Originally Posted by
chipcom
Like I used to tell HH when he'd trot out this theory...most motorists are not paying enough attention to you to notice you at all, let alone notice if you are pedaling or not or how fast. Indeed, even if you get out of the saddle, many think you are doing so to stop, not to go faster...much like a jockey standing in the stirrups.
The point - what you think you are communicating may not be what the other guy perceives you are communicating, so communicate in ways that are as universally understandable as possible...and don't assume the other party got the message without some confirmation from them that they understand..
I don't assume that they get it but I try to signal and communicate. I also communicate in other ways - hand signals yells etc. In other words, when it is necessary I take control of the situation and tell the drivers what I am doing and (many times) what they should do. Around here (central Pa) it works - it's not just a theory. Maybe the people around here are nicer that other places but I doubt it.