On May 22nd, Bikeworldnews.com posted a story about a Piedmont, AL, man who had posted videos to his Facebook page expressing anger and rage towards cyclists on his commute to work. Later that day, Keith Maddox, 48, was arrested by deputies from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, on charges of reckless endangerment.
After pleading guilty Tuesday to the misdemeanor offense, a judge has sentenced Maddox to undergo anger management classes. If he successfully completes the course, the charges will be dropped, and Maddox will not have to pay a fine.
“The goal here was to make sure that justice was served and that behavior was changed,” said Matthew Wade, chief deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Wade went on to say that Maddox seemed “remorseful” of his actions.
Stan Pala, the Executive Director of the Alabama Bicycle Coalition is optimistic about the ruling.
“I was pleased that when the facts of the case came out, the police arrested and charged him,” responded Pala by email. “It gave me some sense that the system worked. Based on what I know he had no prior arrests, speeding tickets etc. He plead guilty, seemed remorseful, and took responsibility. The sentence was interesting, it could of been a fine and been over. The anger management class will hopefully change behavior or at least be a pain while he takes the class.”
Maddox had originally posted three separate videos on Facebook between October 30th, 2013, and May 20th, 2014. In each, he expresses his disdain for cyclists who seem to be slowing his progress to work, and goes as far as threatening action against them.
“You see what I was talking about? Look it there. Look right there. I ought-a run him in the ditch. Look at him, look at him. Ridin’ your little bicycle, you piece of crap! I ought-a run him in the ditch is what I should’a done, should’a put him in the ditch! God I hate bicycles!”
Youtube user Jeff McCord then posted a compilation video of all three videos, which went viral, with close to 123,000 views in less than a month. Outrage began to spread as cyclist learned about the videos.
Before the arrest, Maddox took down the most recent of the videos, and posted an apology on his page stating “…anybody who knows me knows that would never ever intentionally hurt anyone. I am truly sorry for anyone I may have offended … and please everyone share the road and be very aware of bicycle riders everywhere.”
Although this is a victory for cyclists, Pala sees a greater challenge facing cyclists worldwide.
“This case points to the bigger problem nationally that cycling is not seen as a form of transportation but only recreation and we have to work to change that stereotype. “
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year