Bike Forums - Harassed Comments By Drivers?

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)

- Hybrid Bicycles (https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bicycles/)

- - Harassed Comments By Drivers? (https://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bicycles/1056592-harassed-comments-drivers.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by roguewave (Post 18670851)

Actually I think we bicyclists ask for "some" of the harassment we receive by riding our bikes on roads that we have no business what so ever being on. Narrow curvy roads with no shoulder on them are extremely dangerous for both the biker and the car. The mentality that a bicyclist can ride on any road at any time he wants is pure stupitidiy. Flame away...

I somewhat agree with you on that, but that doesn't excuse verbal abuse. The OP wasn't talking about this kind of situation anyway, so let's not derail the thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dagmarthegreat (Post 18658719)

Yeah, I was always reluctant to ride my bike to and from my college's campus, I feel like it's exacerbated by being female because rarely have the comments been about cycling, they're generally something sexually suggestive if not outright explicit. Trying to work up the courage to take up cycling again now that I'm back in the U.S., after the bike-friendly culture of Germany I'm not sure I'm ready to encounter having comments about my hindquarters yelled at from the cab of two-ton pickups again... It definitely is discouraging, but I'm trying to not let that sort of behavior discourage me from doing something I love, as I don't think that there is actually any danger in most cases.

I don't see it as danger I just wonder why they do that to try and annoy me. You should continue to cycle. I think when anyone cycles often enough then it doesn't matter where you are well by moving countries I assume it would take time to get used to. So far I've been wearing a rain coat, hat for now, and sun glasses. Not only to protect my eyes especially due to sensitivity, but also in a way the drivers don't know who I am/can't see my face clearly so in a way when they say the sexual comments it literally can't bother me as they don't know what I even look like or the actual outline of my body shape

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBinNY (Post 18658725)

Welcome to the real world. There are a number of ******** out there, and this is what they think passes for a good time. They yell at you because they can, after all, what can you do about it.

Just tune them out, and recognize them as the proverbial empty barrels on wheels that they are, and go on with your day. Don't worry about them doing more than yelling, that's all they have.

BTW - try to maintain perspective. These jerks are the exception, and not the rule. Consider them in the same category as the broken glass and potholes that you encounter on the road.

I think that's a great way of categorizing them, thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamcraigslist (Post 18658728)

Not so much jealous of my bike, although I've got some nice steel here, but the riding itself. There's a freedom to it. I'm out in the open, not riding around in a box looking out a window. I can park just about anywhere, go pedestrian on a whim.

Yeah. I love how cycling feels because it's like you have much more freedom. Even watching the cars go past I notice they always have a miserable expression on their face.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomEncounter (Post 18671874)

but that doesn't excuse verbal abuse.

Are you actually serious?

...never mind, don't answer.