Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Riding along in the bike lane I was passing a car that was trying to turn left against traffic. No biggie. Then a car ducks into the bike lane behind me to pass that car on the right. I can hear him right on my wheel and I give him the WTF signal as he goes by. He makes some sort of gesture, not the finger but it seems just as rude. Of course, I catch him at the red light and I pull up and say "Hey, do me a favor. Next time don't use the bike lane to pass."
He says "I was taking the opportunity to pass!" His accent is really thick and sounds Mexican or South American. So, I say, "Oye, !es contra la ley para pasear en la derecha!"
I really surprised myself, because my Spanish isn't that great but it just popped out. Anyway, as he pulls out from the light, I notice that he's got a weird red, white, and blue consular plate. Which means that he could probably tear up any traffic ticket a local cop were to give him anyway.
Well, at least I let him know in two languages that I don't appreciate it.