Commuting - Rude Motorists

Those of you who commute regulary in cities know what I'm talking about. You're on the shoulder pedaling along when all of a sudden, some teenagers, who apparently have nothing better to do, drive past while the one in the passenger seat yells at you as loudly as possible because they seem to think that it would be a real hoot if you fell off of your bike and caught some pavement. This happens to me pretty often, but luckily I've never fallen yet.
Yesterday I actually caught up to the car at a stop light, but I didn't feel like starting anything, so I just smiled at them and they pretended like they didn't see me.
What would you do in that situation? Ignore them? Key their car? If you take down a license # and gave it to the cops do you think that they would actually do anything? Filing a police report isn't something that I would do out of spite, but if it would make them think twice next time and potentially prevent some other cyclist from being startled and actually falling/injuring themselves, it would be worth it.

Ignore them?

You never know what they have in the car. If they try to physically harm you, note the plate number and call 'em in.

Those of you who commute regulary in cities know what I'm talking about. You're on the shoulder pedaling along when all of a sudden, some teenagers, who apparently have nothing better to do, drive past while the one in the passenger seat yells at you as loudly as possible because they seem to think that it would be a real hoot if you fell off of your bike and caught some pavement. This happens to me pretty often, but luckily I've never fallen yet.
Yesterday I actually caught up to the car at a stop light, but I didn't feel like starting anything, so I just smiled at them and they pretended like they didn't see me.
What would you do in that situation? Ignore them? Key their car? If you take down a license # and gave it to the cops do you think that they would actually do anything? Filing a police report isn't something that I would do out of spite, but if it would make them think twice next time and potentially prevent some other cyclist from being startled and actually falling/injuring themselves, it would be worth it.

I have ridden up beside them, as you did, and asked with a smile if they felt better, if they got it out of their system and were ready to go on with their day and usually they were embarassed and ashamed, particularly because I approached them calmly and with an unaffected grin.

However, if I get the opportunity to catch them at a light or in heavy traffic I usually just take out my cell-phone/video-phone and video-tape the driver, passenger and license number, smile at them and then dial the non-emergency number of the police to report them. The look on their face when I say loud enough for them to hear 'hello Metro police?' and proceed to report a 'dangerous driving' occurence is priceless. Colour drains from their face and panic sets in. It doesn't matter if the cops do anything about it or not.

Revenge is not a dish best served cold, but best when served calmly.

...and fresh off the grill!

Those of you who commute regulary in cities know what I'm talking about. You're on the shoulder pedaling along when all of a sudden, some teenagers, who apparently have nothing better to do, drive past while the one in the passenger seat yells at you as loudly as possible because they seem to think that it would be a real hoot if you fell off of your bike and caught some pavement.

This is unfortunate but natural social behavior for teens in any society where a given group of people is generally treated as second class in some context. This is a predictable outcome of the separatist mentality for cyclists advocated by even many cyclists, who, for example, support bike lanes.

I'm not surprised you're from Seattle, an alleged "haven" for cycling because of all the "wonderful" separatist bike lanes.

The only time I was ever harrassed like this - some teens threw an egg at me - I was riding in a bike lane.

Coincidence? Perhaps. But I don't think so...

I would report it. Thankfully our local bike federation (Missouri Bike Federation (http://www.mobikefed.org) ) has a driver harrassement letter that they will send out to the offender if you give them the details (i.e. license #). They send out a letter explaining basically that cyclists are allowed to ride on the same roads with the same rules and it is LAW. That should be enough to scare them since they will not think they are "annonymous" or that cyclists can't do anything about it. See if you local bike federation has a similar deal. Or even your transportation dept.

Keep Cycling,

I always sneak back up on them and scream back into their window. Then, awhile later after the testosterone wheres off I think to myself "Man, that was kind of dumb now that I think about it". At about that point they catch up to me again and yell again, although usually I am expecting it now.

I did get spit on once (not as a result of screaming back, just out of the blue). It was really hot so apart from being gross it at least was cold (If I have to find a bright side to that one).

This only happened to me once, and I caught up to the car at the next light. The teen on the passenger side then sat up on the window sill (half way out of the car) hollering some nonsense. I had stopped about a car length behind them, and asked LOUD and CALM if I needed to have the police here (while holding my cell phone).

