Worknomore

I'm easing back into bike touring after a 15 year time out. Last week I did a 100 mile round trip S24O. Michigan paved back roads so not a huge amount of traffic but enough to notice that I seemed to get a little more respect from cagers with my bike loaded than when I ride bare. Almost everybody showed respect while passing and waiting to pass on the narrow roads, and not one too close pass. Was I just lucky? Anyone else notice a difference in how they are treated loaded/unloaded?
BTW I always ride with a Dinotte rear red blinky and an amber front so I don't think it is any sort of visibility issue.

10 Wheels

Dinotte gets much respect.

Machka 

I've never noticed a difference with vehicles.

I have noticed, however, that some other cyclists don't see my panniers and will ride into them as they go around me. And I've noticed that the whole bicycle, panniers and all, seem to disappear like someone has activated a cloaking device when I'm walking the bicycle. I've had so many pedestrians walk into my bicycle, or my panniers, or both, like they just simply don't see it.

Bacciagalupe

I've almost never had issues with drivers.

I also wouldn't count on drivers seeing you, even with a blinky light. I'm sure that helps in some cases (and enough to justify using it), but the thing is that if the driver isn't expecting to see a cyclist, they are much less likely to notice the cyclist in the first place.

So, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just cycle defensively, obey traffic controls, and enjoy the ride.

Worknomore

No worries at all, just interested if anyone else has noticed the same.

fietsbob

Which country are you riding thru, ? some are better than The US at this ..

wphamilton

I've noticed on fully loaded grocery runs I'd get more "respect" from drivers in passes, but less literal respect from the drivers personally. More harassment and unwanted advice on where to ride etc. A touring load is probably more respect-worthy than a grocery load however, so I don't doubt you at all.

alexaschwanden

Possibly.

linus

I use a trailer when I tour so cagers always change lanes to pass me.

Cyclebum

Drivers do seem to give me a bit more clearance when panniers are on. OTOH, I always have a safety triangle attached, a red flag flying, and am on a bent, so visibility is never an issue if the driver is awake and not texting. Most blinkies are not bright enough in daylight to be worth much.

More importantly from Bacc above:

Rowan

I am always amused and perplexed when someone who is seeking respect from other road users wants to use what really is a disrespectful and derogatory term for drivers, such as cager

Touring is somewhat different from doing "battle" with peak-hour traffic. Perhaps the OP might remember this. He might also remember on his touring that the vast majority of people with whom he may interact are drivers, and have no interest in riding a bike themselves.

And, oh look... I am a driver, too!

Worknomore

Didn't take long for the PC police to show up

Implied disrespect is your opinion. BD

Rowan

Thinking you're beyond reproach, eh?

Exactly the sort of attitude cycle touring (and cycling generally) can do without.

Worknomore

Yawn zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

valygrl

I had the same reaction as Rowan. Respect is a 2-way street, using words like "cager" sets you up for failure. Remember "sharing" the road is up to both parties.

That said, I think it depends on the location/culture and the particular driver more than the presence or absence of touring gear.

Worknomore

Amazing too that since I said the new "C" word I am now failing to share the road.

linus

LOL. Since when was "cager" a disrespectful and derogatory term?

Oh well. I guess haters will hate no matter what.

Snydermann

I didn't consider "cager" as disrespectful or derogatory either.

staehpj1

It certainly comes off that way (as derogatory) to me.

mikhalit

I definitely get more attention and/or respect this way (increasing order)
Cycling (least) -> Cycling using lights -> Cycling wearing helmet -> Fully loaded touring (most)

This applies only to some countries though, like Russia and Italy, and doesn't apply to Germany, i can cycle whatever way here and normally get enough respect. In Italy the local "racers" we have met always complained about the traffic. When we did light cycling for recreation there the biggest problem was the lack of attention on the drivers side. When we went there fully loaded we've got plenty of attention, sometimes too much. Almost every fiat did greet us. I can come up with only one reason they did it for, it was easy to see we weren't local and there are not that many cyclotourists (I am talking about Basilikata region now), so they were really curious. Cycling fully loaded through Napoli was fun (bit dangerous though)! Same goes for Russia, people get interested what the hell we are doing, or where we are heading to.

From my experience this applies to the secondary roads, on the main roads people usually are too much in a hurry to think about stuff around.

PS. Word "cager" seems just as rude as "crispies" or "crackers", that's how the truck drivers call road cyclists in Russia. Try to guess what meaning they put in these words...

Aushiker

Riding here in Western Australia, I find that riding in the country tends to get a better response from motorists (not a huge difference but one that is noticeable) but I really don't notice the difference between rides when I am loaded versus unload rides (Audax).

Regards
Andrew

12bar

I can't prove it but it feels like they are a bit more considerate.

aggri1

What's a "cager"? I gather some sort of car driver?

Asphalt Hero

I don't feel the difference with panniers and with light plastic box. But all drivers often ask me the question about rear view mirror on my helmet. It makes me really respectful in their eyes.
I would design the next schema of respect for cyclists:
Cycling (least) -> Cycling using lights -> Cycling wearing helmet -> bright coloured cycling cloves -> Mirror
And also stopping at every red traffic light make respect for me like disciplined road user. The most of Russian cyclists ignore red light everywhere it seems not dangerous.

Machka 

"Cager" is a derogatory term for "driver".


Cager - a popular word among motorcyclists and bicyclists for four wheeled motor vehicle drivers. The term is often used in a derogative sense, because the car body effectively forms a cage, isolating the said driver from having to interact with other road users.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cager