agarose2000

Was driving in dense LA rush hr traffic today. Lots of stoplights. Traffic stop n go, but hitting 18-20mph for short distances between lights.

2 singlespeed commuter guys are taking up a lane riding about 12-14mph. This is appropriate by law, but you can imagine that they're going to get honked at by somebody along the way - this is one of the most heavily car-trafficked streets in all of LA. Heck, I felt like giving 'em the horn myself when I was about to get boxed in behind them, holding up at least 20 cars, and I'm likely one of the of the most bike/peds friendly drivers, as I do both myself in traffic.

Sure enough, somebody gets caught behind and gives a very brief, light honk. One of the wimpiest honks I've heard, ever. The cyclists turn around, give the guy the finger, and as they all meet up at the next light, knock on the guy's window and proceed to have an argument in the street for the whole duration of the light, and continuing past the light.

I've gotta be honest here - while I'm all for cyclist rights, taking the lane, etc., giving the finger and especially getting into arguments on the road doesn't do anything good. I was REALLY uncomfortable watching these guys. For sure, it gave the impression that cyclists are SOBs waiting to get into a fight on the littlest provocation. I'm positive that though the cyclists may have "educated" that one guy, all 20 cars and 10 onlookers including myself got a bad, bad impression of cyclists. And I'm a cyclist.

Rude behavior definitely doesn't condone even ruder behavior. Do us all a favor and spare us the finger and the roadside arguments.

tubescreamerx

put yourself in their position. they probably get honked at every day.

Machka 

Smile and wave ..... like the little smilie in my signature line.

tubescreamerx

maybe it "doesn't do anything good", but what was the driver achieving by honking? how was it different from the rider returning the favor with a finger?

patentcad

You think?

bikeybikebike

motorists give the finger to each other all the time. this lends legitimacy.

patentcad

A motorist is surrounded by a 3-4,000 lb. car. When you are on your road bicycle, what are you surrounded by?

JoelS

Is this a trick question?

I won't get into a confrontation with a driver. That big hunk of metal they're in can easily kill me.

10 Wheels

It is an ancient Habit.

agarose2000

You all should come try taking the lane here in rush hr in busy parts of LA. Not only will you get honked at nonstop (I've tried it, and yes, they'll honk at you the whole freaking way), but you'll have too many people to give the finger to along the way.

When it gets this bad, I gotta say that you've got to change your route or time of riding. It's a losing battle when it's one cyclist versus hundreds of PO'd rush hr motorists. The finger definitely makes things worse, though.

Darth_Firebolt

2160lbs for me, mister. take your stereotypes elsewhere.

patentcad

Are you referring to your motorcycle group ride?

bikeybikebike

a-holes

patentcad

Oh sure. If you flip a driver the bird you are sure to never get into a confrontation on the road, that will assure you of your complete safety.

AlanS

Givin' the finger is your God-given right as a patriotic-there Americ'n.

bikeybikebike

thats gotta be a fake

not2blu

I think the wimpy horn was probably intentional- just to let the cyclist know there's a car right behind. I think the cyclists over reacted and were in the wrong here.

I agree with your comments. There is no appropriate time to give a motorist the finger. Your finger and 15 lb bike are no match for a 3000 lb steel-framed car. The math just doesn't add up in your favor.

msincredible

I once made the mistake of flipping off a driver while riding in the Bay Area, soon after moving here from the northeast. In NYC, it's almost a friendly greeting. I didn't realize attitudes were so different in California.

Well, he came back around the next block and blocked my way, jumped out of his car, threatened me, almost punched me, and pushed me over.

Now I just smile and wave, no matter what I'm muttering under my breath.

johnny99

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVynnbx1Xsc

x136 

What about flipping them off and then spitting on the hood of their car? That's still okay, right?

Tapeworm21

I like to pretend my water bottle is a hand grenade and throw them at cars. But the open handed slapping of cars never gets old. Nothing gets damaged, but makes a loud horrible sound on a car. Careful of Prius spoilers, they're kinda fragile.

sleepy

What's wrong with a friendly hello?
You should ride more in traffic, dude. You're losing your psychic link to LA traffic.

mkeller234

What about when you are in rural Ohio, with one traffic lane and gravel shoulders and sparse traffic? I was riding in those conditions today and managed to not only get honked at, but followed then have them ride beside me and yell.

I instinctually flipped them the bird, of course he immediately stopped his truck in front of me. It was a mistake to provoke him...but he was really really bugging me and I did what comes naturally when I am angry.

Him: Get of the f***ing road
Me: You tell me where I am supposed to ride then
Him: over the jack a** (pointing to grass and gravel)
Me: Look at my tires, how am I supposed to ride there?
Him: Just stay of the f***ing road
Me: look up the state law...this is where I am supposed to be
Him: Bulls***, I am trying to do you a favor
Me: No your not, if you were you would have just passed me
Him: STAY OFF THE F***ING ROAD (Peels out and throws stones flying my way)

I'm lucky he didn't get out and come at me with how irate he was acting. He is probably the type of guy that honks at Amish buggies, but still he deserved the finger. The only thing is, if you are going to flip someone off, expect that they could be insane enough to take it further. I am not trying to pose as a tough guy here, I did NOT want to fight that guy and am happy it ended with him driving off. I am going to try not to flip the next guy off.

coasting 

why argue with a stranger. not only does he have a car to run you over, but maybe he is a bad person and might just shoot or stab.

mkeller234

Yeah, that is why I regret flipping him off. After he stopped his truck I had few choices left, I did argue with him, but did it as calmly as I could. I might have been beaten up, but I wasn't going to just say "oh sorry your right"

Plus, the guy was following me and harassing me before I did anything at all so who is to say that he wouldn't have done the same thing anyway.