I'm becoming a finger waver and a pointer
Discussion
Couldn't stop myself wagging my finger at the instructor of a learner driver as the car passed too close to me. There was plenty of space available.
Then I felt compelled to point to the driver of a car emerging from a left junction in front of me and mouth "stay there". The driver was creeping forward and about to pull out in front of me.
Does it get worse? Felt I had to share.
pp
Then I felt compelled to point to the driver of a car emerging from a left junction in front of me and mouth "stay there". The driver was creeping forward and about to pull out in front of me.
Does it get worse? Felt I had to share.
pp
Pickled Piper said:
Couldn't stop myself wagging my finger at the instructor of a learner driver as the car passed too close to me. There was plenty of space available.
Then I felt compelled to point to the driver of a car emerging from a left junction in front of me and mouth "stay there". The driver was creeping forward and about to pull out in front of me.
Does it get worse? Felt I had to share.
pp
I can understand why you would do it, but I find it is best to never do it. Irrespective of what vehicle you are in or on. (I've been a cyclist, motorcyclist, and car driver)Then I felt compelled to point to the driver of a car emerging from a left junction in front of me and mouth "stay there". The driver was creeping forward and about to pull out in front of me.
Does it get worse? Felt I had to share.
pp
The roads are filled with nutcases who feel utterly invincible and all-powerful inside their cars, and one day, you will do it to someone who will turn round, chase you and knock you off the bike using their car/van. Or stab you.
About 5 years ago a bloke in a Golf was swerving through city centre traffic trying to beat the queues by aggressively changing lanes, to jump ahead of the cars, and he bolted from the left lane into my lane to get past me and another driver, and it was so close that if I didn't slam on the brakes, he would have ripped my front bumper off as he swerved in front of me. I beeped the horn in a brief display of displeasure.
He slammed the brakes on and jumped out. He was a heavy set Chav type in a tracksuit and he was holding a large screwdriver in his hand. He then informed me in no uncertain terms that if I ever beeped my horn at him again, he would stab me to death and 'not give a f
k'. He then went on to enquire if that was the end of the matter, and if I had anything else I would like to say to him. Naturally I didn't have anything else to add.Since then, I have never made a gesture, beeped my horn, or mouthed anything to any other motorist, because you don't know if the next one will be a nutcase or not.
Don't do it. It won't change anyone's behaviour, and might get you knocked off or stabbed. There are plenty of clips on YouTube where cyclists have gestured 'slow down' or 'move over' to car drivers, which only resulted in the driver deliberately swerving at them.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 13th December 11:56
Lord Marylebone said:
I can understand why you would do it, but I find it is best to never do it. Irrespective of what vehicle you are in or on. (I've been a cyclist, motorcyclist, and car driver)
The roads are filled with nutcases who feel utterly invincible and all-powerful inside their cars, and one day, you will do it to someone who will turn round, chase you and knock you off the bike using their car/van. Or stab you.
About 5 years ago a bloke in a Golf was swerving through city centre traffic trying to beat the queues by aggressively changing lanes, to jump ahead of the cars, and he bolted from the left lane into my lane to get past me and another driver, and it was so close that if I didn't slam on the brakes, he would have ripped my front bumper off as he swerved in front of me. I beeped the horn in a brief display of displeasure.
He slammed the brakes on and jumped out. He was a heavy set Chav type in a tracksuit and he was holding a large screwdriver in his hand. He then informed me in no uncertain terms that if I ever beeped my horn at him again, he would stab me to death and 'not give a fk'. He then went on to enquire if that was the end of the matter, and if I had anything else I would like to say to him. Naturally I didn't have anything else to add.
Since them, I have never made a gesture, beeped my horn, or mouthed anything to any other motorist, because you don't know if the next one will be a nutcase or not.
Don't do it. It went change anyone's behaviour, and might get you stabbed. There are plenty of clips on YouTube where cyclists have gestured 'slow down' or 'move over' to car drivers, which inly resulted in the driver deliberately swerving at them.