The passenger then got back inside the car, the loud radio was turned off, and all four teens sank down in there seats. Kinda funny.

Each instance I'm sure may vary, the best response may also be no response (directly back at the offenders).

One time a car full of kids threatened me with a baseball bat. I was so angry I started screaming something like, "get out of the car you little a##holes and let's duke it out right here." They were so freaked that they just drove off. I can't even begin to imagine what I would have done if they had taken me up on my threat. They didn't have anger management classes back in the day, but I decided then and there that you should never fight an idiot with idiocy of your own.

I did get spit on once (not as a result of screaming back, just out of the blue). It was really hot so apart from being gross it at least was cold (If I have to find a bright side to that one).
Sometimes I wish that folks out washing their cars, watering their plants by hand in the summer after work would point that hose at me when I ride by. I've even considered hollering "spray me", but that could be kinda weird.

Or I could get a cycling jersey that said 'spit on me'

I have on rare occasion (only when passing high school between 2-3pm when school gets out) had teenagers yell out their window, not loud, not distrubing and incomprehensible, probably something that was really funny only to their fellow passengers. They need to learn to keep their insults short and sweet. It actually makes me smile because it reminds me of being a kid and saying stupid things.

Al

This is unfortunate but natural social behavior for teens in any society where a given group of people is generally treated as second class in some context. This is a predictable outcome of the separatist mentality for cyclists advocated by even many cyclists, who, for example, support bike lanes.

I'm not surprised you're from Seattle, an alleged "haven" for cycling because of all the "wonderful" separatist bike lanes.

The only time I was ever harrassed like this - some teens threw an egg at me - I was riding in a bike lane.

Coincidence? Perhaps. But I don't think so...

Funny Serge, you never want to acknowledge any of the positive benefits of bike lanes, but you sure are eager to blame them for any cycling ills. Yes I'm sure that it was the bike lanes that caused the teenagers to be a-holes, especially in repressive, separatist Seattle.

People are jerks and also wonderful everywhere you go, and it has nothing what so ever to do with bike lanes. I've had very positive experiences with motorists in Seattle and had them help defend me when other motorists were being jerks. The one I remember most was a motorist who was honking at me because I was in the straight-thru lane of an intersection instead of up on the sidewalk and another motorist told him he couldn't treat cyclists like that in Seattle. I never said Seattle was ideal, but I will say it was a hell of a lot nicer than this Los Angeles smog hole.

I have ridden up beside them, as you did, and asked with a smile if they felt better, if they got it out of their system and were ready to go on with their day and usually they were embarassed and ashamed, particularly because I approached them calmly and with an unaffected grin.

However, if I get the opportunity to catch them at a light or in heavy traffic I usually just take out my cell-phone/video-phone and video-tape the driver, passenger and license number, smile at them and then dial the non-emergency number of the police to report them. The look on their face when I say loud enough for them to hear 'hello Metro police?' and proceed to report a 'dangerous driving' occurence is priceless. Colour drains from their face and panic sets in. It doesn't matter if the cops do anything about it or not.

Revenge is not a dish best served cold, but best when served calmly.

I like that. I usually say or yell "I've got your rego number" that has worked for me quite well. One day at traffic lights after a brief encounter with a female driver who was goading me into a fight (she was doing that hand signal that martial artists use to start a fight, it was done in The Matrix) I pointed to her number plate and mouthed the numbers very clearly. She seemed to settle down real quick.
The trouble with cars is that drivers believe they are anonymous. They aren't. The police here are quite happy for the public to dob in bad drivers. They keep it all on their data base, and have no hesitation in paying a visit to the drivers house.

I once reported a driver and the first thing the police did was check the car was registered and insured. That alone is enough to them into big financial and legal trouble.


CHEERS.

Mark

When I experience poor cager behaviour I always do the same thing:

First establish eye contact then point to my crotch. Then smile and ride on.

Makes me feel happy for some reason.

When I experience poor cager behaviour I always do the same thing:

First establish eye contact then point to my crotch. Then smile and ride on.

Makes me feel happy for some reason.


Elegant and effective. I'll try it on my way home this evening. Thanks for the inspiration.

