Living Car Free - Surprised we're not angry ?

Why aren't we more militant?

I gave up my car three years ago and do all my errands by bike, now with the most excellent Bob trailer. I've successfully, so far, incorporated biking into my lifestyle. Luckily in one regard I live in an urban setting that provides most all things necessary handily, unfortunately this same region has probably the most unfriendly and aggressive drivers around; the DC area. There are lots of reasons for obnoxious drivers floated; international city, lots of third world types ( being on bikes is perceived as a sign of poverty [the same mentality that frowns on dogs as household members.]), lots of illegal drivers (many illegal immigrants,) lots of taxis driven by the same pool of people, and lots of indiginous first generation drivers, and we have a disproportionate amount of elderly people driving immediately around my neighborhood.

With so few exceptions that completely escape me, there is always some potentially dangerous confrontation ( for me, initially) on almost every ride. I try to categorize these, as they happen into two categories; One, general idiots disrespecting my right to share the road, and Two, commercial parasites that endanger me while they are profiting from my infrastructure. I hold this second group to a higher 'professional' standard and deal with them more aggressively.

Lately, and this is the call of the subject question: How to deal with Gas Guzzling "Road Owning" Private Citizens in huge SUVs that are the real reason we're in such dire environmental, economic, and fossil fuel consumption straits? Though I embrace my new lifestyle, sometimes it seems difficult to accept on a rainy or very hot day the airconditioned and dry selfish are thrusting this new lifestyle upon me. This while they are cutting me off, racing me to intersections, backing into me, talking on their cell phones is especially vexing. Injury to insult, in many regards.

Anyone else feel this way? Is it only me?

Well maybe some are less angry because they hate fewer groups of people than you seem to. Dude, take a pill....

Because being militant doesn't work.

Look how you're reacting to agressive drivers. You don't like it. Do you think you would give up your car because of agressive cyclists? Nope. Not likely!!

Agression and anger is not the answer.

However, if you'd like to associate with some who think it is, check out the Death and Destruction forum, some of them will be right there with you. :D

I think it may be you. There are idiot/angry/bitter drivers everywhere, not just DC, and there are a lot of idiot/angry/bitter cyclists, too. Their unpleasantness isn't directed at you personally, but at everyone in their path, so it's a waste of energy to take it as an invitation to confrontation.

And by the way, I got lost on my bike in the suburbs the other day, and a very nice immigrant from Africa drove his SUV more than a mile out his way to show me the way to a road I was looking for. (This was about three minutes after a Chinese lady in another SUV refused to even acknowledge my existence when I asked her for directions, though.)

"Lately, and this is the call of the subject question: How to deal with Gas Guzzling "Road Owning" Private Citizens in huge SUVs that are the real reason we're in such dire environmental, economic, and fossil fuel consumption straits?" -- daibutsu

I know how you feel. On my commute, to some extent, I just try to take the road less traveled, the one with fewer polluting vehicles. Also, if you feel you can safely do so, take the sidewalk at times. I take the sidewalk, when I feel that the traffic is going to be too tight. Neither the Danish nor the Dutch ride that fast on their commutes, a slower pace may be less stress-invoking, and perhaps merit consideration.:)

Like you, daibutsu, (and I may well be a lot like you) I hate the air-polluting, global-warming SUVs. But, take heart, with gasoline prices what they are, the number of SUVs should sharply diminish.:)

There's no reason to get angry or militant. It won't do anything positive and it will just increase my stress level. Besides, there aren't that many idiots on the road around here. In fact, I haven't found too many obnoxious motorists in most of the places where I've cycled.

I'm trying to train myself to just say "bah!" when somebody does something stupid and go on riding. I can't necessarily relate to giant mobs of traffic - but riding a bike is too awesome to let someone be a dickhead.

I'm trying to train myself to just say "bah!" when somebody does something stupid and go on riding.

Smiling and waving works well. Or just simply igoring them. :)

There's no reason to get angry or militant. It won't do anything positive and it will just increase my stress level. Besides, there aren't that many idiots on the road around here. In fact, I haven't found too many obnoxious motorists in most of the places where I've cycled.

Same here. I remind myself that there are at least a thousand decent motorists for every JAM I encounter. I admit that I often yell at the JAMs, but I'm not proud of this.

I think some riders (like me, sometimes) who encounter a lot of JAMs might be putting out some negative vibes of their own. We can blame it on geography, but the real answer might be closer at hand. Sometimes it's hard for me to be assertive without being aggressive, but this is something I try to work on. Maybe I'll get some help from this thread?