Good advice.The roads are filled with nutcases who feel utterly invincible and all-powerful inside their cars, and one day, you will do it to someone who will turn round, chase you and knock you off the bike using their car/van. Or stab you.
About 5 years ago a bloke in a Golf was swerving through city centre traffic trying to beat the queues by aggressively changing lanes, to jump ahead of the cars, and he bolted from the left lane into my lane to get past me and another driver, and it was so close that if I didn't slam on the brakes, he would have ripped my front bumper off as he swerved in front of me. I beeped the horn in a brief display of displeasure.
He slammed the brakes on and jumped out. He was a heavy set Chav type in a tracksuit and he was holding a large screwdriver in his hand. He then informed me in no uncertain terms that if I ever beeped my horn at him again, he would stab me to death and 'not give a f
k'. He then went on to enquire if that was the end of the matter, and if I had anything else I would like to say to him. Naturally I didn't have anything else to add.Since them, I have never made a gesture, beeped my horn, or mouthed anything to any other motorist, because you don't know if the next one will be a nutcase or not.
Don't do it. It went change anyone's behaviour, and might get you stabbed. There are plenty of clips on YouTube where cyclists have gestured 'slow down' or 'move over' to car drivers, which inly resulted in the driver deliberately swerving at them.
I once nearly got physically assaulted by some roid raging psychopath when I crossed the road on foot in front of him so he had to slow down. Drivers especially are prone to literally seeing red at times, hence why road rage is a thing.
I have twice seen a lorry driver (same lorry I think) actually out of his cab screaming at someone in a car for daring to cut him up or brake test him on the A49. I did mean to report the incident to his company but it slipped my mind.
Lord Marylebone said:
I can understand why you would do it, but I find it is best to never do it. Irrespective of what vehicle you are in or on. (I've been a cyclist, motorcyclist, and car driver)
The roads are filled with nutcases who feel utterly invincible and all-powerful inside their cars, and one day, you will do it to someone who will turn round, chase you and knock you off the bike using their car/van. Or stab you.
About 5 years ago a bloke in a Golf was swerving through city centre traffic trying to beat the queues by aggressively changing lanes, to jump ahead of the cars, and he bolted from the left lane into my lane to get past me and another driver, and it was so close that if I didn't slam on the brakes, he would have ripped my front bumper off as he swerved in front of me. I beeped the horn in a brief display of displeasure.
He slammed the brakes on and jumped out. He was a heavy set Chav type in a tracksuit and he was holding a large screwdriver in his hand. He then informed me in no uncertain terms that if I ever beeped my horn at him again, he would stab me to death and 'not give a fk'. He then went on to enquire if that was the end of the matter, and if I had anything else I would like to say to him. Naturally I didn't have anything else to add.
Since then, I have never made a gesture, beeped my horn, or mouthed anything to any other motorist, because you don't know if the next one will be a nutcase or not.
Don't do it. It won't change anyone's behaviour, and might get you stabbed. There are plenty of clips on YouTube where cyclists have gestured 'slow down' or 'move over' to car drivers, which inly resulted in the driver deliberately swerving at them.
This is exactly right. Too many nutters about, especially in heavily populated urban areas. Also though, too many people are 10 foot tall behind the wheel of their vehicles and too many cyclists seem to think this way too. ( i say this as a regular cyclist). The roads are filled with nutcases who feel utterly invincible and all-powerful inside their cars, and one day, you will do it to someone who will turn round, chase you and knock you off the bike using their car/van. Or stab you.
About 5 years ago a bloke in a Golf was swerving through city centre traffic trying to beat the queues by aggressively changing lanes, to jump ahead of the cars, and he bolted from the left lane into my lane to get past me and another driver, and it was so close that if I didn't slam on the brakes, he would have ripped my front bumper off as he swerved in front of me. I beeped the horn in a brief display of displeasure.
