good man!

we need more like you not to let advantage takens of you.

should allows laws for legal going postage where justify!

I definitely do see a decent number of cyclists that give other law-abiding cyclists a bad name. That's rather unfortunate, as up here in Winnipeg, I'd say the motorists are pretty nice towards them. However, as Spider said, the motorists are far more likely to cause slow-downs in traffic. Many of them ploddle along 10 km/h or more under the speed limit, driving without any sense of urgency or anything of the sort. Frankly, I've given up on driving here as there's usually some dumb-dumb at the front backing traffic way up. By cycling, I am the limiting factor, and I can live with that. As well, here in Winnipeg, we have four seasons: winter, winter, still winter, and construction. If people aren't driving slow because of the snow, then there's bound to be numerous tight bottlenecks on the road due to construction.

Anyhow, most motorists are really nice to me, I'd have to say. Sometimes, it can get annoying, like the ones who don't pass me even though they have enough room to (and aren't hard on my tail). I ride within about 70 cm from the curb, so I'm not a terribly huge obstruction. The lanes here are wide enough for a cyclist and motorist. Apparently, the lanes were built large for the big cars of the ol' glory days way back when.

While riding, I've gotten, "Hey baby I love you!" and, "Sup dawg!" and, "Hey, how's it going?" There's this one particular "valley" with a decent grade going down and up (Hey, it's the prairies! Give it some credit! ). On the down portion, I can sometimes hit speeds close to that of the vehicles, and I've had on numerous occasions, people who'd roll down their window, stick their heads out, and yell, "Woooooo!!!" Haha.

I really feel sorry for those that feel there are adversaries out on the road. Maybe, it's only a matter of time until I'll run into people like that. I'll be prepared: I have a large, heavy wrench within easy reach with me at all times while cycling. I know how to use it .

This may be a flame waiting to happen but I wonder how much the aggression can be divided towards different riders?

Do commuters wearing bright jerseys and spandex shorts get more negative attention than those wearing more casual and blander colored jersreys or maybe visa versa since those with the brighter colored jerseys show belonging to a seperate herd?

Are there certain days or times that acts of potential violence or assault are more likely take place?

Also as a seperate question...How many have nearly or literally come to blows because of something that has happened during the commute? I have never had it come down to that but it is somewhat scary that a few people have.

Keep up the good work pj7! Glad to hear you overcame your probs and are part of the solution today.

I'm sure you've heard the cliche, that just cuz your paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you! Carrying pepper spray probably wouldn't be a bad idea, make sure you know how to use it tho, maybe get two and discharge one to make sure you know how it works, how far it sprays, etc. And don't spray it against the wind of course. I think tasers are legal to carry in some areas for self defense also.

Keeping a cell phone handy to call the cops with is a good idea also, if somebody stops a car and gets out, just putting a cell phone to your ear and telling the potential assailants you are telling 911 their car's license plate number might make a diff.

Odds are against this sort thing happening tho, more likely to get injured by somebody driving recklessly out of ignorance then willful malevolence. But its best to be prepared.

I think some of the "******" comments are probably related to cyclist attire. Baggy clothes are "hip" still I think, among the younger crowd who are more likely to vent their hormonal frustrations on cyclists and others. They don't understand that the tight fitting clothes are worn to cut down on wind resistance, and annoying flapping of loose clothing.

you actually need to ASK about road rage?

yep. i get raged. I'm ready to fight back when they step out of the vehicle. but most drivers are chicken except when protected by their car. I'm been 'threatened' and attempted to be run off the road three times this year already. maybe they were just playing around?

I remember that for the longest time it seemed to me that everybody held anti-cyclist sentiments; I would get the usual idiots shouting "******" at me or tail-gating me every other night. In addition, I would have the police pull me over every other week despite having all the proper lighting, reflectors and following the laws of the road.

I was quite fed-up with everybody and riding to and from work became a hassle. I was always told that people who tease or make fun of you are insecure of themselves and/or envious of you in some ways. Perhaps some of these idiots have some kind of "bike-envy" seating deep within their subconcious minds? Who knows...

As for the police, I have no idea other than they just want to show their superiors that they are actually out scanning their areas.

This thread is turning into the pj7 and Blue Order love fest.

Anyway, pj7's buddies and other bullies like this do end up in jail.

I spent 20 years in the military willing to fight for the freedoms my family enjoys. I'll be damned if I am going to give those freedoms away to a bunch of cowards.

If pj7 and Blue Order wish to just give away their freedoms and live under the thumbs of the bullies, fine, but many of us refuse to.

I dunno, I found out a while back that you can knock a hole in a Corvette's door with a well placed hit from a bike chain and lock when they are trying to crowd you over the curb! He was playing games with me and I had just absolutely had it. He took off like a scalded cat, by the way!

Tell me about it. During my 25 mile trip today I had food thrown at me, horns honked, and comments shouted out of windows. I had just passed a "share the road" sign when the fries were tossed at me. :-)

I've been yelled at and buzzed. No worries, though. I've had much, much worse done to me by far more poisonous people in my life. It's fun, too, to get my frustrations with my day out of me by yelling at a JAM/cager.

I've been called "spic," "f*ggot," "****," "loser," and whatnot. If that's the best they got, then no worries.

It's rare, though. It happens to me a lot less than other people who ride in my town. I think it's because I smile and wave when people pass me safely. I think it's beause I don't ride with an attitude of "don't mess with me" but of "life is beautiful, is, was, and shall be."

I've gotten more winks, more smiles, more waves, more blown kisses than I have insults and buzzes.

Nice blog Historian!

I've cycled in many countries and have only had it happen to me in the US.

Very well put

Yeah , people in some other countries simply runs one over without saying a word

I wish someone would throw food at me

I agree but it only takes one to step out with a weapon & your life will be over in one way or another.

It was a couple of french fries. They are along Ridge Pike in Trappe, if you want them. :-)

Thank you.

Gonna have to agree with Ziemas. ONly time it's happened to me is in the US. Some say the cycling friendly gear ( clothing) is the cause. It offends US anti gay fears, some say. ? I don't buy it. The time some kids were about to chase me down a road in Klamath Falls, OR. ; I was wearing Addidas street clothes. Still got called ******.

Well i might want them but that is sort of far away. Having food thrown at me sure would beat the hell out of dumpster diving, that is for sure.

Did that upset you?

Honestly , i don't what's wrong with you whiners of the board ,i walk all around in public in my spandex shorts , jersey, little sissy socks & shoes , let 'em stare who cares,i sure don't. Yoou know if you can't stand the heat then get away from the heat or move to another country where everyone is alot more bicycle friendly(like the Philipines) & much all round nicer people.

Not at all. Sometimes I take pleasure in offending stupid jerks. Caused me to show em , sometimes I can do a decent sprint. Even , if I had to do a California stop at a stop sign.