banerjek

Normally, I don't yell at motorists, but today I broke my rule. As I was moving through town, I noticed a pickup coming on me quickly. It was pretty obvious he intended to push me to the right so he could catch up to the car in front of me (about 1/3 block ahead, but not even moving as fast as I).

As he got on my wheel, I simply shook my head in a fairly violent no motion and yelled out "DON'T SQUEEZE ME! -- DOORS!" while pointing at the parked cars (I won't ride in the door zone except to avoid an imminent crash. My momma didn't raise no fool).

As I prepared for the yelling, engine revving, and horn blasts that sometimes accompanies aggressive drivers, he backed off to a safe following distance. I gave a wave of thanks and caught up to the car in front of me. Judging from his body lingo, he wasn't even mad at me..

DavidLee

Nice, I'm glad you came out of the situation ok. I'll bet that driver remembers today the next time he encounters another cyclist & acts accordingly.

mihlbach

Is it possible that he didn't even hear you or realize you were telling him to back off, thus giving him no reason to be ticked off at you? It sounds to me like he caught up with you, perhaps without realizing your speed..then having gotten close enough to realize your speed and position, backed off all on his own without ever having noticed your ranting and signalling.

oboeguy

I usually put my hand down in the "stop" signal. Works really well most of the time. Though one time -- I probably posted about it here -- a city bus was pretty much ready to run me over in a narrow stretch where I had nowhere to go. Idiot driver was honking like her life depended on it. I tried to complain to the city but the relevant office was closed and I had to let it go. I'll bet I could have (and should have) complained online. Anyhow, the point is, your fear, and subsequent (pleasant) surprise were justified because sometimes there's nothing you can do.

literocola

I wouldnt hesatate to hit the car, Ive been put in some sketchy situations as a courior and had to literially kick car doors, hit windows, do what it takes to get a drivers attention before getting smashed into a parked car, run off the road, or anything else.
You never know how loud their music is inside their vehical, or how far in dream land they are, you gotta do what you gotta do. I will do whatever it takes, its me over their car, causing damage dosent cross my mind. I hate to be an *******, but hey... survivial.