Was I wrong?

[Mushroomgodmat]

So, today I'm coming back from work, Iv stopped at the traffic lights, taking the lane, to my right is another lane of traffic also stopped because of the light, I have about 5 cars in front of me. Up ahead (about 100/150 yards) is a second pair of traffic lights.


So the lights turn green, and for the most part I keep up with the cars in front of me, I remain in the centre of the lane because I know that in about 100yards everyone's going to have to stop at the second set of traffic lights. About half way between lights the car driver behind me, stars beeping his horn, and then over takes me, squeezing me to the side and (probably) coming very close the the cars in the other lane. He gets in front of me before he is forced to stop because of the traffic lights.

I'm pretty shaken at this point, and fuming, I cycle down the side of his car, knock on his window, and basically let loose on him (not proud of myself really), he looks shaken by my anger, and says something (no idea what) and actualy changes lanes to get away from me.

I then am left feeling pretty pissed off, and well, shocked that I went to bat shoot crazy at the guy.

I know I was wrong for yelling at him, but was he actually wrong, should I have been in the middle of the road at this point, should I have moved to the left for the 100-150yards between lights?

 

[ianrauk]

Yes he was wrong. You did nothing wrong taking the lane. There was no point in his overtake. And you did nothing wrong ranting at him.
Next time rake his paintwork with a cycling shoe, the tosser.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Yes he was wrong. You did nothing wrong taking the lane. There was no point in his overtake. And you did nothing wrong ranting at him.
Next time rake his paintwork with a cycling shoe, the tosser.

Yes, listen to ianrauk, I just noticed he's clocked up 8000 miles this year in mostly London/suburban traffic. And he's got loads of tattoos.

 

[400bhp]

[QUOTE 1576060"]
Yes, yes and no.
[/quote]

+3

 

[HovR]

I would say that as long as you were either keeping up with the other cars, or moving at a fairly decent speed, you were right to stay in primary for this short distance. He shouldn't have pushed past you, and you had a right to rant at him.

 

[Chutzpah]

Agree with the 'yes yes no' responses.

Unfortunately drivers often just think "MUST OVERTAKE CYCLIST!!!!" and don't look beyond you.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Sounds like he is a total ignorant prat. I have been known to let loose verbally at similiar types myself but always regret it later. I believe it does the image of cyclists no good at all and can be used to describe us as 'louts'. I understand the pent up rage though. Keep safe.

 

[DCLane]

Agree with the Yes, Yes and No.

My proviso here is that shouting doesn't help. I'm as guilty as the rest though - usually with me it's a conversation on the driver's side as I overtake them for a 'discussion'.

 

[Nigeyy]

I've also had people overtake me so they can stop almost immediately after finishing their overtake, causing me to brake. While I usually don't do this, I will then simply filter up and then purposely park my bike between them and the car in front of them. I'm not sure all of them get the message, but I bet a few of them do think "you know, maybe overtaking and causing that cyclist to brake really wasn't worth it when obviously I have to stop almost immediately...."

So long as the overtake isn't dangerous, I've never felt the compulsion to confront them, even if it causes me to brake when I wouldn't have needed to (had they not overtaken me).

I think this might also come under the ZMR (Zombie Mindset Rule) ="Biiiike, muuuuussst ovvvertake no matter what..... muuuustt overtakkke.....". I think they see a bike coasting towards a red light and just have to overtake.

If the overtake was dangerous I might be tempted to try to explain to them what they did -hopefully in a positive way. But of course depending on the stupidity of the driver may be inversely proportional to your ability to keep cool.

 

[PaulSB]

Yes he was wrong. You did nothing wrong taking the lane. There was no point in his overtake. And you did nothing wrong ranting at him.
Next time rake his paintwork with a cycling shoe, the tosser.

You were right he was wrong but I've never understood how recommending or causing criminal damage improves the general view of cyclists.

Also consider if you do such a thing and the car driver is aware if it he may retaliate using his large metal box.

There are plenty of idiots on the road

 

[eddiemee]

Agree with other posters. I've certainly lost my rag a few times, but when I manage to stay calm and politely but firmly explain to the driver what they have done wrong I come away from the incident feeling a whole lot better. Plus there is the chance that the driver may actually register what you have said and maybe, just maybe, will take more care when they encounter the next cyclist.


The downside of flying off the handle (and I'm not having a go at you here) is

a) the driver may not appreciate what they have done wrong, partly through lack of training and partly through lack of experiencing road use from a cyclist's point of view. Therefore they see a cyclist hogging the road and then screaming at them for no apparent reason.

b) even if the driver may have been receptive to constructive criticism (and some certainly aren't!) as soon as voices are raised people get defensive. Therefore they don't take on board what you've said and both of you leave the incident feeling wound up and angry.


Now, I just need to remember my own advice next time some c**k in a dumper truck cuts me up as he's overtaking uphill into oncoming traffic.

 

[jonny jeez]

Yes, listen to ianrauk, I just noticed he's clocked up 8000 miles this year in mostly London/suburban traffic. And he's got loads of tattoos.

No, don't listen to Ian.

Causing damage to a vehicle is one of those smarmy passive aggressive acts, normally done by someone who doesnt have the bottle to confront the other person but feels the need to exact some revenge (on the quiet).

Very unlike Ian ( ) who I know from personal experience will think nothing of having a chat with an errant driver...face to face.

He was wrong, you did everything right although I appreciate how you may regret your actions later...dont..its natural.

 

[Mushroomgodmat]

cool, Im supper happy I wasnt technicaly wrong, not happy about yelling at him, but hopefully if it happens again ill be more composed about it. cheers for the support and advice all!

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

I know I was wrong for yelling at him, but was he actually wrong, should I have been in the middle of the road at this point, should I have moved to the left for the 100-150yards between lights?

Sounds like the only one in the wrong was the driver - in my book if someone deliberately endangers you then yelling at them is pretty acceptable – why put up with bullies? Sounds like a perfectly rational and understandable reaction to a twat. If anything it sounds like you showed considerable restraint...

 

[Melonfish]

I'd like to think that i'd knock on the fella's window and come over all, "excuse me sir, could you explain to me please why you were driving so aggressively?"

however i know for a fact it would simply be a string of deleted expletives, i can't help it but when someone puts my safety at risk i get rather riled up.