Originally Posted by
Daves_Not_Here
Yes, I notice the road is filled with polite, courteous drivers like the one you described. They are trying to be conscientious and generous to cyclists. If you accept their offers in the spirit they are given, you will give them a small positive stroke. If you reject their generosity, you will give them a small negative stroke. Totally up to you.
If you feel that following the letter of the law at 4-way stop signs is of greater value than accepting an offer of courtesy, that's your prerogative.
Sorry, been passed too many times with less than 3' of room by the same motorists who pass me seconds later in traffic because they "allowed" me to go first, I'd rather wait, pull in behind THEM and gain the distance between them and the next car to follow (if any). Quite often these intersections are more crowded too as they cram a turn lane in there and 40' down the road it's back to standard lanes. Nothing "negative" just following the rules of the road AND keeping myself a tad safer.