Just had a completely avoidable confrontation (on my part) arising from a completely avoidable (on his part) mega-close pass. I will regail you with the tale, although its generally predictable/boring but hey, you don't have to read it.
Half a mile from home, nice wide straight road. 3 cars pass. First two nice and wide. 3rd one (as is always the way) mega close and cut in sharply. I was riding a strong secondary to avoid pot-holes and drain covers but had to bump over one.
I've preached before about how good I am not to rise to this sort of thing but I absolutely could not resist on this occasion. Bad week at work and all that. However, I did retain a modicum of restraint and when I saw him take the same turning I was about to take ahead, into the residential area of my village, a plan had already formed in my mind.
Basically I followed him home. He tried to boot it through the side streets but he got held up by other people turning into driveways etc. He reversed into his driveway and I cycled very slowly past (stayed clipped in and nearly fell off) and gave him a good old look. He gave me a friendly wave, or at least that's how I interpreted it.
From a psychological/sociological (sorry for not knowing the difference or which one applies here) it was absolutely fascinating to see him wind the window up and stay in the car as I wobbled slowly by. I've never been in a position of power like that over someone before. I laughed to myself that he was actually intimidated by me. I went round the next corner then doubled back. He obviously thought the coast was clear so when I returned he was just locking the car and he stopped dead, I could see his body language change was very defensive, he had something in his hand, a book or notepad or something, that he drew across his chest like a shield. He obviously knew he had done wrong when he gave me the close pass but it never occurred to him that he would be face to face with me again soon after.
I'm tall but pretty thin and pale, certainly not intimidating. He appeared to be best friends with Mr Kipling but it was very interesting to see how things changed when we were on a more level playing field.
I stopped (remained seated on the bike) and said with outstretched hands palms down "just a friendly word please, that was a bit close, can I have more room next time"
He replied with something that had some light swearing in but I didn't entirely catch it so I just said "The other side of the road was clear so it really wasn't necessary"
Him: "What you're doing now isn't necessary" Some may agree this is a fair point.
I looked at his car and said his registration number under my breath (although I don't think I did it obviously enough for him to realise) and cycled off smiling.
I thought about the danger of future escalation, but he knows that I know where he lives. Not that I would ever use that to my advantage (absolutely honestly I wouldn't!) but it must have occurred to him.
I'm trying to think what the motivation for the pass in the first place was. Laziness, didn't realise it was actually close? His reaction would suggest he knew he was doing it. Perhaps just bloodymindedness at those idiot cyclists always going through red lights.
No fear of punishment as it was a quiet road, not many people around.
Inflated sense of self importance/ need to stamp status on others? Assumes because I cycle to work I must work a non-skilled low paid job. (Ha! Next time he flies anywhere and the landing gear operates successfully, who should he be thanking?!
)
Or, without trying to sound smug and smarmy, based on his appearance maybe jealousy at someone in good health? I don't know. I'm rambling now trying to fill in time before my wife gets home and I can have my tea. I read a fascinating piece linked by someone on here (sorry can't remember) about the fear of something different. Blokes view of the world is everyone drives to work. Sees someone commuting on a bike and enjoying it. Cyclists are not normal, they are outsiders and are to be feared.
Well anyway that was a good long post. Missus has just arrived with food and beer. Bye!
Half a mile from home, nice wide straight road. 3 cars pass. First two nice and wide. 3rd one (as is always the way) mega close and cut in sharply. I was riding a strong secondary to avoid pot-holes and drain covers but had to bump over one.
I've preached before about how good I am not to rise to this sort of thing but I absolutely could not resist on this occasion. Bad week at work and all that. However, I did retain a modicum of restraint and when I saw him take the same turning I was about to take ahead, into the residential area of my village, a plan had already formed in my mind.
Basically I followed him home. He tried to boot it through the side streets but he got held up by other people turning into driveways etc. He reversed into his driveway and I cycled very slowly past (stayed clipped in and nearly fell off) and gave him a good old look. He gave me a friendly wave, or at least that's how I interpreted it.
From a psychological/sociological (sorry for not knowing the difference or which one applies here) it was absolutely fascinating to see him wind the window up and stay in the car as I wobbled slowly by. I've never been in a position of power like that over someone before. I laughed to myself that he was actually intimidated by me. I went round the next corner then doubled back. He obviously thought the coast was clear so when I returned he was just locking the car and he stopped dead, I could see his body language change was very defensive, he had something in his hand, a book or notepad or something, that he drew across his chest like a shield. He obviously knew he had done wrong when he gave me the close pass but it never occurred to him that he would be face to face with me again soon after.
I'm tall but pretty thin and pale, certainly not intimidating. He appeared to be best friends with Mr Kipling but it was very interesting to see how things changed when we were on a more level playing field.
I stopped (remained seated on the bike) and said with outstretched hands palms down "just a friendly word please, that was a bit close, can I have more room next time"
He replied with something that had some light swearing in but I didn't entirely catch it so I just said "The other side of the road was clear so it really wasn't necessary"
Him: "What you're doing now isn't necessary" Some may agree this is a fair point.
I looked at his car and said his registration number under my breath (although I don't think I did it obviously enough for him to realise) and cycled off smiling.
I thought about the danger of future escalation, but he knows that I know where he lives. Not that I would ever use that to my advantage (absolutely honestly I wouldn't!) but it must have occurred to him.
I'm trying to think what the motivation for the pass in the first place was. Laziness, didn't realise it was actually close? His reaction would suggest he knew he was doing it. Perhaps just bloodymindedness at those idiot cyclists always going through red lights.
No fear of punishment as it was a quiet road, not many people around.
Inflated sense of self importance/ need to stamp status on others? Assumes because I cycle to work I must work a non-skilled low paid job. (Ha! Next time he flies anywhere and the landing gear operates successfully, who should he be thanking?!
)Or, without trying to sound smug and smarmy, based on his appearance maybe jealousy at someone in good health? I don't know. I'm rambling now trying to fill in time before my wife gets home and I can have my tea. I read a fascinating piece linked by someone on here (sorry can't remember) about the fear of something different. Blokes view of the world is everyone drives to work. Sees someone commuting on a bike and enjoying it. Cyclists are not normal, they are outsiders and are to be feared.
Well anyway that was a good long post. Missus has just arrived with food and beer. Bye!
You didn't go too far but you did do "something", I believe the driver will take more care in future.
