RegularGuy

Let's face it, most of us also drive cars. Even those of us who hate driving cars sometimes find it necessary to do so. When you are behind the wheel, and you encounter a cyclist, do you wave? Do you give a thumbs up? Do you shout a word of encouragement? I always try to pass safely. I usually try to give a friendly wave.

Construction has closed a four lane bridge in my town down to two lanes. The lanes are narrow and separated only by traffic cones. When I cross the bridge on my bike, I usually take the middle of the lane and try to keep my speed high.

Today I was driving north across the bridge. The sky was spitting drizzle. A young girl, about 12 I guess, was riding her upright "comfort" bike across the bridge ahead of me. She had a little knapsack on her back. I noticed that she had good legs, cut with muscle. She must ride that bike a lot. She was hugging the curb. I stayed about 20 feet back from her and drove at her pace. When she reached the far side of the bridge, she tried to hop up onto the sidewalk, but missed. She put her foot down on the curb and stopped. I stopped. I made the traffic behind me stop. She lifted her bike up onto the walk. As I drove on I thought, "I'm glad it was me behind her and not some jerk who would try to squeeze by."

LittleBigMan

It's a good thing there is a cyclist behind the wheel sometimes, eh?

Cyclesister

Could have been me writing that post, Regularguy. I have had almost the identical thing happen to me. Only difference was that some of the motorists behind me got irate and blew their horns.

If there is eye contact made between me behind the wheel and a cyclist, I always wave and smile.

joeprim

Always a thumbs up or wave
Joe

MediaCreations 

I always hope that cyclists see my "I'd Rather Be Cycling" sticker so that they know I'm on their side. My driving style and consideration of cyclists should be their other clue that I'm a cyclist.

I certainly give a nod or wave from behind the wheel to other riders.

The overwhelming feeling when seeing a cyclist when I'm behind the wheel is "I wish that were me".

velocipedio

One day in the winter/early spring, it was about -5C, but a bright sunny day. I was out on my cyclocross bike, heading for the big park in the middle of Montreal [Mount Royal... it is a big park, ]see here for details. I was heading along Westmount Blvd. for Remembrance Road, and a guy in an SUV rolled up to me at a stop, rolled down his window and gave me a grin and a thumbs-up. He looked like a frustrated cyclist waiting for winter to end.

LittleBigMan

I honked and waved at a cyclist once, just to be friendly.

He pert near jumped off'n his bike.

jaybikerdr

When i see fellow riders on the road, i make sure to treat them as i would want to be treated out on the road. let them have the right-of-way. i will block other traffic with my vehicle 'till i can find a safe area to pass.