Advocacy & Safety - What makes drivers angry

From here http://seven.com.au/todaytonight/story/?id=29973
But will copy and paste because I am not sure how long that link will work.

The Royal Automotive Club in Queensland (RACQ) has just completed a survey of more than 4000 drivers and compiled the Top Ten list of driving habits that make us angry.

Here are the results:

(1) Tailgating

(2) Aggressive behaviour by bus and truck drivers

(3) People talking on mobile phones

(4) Drivers who speed up when you overtake

(5) Drivers indicating late or not at all

(6) Bullying

(7) Cyclists with no lights

(8) Slow drivers that don’t let you overtake

(9) Drivers eating or drinking

(10) Cyclists disobeying road rules


Interesting there that two cycling related ones get in there. Just the other night when driving I past I overtook a cyclist who was wearing a black coat and had no lights on. Otherwise generally in my experience the angry people are the ones breaking the road rules. But with the amount of cyclists around (defintely less than 2 in 10) I was surprised.

But it wasn't an excellent study I suppose either.

...habits that make us angry.

(7) Cyclists with no lights

(10) Cyclists disobeying road rules

...

+1

The good news is that cyclists obeying the rules of the road and using lights when needed are not on the list.

I doubt if cyclists disobeying the rules by riding on the sidewalks makes motorists angry.

I think Americans really aren't good at waiting in line. Traffic in many areas has turned into a giant line where you endlessly wait your turn. Driving gets more aggressinve in general and a few go over the top. Often the 'waiting' that pushes some too far is not even in commute traffic. It may be on a day off when some driver has to wait for you on a bike. It's the straw that broke the camel's back. bk

I think Americans really aren't good at waiting in line. Traffic in many areas has turned into a giant line where you endlessly wait your turn. Driving gets more aggressinve in general and a few go over the top. Often the 'waiting' that pushes some too far is not even in commute traffic. It may be on a day off when some driver has to wait for you on a bike. It's the straw that broke the camel's back. bk

That's because they've become accustomed to waiting behind other motor vehicles so they accept it. When it's a bike they go nuts because they think we should get out and stay out of their way. All the sidewalk riders help to fuel this notion.

The good news is that cyclists obeying the rules of the road and using lights when needed are not on the list.

Actually that is bad news for every cyclists that you see on the sidewalk, riding the wrong way or even on a MUP there are at least 100 drivers who think that is the rule of the road for cyclists that they MUST ride like that (or in that location.) Too many drivers interpret the rule of the road as “it’s the cyclists’ duty to stay out of the way of cars.”

(5) Drivers indicating late or not at all

While I agree with all the points made in the OP, this one also applies to cyclists. It goes right along with being predictable as a road user.

I doubt if cyclists disobeying the rules by riding on the sidewalks makes motorists angry.

Riding on sidewalks is not illegal everywhere. In Queensland, it is legal except where the local authority has banned it.

The good news is that cyclists obeying the rules of the road and using lights when needed are not on the list.

you mean cyclists obeying the what cagers think are the rules that apply to cyclists.... ask the average cager what the rules are regarding cyclists and you'll discover just how much ignorance and lack of adequate driver education is out there.

(10) Cyclists disobeying road rules
That would mean being on the road at all in many motorists eyes.

I doubt if cyclists disobeying the rules by riding on the sidewalks makes motorists angry.
But I'll bet it's in the top 5 of what makes pedestrians angry!

That's because they've become accustomed to waiting behind other motor vehicles so they accept it. When it's a bike they go nuts because they think we should get out and stay out of their way. All the sidewalk riders help to fuel this notion.
I don't know how it is in Australia, but in the U.S., it's also fueled by the continuing perception of bikes as recreational vehicles only, thus less important than people in cars who are "really going somewhere".

The good news is that cyclists obeying the rules of the road and using lights when needed are not on the list.
I supspect that they are on the list somewhere. Just not in the top ten.



1.
2.
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13. Cyclists using the road instead of the sidewalk.

you mean cyclists obeying the what cagers think are the rules that apply to cyclists.... ask the average cager what the rules are regarding cyclists and you'll discover just how much ignorance and lack of adequate driver education is out there.

And I would be willing to bet that 98% of US drivers are completely ingnorant of most laws pertaining to cyclists as well as their own operation of the motor vehicle as well as their responsibilities as the operator.

Aaron:)

Around here "lost tourists" would be in the top 10.

A few times a week I hear a local honking at a poor soul in a car with out-of-state plates, going slower than the speed limit, trying to find a good place to turn around. If they're behind me I play it really safe, even pull off the road, since they're usually flooring it to make up for the time the wayward tourist "cost" them.