This unfortunate situation could have been prevented if only . . . YOU HAD TAKEN THE LANE! They obviously didn't see you way over there on the shoulder.

Perhaps I'll start carrying apen and paper in my saddle bag for writing down plate numbers. My memory is unfortunately not that good, especially if I'm pissed off (or bruised at the side of the road).

Camera phones (decent ones, of course) work great for this...

Why don't I ever encounter these dangerously rude or agressive acts. I don't believe phx-metro area has any reason to be better than anywhere else, in fact many folks and news reports complain about agressive drivers and road-rage as a problem. Sure once in a while I have to deal with an inattentive driver, but I have never been honked at, threatened, swerved at, etc. I mostly get friendly waves, smiles, folks saying 'hi' thru rolled down windows. Are some cyclists overly sensitive to what drivers are doing and perceive or imagine an inattentive behavior as an agressive one?

Al

This unfortunate situation could have been prevented if only . . . YOU HAD TAKEN THE LANE! They obviously didn't see you way over there on the shoulder.

Oviously in most of the instances related on this thread they did see the cyclists involved and chose to harrass them. Who knows how the situation may be escaladed if you were actually in the way.

That is the one thing about all the vehicular prophets out there that insist that all the ills of the road can be solved by doing things their "One True Way". It reminds me of all the new age white light bunnies that insist that the world if we all just hugged and understood each other better. They don't take into account that there are @$$holes that don't want to be hugged, and understood. They just want to make your life as miserable as their own. Not only are they willing to go out of their way to make your life worse, heaven help you if you actually are percieved as being in their way.

Vehicular bicycling is nice. It even works most of the time and is the ideal, but I kinda get tired of you folks always preaching to the chior. Why don't you take your tent show and preach to the sinners (go to the car forums). Mean while I will tailor my riding habits to the situation. Use the paths and trails when available, plan routes for less busy streets, take the lane when I must when it's safe and reasonable to do so. I don't ride timidly but I do ride defensively. I keep in mind that I am not a motorized vehicle and I move much slower then they do and I attempt to keep out of the way without cringing or trying to be invisable. I dress in bright clothes, have enough lights for a christmas tree, signal my intent and follow all traffic laws, I don't hug the curb but I don't place myself intentionally in the path of faster vehicles.

Pretty much I am a vehicular bicyclist without making an @$$ out of myself on purpose.

I kinda get tired of you folks always preaching to the chior. Why don't you take your tent show and preach to the sinners (go to the car forums).
Yeah Bill why don't you and your VC buddies quit pestering us with 'my way is the only way' ;)

Yeah Bill why don't you and your VC buddies quit pestering us with 'my way is the only way' ;)

. . . why can't we all juz get along! :)

. . . why can't we all juz get along! :)
Like I've said before, I bet we would if out riding.

Are some cyclists overly sensitive to what drivers are doing and perceive or imagine an inattentive behavior as an agressive one?

I see both ends of the spectrum. In my home Borough, the Bronx, I don't have very many "issues." People are very cool to cyclists. Why? Most likely because there are a lot of them. From delivery guys to immigrants going to work, there's always a cyclist around in some way.

In Manhattan, however, it's almost the exact opposite. You're constantly navigating around cabs and buses (moreso than private cars) and they just don't give a crap. They tend to be aggressive with other cars, so being aggressive with a bike is no biggie to them.

I don't think it's imagined. Is it over-emphasized? Sometimes. But I think there is generally a disregard for cyclists in some cities, and a respect in another, and that's why your results, for example, might differ from mine.

I don't think it's imagined. Is it over-emphasized? Sometimes. But I think there is generally a disregard for cyclists in some cities, and a respect in another, and that's why your results, for example, might differ from mine.
I see that. Especially the over emphasized which is brought out on these forums where folks like to share even the slightest event. Like "I was riding home from work and this ugly guy in a pickup up pulled up next to me and looked at me funny, then reved his engine when passing me" When in fact there are some ugly guys in pickups who look at everyone funny and always rev their engine.

But I don't discount and know that some terrible and not so terrible agressive acts do occur towards cyclists and think that someday my luck will change.

Al

But I don't discount and know that some terrible and not so terrible agressive acts do occur towards cyclists and think that someday my luck will change.