Militant doesn't work when you're grossly outnumbered/outweighted/outpowered, as bikes are vs. cars.

Angry comes in when someone gets inside the legal 3-foot zone, and usually results in mutual sign language.

Anger doesn't usually last long on the bike -- I'm having too much fun! but I WILL give somebody the chain treatment if they continue crowding me....

guilty pleasure i try not to do often: kicking in the side mirror whilst theyre cutting me off.

i'll be honest; it feels good to do something like that. whether i like it or not, i build up a lot of negativity towards car drivers.

i have a general animosity towards car drivers.

btw, im 6+ years car free.

Harassing people who are lawfully operating a legal vehicle will not bring you any results.
If the SUV group needs to change (to please you) you need to get politically involved
and help put pressure on their use.

Smiling and waving works well. Or just simply igoring them. :)

Count me with the assertive but non-agressive group. I find that as the car-free years roll past I get more calm. It took a while for that go-go car oriented mentality to fade. When I first began transportational biking I always pedaled at the fastest pace I could and that old car oriented "Get outa my way." mentality was still there. I also didn't like it when other bikers would pass me. Reading the original post made me realize that my attitude has changed and cycling and life in general is more pleasant. If a roadie pulls up behind me I don't notch up the pace I just coast for a few seconds and let him/her have a clean pass.

Because being militant doesn't work.

Look how you're reacting to agressive drivers. You don't like it. Do you think you would give up your car because of agressive cyclists? Nope. Not likely!!

Agression and anger is not the answer.

However, if you'd like to associate with some who think it is, check out the Death and Destruction forum, some of them will be right there with you. :D

+1!

True, the automobile has caused many of our environmental problems. And while we choose to ride our bikes or take the bus, drivers sit in their air-conditioned cars and listen to their music and talk on their phones. It's okay to be angry about that; all feelings are valid, after all.

But the best way to promote the car-lite and car-free lifestyles is to chill out and show the general public that not only is this lifestyle doable, it's enjoyable.

Car-free comes out of the barrel of a gun!






:rolleyes:

You have nothing to lube but your chains!

(old BF saying)

Why aren't we more militant?

Anyone else feel this way? Is it only me?

That which shrinks
Must first expand.
That which fails
Must first be strong.
That which is cast down
Must first be raised.
Before receiving
There must be giving.
This is called perception of the nature of things.
Soft and weak overcome hard and strong.

Lao Tsu

The next step grasshopper is to overcome your militancy, open your hand and soften your stance. Then you will be ready to deal with traffic.

Being angry at how things are doesn't change the world and just bothers you making you less able to deal with the situation.

Think of SUVs as those that are raised. They will be cast down.

Non-aggressive here, I really feel that other than the rare moron yelling at me from his car anti-bike stuff. I have no more encounters with other drivers than when I used to drive, infact maybe less since I can't ride my bike on the freeways in the city and that's where it seems most rude driving occurs. I get occasionaly stirred up by a rude driver and catch them at the next light, more of a game really, usually the sprint to the light burned off the stress. Plus you never know what kind of psycho could be behind the wheel. I just pray I don't get killed or crash, I really don't sweat the idiots of the world otherwise I would go nuts.

Harassing people who are lawfully operating a legal vehicle will not bring you any results.

Whoa... who'da thunk it... :thumb:

daibutsu, as a fellow District rider, I have to say.. it's just you. Well, not only you, as I'm aware of others that share your sentiment (after all, this is probably the most liberal, protester-filled city this side of Berkeley ;)), but it's really not as bad as you think.

I can't blame the drivers too much, either, since the city layout isn't conducive to getting somewhere easily. Penn Ave SE, for example, has three lanes in either direction, but effectively becomes a one-lane road when it's busy -- no dedicated left turn lane, so left-turning drivers get stuck in the main lanes; and, because of limited parking in the area, chronic double parking on the right when people stop because they're "just going to be a minute", ignorant of the fact that they'll be blocking two hundred motorists during that single minute.

Even without any cyclists, driving here is aggravating. Cyclists really have nothing to do with creating the problem.

The SUV owners aren't ignorant of their plight, believe me. Most of them would sell theirs if they could -- but nobody's buying them, either. They can't sell to recoup some cash, so they can't afford a new, fuel-efficient vehicle. For now, they're SOL, and they know it.

Yes, the city is loaded with self-absorbed sonsab!tches, whether they're intent on changing the world, looking for handouts, or hoarding as much as they can. Yes, I have trouble trusting whatever my building's residents say to me merely because I'm on their condo board and feel like a political pawn.

But those are their problems. I just ride past 'em.

