So am I the a***hole or the motorist?

[Croydian]

Motorists should overtake you using their indicators and not slide by. In the same vein I generally don't pass by on the inside. I sit in the middle of the lane accelerating and slowing with the traffic and only move up when the lights are on red to the green boxx for cyclists at the head of the queue.
This has not always been the case, I too used to slap passenger windows, shout, gesticulate and basically fume to work and back!! The error of my ways was pointed out painfully to me when a transit honked me for riding in the bus lane early one morning. At the next roundabout I banged the side of the van to show my displeasure. The two occupants thenwaited for me twice to pass, on the second occaision I "braved it out" expecting a mouthful and got a nasty shock when the passenger emerged from the side door of the van and whacked we on the shoulder with a steel bar! The shoulder recovered but if he's knocked me off there were no witnesses and I might not be here to pass on theis cautionary tale.
My advice, chill out! All drivers are a bunch of ****s that should be treated with utter contempt but serene ambivilance.

 

[legrandefromage]

I throw my bike at them...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTr ... /DG_069858

''...It is often difficult to see motorcyclists and cyclists, especially when they are coming up from behind, coming out of junctions, at roundabouts, overtaking you or filtering through traffic. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction; they could be approaching faster than you think. When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully.

When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room (see Rules 162-167). If they look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.

Motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road. Give them plenty of room and pay particular attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make...''

 

[hamster]

Dangerous games.

As they are already prepared to abuse you publicly, they are clearly not in control of themselves. This is a big danger sign.

Remember also that your actions constitute threatening behaviour.

One of the two of you will have to be the adult. I recommend it is you, if only because you are not inside a metal box.

 

[ededwards]

Coming a bit late to this but sounds like Ed's road use was sensible. Although I'm not implying that he did, which of us hasn't inadvertently violated the Highway Code at some point? Pedant's Corner for dyna-ti's invoking of the Highway Code.

I'd concur with others above about turning the other cheek/riding on serenely even though it is oh so tempting to exact revenge in whatever way (I was hit by a wing mirror this morning which woke me up a little and made me a little cross. But I considered what Sri Chimnoy would have done in such a situation, got it in perspective and rode on with a Mona Lisa smile. Plus I couldn't catch the bloody car that did it).

An incident that I always remember was in 1991. I was cycling across London to do some work and at about 8.30 a.m. was trying to negotiate the main roundabout at the Elephant and Castle. I was going straight on so positioned myself in the rode accordingly but as the traffic was as manic and fast flowing as usual I didn't/couldn't pull straight out. A double decker pulled up behind me and gave a blast on the horn. I gave a general wave to try to indicate that I'd go as soon as I could. Impatiently the bus driver edged much closer, revving his engine and beeping his horn. At this point I made an (in)appropriate hand gesture and the bus driver then hit me from behind. After picking myself up from the road I could see that the back end of my bike was squashed (rear wheel was an MA40 on a Super Record hub!) so I threw it at the front of the bus and boarded the vehicle to remonstrate with the driver. I don't remember exactly was said but it was a fairly frank exchange of views and I do recall at one point tapping the non contrite driver on top of his balding pate. The upshot of this is that I made an insurance claim against London Transport which they took ages to respond to. I managed to speed up the process by saying that I used my bike for work, had to hire a replacement and sent them a new bill every fortnight. Eventually got a very tidy amount for damages to my bike but for my hurt feelings and post traumatic stress? Nothing.

I'm not sure if that tale has a moral (or a point?) other than that things can escalate very fast without any rhyme or reason. Serene smile and a cheery wave is the safest way forward.

 

[development_cycle]

SAme if the queue was stationary - you would move up to the front. If the guy was not turning left, then he is a cheese.

Agreed!

 

[XR2]

I had an almost identical incident with a man in a volvo 440. morons

 

[REKIBorter]

no - an annoying gold coloured Honda small MPV thing - so anonymous I can't remeber what they are. Old man with what looks like his older mother in the passenger seat.

Small willy syndrome :roll:

 

[porkypaw]

I reckon the geezer in the honda was a RAMBLER working under cover. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

 

[ratch]

This is why i'm not a fan of road riding!
While there is a number of sensible drivers on the road,it only needs one numpty to f***me up.... or even worse f*** my bikes up!

 

[GoldenEraMTB]

Sounds like just another day here in NYC...you were in the right.