Al

Don't say that too loud or some VC zealot will stomp his way in and tell you your luck will never change as long as you cycle in the legal vehicular manner. :D

Don't say that too loud or some VC zealot will stomp his way in and tell you your luck will never change as long as you cycle in the legal vehicular manner. :D
You mean I'll start talking to myself. ;)

(I'm no zealot, but I apply all the VC principles when appropriate, which is nearly all the time)

Al

I mostly get friendly waves, smiles, folks saying 'hi' thru rolled down windows.

Wow, that reminds me of a dream I once had. Except all the cagers were actually marshmallow people driving peanut butter cup cars.

When a driver rolls down their window on my commute it's definitely not to say smile and say hi... :rolleyes:

I see both ends of the spectrum. In my home Borough, the Bronx, I don't have very many "issues." People are very cool to cyclists. Why? Most likely because there are a lot of them. From delivery guys to immigrants going to work, there's always a cyclist around in some way.

In Manhattan, however, it's almost the exact opposite. You're constantly navigating around cabs and buses (moreso than private cars) and they just don't give a crap. They tend to be aggressive with other cars, so being aggressive with a bike is no biggie to them.

I don't think it's imagined. Is it over-emphasized? Sometimes. But I think there is generally a disregard for cyclists in some cities, and a respect in another, and that's why your results, for example, might differ from mine.


I too have noticed "area sensitive" behavior in some drivers... I can use the same techniques all over town and be treated differently depending on the time of day, and the "class" of vehicle. Most folks are really just trying to get where they want to go, and avoid hassles.

<sarcastic humor mode on>

However, there are those rare folks that don't seem to understand that an auto or bike is simply transportation...

I put them into three categories:

There are these folks that are out to have "fun" in their car, and do stupid things such as driving on sidewalks, hassling cyclists, racing down freeways etc. These folks imagine themselves to be part of the movie, 2 Fast 2 Furious.
This group is usually identified by their "racing" motif and thumping sounds emanating from the vehicle, along with someone usually hanging out a window yelling at women, and others along the way.

Then there are those folks that seem to be wedded to their autos and can't stand any perceived delays that a cyclist may cause them... their 30 seconds of a cyclist crossing their lane is just too much for them to handle.
These folks seem to drive muscle cars, or Humvees (both highly impractical in this day and age of $2.00+ gas) or unstable lifted trucks (ladders required for entry). Their behavior might possibly be attributed to trying to maximize their actual road rolling time to amortize the cost of the over-inflated vehicle they are driving.

And of course there are the self absorbed... the semi-CEO type, rushing to a meeting, that is just to busy to bother... and the matron type, thinking of the next art group fund raiser; both drive rather expensive autos that have some number in the model name that roughly corresponds to the cost of the vehicle in thousands of dollars. Some soccer moms also may fit into a similar group, generally they are OK but around “nap time” can be found to be a bit impatient… none of the motorist of this latter group are really out to be aggressive, or to “get you;” but through distractions such as cell phones, superb sound systems, noise proofing, distracted minds, yelling kids, DVD players, and perhaps talking GPSs; they simply fail to cope with cyclists.

The first group is seriously dangerous… often travel in packs and can be stupidly aggressive, this group will go out of it’s way to hassle cyclists, however may be put into their place with a simple cell phone and mention of “the authorities.” The second group is like sleeping dogs… fine unless disturbed, once disturbed, hard to contain. This group may also be armed and really stupid. The last group is just oblivious… the vehicles used by this group, along with their general dress mode, tend to make them somewhat easy to spot.

<sarcastic humor mode off>

Just be careful out there.

I too have noticed "area sensitive" behavior in some drivers... I can use the same techniques all over town and be treated differently depending on the time of day, and the "class" of vehicle. Most folks are really just trying to get where they want to go, and avoid hassles.

<sarcastic humor mode on>

However, there are those rare folks that don't seem to understand that an auto or bike is simply transportation...

I put them into three categories:

There are these folks that are out to have "fun" in their car, and do stupid things such as driving on sidewalks, hassling cyclists, racing down freeways etc. These folks imagine themselves to be part of the movie, 2 Fast 2 Furious.
This group is usually identified by their "racing" motif and thumping sounds emanating from the vehicle, along with someone usually hanging out a window yelling at women, and others along the way.