I stay out of the way of impatient aggressive motorists whether I'm riding a bike, a motorcycle or driving a car. Let them pop a vein behind somebody else.

I stay out of the way of impatient aggressive motorists whether I'm riding a bike, a motorcycle or driving a car. Let them pop a vein behind somebody else.

If I did that around here I would have to stay home:eek: :p Unfortunately I live in an area where the population is a bit younger than the norm (military base) and we have more than our fair share of aggressive drivers, on a very poor road system. But we ride anyway:D

Aaron:)

I know it ticks of the owner of a Corvette if you beat him to the next light on your bicycle!:D

++ to the numerous posters who noted that many drivers believe that riding on the road at all is somehow against the rules.


Around here "lost tourists" would be in the top 10.

A few times a week I hear a local honking at a poor soul in a car with out-of-state plates, going slower than the speed limit, trying to find a good place to turn around. If they're behind me I play it really safe, even pull off the road, since they're usually flooring it to make up for the time the wayward tourist "cost" them.

We get a lot of tourists around here too. You have to be very careful around them, as they're likely to swerve or pull a u-turn suddenly and without looking. As in, "Oh -- there's the Lincoln Memorial" and cut across three lanes of traffic.

I've also noticed that tourists are disproportionately likely to be perturbed by bicycles in the street.

Not exactly answering the intended question, but:







ME, ME, ME, ME, ME, ME, ME, ME, ME !!!!!!!!!

(8) Slow drivers that don’t let you overtake
(10) Cyclists disobeying road rules

i wonder...

I know it ticks of the owner of a Corvette if you beat him to the next light on your bicycle!:D

Especially if you're not another Corvette, bicycle or not.

Here in Miami, the mere existence of bicyclists annoys drivers, if all the honking followed by screams of "Get the f@ck off the road!" are any indication.

How many cyclist are there in Queensland? It makes a difference. You don't get annoyed by what never happens and you usually don't think of things that annoy you that rarely happen.

Thinking as a driver I would never have included the truck/bus thing. I don't do much central city driving and I just don't have that problem. On the other hand I have a short commute on a 4 lanes each way freeway and at least 3 and likely over 4 days a week there are one or two drivers in the number 2 and 3 lanes going considerably slower than the flow of traffic. That would have made my list. Also being in Los Angeles it is common to hit a freeway interchange where traffic is backed up for one or two options and thre are always those who wait til the last minute to force their way in, sometimes STOPPING in a lane where traffic was going 50+ MPH to do it. This of course slows traffic in that lane. (I have seen this so bad at the 405 North where it meets the 101 that even though thare are 3 lanes going straight that even the fastest lane is down to 30 or so because of drivers that far out waiting as long as they can to force their way to the right. That would have made my list for sure.


So how may bikers in Queensland? If there are not very many then having two bike related things make the list is pretty bad. On the other hand one is no lights at night. If there is a fair pop of roads without or with minimal street lighting that would make each incient that much more dangerous and thus that much more memorable, contributing to it making the list.

What makes drivers angry?

A lack of endorphins. I think that's what it comes down to.

There aren't that many cyclists on the road (I doubt drivers would notice cyclists on biek paths, there are few enough cyclists using these). Driving to work I don't pass anyone for a whole week. I only tend to pass cyclists when I am driving to work to start at about 10am when there are the groups out for the Sunday ride. And only on Sundays.
So yes, it is pretty bad considering the very limited number of cyclists on the road.

you know what I HOPE pisses drivers off?

Me, splitting lanes to the front of a long traffic signal, pulling the morning newspaper off my front rack and reading it while sipping coffee from my commuter mug with my middle finger extended. Then, packing it all away and beating the car in the lane next to me in the quarter mile off the light....or at least thru the intersection, it depends on how 'dragstrip' the driver is....

Laughing maniacally and grinning like a banshee while passing them in congested traffic.

Telling them their gas purchases support terrorism when i ride past gas stations.

(I have seen this so bad at the 405 North where it meets the 101 that even though thare are 3 lanes going straight that even the fastest lane is down to 30 or so because of drivers that far out waiting as long as they can to force their way to the right.

You've seen traffic moving at 30 mph where the 405 and 101 meet?

you know what I HOPE pisses drivers off?

Me, splitting lanes to the front of a long traffic signal, pulling the morning newspaper off my front rack and reading it while sipping coffee from my commuter mug with my middle finger extended. Then, packing it all away and beating the car in the lane next to me in the quarter mile off the light....or at least thru the intersection, it depends on how 'dragstrip' the driver is....

