smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers?
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2009-06-16 12:46 PM |
Veteran 318 Ardmore, Pennsylvania | Subject: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? Living in Boston I kind of HAVE to ride some busy streets now and again, but I am getting so sick of the occasional driver driver who honks and swears and yells at me to get off the road because I don't belong or "am not allowed"! I was trailed by one guy honking and yelling at me for over a mile yesterday (we kept catching up to each other b/c of the stoplights)! I need some spicy replies (that won't get me arrested) to shut these losers up! grrrr. |
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2009-06-16 12:50 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Champion 5117 Brandon, MS | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? Not to be a downer and not contribute to what could be a funny thread of ideas, but I tend to not say anything. No need to further upset an idiot and risk them actually taking action on their threats. Most people with temper and anger issues are just waiting for a reaction out of you as an excuse to do something. However, I have pulled out my cell to take a pic of their license plate. That usually gets rid of them. |
2009-06-16 12:52 PM in reply to: #2221612 |
Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
2009-06-16 12:55 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Master 1529 Living in the past | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? gonnafinish plscheer - 2009-06-16 12:46 PM Living in Boston I kind of HAVE to ride some busy streets now and again, but I am getting so sick of the occasional driver driver who honks and swears and yells at me to get off the road because I don't belong or "am not allowed"! I was trailed by one guy honking and yelling at me for over a mile yesterday (we kept catching up to each other b/c of the stoplights)! I need some spicy replies (that won't get me arrested) to shut these losers up! grrrr. Don't know if you'll ever succeed in shutting them up...my replies are for my own amusement. 1. Some version employing the "f" word - "GFY", "FU", etc. The "f" word is very versatile in these situations, IMO. 2. "Pound sand" 3. "Your mother" 4. "Get bent" I have more, but they won't pass the censor... |
2009-06-16 12:57 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Pro 5169 Burbs | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? 1. there's very little you can actually say that will get you arrested. MOST speech is protected says this constitutional law nerd. 2. say nothing... in a fight btwn you and the car the car will win EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I used to hit car bumpers with my hand when I was running and someone turned on red without yielding to me.... I have, however, promised my husband to stop doing that. You never know how someone will react. |
2009-06-16 12:57 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Master 1289 Franklin, TN | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? I was on my bike at a stoplight, in the r/h lane on a 4-lane road on Sunday, off to the right so if a vehicle wanted beside me, there was room. I noticed the left lane was full, but no one pulled up beside me. When the light turned green I went into the intersection, still way to the right and a truck with loud mufflers (or lack thereof!) blew by me very fast, with a finger out the window! I guess he stayed a few carlengths back just to do that on purpose. Long story short, I thought to myself, "Me thinks thou art a/an (insert noun of choice here)." No need to inflame an already irate person(s). |
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2009-06-16 1:01 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Alpharetta, Georgia | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? Agree on not saying anything (too loud). In my mind, I always say to the driver "you'll get over it" |
2009-06-16 1:03 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Pro 4612 MA | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? I ride and commute in MA, too. I found most of the drivers pretty pleasant. Maybe 1% of a-hole, and when I saw one, I remind myself of the other nice ones. Don't want to pis off an a-hold and get myself injured. I live close to the city and have a reverse commute, and I don't ride inside Boston much. I find most drivers close to Boston are more aware of cyclists while those in the suburbs can be clueless. Drivers in towns along the Minuteman path and Concord are usually fine. |
2009-06-16 1:09 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Pro 6582 Melbourne FL | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? "Calling 911 now (pulling out phone), stick around for awhile..." I always have my cell phone with me. Personally I'd take a pix of the plate then call 911 and report that your being threatened. Too many A-holes out there to justify a verbal or physical reply. About 5 years ago locally there was a guy in a pickup that was doing something like that to a guy on a RB, the biker flipped him off and was yelling back at him. The driver then went bonkers after the biker and tried to run him over and was chasing him through back streets and parking lots, etc. He crashed his truck in a parking lot and witnesses stopped him and the police arrested him. |
2009-06-16 1:10 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? |
2009-06-16 1:11 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Extreme Veteran 349 Burke, VA | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? I never say much, cause it's usually at fast speeds and don't get the chance. Much like with my wife, I think of all my comebacks to myself and think them real hard for the next few minutes. |
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2009-06-16 1:11 PM in reply to: #2221698 |
Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? KSH - 2009-06-16 11:10 AM In Texas we just lift up our jersey and show our concealed handgun. *Jokes! All jokes!* Not where I thought that was going...... X whatever on say nothing. What, you think your're gonna convince an angry driver that they are wrong? |
2009-06-16 1:13 PM in reply to: #2221612 |