Then there are those folks that seem to be wedded to their autos and can't stand any perceived delays that a cyclist may cause them... their 30 seconds of a cyclist crossing their lane is just too much for them to handle.
These folks seem to drive muscle cars, or Humvees (both highly impractical in this day and age of $2.00+ gas) or unstable lifted trucks (ladders required for entry). Their behavior might possibly be attributed to trying to maximize their actual road rolling time to amortize the cost of the over-inflated vehicle they are driving.

And of course there are the self absorbed... the semi-CEO type, rushing to a meeting, that is just to busy to bother... and the matron type, thinking of the next art group fund raiser; both drive rather expensive autos that have some number in the model name that roughly corresponds to the cost of the vehicle in thousands of dollars. Some soccer moms also may fit into a similar group, generally they are OK but around “nap time” can be found to be a bit impatient… none of the motorist of this latter group are really out to be aggressive, or to “get you;” but through distractions such as cell phones, superb sound systems, noise proofing, distracted minds, yelling kids, DVD players, and perhaps talking GPSs; they simply fail to cope with cyclists.

The first group is seriously dangerous… often travel in packs and can be stupidly aggressive, this group will go out of it’s way to hassle cyclists, however may be put into their place with a simple cell phone and mention of “the authorities.” The second group is like sleeping dogs… fine unless disturbed, once disturbed, hard to contain. This group may also be armed and really stupid. The last group is just oblivious… the vehicles used by this group, along with their general dress mode, tend to make them somewhat easy to spot.

<sarcastic humor mode off>

Just be careful out there.

I had to sound like a broken record, but...

Before I learned to ride vehicularly, I could relate to all of this stuff. I had the same encounters, and similar opinions of various groups.

But since I've learned to act vehicularly consistently, I find that I'm treated vehicularly consistently. By everyone. The CEOs and the gang bangers. The soccer Moms and the bus drivers. Everyone who used to give me problems, largely, it turns out, because they weren't sure what I was doing, now give me no problems.

That's my experience, anyway.

Serge

I had to sound like a broken record, but...

Before I learned to ride vehicularly, I could relate to all of this stuff. I had the same encounters, and similar opinions of various groups.

But since I've learned to act vehicularly consistently, I find that I'm treated vehicularly consistently. By everyone. The CEOs and the gang bangers. The soccer Moms and the bus drivers. Everyone who used to give me problems, largely, it turns out, because they weren't sure what I was doing, now give me no problems.

That's my experience, anyway.

Serge


Oddly enough, you do sound just like a broken record... too bad you didn't see the humor mode on and humor mode off labels.

Go on preaching Serge... it obviously seems to satisfy you in some way.

Also take note that while I was indeed being sarcastic, I do still see rude and bad drivers out there... whether I bike, drive, or ride as a passenger in other's vehicles... including public transportation.

I suggest you might need to adjust the drugs you must be on if you cannot see the wide range of driving skills displayed on the roads today.

Good luck. :rolleyes:

Ay Caramba!!!

I do still see rude and bad drivers out there... whether I bike, drive, or ride as a passenger in other's vehicles... including public transportation.

I encounter far more rude drivers when driving my Explorer or Prius, than when on my bike. To say that riding VC somehow eliminates the rude or inattentive drivers is a stretch, but I do think that riding VC does eliminate confusing or abiguious situations which helps to reduce tensions caused to drivers. I think some of these 'challeged' drivers get nervous about what other drivers think about their response to an ambiquous cyclist or situation, so they take the agressive path. For example the situation of a cyclist against the right curb (should I pass them and make a right turn or wait, will the car behind me get upset if I wait?) - the decision causes anxiety and often the more agressive response so as not to appear as a 'weak' driver. If you position yourself as a cyclist so there is no choice to be made by the driver, then the 'blame' for the delay in the motorists eyes gets put on the cyclist, instead of themselves, the driver who would be respectful by not choosing to pass and right hook.