Count me with the assertive but non-agressive group. I find that as the car-free years roll past I get more calm. It took a while for that go-go car oriented mentality to fade. When I first began transportational biking I always pedaled at the fastest pace I could and that old car oriented "Get outa my way." mentality was still there. I also didn't like it when other bikers would pass me. Reading the original post made me realize that my attitude has changed and cycling and life in general is more pleasant. If a roadie pulls up behind me I don't notch up the pace I just coast for a few seconds and let him/her have a clean pass.

O man... I started out just like this too! :roflmao2: subconsciously racing other riders, cars, or the clock for no reason :lol: . Maybe you just get caught up in the pace of the road you are on? I am finally learning to take it down a notch, enjoy my small commute and errand runs, not be tired after any little ride. Definitely learning from the more seasoned Car-free people/commuters, chillin out and havin a blast!

Who would have thought... Maybe life at a slow pace is more enjoyable? The American way seems to be at top speed these days. I remember a saying, something like, "Don't let life pass you by". For some odd reason I feel like it needs to be switched around, "Don't pass by your life"...

-Grant
P.S. The finger is great but the smile and wave or peace sign is a lot funnier! More effective anyway, especially if you don't mean it... Being a smartass can be fun :D.

I stay pretty cool. I had one incident where I was moving through downtown cross-traffic. There was a stop sign at every intersection on that side street and I was moving about 10-15 mph tops between them. A huge SUV comes in behind me and proceeds to honk over and over again, trying to muscle pass. It's too narrow to let them pass. And the punchline is the light at the main road ahead is red anyway so we finally get there they get to my left and have to sit for two minutes. I did give them the finger, I must admit. In hindsight I should have just gotten in behind them and rang my bell over and over again.

You have to remember, all drivers are idiots. Even smart people become idiots behind the wheel. They see a bicycle and think they have to pass immediately. But there's usually poetic justice. I remember one idiot who insisted on shooting past me when I was cruising at 20 down a side street. He immediately blew the stop sign and skidded on ice sideways into the ditch! That was a thing of pure and absolute beauty.

P.S. The finger is great but the smile and wave or peace sign is a lot funnier! More effective anyway, especially if you don't mean it... Being a smartass can be fun :D.

I've experienced the following situation several times ...

I'm cycling along a road without a shoulder. A vehicle passes me slowly, and the person honks and gives me the finger. I smile and wave. The person waves the finger around to make sure I see it. I smile and wave like this person is my best buddy. The person gestures violently with the finger. I grin widely and wave like I'm having a great time. The person ... slowly ... waves back at me ... with the whole hand, not just one finger. It's great!! :D

Why aren't we more militant?

I gave up my car three years ago and do all my errands by bike, now with the most excellent Bob trailer.

Excellent Bob trailer?

I've used...

A bob
Burley flatbed
Burley Nomad
Bikes at work model 96

I can say with 100% certainty that the BOB is a worthless novelty and not worthy to be pulled behind any bicycle.

This is what militant behavior gets you -- hopefully you'll have a witness with a video camera.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7060425

When I get mad at motorists I console myself by counting the "For Sale" signs on cars parked on the side of the road. Usually I'll be laughing within 5 minutes.

Why aren't we more militant?

It's the endorphins from all that exercise. :giver:

When I get mad at motorists I console myself by counting the "For Sale" signs on cars parked on the side of the road. Usually I'll be laughing within 5 minutes.
I've been noticing that more and more often. The cars and trucks for sale are normally the large ones which cost a lot to run. I also find myself either laughing or shrugging my shoulders when I see a Hummer or other large SUV go by. It's got to hurt every time the driver has to fill up.

When I get mad, for the next couple miles I can't ride as well and I get winded easily. It seems like the anger saps my strength. Has anybody else experienced this?

When I get mad, for the next couple miles I can't ride as well and I get winded easily. It seems like the anger saps my strength. Has anybody else experienced this?

Yep ... when I get mad, I shake (same as when I'm scared out of my wits). If I get really angry, I'm too busy shaking to ride well. So ... I try not to get angry. Last thing I want is for someone or something to spoil my ride. :)

Adrenaline reaction.....it's normal.

When I get mad, for the next couple miles I can't ride as well and I get winded easily. It seems like the anger saps my strength. Has anybody else experienced this?

Actually, when I get angry, the opposite occurs: I acquire superhuman strength and endurance, until I get to the object of my rage. And then, surrounded by glass and steel and a really large engine, they laugh and drive away.

