Allister

I think it's a good idea to practice a variety of responses to honkers, just to avoid getting bored through endless repetition.

banjo_mole 

Between one-fingered salutes and oil slick buttons, this thread actually has me laughing.

I love you guys.

*honk honk*

no motor?

But the "appreciation for my incredible ass" didn't? That almost got pizza sprayed on the keyboard!

banjo_mole 

It did make me laugh, I apologise for failing to quote it also... *sorry*

But at the same time, I am a 19 year old male college student, such humor is CONSTANTLY in my life...

Machka 

I smile and wave. See the smilie in my signature line ... that's exactly what I do.

cudak888 

Activate surveillance mode, engage Auto-Cruise, arm ejector pedals, and catapult yourself onto the hood of the offending vehicle like a crazed Critical Masser

-Kurt

Cadd

On average, I think I get honked at about once a day (when I ride from my house to the city and back). That's about a 25 mile ride. It's usually a friendly "I'm right next to you and about to buzz by you at a really high speed" warning.

I guess if you're used to living in an agressive honking city/town, it shouldn't bother you. But I can see how it can bother those who grew up in a city/town where there's little to no honking.

StrangeWill

I typically look around, double check, try to see who is honking, may be at me, may be at someone else, either way I want to be aware of everything around me. Typically I know the environment I'm in, and stay the course while double checking everything, typically they aren't even directed at me.


Or I can be like some people here and fly off my bike in a panic.

bakerjw

Reminds me of my friend Alfredo who was from South America would drive. I also saw the same behavior in Ecuador last summer. Car horns usage is the norm for all driving activities. They honk at everything all the time. It is odd to see coming from our culture of mostly honking when we are PO'd.

As for the topic, I've never been honked at and lord knows I've slowed enough traffic on winding uphill mountain climbs. Lucky so far I guess.

no motor?

No problem, humor is a pretty personal thing. A while ago I asked about explaining why so many bicyclists wear spandex to coworkers who don't ride, and someone responded with "tell them it's like driving gloves for your ass". That comment makes me smile everytime I think about it, in the same sort of way.

Hickeydog

I get surprised by honks. It's like someone sneaking up behind you and yelling GOTCHYA as they grrab your shoulders. I usually jump, but then I don't do anything else. I really wish those horns wern't so loud....

srmatte

I always wave, it might be a friend.

mcgreivey

With friends like that...

cyclezealot

Don't be too rash. Yes, most are unfriendly.. BUt, every once is awhile I get a friendly honk. But, almost always the friendly honks are after they pass; along with a friendly wave.

dougmc

If you want to get some good practice for your `old friends wave' ... go on a Critical Mass ride, the bigger the better. And the `honk if you love bikes!' stickers are a nice touch as well.

I-Like-To-Bike

Turn up the volume on your mp3 player, Walkman/Discman or radio until the sound of horns are below the threshold of being offensive/startling. Also useful for drowning out gratuitous cycling advice from motorists and pedestrians.

Not applicable for those who enjoy listening to road noise or feel a great need to listen to it for cryptic warnings of imminent danger.

caloso

I have a stretch not far from my house where I always take the lane. Yesterday on the way home I got what sounded like a "hey move over" honk. I ignored it. Then I got a long "Hey I'm an *******" honk.

I held the lane and gave The Look.

They went around, raced up to the stop light not a hundred yards thence, and when I rolled up behind them I noticed the driver was eyeing me in the rear view mirror. I waved hello, ignoring my first inclination, I used all five fingers.

genec

One thing we've missed is "returning the honk."

So someone gives you the long honk... how about simply laying on your Airzound to replicate the noise... sort of a call and response. Gee, I'd bet they get a kick out of that.

Benjamin11

Interestingly, I've only gotten one honk and it was just a couple days ago from a friend who beeped shortly after they passed me. Given, I've only been riding about 3 months, but I've commuted nearly everyday 30+ miles.

I live in a generally polite town where I am the only cyclist on the road on any given day. I think people understand that "I'm out here huffing it, and they're in their heated living rooms on wheels".

I think motorists around here actually understand, dare I say.

nonetheless, they all think I'm mad when I pull up to college each day in spandex....

I-Like-To-Bike

Does a retaliatory second obnoxious, ear piercing honk cancel out the first?

genec

No it does not... it actually adds to the noise pollution. But apparently some motorists need a dose of their own medicine before they get the message.

trekker pete

After reading the draft ninja thread, I'd say that launching a snot rocket at their windshield would do the trick.

hurricane harry

Cmon ppl, the only way to deal with this is STINK EYE.

xenologer

I think this thread as a Poll would be interesting to see the numbers on.

I usually flip em off.

2new2this

Most honks I get are from high school girls. This is understandable, because I am an attractive 20 year old man with a younger appearance. Usually I respond to these with a big smile, a wave, or both. Occasionally I get angry honks if I am taking a lane. I respond to these with an increase in speed, or pulling off to the side if there are multiple cars behind me.