Al

I encounter far more rude drivers when driving my Explorer or Prius, than when on my bike. To say that riding VC somehow eliminates the rude or inattentive drivers is a stretch, but I do think that riding VC does eliminate confusing or abiguious situations which helps to reduce tensions caused to drivers. I think some of these 'challeged' drivers get nervous about what other drivers think about their response to an ambiquous cyclist or situation, so they take the agressive path. For example the situation of a cyclist against the right curb (should I pass them and make a right turn or wait, will the car behind me get upset if I wait?) - the decision causes anxiety and often the more agressive response so as not to appear as a 'weak' driver. If you position yourself as a cyclist so there is no choice to be made by the driver, then the 'blame' for the delay in the motorists eyes gets put on the cyclist, instead of themselves, the driver who would be respectful by not choosing to pass and right hook.

Al


I tend to agree, that's why I don't ride in a way that leaves questions... However, as you also pointed out on the "mandatory" thread, there is a wide variation of drivers out there.

Some drivers are just clueless. Some are just not paying attention. Fortunately, these odd drivers are the rare cases.

I was having fun with my comments in post 28... rather like "bird sightings" if you will. Ah, there is the "silver coated harried cell phone caller..." not too rare in these parts.

There was a similar commentary in a column in the local paper about a week ago... So obviously there is some shade of truth in the matter. :)

Actually observing motorists behaviors tends to give a bit of a clue as to how they may react around you.

Oh, watch out for the "multicolored furious thumper..." :D

When in fact there are some ugly guys in pickups who look at everyone funny and always rev their engine.
Al

Yeah, I gotta keep that in mind... some folks ARE just plain ugly. :eek:

VC zealot HAHA. What a great term.

You mean I'll start talking to myself. ;)

(I'm no zealot, but I apply all the VC principles when appropriate, which is nearly all the time)

Al

Nah... You're cool...

On a more practical level: Why do cyclists think they will fall when they hear a loud noise? Has this ever actually happened to anyone? I have been yelled at and honked at, but I never thought the sound waves would actually blow me over.

No, but I have been startled by a horn at close distance. The adrenaline and the immediate impulse to get away are pretty powerful.

Yeah, I gotta keep that in mind... some folks ARE just plain ugly. :eek:
And keep in mind you can't judge folks by what they drive or look like. I just posted this (minor appearances details) in an other thread, but this morning when I was stopped at a light left biased in lane to go straight, an ugly guy in a jacked up pickup stopped quite a bit behind me, but was clearly right biased. I waved him on to let him know it was OK to pass me. Thru his rolled down window he said "Just didn't want to crowd you. Thank you. Have a good day, sir"

Al

I encounter far more rude drivers when driving my Explorer or Prius, than when on my bike. To say that riding VC somehow eliminates the rude or inattentive drivers is a stretch, but I do think that riding VC does eliminate confusing or abiguious situations which helps to reduce tensions caused to drivers. I think some of these 'challeged' drivers get nervous about what other drivers think about their response to an ambiquous cyclist or situation, so they take the agressive path. For example the situation of a cyclist against the right curb (should I pass them and make a right turn or wait, will the car behind me get upset if I wait?) - the decision causes anxiety and often the more agressive response so as not to appear as a 'weak' driver. If you position yourself as a cyclist so there is no choice to be made by the driver, then the 'blame' for the delay in the motorists eyes gets put on the cyclist, instead of themselves, the driver who would be respectful by not choosing to pass and right hook.

Al

You own a Prius! I am SO jealous. That will be the next car we buy, after our 92 Honda kicks the bucket. My wife just totaled our 86 Volvo, so I'm sure the Hondas days are numbered.

You own a Prius! I am SO jealous. That will be the next car we buy, after our 92 Honda kicks the bucket. My wife just totaled our 86 Volvo, so I'm sure the Hondas days are numbered.
We got the Prius in Oct. and have no regrets, I really like it. My wife drives it mainly. I cycle everwhere. One of the reasons I started commuting by bike was that we only had one car when we were on the many (6 ?) month Prius wait list. The Explorer now only comes out on weekends for getting to remote wilderness areas for hiking and backpacking, or the occasional trip to pick up stuff that won't fit in the Prius. However this is rare as the Prius cargo area is huge with the rear seats folded down. I can put my bike in it without any disassembly.

