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Old 11-02-15 | 12:18 PM
  #9  
FBinNY
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
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From: New Rochelle, NY

Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter

First of all, I don't see anything resembling hate for cyclists among motorists, except for a very small percentage. Yes, there is dislike, or even hatred about some specific behaviors, including no lights at night, excessive weaving in tight traffic, blatant running of red lights (with cross traffic having to adjust), and so on which drivers feel makes their own lives harder, but it doesn't seem to translate to a general antipathy. Cyclists and motorists are usually fellow users of a shared resource, and sometimes competitors for more limited space, but both share an go along to get along attitude most of the time.

The place where I see the most antipathy between motorists and cyclists is right here on BF, with the most blatant hatred being that of some of the posters here for "cagers" or whatever, with drivers freely and unashamedly being characterized as fat slobs, diabetics, jerks, idiots, murderers, etc.

IME- you get what you give, and given the attitude I see among some of the cyclists here, it's no wonder that they report that motorists hate them. I would too. There's also a certain smug, sanctimonious, "I'm better because I'm greener, healthier or whatever" attitude, and it shows through to others. That doesn't relate only to motorists, I see that reflected in many posts based on the need to "enlighten" fellow cyclists about helmets, where/how to ride, use of lights, and whatever is perceived as being done wrong.

You want to see friendlier roads? Start by showing some consideration for other road users, and giving them the respect and courtesy you're hoping they'll give you.

Or just keep whining that nobody likes you.
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Last edited by FBinNY; 11-02-15 at 12:26 PM.
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