Originally Posted by
cycronin
I got yelled at or honked at a few times when I first started commuting (we're talking a few months ago). As I've gotten more comfortable with riding on streets it has happened less... in fact it really hasn't happened since those first few times. I don't really know if there's anything specific I'm doing differently that has led to this (I don't think the people who yelled had a particularly specific reason to yell). Maybe there's something to be said just for the fact that I'm more comfortable and uncomfortable riding can draw out those kinds of responses? That sounds like new age kookiness perhaps but I do think there's an intangible cause and effect at play here.
Not new age kookiness at all. Unfortunately, for many it is human nature to take advantage when they sense weakness. It has always been that way and always will be. Bullies don't bully those that carry themselves as strong, confident individuals, at least if they do, they quickly learn to look elsewhere for victims. They sense weakness and exploit it. Being behind the wheel of a car just intensifies many of their hostile emotions.