I occasionally (like today on the road to work) have motorists skim by, the sort of drivers who are loath to approach the center line. I usually respond with a thumb jerked to the left and a shake of my head.

This morning I also had a guy muscle his way into the right lane in front of me as we came to a red light. Since I was already slowing I didn't even have to brake very hard, but it was a bit too close. I felt this act warranted a slight crouch to peer through his rear window with hands out and palms up ("What the Hell are you doing?")

These reactions are ordinarily the extent of my displays of dissatisfaction because, let's be honest, ranting and rude gestures communicate the idea that one wishes further 'dialogue', a request that might be obliged. Then comes the screaming, flailing appendages, and drawn weapons.

No one is served by these histrionics. If you feel threatened by the behavior of a motorist, take the license number if you're able and report the incident. In this way you may even be doing your fellow cyclists and other motorists a favor.

-Rob