride up
San Jose Blvd without having to bother with minor annoyances like traffic lights, cross
traffic and being passed by other vehicles.
I'm sure that you had a good draft on the 7 odd miles you joined my mother's funeral
procession the Sunday before last (January 31st).
The police escort could do nothing as you weren't technically breaking any laws.
Needless to say there were quite a few people in the procession who found your
lack of respect a little more than disturbing.
We as cyclists have a difficult enough time with non riders' perceptions without you adding something
as thoughtless of this to those perceptions.
Some of the comments I heard in response to your ride ranged from 'dooring' you, to one person who thought
physical violence was a good option.

Based on what I saw (specialized bike, helmet, lights etc.) I would venture to say
you're a fairly serious rider. I'm just saddened that you thought your training
was more important than common courtesy and respect.

Lotek.

Originally Posted by TimothyH

Go ride a bicycle in national cemetery and see how fast you get thrown out.

Originally Posted by njlonghorn

That's often the family / friends following the ambulance to the hospital. Don't jump to conclusions unless you see the follower jump on mid-ride.

Originally Posted by Dan333SP

More of a thing in Miami than in Richmond, though, since everyone in South Florida is a terrible driver.

Originally Posted by indyfabz

You may, in fact, ride a bicycle in Arlington National Cemetery.

Originally Posted by Dan333SP

I was more thinking of times where I've seen a car pull out of a line of stopped cars to get right behind the ambulance.

Originally Posted by SpeshulEd

Wait, was he mixed in with all the cars from the procession or was he behind it?

I guess I don't understand what he did wrong if he was behind it. Not trying to be an ass here, but someone has to be behind it.