Laughing maniacally and grinning like a banshee while passing them in congested traffic.

Telling them their gas purchases support terrorism when i ride past gas stations.
I think I know why you get so many angry honks every day.

you know what I HOPE pisses drivers off?

Me, splitting lanes to the front of a long traffic signal, pulling the morning newspaper off my front rack and reading it while sipping coffee from my commuter mug with my middle finger extended. Then, packing it all away and beating the car in the lane next to me in the quarter mile off the light....or at least thru the intersection, it depends on how 'dragstrip' the driver is....

Laughing maniacally and grinning like a banshee while passing them in congested traffic.

Telling them their gas purchases support terrorism when i ride past gas stations.

All right, Beko, knock it off! ;)

you know what I HOPE pisses drivers off?

Me, splitting lanes to the front of a long traffic signal, pulling the morning newspaper off my front rack and reading it while sipping coffee from my commuter mug with my middle finger extended. Then, packing it all away and beating the car in the lane next to me in the quarter mile off the light....or at least thru the intersection, it depends on how 'dragstrip' the driver is....

Laughing maniacally and grinning like a banshee while passing them in congested traffic.

Telling them their gas purchases support terrorism when i ride past gas stations.


Hey, is your commuter mug carbon fibre?:D

you know what I HOPE pisses drivers off?

Me, splitting lanes to the front of a long traffic signal, pulling the morning newspaper off my front rack and reading it while sipping coffee from my commuter mug with my middle finger extended. Then, packing it all away and beating the car in the lane next to me in the quarter mile off the light....or at least thru the intersection, it depends on how 'dragstrip' the driver is....

Laughing maniacally and grinning like a banshee while passing them in congested traffic.

Telling them their gas purchases support terrorism when i ride past gas stations.

You're beautiful, Bek. Mad as a hatter or crazy like a fox? Hm...

........splitting lanes to the front of a long traffic signal, pulling the morning newspaper off my front rack and reading it while sipping coffee from my commuter mug with my middle finger extended. Then, packing it all away and beating the car in the lane next to me in the quarter mile off the light....or at least thru the intersection, it depends on how 'dragstrip' the driver is........
People tell me how cool my canoe trailer is, but that is cool.:)

You've seen traffic moving at 30 mph where the 405 and 101 meet?

Point taken. Actually I've seen it at 80, but then I am sometimes out at pretty strange hours.

The 30 (or slower) in the far left lane was refering to times when all lanes that continue North on the 405 are going 65+ within a 1/4 after the split. At least the left 2 should maintain that speed, but they don't because jerks stay there until the last minute and then slow down to force their way to the right.

Also being in Los Angeles it is common to hit a freeway interchange where traffic is backed up for one or two options and thre are always those who wait til the last minute to force their way in, sometimes STOPPING in a lane where traffic was going 50+ MPH to do it. This of course slows traffic in that lane. (I have seen this so bad at the 405 North where it meets the 101 that even though thare are 3 lanes going straight that even the fastest lane is down to 30 or so because of drivers that far out waiting as long as they can to force their way to the right.


What you are citing is the lack of "thinking ahead" exhibited by many So Cal drivers... It is that same lack of "thinking ahead" that puts a motorist right behind a cyclist when it was obvious some time back that a cyclist had taken a lane. Of course the only way for this short term minded motorist to respond is to lay on the horn and hope the cyclist magically disappears.

It is amazing what a motorist can avoid by simply looking down the road and planning ahead.

What you are citing is the lack of "thinking ahead" exhibited by many So Cal drivers... It is that same lack of "thinking ahead" that puts a motorist right behind a cyclist when it was obvious some time back that a cyclist had taken a lane. Of course the only way for this short term minded motorist to respond is to lay on the horn and hope the cyclist magically disappears.

It is amazing what a motorist can avoid by simply looking down the road and planning ahead.
It is amazing how many motorist don't think/plan ahead. It lack of situational awareness and lack of thinking.
Just yesterday 6:30am heading down two same direction multilane road in center of NOL. No cars as far as I can see ahead, one car approaching from rear. They see me as I can tell by slight slowing as they get near (also LD1000 and PB superflash help in that regard). Then they get on my wheel (after slowing to my pace) and start honking, then a bit later gun it and agressively pass. No other cars passed for at least another minute.
This actually happens quite often - when no other cars are following the idiot, its not so bad, but when others are it really messes up traffic flow as the followers just follow.
Stupid, moronic, unthinking, idiots - the only words that come to mind.
Al

It is amazing how many motorist don't think/plan ahead. It lack of situational awareness and lack of thinking.
Just yesterday 6:30am heading down two same direction multilane road in center of NOL. No cars as far as I can see ahead, one car approaching from rear. They see me as I can tell by slight slowing as they get near (also LD1000 and PB superflash help in that regard). Then they get on my wheel (after slowing to my pace) and start honking, then a bit later gun it and agressively pass. No other cars passed for at least another minute.
This actually happens quite often - when no other cars are following the idiot, its not so bad, but when others are it really messes up traffic flow as the followers just follow.
Stupid, moronic, unthinking, idiots - the only words that come to mind.
Al


Yup, had the same thing happen a number of times... never ceases to amaze me.

