Acknowledging good driving

[User]

 

[HelenD123]

I often thank courteous drivers in the same way.

 

[slowmotion]

Yes, if someone shows some kindness I always give a wave or a smile. I'm being entirely selfish. It makes me happy, and I hope it makes them better disposed towards cyclists.

 

[Hacienda71]

I will wave or acknowledge a courteous driver. If I am on the bike or in the car. It is just good manners and costs nothing.

 

[subaqua]

always. i use a thumbs up . might make one driver realise we are not all lycra louts

 

[Reiki_chick]

I totally agree with acknowledging careful driving with a raised hand, a thumbs up, a smile or a nod.
Sometimes I think of it as expressing my gratitude, sometimes I think of it as giving positive reinforcement ~ enough with shouting or gesturing at the idiot drivers, I prefer to say thanks to the good ones (though I still do the other from time to time).

And it's double delight to get a smile back from the driver!

 

[Hop3y]

I have done this over the last couple of weeks.

On sunday on the canal though, I was saying thank you to pedestrians on the footpath for moving to the side and not one said anything back! I went past a fellow MTB'er who said 'Good day sir!.'

Tha'ts what it should be about!

 

[Cardiac]

Just good manners in my view. If the thanks are acknowledged that's a plus, but not essential.

 

[gaz]

I either use a thumbs up or i do a little wave.

 

[slowmotion]

Just good manners in my view. If the thanks are acknowledged that's a plus, but not essential.

On most occasions I thank them for acknowledging the thanks. What the hell, a wave or a smile doesn't take any effort.

 

[mangaman]

I do - a wave.

My driving around cyclists has also been massively influenced by this site (and C+). The much maligned Spindrift was one of the 1st to drum into my head the extra care around cyclists while driving.

I often shepherd cyclists through parts of the city where I know pinch points are ahead - or on twisty country roads.

By that I mean I sit behind cyclists in my car with Mr Toad drivers up my arse, and refuse to overtake the cyclist until I am absolutely clear it's safe. This always gets -

1) Angry flashing lights/tailgating from behind

2) An appreciative and somewhat shocked wave from the cyclist when I've driven slowly behind them for miles.

I learned that on C+/ACF/here and Spindift and all his various user names was one of the main movers in my change of attitude. (While he's getting an unjustified kicking in other posts)

 

[Mad at urage]

Yes I do this (both as motorist and cyclist) and have occasionally been thanked.

A few days ago I failed to overtake a police cyclist on a bend, where I knew there was a traffic island about 50 yards ahead between me and my turning (he was moving at a respectable speed). From the look on his face as he realised that someone was actually waiting for him to pass the pinch-point, he was quite shocked!

 

[John the Monkey]

I do this, although I'd advise against saying "Thank you". A guy I said that to thought I'd sworn at him (he lip read "F*** you", I guess) and chased me before stopping in front of me and threatening to hit me.

Be careful that any gesture you do make can't be misinterpreted - there are a lot of angry people out there.

 

[fimm]

I do try to do this (although I am quite good at doing my acknowledgement when I am in the driver's rear-side blind spot, which isn't much use...)

 

[subaqua]

Yes... and there is nothing quite like being behind a steering wheel to bring out the lunatic side of someone's personality

or indeed sitting on a saddle and holding handlebars.

there are lunatic knuckle dragging f**ktards operating all modes of transport