Perhaps you need a bit more information, so let’s create a scenario. In this scenario, we’ll create 2 characters, a cyclist who for the sake of argument we’ll call Fantastic Mr Gazza, and a motorist who we’ll call Mr Evil B’stardo.
While cycling around a traffic island the Fantastic Mr Gazza heard the noise of a car engine behind him. Looking behind, he saw a car being driven about 6 inches off his back wheel. As the conditions we quite icy, Fantastic Mr Gazza damn near wet himself. Mr B’Stardo started sounding his horn. Now Fantastic Mr Gazza had no where to go, moving to the left or right would spell almost certain disaster. Stopping would see him dead. So he kept going and hoped that he didn’t hit any ice or Mr B’Stardo didn’t lose control of his car. Turning off that the exit, the car overtook and Mr B’stardo shouted abuse and gesticulated in a way that wasn’t very nice.
The Fantastic Mr Gazza couldn’t understand what had just gone on but was just relieved to get away with his life. But then he noticed the car driven by Mr B’stardo turn into a car park. Fantastic Mr Gazza decided to ask for an explanation from Mr B’Stardo for the rush that was worth risking another person’s life for. So he followed Mr B’Stardo around the car park while the driver did his best to lose the cyclist. It didn’t happen so the motorist pulled in. Mr B’Stardo got very aggressive. He came out of the car almost swinging his fists. The Fantastic Mr Gazza thought that Mr B’Stardo couldn’t have had sex in a very long time. In fact, it’s quite possible that Mrs B’Stardo had his genitalia in a jar in a cupboard.
When Fantastic Mr Gazza mentioned that he had the car’s registration number and that he’s quite happy to talk about this incident in front of a policeman, Mr B’Stardo went quiet, parked his car correctly and sulked off.
Anyway, Fantastic Mr Gazza racked his brain for something that he might have done that could have caused the problem. He was cycling legally and safely and couldn’t think of a thing.
But even if he had done something, let’s say he cut in front of the car (which, he most definitely did not do), even then, the dangerous actions of Mr B’Stardo are an incredible over-reaction and potentially lethal. Fantastic Mr Gazza feels quite lucky to be alive today.
There seemed to be no reason for Mr B’Stardo’s antisocial behaviour. Not even Mr B’Stardo offered one.
So, would it be ethical to slash his tyres?
I say it is.
What do you think?
Keep Pedalin'
Gazza