Al

Here's some justice
http://media.ebaumsworld.com/index.php?e=carfall.wmv

And keep in mind you can't judge folks by what they drive or look like. I just posted this (minor appearances details) in an other thread, but this morning when I was stopped at a light left biased in lane to go straight, an ugly guy in a jacked up pickup stopped quite a bit behind me, but was clearly right biased. I waved him on to let him know it was OK to pass me. Thru his rolled down window he said "Just didn't want to crowd you. Thank you. Have a good day, sir"

Al

Good deal. It happens.

True, you really cannot be sure of the driver by the car (book by the cover). Generally it takes observation of what they actually do... but let's face it, you were surprised, as you expected some other reaction too, didn't you?

Are some cyclists overly sensitive to what drivers are doing and perceive or imagine an inattentive behavior as an agressive one?

Interesting. Sometimes, I know in hindsight that I have overreacted to a inattentive, but relatively innocent driver. However, there are many times when I am sure that a motorist has seen me, and they go ahead and *place irrespsible driving move here* anyway, irrespective of if it puts me in danger or not. I think some of it has to do with riding style. I am pretty aggressive on the road, and I essentially cycle like I would drive in most cases. If I want to make a left-I merge into the left lane. If I'm riding in a lane that is too narrow for cars to safely pass, I move to the center and let them suffer in my slow moving wake. My impression is that some car drivers don't like to see a cyclist using the road in a commanding way. Just seeing that I might get in front of them infuriates them. In fairness, much of my commute is outside of the downtown core of the city, and I rarely see even one other cyclist. Dowtown drivers tend to be more tollerant.

but let's face it, you were surprised, as you expected some other reaction too, didn't you?
I wasn't surprised about anything. Not sure what you mean.
Al

Those of you who commute regulary in cities know what I'm talking about. You're on the shoulder pedaling along when all of a sudden, some teenagers, who apparently have nothing better to do, drive past while the one in the passenger seat yells at you as loudly as possible because they seem to think that it would be a real hoot if you fell off of your bike and caught some pavement. This happens to me pretty often, but luckily I've never fallen yet.
Yesterday I actually caught up to the car at a stop light, but I didn't feel like starting anything, so I just smiled at them and they pretended like they didn't see me.
What would you do in that situation? Ignore them? Key their car? If you take down a license # and gave it to the cops do you think that they would actually do anything? Filing a police report isn't something that I would do out of spite, but if it would make them think twice next time and potentially prevent some other cyclist from being startled and actually falling/injuring themselves, it would be worth it.

I don't know why everyone is always saying "avoid them or forget about them" that is what these jackoff's want, if more people did something to them or their cars, maybe the idiot's would get the message that their behaviour has to change. If you are counting on the police for help, forget about it. they couldn't be bothered.

Interesting. Sometimes, I know in hindsight that I have overreacted to a inattentive, but relatively innocent driver. However, there are many times when I am sure that a motorist has seen me, and they go ahead and *place irrespsible driving move here* anyway, irrespective of if it puts me in danger or not. I think some of it has to do with riding style. I am pretty aggressive on the road, and I essentially cycle like I would drive in most cases. If I want to make a left-I merge into the left lane. If I'm riding in a lane that is too narrow for cars to safely pass, I move to the center and let them suffer in my slow moving wake. My impression is that some car drivers don't like to see a cyclist using the road in a commanding way. Just seeing that I might get in front of them infuriates them. In fairness, much of my commute is outside of the downtown core of the city, and I rarely see even one other cyclist. Dowtown drivers tend to be more tollerant.
My experience is almost exactly opposite.

I find drivers are much more likely to see a cyclist and act like he is not there if the cyclist is riding "separated" from traffic, rather than "integrated" with traffic.

My experience is almost exactly opposite.

I find drivers are much more likely to see a cyclist and act like he is not there if the cyclist is riding "separated" from traffic, rather than "integrated" with traffic.

Serge, I think you misunderstood what he was saying, he said that motorists don't like to see him take the lane, not that they don't see him. Apparently if their unhappy with the way that he's cycling it's safe to assume that they see him.

I think you underestimate the desire that some folks have to pick a fight solely to get a reaction. Similar behavior occurs online where the perpetrator is commonly called a 'troll'- again the best way to deal is to ignore them.

Al

I wasn't surprised about anything. Not sure what you mean.
Al

No surprise at all on your part that he said... "Just didn't want to crowd you. Thank you. Have a good day, sir."

I find that a bit surprising.