I have actually wanted to do something totally radical next time this happens... I will switch to the left lane next time. Apparently changing lanes is too difficult a concept for some motorists to handle. I guess I never realized all the pain and agony that must be felt by using a turn signal indicator and turning a car steering wheel... must be something built into new cars. :rolleyes:

I guess I never realized all the pain and agony that must be felt by using a turn signal indicator and turning a car steering wheel... must be something built into new cars. :rolleyes:
But if there was a bus or other slow moving motor vehicle in the lane many of these same motorist would merge very early. I often observe motorist do what ever they can, including agressive merging into very tight spaces, to not be behind a bus that stops very frequently and averages a slower speed than a bicycle, yet they think that tailgaiting a bicyclist and honking is an easier solution.

Al

But if there was a bus or other slow moving motor vehicle in the lane many of these same motorist would merge very early. I often observe motorist do what ever they can, including agressive merging into very tight spaces, to not be behind a bus that stops very frequently and averages a slower speed than a bicycle, yet they think that tailgaiting a bicyclist and honking is an easier solution.

Al

Maybe a T shirt that says "I am a bus." :D

Actually I have contemplated a T shirt that has an arrow: <---- KEEP LEFT

But somehow I doubt that the "brain surgeons" on the road today will even understand that. Like I said... never ceases to amaze me.

Maybe a T shirt that says "I am a bus." :D

Actually I have contemplated a T shirt that has an arrow: <---- KEEP LEFT

But somehow I doubt that the "brain surgeons" on the road today will even understand that. Like I said... never ceases to amaze me.

I have been thinking of putting 3m scotchlite letters on the back of my jacket reading "POLICE". Whats the legality of that assuming I don't act like a police officer? What if I just really like Sting?

Some drivers will run up to ANY other vehicle (not just bikes) and brake hard with little or no forethought. In all my years of driving and riding I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen a bicyclist hold the lane in front of faster same direction traffic. So in their defense I can understand why some drivers think we are doing something wrong by being in their way. More training is in order.

Now that I actually ride in the lane whenever necessary, I'm actually quite surprised that I have so few problems with vehicles from behind, considering (or because of) the fact that it is something that is virtually unheard of, at least in my area.

Something I notice is that if I am taking the lane and a car is in front of me, they will actually try to speed up. Its like they see me and assume they must be going really slow for me to be keeping up. I can't really complain though as it either means I'm further away from their bumper (safer) or I can get pulled by their increasingly effective draft. The dangerous part about this is that they may then jam on the brakes at a higher speed when they reach an obstacle, meaning I have to brake or maneuver suddenly to avoid them!

I don't know what I'd say to a motorist if I was drafting them at 40km/h+ and slammed into their rear bumper at full speed. I'd probably ask them to call an ambulance.

In all my years of driving and riding I can honestly say I don't think I have ever seen a bicyclist hold the lane in front of faster same direction traffic. So in their defense I can understand why some drivers think we are doing something wrong by being in their way. More training is in order.

I read this as more cyclist education is needed. When narrow lanes are all that is available most cyclist I observe will take sidewalk or ride dangerously close to curb. (6" away, cranks just about touching)
The more folks that do it, the less unusual=wrong it will become.

Al

Now that I actually ride in the lane whenever necessary, I'm actually quite surprised that I have so few problems with vehicles from behind, considering (or because of) the fact that it is something that is virtually unheard of, at least in my area.

I knew someone would bring this up... as if to imply that the cyclists are not riding in the proper VC fashion or have the proper lane position.

The main arterial that is closest to my neighborhood is a 35 MPH road with parking along the sides and no bike lanes. The best way to handle that road is to take a lane, well outside of the parked car door zone, preferably in the right tire track or a bit further to the center. There is no safer, nor legal, manner to better ride this road.

So why at about 9 AM on a quiet Sunday with virtually no other traffic on this 6 lane road (3 lanes either way) and with me riding legally and properly in the manner I just described, does the only other vehicle on the road come up behind me and honk? The other same direction lanes were empty. This has happened more then once... it is not an isolated incident. It is not the same motorist. But the action is the same.

