Morning Road Rage

[martinclive]

I can see both sides of this, and I only get angry when I know someone is purposely driving close etc.

For cars that just pass me closely, I have to relate to my own experiences before I started cycling last August. No one had ever taught me the correct way to pass cyclists - how was I to know?

Yeh sure, it's common sense to give someone room, but I don't think it's something you give much thought to if you've never discussed it, never been shown the dangers, never experienced it.

For those people that pass too closely without realising what they're doing is wrong, I think a polite education is better than abusing them.

Agreed
(carelessness vs intent)

 

[Amanda P]

Yeh sure, it's common sense to give someone room, but I don't think it's something you give much thought to if you've never discussed it, never been shown the dangers, never experienced it.

"That was a bit close mate. A bit more space another time, yeah?"

"What do you mean? There was loads of room. You were perfectly safe!"

"Hmm. You're married, aren't you? Kids?"

"Yes - two teenage girls... what's it to you?"

"Would you have driven that close to your daughter?"

"Er....."

"Have a nice day!"

(Overheard in the car park at work).

 

[ClaireSaud]

A driver accelerated past me last Friday night to turn left - straight across me!! I had to break sharply to avoid going into the side of his car. I did give him the w***er sign which made me feel a bit better until I thought he could turn around and come after me!! He was quite brutal looking and I'm just a young lady with no muscle. Felt pretty stupid and thought that in future I will have to count to 10 to stop the red mist to descending!

 

[J.Primus]

A driver accelerated past me last Friday night to turn left - straight across me!! I had to break sharply to avoid going into the side of his car. I did give him the w***er sign which made me feel a bit better until I thought he could turn around and come after me!! He was quite brutal looking and I'm just a young lady with no muscle. Felt pretty stupid and thought that in future I will have to count to 10 to stop the red mist to descending!

It is something to keep in mind. Unfortunately being female isn't a get out of jail free card with some of these knuckle draggers. I know at least 2 very brave men have chased my 5'4'' sister in their cars.

 

[Hip Priest]

It is something to keep in mind. Unfortunately being female isn't a get out of jail free card with some of these knuckle draggers. I know at least 2 very brave men have chased my 5'4'' sister in their cars.

Whenever I feel like ranting and raving at a woman driver, I think "Would I be shouting at her if she was a 19st tattooed bodybuilder called Dave?" And if the answer is no, then I keep my gob shut.

 

[Primal Scream]

The problem with ignoring or not responding is that it reinforces their sense of entitlement and encourages them to intimidate cyclists again.

I can well understand the difference between careless and deliberate but at times you need to show your anger.

 

[PK99]

The problem with ignoring or not responding is that it reinforces their sense of entitlement and encourages them to intimidate cyclists again.

I can well understand the difference between careless and deliberate but at times you need to show your anger. make them aware that they did something wrong

Anger rarely solves problems

 

[Primal Scream]

Anger rarely solves problems

And being a doormat does ?

 

[PK99]

And being a doormat does ?

sad that you seem to think anger and doormat are the alternatives

 

[Primal Scream]

sad that you seem to think anger and doormat are the alternatives

Ok, you have been quite deliberatley intimidated and 10 minutes later you see the vehicle stuck in a traffic jam, whats your next move?.

 

[PK99]

Ok, you have been quite deliberatley intimidated and 10 minutes later you see the vehicle stuck in a traffic jam, whats your next move?.

Whatever I choose to do, immediate anger is unlikely to do anything other than reinforce exciting prejudice.

 

[Primal Scream]

Whatever I choose to do, immediate anger is unlikely to do anything other than reinforce exciting prejudice.

Would you please answer the question, thank you.

 

[PK99]

Would you please answer the question, thank you.

Exactly as i have done in the past - have a quite word at the next opportunity.

 

[Primal Scream]

Exactly as i have done in the past - have a quite word at the next opportunity.

And if you get a mouthful of abuse or threats?

 

[J.Primus]

And if you get a mouthful of abuse or threats?

Especially applicable in my case as I was getting the abuse before I'd even turned around to see them.