Left me a bit rattled

[2PedalsTez]

I wasn't actually commuting, but feel I may get the best chance of response here.
I was coming to the end of a very nice ride today and the final few miles was back on the busier roads. To keep it short (as possible), I was riding along a stretch of road where there are a number of traffic lights (a gap of approx 200M between each set). Anyway, I was making reasonable pace (actually keeping up with the traffic) and became aware of a car being very close behind me up to one set of lights. Pulling away, I again kept pace with the traffic (it wasn't particularly slow moving, but out of respect, I kept secondary position), but could sense the car getting even closer, as if the driver wanted to overtake, but with nowhere to go! The next thing I know, I see the car begin to pull alongside me (the front wheels of the car was level with my pedals) and then move closer towards me! It got to the point that I (with no where to go) had to put my right hand out (and touched the front wing) whilst still moving at approx 18-20mph. The car pulled back and when reaching the next lights it moved into a left turn slip road. At this point the driver (a charming lady) began hurling pleasantries at me with 'use the effin' cycle path within her comments. As I realised this and wanted to respond, she wound the window up and maintained that forward facing stare (maybe it was that she had said her piece,but chose to ignore me that upset me most!).
Now, I am quite proud that I avoid any rider/car incidents as I am always careful, yet the way the driver seemed to get ever closer to me left me pretty rattled
I'm sure I will sleep it off and move on, but it certainly added a disappointing end to my ride.

 

[BSRU]

It is annoying when drivers drive in such away, I had two execute similar displays of poor driving on me this afternoon.
The seem to completely oblivious to how a vulnerable user travelling at a fair speed feels when a large metal box tries to force its way past.

 

[Hip Priest]

It's useful to vent spleen on here. These 'must pass cyclist' incidents are a fairly regular occurence for me. I had a white van right up my arse the other day, even though I was easily keeping pace with the car in front. They just can't read the road.

 

[Blurb]

Hi, I had a similar unnerving issue this morning where I was badly squeezed on an initial pass attempt as we pulled away from lights with me ahead, but not in a strong enough position to prevent it. TBH I wasn’t even expecting it as I was waiting at the lights just ahead of his N/S wing. The driver pulled back but then within 100 metres approaching roadworks down to a single lane, with me ahead of him, I saw him try to accelerate to get to the works first and ended up squeezing me again. He appeared to be a little surprised at my shouted, expletive free, request through the (closed) window to be more careful.

I did think about the situation afterwards as it was worrying that he did not appear to appreciate my presence even with hi-viz top and both rear lights on and flashing. Either he was yet another poor driver, or the low sun may have affected his judgement, as he was wearing mirrored sunglasses which must knock back the effectiveness of lights/hi-viz. Smartly dressed middle-aged gent in a high value vehicle, so not an obvious boy racer.

 

[Primal Scream]

A D lock dent or a least the threat of one might just have got her attention or maybe just lifting the wiper blade

Some things you should not have to put up with

 

[HovR]

Had someone pull out on me whilst I was making a decent pace at the end of a nice ride today. I shouted, and he saw me.. And started waving his arms at me as if I was doing something wrong just by being on the road.

Still didn't spoil a nice ride though!

 

[2PedalsTez]

Thanks everyone. As I thought, I woke this morning and on reflection it was a case of just 'meh'!
Pushes your buttons at the time.

 

[Leodis]

You should have dragged her out of the car and beat her to within a inch of her sad overweight life...

really I would have kept my head down and cycled in the gutter.

 

[Simba]

I had some flat cap old fart pass me within millimetres yesterday, there was nothing coming the other way and he could have easily overtook me safely. If I wasn't climbing a long hard incline I would have chased after him.

 

[Leodis]

Tbh I have had a few pull outs on me within 50 yards whilst travelling 25-30 downhill but the vast majority of drivers give me space and are pretty decent, that said I am not looking at their face of horror at been stuck behind me (though I think the ladies will like the view of my lycra clad rear)

 

[jonny jeez]

A D lock dent or a least the threat of one might just have got her attention or maybe just lifting the wiper blade

Some things you should not have to put up with

Please dont. It will escalate and you WILL be in the wrong

Thanks everyone. As I thought, I woke this morning and on reflection it was a case of just 'meh'!
Pushes your buttons at the time.

Yep, that'll be right, just brush it off. It was caused by the drivers ignorance of cycle lanes and road law. Most drivers are ignorant of both (I was myself until I took up cycling).

You did everything right and continued to the next day. If you let it get to you , you'll carry it around for ages. Next time you are struggling on a hill, remember this and go through it in your mind, recall how angry it made you and how daft she was etc...soon you'll be at the top of the hill without even realising. Then forget about it again

Works for me...use the anger as a strength when you need it, its a powerful diversion.

Happy trails.