Originally Posted by
SamDaBikinMan
I get uncomfortable when a rider I do not know jumps on my wheel in order to draft me. There are risks involved in tight drafting where the front wheel of the drafter can overlap and touch the leaders wheel causing a crash.
I'm posting this to see what others have said/done to be polite about expressing to another cyclist that you would rather they not ride your wheel.
Obviously I will drop the ones I can but sometimes I get a sucker who is just strong enough not to drop.
This bugs me too. If I can't drop them I slow all the way down so they are forced to pass me.
I had a funny incident recently that illustrates why this can be a problem. I was on Mass Ave and a random cyclist jumps on my wheel and proceeds to draft me for the next few blocks really close. Up ahead a light changes red and I begin slowing down. Pinhead behind me is not paying attention and almost crashes into me. He gives me a nasty glare and then proceeds to jump the light.
Drafting without a by your leave = rude
Drafting without a by your leave and expecting the person you are drafting to take care of your safety = stupid
I have a friend who is a hard core rider who hates when random people draft him. One time he was out alone he had someone jump on his wheel (and he could tell this was an experienced rider, not a newbie). After multiple elbow flicks that were ignored and multiple speeding up and slowing down he got tired. He grabbed his brakes and swerved slightly, taking out the drafter (it takes skill to do this) and sending him to the pavement hard!. The guy was uninjured apart from some scrapes and scratches. I wouldn't do something like this but man ninja drafters can be irritating.
Now is someone chats me up and them jumps on my wheel I have absolutely no problem. But if someone jumps on my wheel after a few blocks I will just slow down to a complete stop or move right and very firmly wave them through.