I've been frustrated in the past that cars tend to slow, look, and wait for me while I'm waiting at an intersection. They don't trust me. Sometimes they wave me through, even if they have the right of way.

Well, I've fixed that. I took someone's advise from this forum and I quickly put my foot down when at an intersection and I don't have the right of way. I don't look at them either. This let's them know that I'm waiting for them. Drivers proceed through.

Confusion and trust are reduced and life's good. Just thought I'd pass this on.

Good tip!

Yea, that's one of my major pet peeves too. I figure it's as good a time as any to get a sip or inspect the front tire.

Trackstands are more impressive in a stop-light queue anyhow -- that is if one doesn't fall over

The level of foot-down seems to have an effect as well.

I've had to go from tiptoe to flatfooted, bike leaned way over to the side, staring at the clouds before to get someone to move.

Also giving the slow/stop signal when approaching an intersection helps communicate your intention to actually stop.

Al

I had this problem as well, and the foot does help. Also taking a sip of water or something to let them know that you aren't just kidding and are really about to dart in front of them.

I have lights everywhere, no need to put my foot down, circle the 5x5 space!

Yes, don't look them in the eye. Also, don't wear a helmet or signal your intentions in any way. Oh, and be sure to wear a skirt: https://austinbikeblog.org/?p=254

I don't look them in the eye because then they start waving me through. I don't want the wave. Hate the wave. What are they, traffic cops? Goofy!

Foot down is the most absolute way to make your intention clear. But sometimes if there is just one other vehicle approaching the intersection (and they are getting there first), I don't want to come to a complete stop. I found that often just slowing down, while looking directly at them and pointing at them (as in YOUR TURN) will make them go. If there are multiple vehicles approaching it's always foot down for me.

When I put my foot down at a 4-way stop half the time some of the other drivers skip me in the order, and it becomes pretty confused.

its not a put down, i put my foot down
then I make some love I put my root down

I also find kickin' it foot down very effective to get cars to go thru stop signs.

Seen it too. Some drivers seem to think bike's don't count as vehicles in the intersection...

Then again sometimes I see drivers skip other cars in the stop/go order, so maybe they're equal-opportunity-*******s.

I used to do this and variations of this (point at them, then at where they should go, waving onward, tipping head to them, etc.) to help ensure other drivers proceeded when they legally should. But I could never find a pointing type signal that could not be possibly confused with a turn signal or other meaning.

That is why in about the last 6mo. I've been instead using the stop signal (arm bent down and a bit out w/palm facing backwards). Drivers from any direction who are aware of you can see it and know with no ambiguity you are signaling an intent to stop. So far they consistently believe it, maybe as so few other cyclists use the stop signal.

This has been far more effective that foot down or pointing since I've started doing it. Of course there is nothing wrong with pointing if it works - I'm just offering an alternative as I've been pleasantly surprised with its effectiveness. I had never tried it before as I previously had the mindset the stop signal was for only drivers behind me.

I also don't do this in busy 4-way stops when assertiveness (behaving just like the other drivers) is far more effective in getting ones rightful turn. No matter what vehicle you drive if you don't assert and take your place in line you will get passed over at busy 4-ways.

Al

I agree that the foot-down usually works. I would not add any other business (take a sip, inspect the tire) because that indicates you might be there for a while and cars will skip you, go around you, etc. I try to look at drivers to see what they might be planning to do but I never admit to seeing them--sometimes you can't see through the tinting or glare on the windshield anyway, so I don't want to encourage them to communicate that way.

yeah i put a foot down quick if i dont have a right of way to signal them to ignore me.

How else do you stop? You have to put your foot down. What am I missing here?

Not that I would ever do it myself, you understand, but some people like to roll through stop signs without quite stopping. If cars would just take the right of way and go this would be much easier.

I often stop fully without track standing nor putting a foot down.

I can balance for at least 5 seconds after braking to a stop, no trackstanding necessary.

Much as I like my utilikilt, It's amzingly uncomfortable to cycle in.

Funny thread.

Like many of you I find it varies between the drivers that I'm just plain invisible to and they go through like I'm not even there even when I have the right of way to the other extreme where I'll stop well back from the line put my foot down and they'll screech to a stop and wave ME through even though they fully have the right of way. That really messes with your mind. On the one hand it's nice to be recognized and respected but there's always that little buzz in the back of my mind.... "What if he's just getting me into position?....."