He slammed the brakes on and jumped out. He was a heavy set Chav type in a tracksuit and he was holding a large screwdriver in his hand. He then informed me in no uncertain terms that if I ever beeped my horn at him again, he would stab me to death and 'not give a f
k'. He then went on to enquire if that was the end of the matter, and if I had anything else I would like to say to him. Naturally I didn't have anything else to add.Since then, I have never made a gesture, beeped my horn, or mouthed anything to any other motorist, because you don't know if the next one will be a nutcase or not.
Don't do it. It won't change anyone's behaviour, and might get you stabbed. There are plenty of clips on YouTube where cyclists have gestured 'slow down' or 'move over' to car drivers, which inly resulted in the driver deliberately swerving at them.
Edited by Lord Marylebone on Monday 13th December 11:55
As LM points out, no one is going to think "hmmm, that angry cyclist / driver made a good point about my reckless driving, ill take more care now thanks to them" it just isn't going to happen. What it will do is increase the already unnatural levels of entitlement so many people have in this country as well as the hate so many drivers have for anyone other than themselves on the road.
It's also worth remembering that however pumped up you are and however much like Bruce Lee you might feel at the time, having a fight in the road whilst wearing cycling shoes with cleats is almost certainly a losing situation.
I don't know why people stop tbh, Ive been shouted at on my bike twice recently (first time in years), ( I wasn't breaking the law or impeding anyone's progress) , the 2 drivers who did it were just entitled
s. But i just kept going and ignored them, i didnt get wound up or involved in a potentially violent situation and carried on enjoying my ride. It probably has the added bonus of ultimately being more annoying to them in the end too.L M is right the best thing do to is keep quiet and bite your tongue. Especially in Surrey where driving standards are literally scraping the barrel
Had a few occasions where its obvious the driver would have had no problem running me over. Sort of person that can't be inconvenienced for 10 seconds of their precious commute time.
Touchy subject but I do wonder if I should carry a knife while riding. I know what the consequences are but I may have to defend myself against someone with a screwdriver as above. What do you do then? Police won't give a st if you report them.
Had a few occasions where its obvious the driver would have had no problem running me over. Sort of person that can't be inconvenienced for 10 seconds of their precious commute time.
Touchy subject but I do wonder if I should carry a knife while riding. I know what the consequences are but I may have to defend myself against someone with a screwdriver as above. What do you do then? Police won't give a s
t if you report them. Bathroom_Security said:
L M is right the best thing do to is keep quiet and bite your tongue. Especially in Surrey where driving standards are literally scraping the barrel
Had a few occasions where its obvious the driver would have had no problem running me over. Sort of person that can't be inconvenienced for 10 seconds of their precious commute time.
Touchy subject but I do wonder if I should carry a knife while riding. I know what the consequences are but I may have to defend myself against someone with a screwdriver as above. What do you do then? Police won't give a st if you report them.
Maybe you should go the all American way, and carry a couple of assauly rifles and 500 rounds of ammo? Had a few occasions where its obvious the driver would have had no problem running me over. Sort of person that can't be inconvenienced for 10 seconds of their precious commute time.
Touchy subject but I do wonder if I should carry a knife while riding. I know what the consequences are but I may have to defend myself against someone with a screwdriver as above. What do you do then? Police won't give a s
t if you report them. 
I have calmed my reactions down over the years, but I cannot stop myself reacting to a close pass, a bit of bad driving, someone not taking care. It does actually make some people think again, contrary to what everyone above has said.
Newarch said:
I once nearly got physically assaulted by some roid raging psychopath when I crossed the road on foot in front of him so he had to slow down. Drivers especially are prone to literally seeing red at times, hence why road rage is a thing.
Saw this earlier, same thing, driver almost hits pedestrian and is angry that they are annoyed:https://www.reddit.com/r/IdiotsInCars/comments/rf2...
