Living Car Free - Best way to deal with aggressive drivers?

Even a few years ago, when drivers gave me grief, intentional or not, I responded immediately and forcefully, not at all hesitant to confront anyone who told me to get on the sidewalk. I like to think that I've evolved into a more non-confrontational cyclist more recently, not letting the stupidity or ignorance of others ruin my day, but I think the newer, mellower me has more to do with the fact that fewer drivers have been giving me a hard time lately. Yesterday, a guy in an SUV passed way too close and gave me the finger as he passed, and, instead of ignoring him in zen-like fashion, I gave the finger in return without hesitation, just like the good old days. He then stopped and asked me what my f***ing problem was, riding in the middle of the lane, and I responded by asking him why he thought he needed two lanes, fat a**hole. And so on. It was not my finest hour.

Anyway, how do you deal with aggressive motorists? Do you confront them? Take the high road and ignore them? Cower in fear before the 2nd law of motion? (I've done all three.)

All three, depending on mood and circumstance. I try to avoid the confrontations these days, they rarely do any good and the driver is in a vehicle weighing rather more than I do.

When I was young and immortal, on one occasion I pursued the ****** into a roundabout and pounded on his roof while he couldn't drive fast enough to escape me. These days I try to maintain a more dignified aloofness.

All three, depending on mood and circumstance. I try to avoid the confrontations these days, they rarely do any good and the driver is in a vehicle weighing rather more than I do.

When I was young and immortal, on one occasion I pursued the ****** into a roundabout and pounded on his roof while he couldn't drive fast enough to escape me. These days I try to maintain a more dignified aloofness.

Pretty much what I do...or try to... Last altercation with a motorist was as a pedestrian, I was waiting for the walk light, which in this case comes on about 30 seconds ahead of the car signals, get the walk light and an asshat tries to make an illegal RTOR over me. I planted my steel toed work boot in the passenger side door of his pretty black Escalade, he slams on the brakes and jumps out. Funny thing was he backed down when he saw about a dozen college students standing around with the cellphones out taping the whole thing. :D I told him to feel free to call the cops that I had plenty of witnesses to provide backup. I did turn his tag number into the campus police, turns out they not only knew who he was but he was on their "list". :eek:

Aaron :)

Since I began videoing my commutes with front/rear cams, my frustration level while bicycle commuting has diminished considerably. I still have a quick temper, and sometimes I'll resort to a quick gesture, but nothing on the scale before videoing. Generally, I have enough video evidence to report an aggressive motorist, but I now save my phone calls to local law enforcement for what I would consider as an extremely aggressive/dangerous motorist versus a motorist being an asshat.

Yesterday, a motorist cut a corner(dog leg in the roadway) and extended their mirror into the bike lane that I was riding in, nothing close to some of the mirror passes that I've had in the past, and I just waved at them to let them know that I was there along side them, riding in the bike lane.

I just wave to motorists that honk in anger. The ones that spook me are the people who pass so close that they nearly hit me, and they are totally unaware they are doing something wrong.

I just wave to motorists that honk in anger..........

I neither smile, wave, or make any response to motorists that honk in anger, from personal experience, it just infuriates them even more if I did. I either move to/stop at the side of the road when it's safe to do so, or ready myself for any evasive action that I may have to take.

A regular customer who comes into the shop was recently told he would be fired if he cusses out another driver who buzzes him when he is out riding. Every time he gets in trouble for this he is out of uniform and not on the property of his employer (a yuppie resort/hotel) They just happened to recognize him as working there.

Such a shame that the man being punished is the victim, the person who comes close enough to hit him that it pisses him off usually get a sorry and possibly "given something for their troubles"

It sucks because he is a super friendly guy who just happens to be a little slow and he came in asking for advise on handling the situation and he just said a few times "I just dont want to get hit by another car" Sad world indeed.

Responding with aggression will only encourage them or get you in trouble, smiling and waving probably does the same, ignoring them will do nothing. There is no winning this battle. We really need the 3 foot law to actually be enforced. People keep doing this because they do not get punished for their actions. It is the same reason bike theft is horrible in this city, the police do not care so these people keep getting away with their actions.

A regular customer who comes into the shop was recently told he would be fired if he cusses out another driver who buzzes him when he is out riding.........


I'd start handing out resumes', since the employer is more concerned about their personal business image than the employee's safety.

I'd start handing out resumes', since the employer is more concerned about their personal business image than the employee's safety.

Normally I would agree entirely, although when someone is a little slow not only is it hard to find work but even harder to find someone who pays fairly. Sadly it seems most companies out there are more concerned with their image than their employees.