To be honest, I very rarely get all that worked up any more. The vast majority of motorists mean me no harm, and even those few motorists who give me a hard time do so mostly out of frustration over a situation that has nothing to do with me. In four years of car-free life, I've encountered exactly one person who tried to hurt me on purpose, and even then, being angry and confrontational turned out to be a silly response. The best response, by far, is simply to blow it off and carry on with your day cheerfully, which, on a bike, generally isn't that hard.

Actually, when I get angry, the opposite occurs: I acquire superhuman strength and endurance, until I get to the object of my rage.....

.... and then your skin turns green and your muscles get so big that they rip your clothing.

:roflmao2:

I don't think cars will go completely away for a long time (if ever). The good thing I see about the influx of bicyclists is that if that guy gets back in his car, he will be able to understand the cyclist he encounters. :)

I've always thought I was a good, safe driver, but I know I've become a more accommodating driver for bicycles, after I starting riding a bike.

Well, I feel angry too. We're doing our bit and other people are not. Anything wrong at being pissed about that? Doesn't mean that I'm going to take it out on individual drivers.

Think I'll go read some Gloria Steinhem

Well, I feel angry too. We're doing our bit and other people are not. Anything wrong at being pissed about that?
People ride bikes for any number of reasons including fitness, environmental concerns, saving money and more. Nothing wrong with any of those reasons, but they should be secondary. Ride a bike because you take pleasure in cycling and you'll find it's hard to get angry.

Well, I feel angry too. We're doing our bit and other people are not. Anything wrong at being pissed about that?

Just that it wastes your time. And time is all you have. Your anger won't change them, but it will change you. Do you really want to go where it leads?

.... and then your skin turns green and your muscles get so big that they rip your clothing.

:roflmao2:

Actually, I had an opportunity to confront a motorist only today. A guy almost hit me in a grocery store parking lot, and then had the nerve to honk and tell me to use the sidewalk, even though he was clearly at fault. I got kind of irritated, and followed him so I could give him a piece of my mind, and I could have caught up with him, too, because he was at a stop sign, waiting in line. And then, I suddenly decided it wasn't really worth all the negative energy, let it go, and went and did my grocery shopping. A year ago, maybe two, that wouldn't have happened.

Just that it wastes your time. And time is all you have. Your anger won't change them, but it will change you. Do you really want to go where it leads?

+1. This is one of the wisest things I've seen on this forum.

Just that it wastes your time. And time is all you have. Your anger won't change them, but it will change you. Do you really want to go where it leads?

;)
http://www.dancewithshadows.com/media/images/anakin-skywalker.jpg

"Actually, I had an opportunity to confront a motorist only today. A guy almost hit me in a grocery store parking lot, and then had the nerve to honk and tell me to use the sidewalk, even though he was clearly at fault. I got kind of irritated, and followed him so I could give him a piece of my mind, and I could have caught up with him, too, because he was at a stop sign, waiting in line. And then, I suddenly decided it wasn't really worth all the negative energy, let it go, and went and did my grocery shopping. A year ago, maybe two, that wouldn't have happened."

Thats why he did it again: promote good deads, punish the bad. Why would he change if unaware? Normally I couldn't care; but 2,000 pounds driven around by idiots, unrealizing, unaware, selfish, on the phone, putting on makeup, adjusting the air cond, (fill in the blanks). The next biker he runs over will be maybe ther first he sees.

Yesterday, commuting home a guy cut me off twice!!! I saw where he was going and punctured two of his tires, And left my calling card " Courtesy is contagious!!! So is being an *******!!!!"

Yesterday, commuting home a guy cut me off twice!!! I saw where he was going and punctured two of his tires, And left my calling card " Courtesy is contagious!!! So is being an *******!!!!"

Oh, very mature.

Your name and address, please, so we can notify the authorities who to pick up for vandalism and property damage?

Please don't ride a bicycle anymore if that is going to be the way you act. You give cyclists a very bad name.

"Actually, I had an opportunity to confront a motorist only today. A guy almost hit me in a grocery store parking lot, and then had the nerve to honk and tell me to use the sidewalk, even though he was clearly at fault. I got kind of irritated, and followed him so I could give him a piece of my mind, and I could have caught up with him, too, because he was at a stop sign, waiting in line. And then, I suddenly decided it wasn't really worth all the negative energy, let it go, and went and did my grocery shopping. A year ago, maybe two, that wouldn't have happened."

Thats why he did it again: promote good deads, punish the bad. Why would he change if unaware? Normally I couldn't care; but 2,000 pounds driven around by idiots, unrealizing, unaware, selfish, on the phone, putting on makeup, adjusting the air cond, (fill in the blanks). The next biker he runs over will be maybe ther first he sees.