Bathroom_Security said:
L M is right the best thing do to is keep quiet and bite your tongue. Especially in Surrey where driving standards are literally scraping the barrel
Had a few occasions where its obvious the driver would have had no problem running me over. Sort of person that can't be inconvenienced for 10 seconds of their precious commute time.
Touchy subject but I do wonder if I should carry a knife while riding. I know what the consequences are but I may have to defend myself against someone with a screwdriver as above. What do you do then? Police won't give a st if you report them.
A knife isn't a defensive weapon, you would probably get stabbed with the screwdriver while you were trying to get it out and if it is a legal carry folder probably little use anyway. A strong metal bodied pump on the other hand which can be carried in full view in an easy to access clip might help, but only if you know how to use a baton against a knife wielder. Getting into a fight like that should only be a last resort, if you can run away or defuse the situation they are better options and the choice of the bigger person. The police will probably be quite interested if you are seen pulling a knife on someone whatever the reason.Had a few occasions where its obvious the driver would have had no problem running me over. Sort of person that can't be inconvenienced for 10 seconds of their precious commute time.
Touchy subject but I do wonder if I should carry a knife while riding. I know what the consequences are but I may have to defend myself against someone with a screwdriver as above. What do you do then? Police won't give a s
t if you report them. Sorry if that comes across a bit serious, but seriously, don't.
Motorbike riding (along with increasing maturity #cough#) convinced me of the benefits of letting it go.
Far too tempting to get into a confrontational incident, so many idiots trying to kill you (worse than cycling, IMO, not least because the speeds tend to be higher), but as soon as the car touches your bike, you're trapped by the leg under a few hundredweight of machine.
Now I just (try to) relax and let the dozy gits get on with it. No one else will ever see they were wrong because you told them (a few realise it themselves, to be fair (and sometimes, it might be me!))...
...and then some of them are nutters - the proportion definitely goes up in traffic compared to any other social setting.
(Having said that, at 6'4", the couple of times in 30+ years I have got out of my car to deal with someone who's got out of theirs, the other person has suddenly got a lot more reasonable
)
Far too tempting to get into a confrontational incident, so many idiots trying to kill you (worse than cycling, IMO, not least because the speeds tend to be higher), but as soon as the car touches your bike, you're trapped by the leg under a few hundredweight of machine.
Now I just (try to) relax and let the dozy gits get on with it. No one else will ever see they were wrong because you told them (a few realise it themselves, to be fair (and sometimes, it might be me!))...
...and then some of them are nutters - the proportion definitely goes up in traffic compared to any other social setting.
(Having said that, at 6'4", the couple of times in 30+ years I have got out of my car to deal with someone who's got out of theirs, the other person has suddenly got a lot more reasonable
)Toltec said:
A knife isn't a defensive weapon, you would probably get stabbed with the screwdriver while you were trying to get it out and if it is a legal carry folder probably little use anyway. A strong metal bodied pump on the other hand which can be carried in full view in an easy to access clip might help, but only if you know how to use a baton against a knife wielder. Getting into a fight like that should only be a last resort, if you can run away or defuse the situation they are better options and the choice of the bigger person. The police will probably be quite interested if you are seen pulling a knife on someone whatever the reason.
Sorry if that comes across a bit serious, but seriously, don't.
Obviously Sorry if that comes across a bit serious, but seriously, don't.
Id sooner avoid any confrontation if I'm honest.
Another one in the news today:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/14/mo...
Looks like the cyclist clipper the Freelander's mirror after it stopped suddenly, cyclist carried on, driver caught up, got out, argument, cyclist spat on car, driver got back in and deliberately drove into and over the cyclist. Only 18 months inside (of which obviously they will only serve 9)...
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/dec/14/mo...
Looks like the cyclist clipper the Freelander's mirror after it stopped suddenly, cyclist carried on, driver caught up, got out, argument, cyclist spat on car, driver got back in and deliberately drove into and over the cyclist. Only 18 months inside (of which obviously they will only serve 9)...
