Your favorite phrases for throwing at drivers?
10-05-09, 11:50 PM
#51
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Here I have to surpass the language barrier. As the unwritten road rules here are very different from the west, I needed to learn them before hurling even a dirty look. For instance, if somebody does a 3 point u-turn in front of traffic, nobody even blows a horn.
Further, I am often beeped at. Well "at" is probably the wrong word. They beep to let me know they are coming, more of an "I am coming, please be careful" sound.
However, one guy, attempting to run a red light, was stopped by pedestrians. Where he stopped blocked the cars and other pedestrians. As I squeezed past him, and went past the passenger window, I said to him "zuo de hao". In the local patois this means "Well done".
The person who stands on the corner and controls the passengers with a little red flag was next to the driver about to give him an earfull when they heard this, and they burst out laughing, and repeated to the driver what I had said.
The driver went bright red, and his passenger joined in the laughter.
Bet he is more careful next time
z
Further, I am often beeped at. Well "at" is probably the wrong word. They beep to let me know they are coming, more of an "I am coming, please be careful" sound.
However, one guy, attempting to run a red light, was stopped by pedestrians. Where he stopped blocked the cars and other pedestrians. As I squeezed past him, and went past the passenger window, I said to him "zuo de hao". In the local patois this means "Well done".
The person who stands on the corner and controls the passengers with a little red flag was next to the driver about to give him an earfull when they heard this, and they burst out laughing, and repeated to the driver what I had said.
The driver went bright red, and his passenger joined in the laughter.
Bet he is more careful next time
z
10-06-09, 02:21 AM
#52
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I usually just shake my head, I occasionally brandish the bird.
If they're going to hear me (and at least in their thirties) I'll say "Who raised you?" I've noticed when folks are in their thirties, they start to reconnect with their folks just as they're about to drop from some disease or another, so I've seen this rattle a few cages-- no pun intended.
If they're younger, generally they get a "Really? REALLY?" If they're in my age range at all (mid-twenties), I just do what I can to memorize their face and car. This is a small valley, and if I don't already know them, one of my friends does, which can lead to an eventual awkward conversation where I can just actually say "hey, can you watch out a bit for cyclists?" or something similarly civil.
I've found if you actually talk to someone and put a face to the anonymous bike, they're pretty receptive, especially if they realize they apparently did something rude enough that you took the time to remember them and bring it up at a social engagement.
If they're still jerks, I just loom menacingly.
(Tiny Californians often fear my gigantic, beef and corn fed, Midwestern frame.)
If they're going to hear me (and at least in their thirties) I'll say "Who raised you?" I've noticed when folks are in their thirties, they start to reconnect with their folks just as they're about to drop from some disease or another, so I've seen this rattle a few cages-- no pun intended.
If they're younger, generally they get a "Really? REALLY?" If they're in my age range at all (mid-twenties), I just do what I can to memorize their face and car. This is a small valley, and if I don't already know them, one of my friends does, which can lead to an eventual awkward conversation where I can just actually say "hey, can you watch out a bit for cyclists?" or something similarly civil.
I've found if you actually talk to someone and put a face to the anonymous bike, they're pretty receptive, especially if they realize they apparently did something rude enough that you took the time to remember them and bring it up at a social engagement.
If they're still jerks, I just loom menacingly.
(Tiny Californians often fear my gigantic, beef and corn fed, Midwestern frame.)
10-06-09, 09:46 AM
#53
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It all depends on the situation, but when I get someone who obviously needs to chill out I like to ride up next to their window and start a one way conversation. If the person wants to share their opinion to me I show them two items;
1. My cell phone
2. My police badge
Then I follow it with a question, “would you like me to call an on duty officer so we can further the conversation about your aggressive behavior, or would you like to just simmer down and realize your being a dumba$$?
This usually works
1. My cell phone
2. My police badge
Then I follow it with a question, “would you like me to call an on duty officer so we can further the conversation about your aggressive behavior, or would you like to just simmer down and realize your being a dumba$$?
This usually works
10-06-09, 10:19 AM
#54
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I used to curse, shout, swear and flip the bird at drivers who buzz, pass too close, or yell at me, etc. Now I smile, wave, blow kisses or my favorite, send out a blast with my Air zound. Blowing kisses at them really tends to freak people out. The Air Zound makes them think there is a large truck near them. Blasting them with the Air Zound and then blowing a kiss at them really freaks them out. It makes them think I used the Air Zound to get there attention so they could see me blow them a kiss.
10-06-09, 10:43 AM
#55
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It all depends on the situation, but when I get someone who obviously needs to chill out I like to ride up next to their window and start a one way conversation. If the person wants to share their opinion to me I show them two items;
1. My cell phone
2. My police badge
Then I follow it with a question, “would you like me to call an on duty officer so we can further the conversation about your aggressive behavior, or would you like to just simmer down and realize your being a dumba$$?
This usually works
1. My cell phone
2. My police badge
Then I follow it with a question, “would you like me to call an on duty officer so we can further the conversation about your aggressive behavior, or would you like to just simmer down and realize your being a dumba$$?
This usually works
10-07-09, 04:33 PM
#56
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10-07-09, 04:36 PM
#57
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10-07-09, 05:24 PM
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I've gotten a lot of "hey biker! Lance Armstrong!... hurrr hurrr hurrr" lately.
