The Chainlink

Intimidation and Harassment - Cycling Politeness?

http://bicycledriving.org/law/death-by-harassment

Source: bicycledriving.org 6-24-16

More in the campaign against cyclists getting doored:

"Another cyclist has tragically and needlessly died in the Boston area. Not because cycling is dangerous, but because harassment by motorists is."

"When it makes cyclists politely stay out of the way, always leaving room for others to pass - even when this means riding in the door zone. Cyclists feel pressured to keep out of the way of traffic."

Do you feel harassed and intimidated by drivers? Perhaps, being too polite may lead to a dangerous circumstance for you as a cyclist.

All cyclists should remember that we are traffic! Don't be pressured when riding to the point that you end up compromising your safety for the sake of being polite and considerate enough to drivers. Yes, be considerate to other users of the road while in traffic, but always ride with a margin of error for your own safety.

Don't feel pressured, take the lane, ride a safe distance from car doors. Watch out for Peds! Ride assertively, predictively and safely.

We ARE traffic!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on June 30, 2016 at 5:24pm

Heh, great minds think alike. This morning I had a chance to exercise my first official aoogah. Now I've been practicing so it actually felt very smooth and natural when the opportunity presented itself. Here's the story....

I was approaching a woman walking in the center of the lane. Her movements were ambivalent so as I neared I said something. She didn't seem to hear me so I cleared my throat and with sufficient rising volume uttered aoooohgah. She stepped aside. As I passed her I congratulated myself on a well executed maneuver. It felt great. 

When done properly, the aoogah will not intimidate anyone, will get their attention and will leave all participants smiling. 

Permalink Reply by mike w. on June 30, 2016 at 10:37pm

i just use a very loud bell (Crane brass bell.) Works +90% of the time. Most people respect it and it's fairly polite, actually.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 5, 2016 at 1:42pm

Good option.

Permalink Reply by Jon Cunningham on July 5, 2016 at 9:52am

How is this guy much different than a Klansman marching in the 4th of July parade in a white robe?

(Link): http://www.thebikecomesfirst.com/ill-share-the-road-when-you-follow...

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 5, 2016 at 10:43am
https://debmcalister.com/2011/06/03/7-things-you-cant-claim-first-a...

OH MY ! Very sad and very sick! Terrible!

Real nice Columbus, Ohio #doo dah parade organizers. Freedom of speech in our country does not protect you if your speech incites violence or encourages the audience to commit illegal or dangerous acts.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on July 5, 2016 at 1:42pm

Both are intimidating through a threat of brutality.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on July 5, 2016 at 1:07pm

I'm respectful by no means polite but banging on a window or side of car usually is met with "did you just touch my car!!!!????" then they get out to "see" the damage or to tell me their going to kick my ass or call the police. 

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 5, 2016 at 1:18pm
Banging on a vehicle's window is not recommended here, as a way to deal with drivers. It is impolite and uncivil.
Permalink Reply by Maurice on July 5, 2016 at 8:51pm

It is sometimes necessary to bang to save your ass.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 5, 2016 at 8:55pm
Agreed, the only exemption, for self preservation.
Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 6, 2016 at 11:28am

I've found a good, loud scream has saved me without risk of an aggressive driver response. They assume they hit me and move away pretty quickly. This is especially effective in summer when they have their windows rolled down.

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