I felt a small one tonight, but did I do wrong? WVM #2

[Downward]

Brave riding down that part - Hairy enough in the car and a very narrow Dual Carriageway.

Not been down that way for a while so not seen the new bridge.

Still waiting for the new road to be complete down towards the Hospital before venturing around that gridlocked area again.

 

[bryce]

I reckon nothing wrong with it. A cheery/ sarcastic wave is about the least offensive and most restrained thing you could have done. WVM knew he was being an aggressive tw*t and was frustrated. You could have scratched his van, given him a one-fingered salute, swore at him, blew kisses etc. All things that would have enraged the guy more.

If you'd done nothing, he might have done it again to another cyclist. I bet he felt like a dork and in the wrong after you waved and cycled off.

 

[Maz]

I avoid all hand gestures that might enrage an already p-offed driver. What's the point in angering him/her? If they caught you up, you might become another statistic. Just not worth it.

 

[malkie]

Now that is some old school insulting .

I`ll see your "spack" and raise you a "speccy four-eyes"

Got called that where I used to work ... couldn`t move for laughing . Not quite the response he was looking for I don`t think

 

[Will1985]

It had to be Bournbrook just by reading the first post!
It is dangerous all the way from the Bournbrook Rd lights all the way to the station, and I've had some near misses in the past. You annoy the cagers during rush hour by riding past (I take the middle line where all traffic is stationary), and I find that even with a very aggressive primary position and 25mph, cars want to pass you so they can sit on the car in front's bumper for a couple more seconds. There are some senseless drivers on that stretch.

It must be frustrating for the fire and ambulance crews when it is gridlocked.

 

[mumbo jumbo]

I avoid all hand gestures that might enrage an already p-offed driver. What's the point in angering him/her? If they caught you up, you might become another statistic. Just not worth it.

I agree wth Maz. I'd have tried to ditch the wave and just cycled off. In my mind's eye, the wave would induce howls of SMUG BAS***D! from WVM (which is mildly amusing bearing in mind the OP's sig line . I say "tried" advisedly as I am not immune to the odd hand gesture every now and then. Indeed the only remotely interesting thing I've ever caught on my helmet cam is me doing the V sign at somebody!!

mj

 

[Downward]

It had to be Bournbrook just by reading the first post!
It is dangerous all the way from the Bournbrook Rd lights all the way to the station, and I've had some near misses in the past. You annoy the cagers during rush hour by riding past (I take the middle line where all traffic is stationary), and I find that even with a very aggressive primary position and 25mph, cars want to pass you so they can sit on the car in front's bumper for a couple more seconds. There are some senseless drivers on that stretch.

It must be frustrating for the fire and ambulance crews when it is gridlocked.

Talking of Gridlock, Were any of you in the area Friday Afternoon/Evening ??

 

[Will1985]

Yes - I had most of the day off, so I rode up to the Priory Rd junction in one direction and Sainsburys in the other to see how bad it was at about midday. Raddlebarn was jammed as well.

Went out on a run later towards Harborne and that was jammed too - more than usual for a Friday. In the morning I thought it was to do with the added traffic of parents coming to collect students from Selly Oak, but then I heard about the M6 closure and decided to ride up and down Bristol Rd!

 

[Downward]

Indeed - 45 mins to get back by bike while a collegue who lives 400 yards away took 1 hour and 20 mins !