There is no call for a honk, and any other motorist coming up behind any other motor vehicle moving slow, would most likely simply move over to the left.

But this has not been the case on the multiple occasions that this has occured to me.... and no doubt will continue to occur, as I ride that road, to my neighborhood, often.

I confronted one motorist that did this to me. His response: "you were not over to the right far enough... "

Far enough for what? And why was he not over to the left "far enough?" Two empty lanes to his left... but he chose to come up behind me and honk.

Can you explain it? Can anybody?

Your a wee cyclist Gene. A fly on the road.
Its easier to intimidate someone who can be approached (no windows)
Drivers get bored and need action/confrontation to keep their buzz going.
Al

Your a wee cyclist Gene. A fly on the road.
Its easier to intimidate someone who can be approached (no windows)
Drivers get bored and need action/confrontation to keep their buzz going.
Al

I ain't so "wee" mate. I weigh in at about 200 lbs... that one driver I mentioned that I confronted was very hesitant to get out of his car...

But had no problem honking at me from the comfort of his padded seat.

It is amazing what folks will do when wrapped in about 3000 pounds of metal.

I do confront motorists and have heard everything from "you should be on the sidewalk" to "you were not over far enough to the right" to "you should ride like those other bicycle people... " (those shirking over to the curb), to "bikes are supposed to get outta the way."

Never ceases to amaze me. Tells me that some motorists just don't have a clue.

On the plus side, I believe these motorists were all of an older (my age) generation or older... perhaps they are a dying breed...

I ain't so "wee" mate. I weigh in at about 200 lbs... that one driver I mentioned that I confronted was very hesitant to get out of his car...

But had no problem honking at me from the comfort of his padded seat.

It is amazing what folks will do when wrapped in about 3000 pounds of metal.

I do confront motorists and have heard everything from "you should be on the sidewalk" to "you were not over far enough to the right" to "you should ride like those other bicycle people... " (those shirking over to the curb), to "bikes are supposed to get outta the way."

Never ceases to amaze me. Tells me that some motorists just don't have a clue.

On the plus side, I believe these motorists were all of an older (my age) generation or older... perhaps they are a dying breed...
I guess I forgot the ;) after my comments.
I wish I could constructively confront motorists who treat me wrong - but the chance has only happened once - more usually they are long gone after harrassing me.
Round here it is all generation that harass, mostly though in the 20-35 yr. range.
Al

I read this as more cyclist education is needed. When narrow lanes are all that is available most cyclist I observe will take sidewalk or ride dangerously close to curb. (6" away, cranks just about touching)
The more folks that do it, the less unusual=wrong it will become.

Al

Yes, more cyclist education is needed for sure. But since many (most?) motorists if asked would say that a cyclist blocking a lane from faster motor traffic is illegal or improper, then we need more training with them also.

This past weekend I came to a stop in the right lane behind two cars already stopped at a light. Mr. pickup truck came up behind me honking like crazy. The light was still red and he couldn't even go if I wasn't there, but it didn't matter, because to him bikes just don't belong on the road, period. I think training motorists of our rights would go a long way to preventing some of this type of attitude. Still, of the two I would agree cyclist training to be more effective, but we should be able to do better at both.

I guess I forgot the ;) after my comments.
I wish I could constructively confront motorists who treat me wrong - but the chance has only happened once - more usually they are long gone after harrassing me.
Round here it is all generation that harass, mostly though in the 20-35 yr. range.
Al

No problem Al... I took it as a bit of humor... with a message still embedded.

Harassment is one thing... I don't view this as harassment. Harassment is kids yelling, motorists throwing things, reving engines, doorings... that sort of thing.

Motorists just acting like "they think they own the road but not having a clue" is something else all together.

I don't bother with harassers, as they are simply miscreatants beyond immediate control. (still a PITA though).

But motorists that think they are right when they are clearly wrong... they need education... and apparently it is us cyclists that have to remind them of the laws (which they either do not know, or have forgotten).

The other difference is that harassers tend to drive away quickly... knowing they have done wrong and needing to escape their crimes.

"Uneducated motorists" don't tend to drive off... feeling that they are right and you are wrong... they can be approached... although they still may believe that "cyclists do not belong on the road."

Edit: There are people that I won't approach however... like the wild haired screaching woman that laid on her horn and yelled repeatedly out the window of her beat up old car... I had a feeling she was already "well out of touch."

Then there was the woman that yelled at me through her closed window and beat on her steering wheel... that was classic... I didn't go near her either. Scary, but classic.