Commuting - nothing but cool drivers this morning

On the positive side of the cyclist/driver interactions

I had 2 instances today where drivers had a chance to cut me off with right turn onto a side street (I'm riding in the bike lane) In one case the really had plenty of time and in the other case it was iffy.

Both drivers waited until I passed them (on right in bike lane) and then made their turns.

I am visible (2 rear blinkies, front blinking headlight, bright green frame, khakis and today a bright red shirt.

And I in return, moved as far left as I could and waved right hand turn drivers, who were patiently waiting, through...indicating that they had plenty of room.

We focus on the often negative interactions, so it is good to remember there ar postive interactions

OT but I just spent the weekend in your nice town!

OT but I just spent the weekend in your nice town!

OT also...but am thinking about going close to SB...el capitan canyon.

OT as well, i love bright green bikes.


i had a few instances where cars passed me in order to cut me off with a right turn. one did it and i had to stop pedaling in order to not hit them, but it wasn't necessary to brake, and the other they realized they couldn't so they slowed down again and i passed them.

usually people are cool about that here, but i guess they all moved down to san jose for the week or something.

I had 2 instances today where drivers had a chance to cut me off with right turn onto a side street (I'm riding in the bike lane) In one case the really had plenty of time and in the other case it was iffy.

Both drivers waited until I passed them (on right in bike lane) and then made their turns.


Positive would have been if they hadn't passed you in the first place.

I would also never pass on right with assumption that driver saw and was waiting for me. If they are inconsiderate enough to pass me just before their turn with potential to cut me off their judgment can't be trusted.

I didn't give this driver the opportunity to be 'positive' No way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7jKckRlwV0

Oh look, another considerate driver, stopping just in time to let me pass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_iibXnV4AU

I've had drivers stop ahead of me, appeared to be waiting, then went RIGHT WHEN I WAS THERE! I do not trust drivers. Even the ones that say they saw and still passed close? I had, for the first time in a while, a driver wait BEHIND me to turn right into a driveway. That is what they are supposed to do. Considerate drivers are out there, but them passing and then "waiting" isn't safe for anyone. Glad you made it safely.

:rolleyes:That didn't take long.

I rode all the way to work and back yesterday without anyone honking or throwing something at me or cutting me off.

Pretty much like every day this week. :)

Glad to hear it. I get angry at the motorists sometimes just like everyone else. But they're not all that bad, mostly. More trouble is caused me by cars who don't really know how to handle an interaction with a bicycle than is caused by malice. Our society should tackle this problem, of course. But I don't suppose we ought to hold our breath.

But you are correct in acknowledging the positive.

II had, for the first time in a while, a driver wait BEHIND me to turn right into a driveway. That is what they are supposed to do. It may not have been the first time. These drivers are least conspicuous ones - they never pass you, so unless you happen to look back just as they're behind you, you won't even know they did the right thing. I know a lot of drivers I encounter do exactly the right thing in such a situation. In fact, sometimes they follow behind me for more than a few seconds, and I keep looking behind and start wondering why the hell they are not passing... and then I finally see them make their right turn.

Like noisebeam, I'd very wary of passing on the right of any car that just passed me and slowed down. I will do it, but with a lot of caution, and I really won't appreciate the situation. These drivers gain nothing by passing me, if they're going to wait for me to proceed anyway, so why pass in the first place? That only slows everyone down more, since I have to now make sure they're not about to turn into me before I pass them again.

Well, I should have been more specific, it was at a particular driveway that it is a rarity(on Park Blvd at the Henry's). That one seems to be a trouble spot (other routes have their own issues). Today, I had yet another easy, no-hassle commute. I guess it was the excitement. You see, tomorrow (7-31) I will be leaving on the train to head to Vancouver, BC to start an eight day bicycle tour.

I also have to agree, most actions by drivers are not in malice, just ignorance. Still, either way it can cause great injury or death if they or we screw up. "I didn't see you" or "I'm so sorry" doesn't quite do it in those cases. Sort of like what Homer once said - "Sorry doesn't put thumbs back on hands, Marge!"