How Do You Let A Driver Know

[sidevalve]

Pretty spot on really. TBH I don't get what some other comments about "drivers" has to do with this thread though, this is about learners [that's those with the big red L on the car] and that "L" means something, ie this driver is inexperienced and or upredictale and may do something stupid. It's a warning, and it should be taken as such. If it isn't a learner and they've left the plate on, well it's still a warning, but perhaps for a different reason.

Hmm. Had a brain off moment there [have to stop trying to read through the JD bottle]. Thought the OP meant learner drivers. As for the others, well it is best to just let it go. "Road rage" is the most likely outcome of a confrontation and the cyclist always comes off worst.

 

[downfader]

Having said what I did earlier I will say there are those drivers/riders where even the most innocuous of body language seems to send them into a rage.

This summer I went out to Hamble to research a local off-road route. Coming back there is a traffic island and I usually shoulder check before I get there and move into primary. Doing so on that afternoon I noticed a 4x4 behind me at distance. As I entered the pinch point it felt wrong, I dont remember if I'd heard a sound or something (my hearing isnt the best) but I looked around in time to see the 4x4 suddenly slamming the brakes on and sliding to a stop near my right rear-side.

I didnt swear. I didnt give the guy the bird. I just swerved left and shook my head maybe twice and blew out some air in that kind of relief I'm sure everyone feels in such situations where something bad is narrowly missed.

The road widened. Heard the driver crunch his gears and pull parallel with the passenger window where the driver shouts "Why did you shake your f***ing head at me??!!"

"You scared the s*** out of me. I thought you were going to rear-end me." The only time I recall swearing and it was in response.
He then drove off at speed, well above the limit, and muttering something now garbled but sweary...

 

[akb]

A shake of the head and I have a little think to myself to figure out how I could have influenced the drivers bad move and how it could be prevented. I used shout swear and wave my hands. I then realised it was pointless and I looked like a bellend.

 

[Matthew_T]

Whilst it is admirable that you want to retain full control of your bicycle, I find that a surprising reason for not wanting to hit a car.

The main reason for not wanting to hit a car is because I just dont see the point in doing so (or the right opportunity hasnt arisen yet).

The confrontational stuff I am trying to stop now. E.g. A guy undertook me yesterday when I had moved into the right lane to turn right. I filtered passed him and just looked at him as I did so. I carried on cycling when the lights changed and he followed me into a car park (which had a shared use path leading away). I was going to turn around at this point and ask him why he had followed me but thought better of it (I wouldnt have caught him up). I thought that it was very odd that he had followed me though.

I feel like it is easier to restrain myself now. I will only confront if there is a genuine reason to, or I can be bothered.

 

[freewheelwilly]

The main reason for not wanting to hit a car is because I just dont see the point in doing so (or the right opportunity hasnt arisen yet).

The confrontational stuff I am trying to stop now. E.g. A guy undertook me yesterday when I had moved into the right lane to turn right. I filtered passed him and just looked at him as I did so. I carried on cycling when the lights changed and he followed me into a car park (which had a shared use path leading away). I was going to turn around at this point and ask him why he had followed me but thought better of it (I wouldnt have caught him up). I thought that it was very odd that he had followed me though.

I feel like it is easier to restrain myself now. I will only confront if there is a genuine reason to, or I can be bothered.

I guess the look didn't help

 

[HLaB]

I try not to react, at best a reaction is ignored (so pointless) at worst it can trigger some of the muppets out there. I must confess though sometimes I can't help my self

 

[Trickedem]

I admit to having effed&Jeffed when I've been the victim of a close pass. I've even chased cars down to remonstrate with drivers.
However, I'm getting more relaxed as I get more miles in. The calm responses from several of you are very admirable and I am resolving to do similar in2013.

 

[Slaav]

The main reason for not wanting to hit a car is because I just dont see the point in doing so (or the right opportunity hasnt arisen yet).

The confrontational stuff I am trying to stop now. E.g. A guy undertook me yesterday when I had moved into the right lane to turn right. I filtered passed him and just looked at him as I did so. I carried on cycling when the lights changed and he followed me into a car park (which had a shared use path leading away). I was going to turn around at this point and ask him why he had followed me but thought better of it (I wouldnt have caught him up). I thought that it was very odd that he had followed me though.

I feel like it is easier to restrain myself now. I will only confront if there is a genuine reason to, or I can be bothered.

Without wishing to point out the obvious (and pick a 'fight',) why do we all not start from the following opposite extreme;

"I will NOT confront anyone other road users, especially 2 ton tin boxes that can kill me, especially when the nutter driving it has already shown his general behaviour type"? rather than as above:

"I will only confront if.... I can be bothered"

Cannot help thinking MAtthew that you are still approaching this from the wrong starting point! Sorry...

 

[sheddy]

Has anyone ever caught them up and placed a polite (prepared) note under the rear wiper ?
Never done it myself, just wondered.

 

[Matthew_T]

Has anyone ever caught them up and placed a polite (prepared) note under the rear wiper ?
Never done it myself, just wondered.

That could cause problems. What if the driver sees what you are doing and thinks that you are damaging the wiper?

I would only give a note if I was VERY sad and had nothing better to do.