Was I rude?

[Blackandblue]

This morning a bloke steps off the pavement about to cross the road into the path of myself and another cyclist.

I shout "Oi, oi!"

He stops suddenly. So suddenly that his feet slip from under him and he lands on his harris.

He calls me a twat.

My response was: "Who's the twat? You didn't look before you crossed the road"

The other cyclist berates me for not being more polite.

Personally, I don't consider "Oi, oi" particularly rude. In fact possibly less rude than "Look out" which, when shouted, can (unintentionally) come across a bit angry.

In the few moments that you have to warn someone there really isn't the time to shout out "I say good sir, pay heed to your progress as you traverse this thoroughfare, there are two cyclists approaching at not inconsiderable speed who will have limited opportunity to avoid a collision with you if you continue on your currently intended course"

If the comment was more directed at my use of the word "twat", then I am even more flummoxed as I was simply responding to his statement, repeating his choice of word.

Of course, I may have misheard and the cyclist could have been commenting on how the pedestrian could have been more polite. But I don't think so.

 

[ianrauk]

twat deserved what happened and what verbal you gave.

 

[Moodyman]

Were you rude? No.

Could you have shown a little more concern when he landed on his arse? Probably.

 

[dellzeqq]

I'll go with that. We all have our moments, and if somebody falls over then it's nice to be nice to them

 

[Blackandblue]

I'll go with that. We all have our moments, and if somebody falls over then it's nice to be nice to them

Even when they call you a twat? For trying to warn them of an impending danger. Occasioned by their own ignorance.

 

[Moodyman]

Even when they call you a twat?

Especially when they call you a twat. It shoes that you are a bigger person than them.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

You should have tinkled at him!













































(your bicycle bell that is!! )

 

[mark barker]

I think I'd have been tempted to stop and check he was alright, regardless of what he had said.

 

[Blackandblue]

Even when they call you a twat?

Especially when they call you a twat. It shoes that you are a bigger person than them.

Fair point. I am suitably humbled.

 

[mickle]

I'd have kicked him when he was down.

 

[Adasta]

Even when they call you a twat?

Especially when they call you a twat. It shoes that you are a bigger person than them.

There is something oddly satisfying about this, not only when cycling, but in life in general. All you have to say is "I'm not a twat; I'm quite nice, actually." Whether it be out loud or internally is your choice!

 

[esrite]

i am constantly surprised by how many people cross the road without looking- i shout "Oi" and if they jump that should teach them for next time.

ive also seen mothers who stick their prams into the road (with baby on board) then look at what might be on its way

Flabbergasted

 

[John the Monkey]

i am constantly surprised by how many people cross the road without looking- i shout "Oi" and if they jump that should teach them for next time.

ive also seen mothers who stick their prams into the road (with baby on board) then look at what might be on its way

If you know that they do this, slow down a little, maybe ride further out, and cover your brakes when around pedestrians.

Or am I missing the point?

To the Op - my first concern would be to warn the person not to step out (I tend to shout "BIKE!") - there isn't always time to do that politely, sadly. (It is nice when you can though, "Have a care, sir (or madam/miss)" is my favoured option when time allows). I can't see much wrong with your response either, tbh.

 

[Mad at urage]

i am constantly surprised by how many people cross the road without looking- i shout "Oi" and if they jump that should teach them for next time.

ive also seen mothers who stick their prams into the road (with baby on board) then look at what might be on its way

Flabbergasted

Barking


(As in, yes they are Barking and this happens a lot in Barking).

Slow down and move out? Try that in Barking traffic and see where it gets you (run over is likely). In that sort of traffic, brakes are always covered.

 

[John the Monkey]

Slow down and move out? Try that in Barking traffic and see where it gets you (run over is likely). In that sort of traffic, brakes are always covered.

There's a similar point on my commute in Rusholme. I ride it at a speed where I can stop almost immediately (on the LHT, that's something between 10 and 14 mph). I feel quite strongly that I don't want to treat pedestrians the way that (some) motorists treat we cyclists.

"Highway Code Rule 205:

There is a risk of pedestrians, especially children, stepping unexpectedly into the road. You should drive[sic] with the safety of children in mind at a speed suitable for the conditions."