bbonnn

Yesterday: in a busy parking lot, I was standing on the sidewalk, after having unlocked my bike and was ready to go. One foot on pedals, one foot on ground. Waiting for a break in traffic.

I hear a HONNNNNNK! to my left. Look over, there's a driver who got pissed because somebody took a parking spot she had her eye on, and she was letting 'em have it.

Then she catches my eye and gives me an angry-looking impatient "go ahead" with a flick of the wrist. I shook my head "no" because she had the right of way, and I exaggeratedly beckoned her to "walk this way," English butler-style, with a smile. She wasn't amused. I had to look away to convince her that I wasn't going to go until she did (it was, after all, a busy parking lot and cars were whizzing all over -- I was gonna go when I decided it was safe, and it wasn't -- normally when drivers show me courtesy, I nod thanks and go, but not this time).

It was weirdly psychopathic. One moment she's raging at another driver, the next she wants to do something courteous for a cyclist. My evil side suspects it was just so she could pile up martyr points or have an even better reason to be angry (... and now I have to wait for a damn cyclist, grrrrr).

As a cyclist, you're very visible. You have a certain degree of control over situations that drivers don't. You can get visibly angry, or you can keep calm. And they have to watch your reaction. You're on the stage. Are you gonna give them the satisfaction of working yourself into a tizzy over their little stupid driving dramas? (I ask myself after every confrontation I should have brushed off)

WiseOwl

I see a big difference in a driver giving a "toot" or "toot, toot" versus giving a "hoooooooonk".

James

Artkansas 

I can't explain it but it goes all the way back to the draisienne. People got bent about the folks who rode those. Then they got out of shape about velocipede riders. Passed nasty laws limiting them. Ordinaries, don't even go there. Cartoons of the day showed Ordinary riders running over people willy nilly.

When it comes to hating cyclists, drivers are so in the back of the line.

flipflops

*sigh* sounds like heaven!

kb0tnv

Can you change your route or route time? I found changing routes sometimes to lower speed / less trafficed areas a blessing. Also try to find route where other cylclists ride if possible. I wouldn't advocate yelling back at the cars. Then your becoming one of them. I will say I used to do that but I never, "flicked them off". If you do such things then if something happens your equally to blame. Take the high road if you can since they have the weight advantage. I try to let drivers pass me when I feel it is safe to do so. Those are situations where there are cars and I am avoiding the door zone. If a safe gap presents itself I will move closer to the side and wave them by. I usually do that when I am not in a hurry to get to work. Riding V.C. is still the best way. Some people don't see it that way but I am still in one piece and enjoying cycling! I couldn't fathom trying to ride any other way.

Keep Cycling!

diff_lock2

I always try to ride on the road... but im way to slow, i can hit 50kmph... but not up hill, and not so fast! so i stick to the sides of the road were cars can pass me...

oh and i dono the rules too well but i use signals (hands, left right), but people just STARE at me while on the road... and motor cyclist STARE too? they7 stare like; wtf are you doing, get off! its so wierd staring
back...

flipflops

If anyone wants to know a bit more about these early bikes see https://www.cycle-info.bpaj.or.jp/eng...arn/bcc02.html

The site has facts and pics.