Originally Posted by
Dan333SP
The only time I've ever gotten any pushback from passing without warning by another cyclist is when passing a large group of riders at once. There's a route I ride regularly with minimal traffic and generally minimal riders, but once or twice a week I'll come across a group ride of 10-15 riders. I believe all but a handful of then generally have helmet mirrors, so I'll say "On your left!" when passing the last rider in line (with at least 5 feet of clearance) and then just give a finger wave as I pass the rest of them . One of the guys in the back will shout that someone is passing, so honestly I don't know what else they want me to do, but at least one of them always wobbles, makes a surprised exclamation, and shouts at me as I pass. I think they're just shaky group riders in general so any variables scare them. Oh well.
Same thing happened to me yesterday. Group of about 10 older riders. All looked like they had mirrors. Going about 5-7 mph on a surface street hugging the curb, 4 lane road. I waited until the right lane was clear for a couple block behind me and then past the entire group. I passed at about 15-17 mph and I was as far left as I could get in the lane without going into traffic in the next lane so probably 3 feet between me and the group and I still got some gasps and "whoas!"