I blast the AirZound if I can get to it in time. My HOPE is that the driver realizes someone is calling him (usually a him) out on doing something stupid or dangerous but that's probably wishful thinking...

If someone honks from behind, I'll give a don't pass hand (palm facing back) and switch to 1 finger (pointer finger) signalling like "just a second". I figure it's not a bad thing to show that I'm aware of other road users, an example that they should follow...there's that wishful thinking again.

Even a few years ago, when drivers gave me grief, intentional or not, I responded immediately and forcefully, not at all hesitant to confront anyone who told me to get on the sidewalk. I like to think that I've evolved into a more non-confrontational cyclist more recently, not letting the stupidity or ignorance of others ruin my day, but I think the newer, mellower me has more to do with the fact that fewer drivers have been giving me a hard time lately. Yesterday, a guy in an SUV passed way too close and gave me the finger as he passed, and, instead of ignoring him in zen-like fashion, I gave the finger in return without hesitation, just like the good old days. He then stopped and asked me what my f***ing problem was, riding in the middle of the lane, and I responded by asking him why he thought he needed two lanes, fat a**hole. And so on. It was not my finest hour.

Anyway, how do you deal with aggressive motorists? Do you confront them? Take the high road and ignore them? Cower in fear before the 2nd law of motion? (I've done all three.)

You're going to get all sorts of responses to this question depending on how much the testoterone the poster has that day.

However, IMO the best thing to do is yield the road to the cager since he is larger then you are on the road.

If stopped quietly stand your ground with your best poker face.

If hands are laid on you......waste the bastard!

Normally I would agree entirely, although when someone is a little slow not only is it hard to find work but even harder to find someone who pays fairly. Sadly it seems most companies out there are more concerned with their image than their employees.

I'd still start handing out resumes', and at least see what my options are. If one's employment status is hanging by a thread, it's best to at least get a jump start on future employment since one could join the ranks of the unemployed rather unexpectedly.

I'd still start handing out resumes', and at least see what my options are. If one's employment status is hanging by a thread, it's best to at least get a jump start on future employment since one could join the ranks of the unemployed rather unexpectedly.
This is true. It is a shame that we will never be seen as the victim in cases like this, until we get hit, even then many are quick to blame cyclists. I guess my 8th grade science teacher was right "Life's a b**ch, then ya die"

having been shot at driving thru Colorado Springs after giving the finger, I decided the thumb or the OK circle is a much better option. the wave is nice also because it conveys a "I'm oblivious to your intention" and sends a positive reinforcement. the lesson here is stay the hell out of Colorado Springs!!!

if at all possible try not to ride in areas where there are no cars. <--- like duh... right?
try to ride at off hours? <-- more avoidance.

then there is Law. if its really crazy, you could simply use a helmet cam, then report it to police.

know your environment: I've been car free for about 8 years now, and as kid my dad and I did not own a car (during the 80's)
depending on the bike I'm riding; i.e. Cannondale CAAD10 with 58mm carbon wheels, in a 25mph zone... no brainer... simply go 25mph. I even do this kind of stuff in a 45mph zone on a descent, more than likely I can roll with traffic no problem. When the flats come up, I simply move over and let traffic flow by.

heavy traffic, during commute times... totally sucks. can be doggy at times.

I guess the best advice is to 100% learn your local traffic laws, and try as best to get an accurate view of how the infrastructure is laid out. engineering and law.

having been shot at driving thru Colorado Springs after giving the finger, I decided the thumb or the OK circle is a much better option. the wave is nice also because it conveys a "I'm oblivious to your intention" and sends a positive reinforcement. the lesson here is stay the hell out of Colorado Springs!!!
Really hope I do not get to experience that one. So far drivers here have been much better than when I lived in east TN. I try to avoid cussing people out or giving the finger but I do cave to temptation every now and then.

having been shot at driving thru Colorado Springs after giving the finger, I decided the thumb or the OK circle is a much better option. the wave is nice also because it conveys a "I'm oblivious to your intention" and sends a positive reinforcement. the lesson here is stay the hell out of Colorado Springs!!!

You are aware that the OK circle has different meanings? In some EU countries it means something totally different...

Aaron :)

I think the best answer is to get a face tattoo! Solves both problems, drivers won't be likely to mess with you, and no worries about ever having employment! :roflmao2:

You are aware that the OK circle has different meanings? In some EU countries it means something totally different...
Aaron :)

ya, I'll remember that the next time I cycle to Europe

having been shot at driving thru Colorado Springs after giving the finger, I decided the thumb or the OK circle is a much better option. the wave is nice also because it conveys a "I'm oblivious to your intention" and sends a positive reinforcement. the lesson here is stay the hell out of Colorado Springs!!!

