Textbook case of MGIF
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
From: mars
Bikes: 2015 synapse
Textbook case of MGIF
This was riding through a Home Depot parking lot. I feel like this driver was acting fairly impatient. I think I was moving at a reasonable speed for a parking lot, and I feel they gained little by passing me when they did.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 12
From: Kent Wa.
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
And? I didn't see anything noteworthy.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 4
From: Above ground, Walnut Creek, Ca
Bikes: 8 ss bikes, 1 5-speed touring bike
anytime i ride down the middle of the street, whether parking lot or not, i expect to be passed if a driver of a car thinks they can get past before they have to stop again. i would have moved over to the right and let the car pass me.
Last edited by hueyhoolihan; 12-10-15 at 11:18 AM.
#5
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 3,512
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Perhaps it was karma for rolling the first stop sign
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#6
Textbook case of MGIF
So what does MGIF mean?
(To the terminal procrastinator, "My God, It's Friday!")
EDIT: I could only see half the screen..."M...Parking L..."
So what does MGIF mean?
(To the terminal procrastinator, "My God, It's Friday!")

EDIT: I could only see half the screen..."M...Parking L..."
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 12-10-15 at 06:02 AM. Reason: Added EDIT
#7
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
I've seen that so often as a driver, let alone cycling, it's routine. Including passing on the highway, then loitering in front of the car they just passed.
I thought about having a bumper sticker printed that says "I don't like to drive fast. I just need to be ahead of YOU." But I couldn't figure out how to stick it to the car in front of me without smacking into their bumper.
I thought about having a bumper sticker printed that says "I don't like to drive fast. I just need to be ahead of YOU." But I couldn't figure out how to stick it to the car in front of me without smacking into their bumper.
#9
And BTW, don’t disparage Freds. I once wrote ”The Fred Manifesto.”
#10
Is that true, or are you jiving me? I could only see half the screen, and frankly did not see the problem. Is the OP calling the driver, or cyclist (himself), a Fred?
And BTW, don’t disparage Freds. I once wrote ”The Fred Manifesto.”
And BTW, don’t disparage Freds. I once wrote ”The Fred Manifesto.”

#12
Tortoise Wins by a Hare!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 944
From: Looney Tunes, IL
Bikes: Wabi Special FG, Raleigh Roper, Nashbar AL-1, Miyata One Hundred, '70 Schwinn Lemonator and More!!
Yeah, pretty goofy on the motorist's part, considering they had to stop in the oncoming lane. 
OP said it was a textbook case of Must Get In Front, and that he felt they gained little. On both counts he is correct.

OP said it was a textbook case of Must Get In Front, and that he felt they gained little. On both counts he is correct.
#13
Senior Member


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 2,756
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
That is tame compared to the way drivers behave in the DC area!
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
#14
Been Around Awhile

Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,648
Likes: 1,972
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Another camera wielding bicycling "victim" of a non event; recorded for posterity.
#15
Gotta say I don't mind that move at all. The motorist gave the cyclist plenty of space. The cyclist didn't lose any time or momentum. Then the motorist was able to get on with their drive at their normal speed. I'm pretty sure this is how it's supposed to happen.
Mind you, I see pointless jerkwad motorist behavior all the time. This just ain't it.
Mind you, I see pointless jerkwad motorist behavior all the time. This just ain't it.
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,642
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Gotta say I don't mind that move at all. The motorist gave the cyclist plenty of space. The cyclist didn't lose any time or momentum. Then the motorist was able to get on with their drive at their normal speed. I'm pretty sure this is how it's supposed to happen.
Mind you, I see pointless jerkwad motorist behavior all the time. This just ain't it.
Mind you, I see pointless jerkwad motorist behavior all the time. This just ain't it.
#17
The road appeared to have been wide enough for you to be closer to the right side, thus giving the motorist plenty of room to pass you. I know you said you were going fast enough, but you can't change motorist behaviour--they don't like to follow cyclists. Sure you can cite your 'legal' rights and all, but in the end your own safety trumps any laws.
I've ridden in and out of parking lots hundreds of times, even Home Depot, but I've never gone down the middle of it like you did.
I've ridden in and out of parking lots hundreds of times, even Home Depot, but I've never gone down the middle of it like you did.
#18
Gotta say I don't mind that move at all. The motorist gave the cyclist plenty of space. The cyclist didn't lose any time or momentum. Then the motorist was able to get on with their drive at their normal speed. I'm pretty sure this is how it's supposed to happen.
Mind you, I see pointless jerkwad motorist behavior all the time. This just ain't it.
Mind you, I see pointless jerkwad motorist behavior all the time. This just ain't it.

Not sure they realized that. Parking lot entrances and exits can be a little confusing.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
I've had that happen a few times. They are idiots for doing so, I mean it's a dang parking lot for F's sake. Even worse is when I've had it happen in the aisle between parking spaces! I'm already going at least 10 MPH, how the hell fast do you need to get to that parking spot??
And yes, that is most definitely a MGIF move.
And yes, that is most definitely a MGIF move.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,633
Likes: 35
From: St. Louis Metro East area
Bikes: 1992 Specialized Crossroads (red)
Since I see those folks do this with cars, this is not any sort of surprise at all. I once remember viewing two uncompromising MGIF drivers in vans side by side right into a lane merge. One merged, and one merged with the gravel shoulder. It's best not to get into a right-of-way tussle with these idiots, be it on a bicycle or in a tank!
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
I hate when people wait until the very stinkin' last possible shred of pavement (or even no pavement!) before merging. So stupid.
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 6
From: Western Florida
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2011 Mezzo D9, Gazelle Ultimate C380
Sorry to all you others that say it is a non-event, but that was not good driving behaviour. I get it all the time, but I really think that it is somewhat unconscious on the part of the driver. A recent experience helped prove that. I got this kind of treatment (closer call) when a co-worker passed me just before the stop sign. This co-worker is involved in improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety on our roadways! If they didn't know that was a bad move then I might believe that they just don't get it.
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)





