"Those things are not safe"

[Sailorsi]

Whilst waiting to turn right at a junction today, I had a car pull up next to me (holding up the traffic behind him) to be told "Those things are NOT safe" I've only been riding bents for just over a year now but this is the 1st time I've had this response. I'm sure I hadn't cut him up or wobbled around in front of him as the road was clear whilst I was waiting to turn right. I ride a 2 wheeled high racer, it was day time, I had my lights on and always try to ride in a considerate manner. I did suggest he pull over so we could discuss his issues further (or words to that effect ), but he decided to drive off. Is this a common occurrence or had I done something to upset this gentleman?

 

[Tim Hall]

Whilst waiting to turn right at a junction today, I had a car pull up next to me (holding up the traffic behind him) to be told "Those things are NOT safe" I've only been riding bents for just over a year now but this is the 1st time I've had this response. I'm sure I hadn't cut him up or wobbled around in front of him as the road was clear whilst I was waiting to turn right. I ride a 2 wheeled high racer, it was day time, I had my lights on and always try to ride in a considerate manner. I did suggest he pull over so we could discuss his issues further (or words to that effect ), but he decided to drive off. Is this a common occurrence or had I done something to upset this gentleman?

I'd suggest he was speaking from a position of ignorance. You can do stuff like point out how high you are compared to the average sports car, discuss stuff like how being on an unusual bike increases your chance of being noticed. Or you could ignore him and carry on enjoying your day.

 

[steveindenmark]

He is a dick. What can you do.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Same as the tits who lean out the car window, and say, "You should be wearing a helmet".

My stock reply is, "Really? So should you".

 

[Scoosh]

First time I've heard it said to someone actually riding a 'bent but it's quite common when discussing 'bents - though it doesn't take long to 'advise' ... ...asking if they can see the white lines on the road, traffic cones, a Lotus Elise etc etc.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

@Sailorsi you are very polite to call this mouth breathing window licker a gentleman.

Don't let him ruin the ride.

 

[Spiderweb]

Excuse my ignorance, what is a 'bent'?

 

[ufkacbln]

'Bents are a short hand for Recumbent bikes

 

[Scoosh]

Excuse my ignorance, what is a 'bent'?

There is a big clue in the title of the section in which this is posted ...

It's a (recum)bent bicycle or tricycle.

 

[Sailorsi]

I had finished work early so took the opportunity for a ride out, had a great afternoon apart from this incident. I guess I should let it wash over me and let Karma sort things out!

 

[mjr]

Excuse my ignorance, what is a 'bent'?

A ligfiets.

 

[mjr]

I had finished work early so took the opportunity for a ride out, had a great afternoon apart from this incident. I guess I should let it wash over me and let Karma sort things out!

Go ride past some children. They seem to love recumbents.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

There is a big clue in the title of the section in which this is posted ...

It's a (recum)bent bicycle or tricycle.

To be fair, those of us that wander the site via the New Posts tag can be caught by an interesting thread title without necessarily clocking which area of the board we've stumbled into

 

[ufkacbln]

There is an illusion amongst the ill-informed that because they are "low" that they re dangerous

I find the best way is "education"

It is amazing how many people rethink this once they have sat on one, realised how much better your ability to see is, how much more comfortable they are and how easy they are to mount and dismount

 

[ufkacbln]

In the US the expression is far wider in is usage and there actually a site 'Bent rider on line

... on the other hand there may be a down side. I do remember in 2001 a couple of gentlemen from the US walking round Brighton with T-shirts reading ""Bent Rider"

They got funny looks and comments