I was riding down a major (arterial) road here in Portland - NE Sandy for the locals - probably doing 25 mph, just managing to pace the car ahead of me, feeling fairly pleased. A car that had been following behind us changed lanes to pass me on the left - a safe pass, plenty of room - and the passenger stuck his head out the window and yelled something not entirely intelligible but clearly uncomplimentary. I heard "road" and "idiot".
This bothered me for a few seconds, and then I realized that I hardly remember the last time I've encountered a hostile driver, or passenger in this case, and that made me smile. Thinking hard about it, I'd say it has been at least 100 weeks or 2 years.
So, here is the question. How many weeks has it been since your last encounter with a HOSTILE driver or passenger.
Be clear on the definition: by "HOSTILE", I mean s/he cursed at you, threw something, deliberately buzzed or swerved at or brake checked you, or otherwise intentionally directed overt abuse or intimidation at you. I do not mean s/he was inattentive, clueless, moron, passed you too close because s/he was picking her nose with her mascara brush, or s/he sent you hostile vibes or nasty looks or lips were mouthing something unpleasant. Let's not be babies about this. We're riding in the city, mixing with cars, need thick skin.
Maybe 4 years or so.
I was taking the lane on SE 12th and someone did not like that. At the next stop light he rolled down the window and started screaming obscenities. When he exited the car I actually removed my my u-lock from my pocket but he just continued to scream at me from the driver side of the car. I felt very sorry for the miserable looking lady in the passenger seat.
Most of my heated encounters with motorists are the result of my chasing them down and attempting to start a polite conversation about their responsibilities as drivers.