I think I'm gonna try firing back with "car-driver! Dale Earnhart Jr!... aren't we hilarious?"
I think I'm gonna try firing back with "car-driver! Dale Earnhart Jr!... aren't we hilarious?"
10-07-09, 06:34 PM
#59
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You got passed on the left by a cyclist? SUuuuckkkkkeeeeeerrrrrrrr!!!!
10-07-09, 07:06 PM
#60
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JoeyBike hasn't posted to this yet, but I've seen him post before that he doesn't waste his time and breath arguing with motorists, he just keeps on riding. And you know what an aggressive rider he is.
10-07-09, 10:24 PM
#61
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10-08-09, 06:57 AM
#62
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To be true the best retort is to let them see the back of you as you ride off into the sea of traffic, leaving them behind in a wave of gridlock.
10-08-09, 07:06 AM
#63
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It all depends on the situation, but when I get someone who obviously needs to chill out I like to ride up next to their window and start a one way conversation. If the person wants to share their opinion to me I show them two items;
1. My cell phone
2. My police badge
Then I follow it with a question, “would you like me to call an on duty officer so we can further the conversation about your aggressive behavior, or would you like to just simmer down and realize your being a dumba$$?
This usually works
1. My cell phone
2. My police badge
Then I follow it with a question, “would you like me to call an on duty officer so we can further the conversation about your aggressive behavior, or would you like to just simmer down and realize your being a dumba$$?
This usually works
I have to admit, I would so like to "flash a badge" at times. It really chaps my hide when I make the effort to do right and have some ahole come back with dangerous dumba$$ behavior including cutting me off (to get to a red light before me
) I can just imagine the look on their face as I roll up after such a stunt and "flash a badge." Priceless!Of course I am not a cop, so it is only in the imagination...
10-08-09, 08:22 AM
#64
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I just ignore them if i'm riding. If I catch up to a light I'll usually just stare at them through the window with a straight face and not say anything. If they honk or really piss me off and I catch them, I yell "BEEEEP BEEEEP BEEEEP", it really gets them if you can do it without smiling or making a mad face. Just a straight poker face gets them freaked out.
10-08-09, 09:19 AM
#65
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That's something I haven't thought of. I might try it!
But really, I get these sorts of harassment a lot less lately. I don't know why!
But really, I get these sorts of harassment a lot less lately. I don't know why!
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
10-08-09, 10:53 AM
#66
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I just push my glasses up with my middle finger so they see it in their rear view mirror (because they always look) and it gives me an out.."What, I was just pushing my glasses up, flip you off, what are you talking about"
10-08-09, 11:05 AM
#67
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"get on the side walk"
i'll say
"get on a treadmill"
i'll say
"get on a treadmill"
10-08-09, 11:13 AM
#68
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I usually just ignore comments tossed my way...many I can't make sense of anyway 
. I try to always be aware that someone in a car, if they chose to do so, could end my life very quickly.
I have once tried to explain that I am just trying to get home....didn't seem too effective though.
. I try to always be aware that someone in a car, if they chose to do so, could end my life very quickly. I have once tried to explain that I am just trying to get home....didn't seem too effective though.
10-08-09, 10:23 PM
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I throw bricks, not phrases. They spread the message quicker.
Yeah, but the kind of roadrager that's leaning out of their cage and yelling insults is just the kind of moron that's going to carry a weapon and be irresponsible with it.
Yeah, but the kind of roadrager that's leaning out of their cage and yelling insults is just the kind of moron that's going to carry a weapon and be irresponsible with it.
10-09-09, 09:11 AM
#70
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gay jokes aren't funny. what are you in 6th grade? LAAAAAME and unwitty.
10-10-09, 10:08 AM
#71
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"You threatened me?" "Follow through then, you f88king looser!!!"
They never follow through.
I stopped yelling at people when I started openly carrying a gun, which is perfectly legal where I leave.
They never follow through.
I stopped yelling at people when I started openly carrying a gun, which is perfectly legal where I leave.
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10-10-09, 10:21 PM
#72
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Well I don't have a favorite but lately it's been "What the $#%& are you DOING?"
10-12-09, 08:03 AM
#73
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"Wake Up!" is one of my favorites as go forward at a green light, noticing the car to my left is not budging because the driver is texting or talking on a phone. By the time the person wakes up.... I'm already across the intersection, hearing horns blaring from row of cars behind the first.
"Thank You!" is another, anytime someone in a car or on foot shows hears my bike bell warning. You know, a pedestrian stepping out into a street, a driver about to open his door... that sort of thing. They took a few seconds out of their day to not cause a bike accident... that deserves a "thank you".
"Thank You!" is another, anytime someone in a car or on foot shows hears my bike bell warning. You know, a pedestrian stepping out into a street, a driver about to open his door... that sort of thing. They took a few seconds out of their day to not cause a bike accident... that deserves a "thank you".
10-12-09, 08:45 AM
#74
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on my bad days, I'll yell "Can you give me a ride???"
just kidding...
just kidding...
10-12-09, 10:38 AM
#75
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right now I want to call a colleague an "incompetent twit" which sounds like a good one for motorists as well, eh?
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