Don't know what you did to piss the driver off that bad?? I ride Colorado Springs almost every day, use, city streets, bike lanes, trails etc. and it's actually "rare" that I get into any "problem" with a motorist. Yes, it does happen and there are times I wish they'd actually ticket a driver for that new 3 ft. to pass law, (WHAT A JOKE!!). I do try just to ignore them but I've stood my ground and lived to tell the tale also. I doubt it's worse here than any other med. size city. WE NEED more "bike lanes" and less "bike routes" here, the drivers seem to "basically" understand when there's a painted line but if not, they feel their required to use the whole road, SIGH! :(

I used to get upset about every little thing on the road, as if by my cursing and lecturing every driver out there I was going to actually change minds and get people to change their ways. Of course I learned quickly that wouldn't happen.

Now, if someone honks at me, I'm actually a little glad, since it means they at least saw me, and if a driver gets mad at me, I smile a little and remember that they're just miserable and I'm happy and healthy.

Don't know what you did

I was in car and let another driver know he was number one. I've only biked a few times in the Springs and didn't have any troubles.

Rx: Do you hunt for road bikes, or from them? :)

nothing personal, some of my best friends are roadies.

I used to get upset about every little thing on the road, as if by my cursing and lecturing every driver out there I was going to actually change minds and get people to change their ways. Of course I learned quickly that wouldn't happen.

Now, if someone honks at me, I'm actually a little glad, since it means they at least saw me, and if a driver gets mad at me, I smile a little and remember that they're just miserable and I'm happy and healthy.

This is how I also handle things these days, after about 10 years of commuting in un-bike-friendly Santa Fe. I still end up getting to where I need to go, happy that my trip there was like a carnival ride.

When someone honks at me to get out of their way, I just shake my head "no." That also seems to work.

I used to get upset about every little thing on the road, as if by my cursing and lecturing every driver out there I was going to actually change minds and get people to change their ways. Of course I learned quickly that wouldn't happen.

Now, if someone honks at me, I'm actually a little glad, since it means they at least saw me, and if a driver gets mad at me, I smile a little and remember that they're just miserable and I'm happy and healthy.
Great attitude... I'm trying to learn this. But I often end up talking to myself... the drivers certainly aren't listening.

I usually ride downtown and if there's any highschool kids or anyone just harassing me it's a ulock to their passenger side mirror. :x jk I've never done that. Most people don't give me any grief and a lot times I'm able to grab on to the rear of the car and get a free ride for atleast a block or two

What aggressive drivers.......Am I suppose to pay attention to them? I pay attention to doors and front wheels,I don't even know what's driving the car.

Yes, it's right position. Many cyclists take offence, have argue and even fight with stupid drivers. And discribe it on forums that it's not allowed to ride by our roads and it's fatally dangerous. I very calm and cold-blooded on a road. It's like computer game. The same thing I pay attension is to not commit a road accident. I never had argue with drivers and only looked at them by questionary-confused glance like 'What are you doing... Be careful.'.

I never had argue with drivers and only looked at them by questionary-confused glance like 'What are you doing... Be careful.'.

Yeah, me too. I've stared back incredulous at drivers, and they won't look you in the eye. They know they're wrong. I've never gestured or yelled at them, yet anyway.

Unless someone puts me in real danger, I'd just ignore. Luckily, I haven't had close ones on years.

I found that I get more upset if I try to react than if just ignore them. If I confront someone that can make me anxious for some time, if I ignore them, it wears off in seconds and I forget.

Like someone mentioned above: I won't teach them, I won't change them, there is no point getting all worked up. Get involved in advocacy if you want to make a change, otherwise just get to your destination safely.

I used to get upset..
Now, if someone honks at me, I'm actually a little glad, since it means they at least saw me, and if a driver gets mad at me, I smile a little and remember that they're just miserable and I'm happy and healthy.

^^ Note to self in the quote above. ^^

IMO the best way is to simply ignore them, am I able to follow that advice? Only on occasion, but when I do, I do feel better afterwards.

I get a kick out of the responses about "ignoring" an aggressive driver, when an incident starts, the motorist gets my full on attention in case I have to take any evasive actions. I may or may not interact with them depending on the situation, but I'm definitely not going to "ignore" them.

When people intentionally buzz me or honk at me aggressively I just catch them at the next red light, bike right up to their window and try to look them in the eye for as long as possible. It's amazing how long someone will stare in the opposite direction to avoid eye contact with someone they've just threatened and never thought they'd have to encounter face to face. This works best if they have others in the car to look like a complete ******* in front of.