Chuck Naill

Was riding on a rural two lane road yesterday and suddenly a rider yelled, "on your left". This after being passed by several cars over a ten mile stretch. The shout broke the enjoyment of the silence I had fallen into. I wanted to shout back for him to shut up. I know that would not be nice. He probably thought he was doing what he was supposed to do, but I disagree that a need exists to announce your presence on a public road. Thoughts?

Machka 

Oh no ... not this.

These threads have started to be as prevalent as the other signs of spring ... the waving and shaving threads!

Chuck Naill

I am wondering if I should continue to post here. It seems that instead of staying on topic most what to complain the thread dared to be created.

Machka 

http://www.bikeforums.net/general-cy...ules-road.html

http://www.bikeforums.net/general-cy...y-useless.html

http://www.bikeforums.net/general-cy...quette-ii.html

http://www.bikeforums.net/general-cy...etiquette.html

Machka 

Just relax ... and enjoy the ride.

10 Wheels

It is a courtesy thing trying to prevent an accident.

Once had a rider do that and he said "There is 18 more".

It was 25 MPH Pace line of riders.

Do you use a mirror?

BlazingPedals

It's usually a law to announce yourself before passing from behind on a sidewalk or path; but it's not required on the road. And I'd rather not have cars honking at me every time they pass. That said, a lot of MUPpets expect the same consideration if they venture out on the road. It's hard to tell who they are ahead of time, though, and most cyclists are aware enough of their surroundings that they don't need the warning; so I don't shout, ring my bell, etc unless they look like they're about to something unpredictable; you know, lost in their own reverie and oblivious to everything else. I always give everyone plenty of room, just in case.

Last year I was chastised for not giving a warning, by someone who was riding on a wide paved shoulder. I was out almost to the center line when I passed him. Probably 15 feet of clearance. I guess I startled him.

indyfabz

I'll bet that you speak for a lot of us.

gregf83 

If he'd have said nothing many others would complain about being startled when the cyclist passed.

I think you just have to accept that you aren't the only one out there and that it's not always possible to 'enjoy the silence'.

Jim from Boston

On Your Left

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckNaill

Was riding on a rural two lane road yesterday and suddenly a rider yelled, "On your left". This after being passed by several cars over a ten mile stretch. The shout broke the enjoyment of the silence I had fallen into.

I wanted to shout back for him to shut up. I know that would not be nice. He probably thought he was doing what he was supposed to do, but I disagree that a need exists to announce your presence on a public road. Thoughts?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Machka

Oh no ... not this.

These threads have started to be as prevalent as the other signs of spring ...the waving and shaving threads!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck Naill

I am wondering if I should continue to post here. It seems that instead of staying on topic most what to complain the thread dared to be created.

My thoughts...If I may intervene, I think Machka was referring to those numerous threads about MUPS, and the up coming cyclist yelling “On your left” as they approached slower pedestrians, cyclists, etc, often with earphones on. I myself initially thought the same, just from the title of this thread.

When I’m passing anyone in any situation, including a fellow cyclist on the road, I don’t yell ”On your left”; at most I will say “Coming up” when nearby, but most importantly will pass with a wide berth. Yelling a warning might be annoying; a startling yell is inappropriate; but close passing is definitely uncalled for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10 Wheels

...Do you use a mirror?

Always my perennial advice.

plumberroy

I was on a MUP yesterday I passed a young man (7-9) I slowed way down and said passing on your left . My wife called so I pulled to the side . As the young man caught up and passed he announced " passing on your left "
If the person passing you is a Mup rider most of the time it is just habit not needed on the road but just what they are accustom to doing.

jefnvk

Meh, I do it when the person in front of me doesn't inspire confidence that they are going to hold their line and may be prone to unexpected position changes. Or when there is other traffic in the area that they may be focused on. Or when we are approaching a traffic signal and I am trying to get around them before it. Or when they are oblivious to anything around them.

I rarely pass people who are focused and actually cycling, now that I think of it. IF that really broke your solitude, though, a public road probably isn't the place for you.

BobbyG

caloso

If the rider I'm passing looks like they know how to hold their line, then I usually don't say anything. If they look like they might veer or overreact, then I call out on your left.

Machka 

+1

rumrunn6

sometimes, it seems out of place. it's a judgement call. I prefer a more subtle approach like "good morning" or "hi, how you doin?" (as they overtake me)

it's a courtesy tho, so it's hard to justify throwing a stick in their spokes

Dave Cutter

You nailed that part of the etiquette.... right on the head. Although nobody is thrilled to get pasted particularly on open road (or path). But the "on your left" from the other cyclist is proper and appropriate. Your own hurt feelings... are you own business.

I haven't failed to enjoy even one bicycle ride... yet. I try leaving fear and ego at home. It seems to help. Anger is merely an emotional manifestation triggered by the fight or flight response. In most cases.... the anger doesn't even make sense. It would be my guess.... the fight or flight response.... pre-dates bicycle riding.

wphamilton

When I hear it I always think "Wow, was I wandering off my line or something?" I admit it, sometimes I probably was Lost in my thoughts, slow down, get passed, was probably weaving.

Scarbo

+1

kickstart

It usually doesn't bother me, and I sometimes do it when called for, no big deal.

That said, once in a while someone will bark it out in a manner and with timing that is clearly unfriendly, a couple going as far as making snotty comments about me not "making way".
It's perfectly fine if someone is a racer or plays one on weekends, but they have no right to expect others to play their special games. Ones expectations should end at the rules of the road or trail.

Retro Grouch 

There's 7,000,000,000 other people in the world. Every single one of them has their own agenda. Good luck on getting all of them to treat you the way that you think you deserve.

1989Pre

Stop daydreaming and pay attention. I'm glad he broke you out of your stupor, momentarily.

rgconner

Some years ago I yelled "On your left" at a pair of riders who where all over the place on the local bike trail.

The male of the pair then proceeded to follow me for about 3 miles until I stopped for a left turn when he jumped off his bike and blindsided me with a few punches.

Several bystanders later and an a couple of cops he claimed I had called him some name or other, which prompted the cop to say "Well, I guess he was right."

Moral of the story: I don't alert people anymore. Not worth it.

700

I always thought "on your left" was a challenge to drope the hamer!
Challenge Accepted!
j/k :-D

Secret Squirrel

I stopped saying" on your left" since they tended to get startled and move to the left.
I bought a bell, but I can see their scorn as I pass. (Just like a car horn tap)
You can't win.