Yesterday, commuting home a guy cut me off twice!!! I saw where he was going and punctured two of his tires, And left my calling card " Courtesy is contagious!!! So is being an *******!!!!"

Let me get this straight: you vandalized a guy's car because he cut you off? And then you left behind clues as to who punctured his tires, and why? How does this criminal behavior possibly promote bicycling in any way at all, or "educate" the driver in question? Because of you, that driver has an even worse opinion of bicyclists than he did before. I agree with Machka: please stop riding bikes right now. You're not only a menace to drivers, you're a danger to the rest of the cyclists out there.

Yesterday, commuting home a guy cut me off twice!!!

Seriously, explain this "cut me off" thing. What, exactly, happened?

And answer this: Were you riding in his blind spot?


Oh, very mature.

Your name and address, please, so we can notify the authorities who to pick up for vandalism and property damage?

Please don't ride a bicycle anymore if that is going to be the way you act. You give cyclists a very bad name.

+1

Thats why he did it again: promote good deads, punish the bad. Why would he change if unaware? Normally I couldn't care; but 2,000 pounds driven around by idiots, unrealizing, unaware, selfish, on the phone, putting on makeup, adjusting the air cond, (fill in the blanks). The next biker he runs over will be maybe ther first he sees.

Yesterday, commuting home a guy cut me off twice!!! I saw where he was going and punctured two of his tires, And left my calling card " Courtesy is contagious!!! So is being an *******!!!!"
It's not our job as cyclists to correct or punish bad drivers. If you've got a problem with a motorist, get the license number and report it to the police.

It's not our job as cyclists to correct or punish bad drivers. If you've got a problem with a motorist, get the license number and report it to the police.

So they can do...what?

I reported a truck last year that cut me off, quick-left in front of me -- trust me when I say an 8" disc brake WILL stop you FAST! -- and drove on as if nothing had happened while I picked up pieces of myself off the pavement. The cop who took the report, while seeming to be concerned, said there was nothing he could do, he didn't witness the accident. (And I say accident, even though no vehicle-to-vehicle contact was made, because I was slightly injured as a result of his actions)

If the cops won't do what's needed when I call them, they better not come looking for me when i take care of it myself.

I just smile and wave and call out, 'God bless you,' to horn tooters and finger waggers.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa276/Sianelleofavelorn/NunOnBike2.jpg

I'm not annoyed by much, but young drivers infuriate me. Not because what they do, but who they are. They are fit, they are healthy, they are muscular, yet they are freaking lazy.

I'm 20 and one of my colleagues in particular annoys me. He's ripped, when we were once lifting something, we had two guys on one side of the bench and him by himself on the other. But how does he get around? A 4-wheel drive!!! I could just imagine him powering it on a bike, but he's happy to aneasthetize his muscles and let fossil fuels do the work for him.

At uni, we have so many perfectly capable 19 year olds getting to uni by car. Guys that are strong, guys that could beat you in a fight. I thought the feminist movement was supposed to give women the right to work. I don't see girls working these days, they shop they drive, and they sit in an office all day. By those standards many men don't work either.

Getting around by bike is one of the last opportunities we have to physically control our environment. To show ourselves that I did this with blood and sweat. Daibutsu I don't think we should be militants, but yes we should have a right to get angry that humanity is missing this opportunity to put in physical effort for something.

I'm not annoyed by much, but young drivers infuriate me. Not because what they do, but who they are. They are fit, they are healthy, they are muscular, yet they are freaking lazy.

I'm 20 and one of my colleagues in particular annoys me. He's ripped, when we were once lifting something, we had two guys on one side of the bench and him by himself on the other. But how does he get around? A 4-wheel drive!!! I could just imagine him powering it on a bike, but he's happy to aneasthetize his muscles and let fossil fuels do the work for him.

At uni, we have so many perfectly capable 19 year olds getting to uni by car. Guys that are strong, guys that could beat you in a fight. I thought the feminist movement was supposed to give women the right to work. I don't see girls working these days, they shop they drive, and they sit in an office all day. By those standards many men don't work either.

Getting around by bike is one of the last opportunities we have to physically control our environment. To show ourselves that I did this with blood and sweat. Daibutsu I don't think we should be militants, but yes we should have a right to get angry that humanity is missing this opportunity to put in physical effort for something.

Don't worry, those ripped friends of yours will be flaccid and paunchy before too many years go by. I had/have friends like those you describe when I was younger, and many of them couldn't even run up a couple of flights of stairs by the time they were 30.