Apologies this morning

[BentMikey]

There's no excuse for a foul mouthed tirade in front of a woman and her kids.

Is it worse to do this to a woman and her kids, or to a builder? I'm not sure either is acceptable, but just like you I've lost it on occasion.

 

[Radius]

Thing is Lee, if you ever caused a scare to a motorist when you RLJ'd (but of course you're too good at it for that...), then would you expect them to just swear at you even if you said sorry / it was clearly just a mistake? If so, then that's not a great outlook on society, cos I don't think most people are like that...

 

[User482]

Is it worse to do this to a woman and her kids, or to a builder? I'm not sure either is acceptable, but just like you I've lost it on occasion.

I take your point - but it's much more likely that the woman and kids would have been badly frightened, which is completely unnecessary.

 

[User482]

In all the times I have RLJ I've never caused a motorist to swear at me.

And how would you know?

 

[swee'pea99]

Is it worse to do this to a woman and her kids, or to a builder? I'm not sure either is acceptable, but just like you I've lost it on occasion.

Yes. Infinitely. Solo grown-ups, whether they build or not, can cope with a bit of abuse. Not that I'd be in any great hurry to do it myself, but people swearing at, say, inconsiderate WVMs doesn't faze me in the least. But to scare children like that (and to a child, seeing their mum attacked must be the most frightening experience, bar none) is beneath contempt.

 

[jassy-x]

[quote name='swee'pea99']Yes. Infinitely. Solo grown-ups, whether they build or not, can cope with a bit of abuse. Not that I'd be in any great hurry to do it myself, but people swearing at, say, inconsiderate WVMs doesn't faze me in the least. But to scare children like that (and to a child, seeing their mum attacked must be the most frightening experience, bar none) is beneath contempt.[/quote]
....well said swee'pea !!!!!..

 

[BentMikey]

[quote name='swee'pea99']Yes. Infinitely. Solo grown-ups, whether they build or not, can cope with a bit of abuse. Not that I'd be in any great hurry to do it myself, but people swearing at, say, inconsiderate WVMs doesn't faze me in the least. But to scare children like that (and to a child, seeing their mum attacked must be the most frightening experience, bar none) is beneath contempt.[/quote]

Oh, I think you misunderstand. What I'm getting at is that it's just as morally wrong to swear at either, but the effects of swearing at the woman and child are much more likely to be worse.

 

[User482]

Oh, I think you misunderstand. What I'm getting at is that it's just as morally wrong to swear at either, but the effects of swearing at the woman and child are much more likely to be worse.

Surely the morality of the act must be in part determined by the effect it has?

 

[Nigeyy]

You have restored my faith in people! I can't agree more, sometimes mistakes do happen (by the way, hands up those people who have never made a mistake on the road). I always try to consider that people are usually not malicious in intent, just that they can and do make mistakes. Shouting and swearing at people when they've made a mistake usually makes them uncomfortable and potentially confrontational. I honestly believe a quiet rational approach is the way to go whenever possible. I really believe they are more likely to modify their behaviour based on that.

On the other hand, I do think there is a difference between a mistake and intentionally stupid action -someone sees you but still pushes out (when there isn't traffic behind you even) or over takes you and pulls in way too early -these are just a couple of things I can think of.

I think you handled this really pretty well.

I appreciate the other cyclist's reaction, but I think we all need to remember that people make mistakes; most of the time it is not malice, just a mistake. I don't think she deserved quite so much abuse.
My "Oi" was just like another car beeping its horn; she knew all too well that she's made a mistake and hopefully won't do it again.
Anyway, rant over.

 

[Blackandblue]

And how do we react to women with children in their cars swearing at cyclists? Not a made up example - something that has actually happened to me - unprovoked as far as I could tell.

Although I sometimes find it difficult myself I try to desist from remonstration and when I can't do that I try to remonstrate without the use of vulgar or offensive language. Do unto others and all that.

 

[hackbike 6]

And that attitude is why society is in freefall. No respect for each other!!

I have respect for people who have respect for me,Bent Mikey being a prime example and perhaps a few others here.Most of my work colleagues,the bloke at the corner shop etc etc.