Advocacy & Safety - Riding in another Dimension. (a few kind words about some motorists)

Who remembers that science fiction show called "Sliders" from a few years ago? This was a show where the characters "slid" through a vortex every week, and landed in other worlds that were similiar to ours, but always with something different. ( a staple of science fiction ) For example, in one episode. Generation X was in charge. In another, there were almost no men and the male characters were "in high demand". You get the idea. (and get your minds out of the gutter! Jeesh! )

This past week, I think I have been riding in some sort of parallel dimension. How so? Well, on two occasions this past week, I've been waiting to cross busy streets. Motorists on both sides have stopped and yielded so I could cross. One guy waved and yelled "Nice fixie!".

Last night, I was waiting on the red light in West Newton (MA) square. This place is quite busy at all times. A right turn on red to Waltham Street is permitted here. A guy in a large red pickup truck is next to me. He yells from his driver's seat "Hey, would you mind if I made my right turn?" I was taken back by this, as I fully expected some other kind of comment. "Uh, no", I say, trying not to sound to lame. "go right ahead". He turns, taking care to give me plenty of room. Then he waves in his rear view mirror, and turns into Waltham Street.

Has anyone else experienced this sort of thing lately? What's going on here?

And thanks to those motorists. Mutual respect and cooperation does seem to work after all.

Yes, it happens here on a regular basis. Frequently I come to a stop sign at the same time as a motor vehicle to my right and they wave me forward.

Um, the stories we tell our family and friends are finally starting to spread around and penetrate?

... Last night, I was waiting on the red light in West Newton (MA) square. This place is quite busy at all times. A right turn on red to Waltham Street is permitted here. A guy in a large red pickup truck is next to me. He yells from his driver's seat "Hey, would you mind if I made my right turn?" I was taken back by this, as I fully expected some other kind of comment. "Uh, no", I say, trying not to sound to lame. "go right ahead". He turns, taking care to give me plenty of room. Then he waves in his rear view mirror, and turns into Waltham Street. ...

At red lights, I always position myself to permit right-turners to proceed between me and the curb.

Yep ive had plenty do these sorts of things and even better in some cases. I am some one who don't want to hold up traffic any more than needed. If i feel safe and can tell your going to pass me slowly ill wave you by to pass me closer than normal. In one such case the lady pulls along side noticed i was empty on water and it was in the 90s. She had her son pass me a fresh cold water bottle from their cooler. They came back from a family pick nic as you could see from all the other stuff in the back. Had drivers just wait till it was 100% safe to pass or in one guys case he sees me way up ahead give a nice double tap on his horn so i know hes there before he even considers passing me.

The lady and her son giving me water brought a smile to my face and turned my entire day around. I was hot i was tired i had multiple to close passes so i was in a fairly foul mood. I noticed she was back there and had been for a while and was very patient. So i waved her by. She as others have done slowed toto my speed gave it just enough gas to get a few mph above my speed and gave me all the room they could.

These are the sorts of people you wish would take up cycling they would be great cycling advocates.

Just wanted to add this as a new reply. I think this sort of thing is fairly common. We just don't hear about it much because we tend to not post about it for what ever reason. Part of that is the old vocal minority silent majority deal. You always hear from the minority or in this case about them. While the majority tend to remain silent or not be talked about.

Then theres the fact if you live in area x and know other do as well you want to warn them about these real huge dangerous bozos. Why post about the majority who drive the right way and treat us the right way when they out number the bozos?

How many be on the look out posts are on this board?

There are plenty of bozo drivers in Montreal, but I only notice them when I am driving a car. When I am on my bike I always get the most consideration from divers. If I approach a 4 way stop at the same time as a car, I wave it through before I stop. They usually stop and wave for me to go first; if they go first, they are out of my way before I have come to a complete stop

Who remembers that science fiction show called "Sliders" from a few years ago? This was a show where the characters "slid" through a vortex every week, and landed in other worlds that were similiar to ours, but always with something different. ( a staple of science fiction ) For example, in one episode. Generation X was in charge. In another, there were almost no men and the male characters were "in high demand". You get the idea. (and get your minds out of the gutter! Jeesh! )


I just watched the episode yesterday, where they slide into a world that was quickly running out of resources. Everyone was riding around on on bikes and skateboards since fuel was 450 per gallon. I loved it.