Daveyraveygravey said:
I have calmed my reactions down over the years, but I cannot stop myself reacting to a close pass, a bit of bad driving, someone not taking care. It does actually make some people think again, contrary to what everyone above has said.
This sounds like me - I try not to aggravate but when you are endangered it is hard not to respond (I describe it as stress-induced-Tourettes).Another thing - if you do have any kind of altercation do not then overtake them, set off ahead of them etc - the best place for angry people in cars is not behind you.
David_M said:
This sounds like me - I try not to aggravate but when you are endangered it is hard not to respond (I describe it as stress-induced-Tourettes).
Another thing - if you do have any kind of altercation do not then overtake them, set off ahead of them etc - the best place for angry people in cars is not behind you.
That's a good point, you want to be able to see them without having to look behind you or strain to see to the side.Another thing - if you do have any kind of altercation do not then overtake them, set off ahead of them etc - the best place for angry people in cars is not behind you.
It is irritating and sometimes very hard not to respond if someone cuts you up or drives dangerously. I try not to but don't always succeed.
I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
shalmaneser said:
It is irritating and sometimes very hard not to respond if someone cuts you up or drives dangerously. I try not to but don't always succeed.
I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
That's a healthy perspective. I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
shalmaneser said:
It is irritating and sometimes very hard not to respond if someone cuts you up or drives dangerously. I try not to but don't always succeed.
I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
I make a habit of thanking good driving. I don't have to do it very often.I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
In my mind there really isn't a need to shout or wag fingers at motorists, what does it achieve apart from maybe making you feel better at the time?
Same when driving and beeping the horn as a sign of disapproval, when the horn is there to warn someone of your presence, and not to alert someone about to how angry you are at them. By then it's to late, they have already done whatever move you disapprove of. Bit like rubbing a puppies nose in its own sh*t, it achieves nothing.
Same when driving and beeping the horn as a sign of disapproval, when the horn is there to warn someone of your presence, and not to alert someone about to how angry you are at them. By then it's to late, they have already done whatever move you disapprove of. Bit like rubbing a puppies nose in its own sh*t, it achieves nothing.
Daveyraveygravey said:
shalmaneser said:
It is irritating and sometimes very hard not to respond if someone cuts you up or drives dangerously. I try not to but don't always succeed.
I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
I make a habit of thanking good driving. I don't have to do it very often.I've found that focusing on the good driving you see helps me get things in perspective - that person gave me loads of room when overtaking, they didn't squeeze past in a pinch point, they didn't pull out in front of me etc etc.
You soon realise the good vastly outweighs the bad which is something to cling to!
In the past after an incident with a woman pulling out in front of me on a roundabout and me very nearly slamming into the side of her door she pulled in a little further up the road. Initially I was raging but as I got to her window I saw her sat there crying , she was so sorry & upset, Im ashamed to say i'd approached her as someone who tried to kill me in a wild rage but glad we ended up having a calm talk with just a few driving tips.
Since then I do find myself being strangely happy to acknowledge good driving around me whilst out on the bike, a few thumbs up to people giving me a decent amount of space seems to be the way forward.
Edited by aka_kerrly on Friday 24th December 13:22
I must admit I've had really close passes where drivers overtake on a blind bend then use your space when they realise a car is oncoming.
I've done the shaking beans on wtf hand gesture. A few times it's had a car slam on and ask me to clarify.
I'm not a nutter. I'm not particularly hard but I'm not putting up with such close passes to my health going unchallenged.
We are all different and I'd agree with a poster above saying leave it.
I won't.
I've done the shaking beans on wtf hand gesture. A few times it's had a car slam on and ask me to clarify.
I'm not a nutter. I'm not particularly hard but I'm not putting up with such close passes to my health going unchallenged.
We are all different and I'd agree with a poster above saying leave it.
I won't.
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