Master 2073 The Redlands, FL | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? sesh - 2009-06-16 1:50 PM Not to be a downer and not contribute to what could be a funny thread of ideas, but I tend to not say anything. No need to further upset an idiot and risk them actually taking action on their threats. Most people with temper and anger issues are just waiting for a reaction out of you as an excuse to do something. However, I have pulled out my cell to take a pic of their license plate. That usually gets rid of them. +1 x 100000000000000 Complety Agree |
2009-06-16 1:15 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Member 603 Chicago | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? I have gotten off my bike a couple of times at intersections to show some high school punks or ignorant people that Im not a little guy on a nice bike wearing spandex but am a 200 pound veteran who wont take that crap from people. They cant do anything when they are stopped at an intersection but make them look like a fool when they put their windows up and shut up. I find it amusing and it makes my ride that much better. |
2009-06-16 1:27 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
1072 | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? Smile at them and say, "Have a nice day". It will drive them crazy. Calling then an a'hole or giving them the universal one finger salute may feel good, but it could make the situation worse. It also could make it bad for some other cyclist if the they take their anger out on them. Let it go. I know it is easier said then done. Just yesteday a driver cut in front me at an intesection when I had the right-a-way and yelled ,"Get off the f***in road". I gave them the finger, without thinking. Fortunately he kept on going and so did without further incident. |
2009-06-16 1:37 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Coach 10487 Boston, MA | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? gonnafinish plscheer - 2009-06-16 12:46 PM Living in Boston I kind of HAVE to ride some busy streets now and again, but I am getting so sick of the occasional driver driver who honks and swears and yells at me to get off the road because I don't belong or "am not allowed"! I also live in Boston but rarely ride in the city; mainly head out west of the city (concord, lincon, lexignton, arlighton, bolton, etc.) Where do you ride?I was trailed by one guy honking and yelling at me for over a mile yesterday (we kept catching up to each other b/c of the stoplights)! I need some spicy replies (that won't get me arrested) to shut these losers up! grrrr. In general I try to control my emotions and usually I just smile and wave goodbye to angry drivers specially when riding with friend/athletes as I get into this sort of coaching mode; it seems that ticks them off worst than any angry response I can give. However once riding alone I was harrassed and I responded with profanity and even throwing my water bottle. I wasn't proud of it but sometimes enough is enough. *Try* to not sweet it off, smile and let the a$$hole drive away while you can focus on your training |
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2009-06-16 1:57 PM in reply to: #2221693 |
Pro 3906 St Charles, IL | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? Donto - 2009-06-16 1:09 PM "Calling 911 now (pulling out phone), stick around for awhile..." I always have my cell phone with me. Personally I'd take a pix of the plate then call 911 and report that your being threatened. Too many A-holes out there to justify a verbal or physical reply. About 5 years ago locally there was a guy in a pickup that was doing something like that to a guy on a RB, the biker flipped him off and was yelling back at him. The driver then went bonkers after the biker and tried to run him over and was chasing him through back streets and parking lots, etc. He crashed his truck in a parking lot and witnesses stopped him and the police arrested him. x2 for calling police and reporting it. You can't win and nothing you say will convince them of their error. A visit from the police will. Put the non-emergency police number in your phone. Call and report the incident. If they later cause an accident, your report could be the deciding factor in whether they are let off as an "accident" or if there's a history of their behavior that leads to them being charged/cited. I had a pickup truck go psycho on me during a century ride 2 years ago. Tractor in the opposing lane, and no shoulder, and he was pissed he couldn't pass me fast enough apparently. Big truck, floored it past me with inches to spare just before a stop sign. I did *not* flip him off, but threw my arms up in a "shrug/what the hey?" gesture. He then proceeded to launch into a tirade, and put his truck in reverse ( I was behind him at the stop sign ) and start gunning his truck and jerking backwards. I immediately unclipped and moved to the side. Pulled out my phone and called 911. He saw me do this, yelled "Are you calling the cops on me?". I said "Yes!". He dropped an F bomb at me, and then peeled out and drove off. I got his plates, and gave a description of the driver to the cop that showed up a couple minutes later. The cop took the complaint and said he was a known local knucklehead and would be getting a visit as well as another flag/note on his record. Reserve 911 for drivers that are obviously threatening you ( IE, aiming vehicle at you ). Use the non-emergency number to report aggressive/abusive drivers. |
2009-06-16 2:08 PM in reply to: #2221698 |
Veteran 225 Kingsville | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? |
2009-06-16 2:14 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Veteran 1097 Elizabethtown, KY | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? On a slight hijack here - but we stayed in downtown Cincinnati over the weekend for a wedding and I was simply astounded at the number of truly onerous cyclists. Now granted, most (but not all) were not of the road-bike or tri-bike variety, but I can see how urban motorists can begin to resent bicycles over time. I saw them swerving in and out of traffic, onto sidewalks, running red lights, and even going the wrong way on one-way streets. (And most didn't have on a helmet.) /hijack |
2009-06-16 2:15 PM in reply to: #2221707 |
Pro 4827 McKinney, TX | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? ChrisM - 2009-06-16 1:11 PM KSH - 2009-06-16 11:10 AM In Texas we just lift up our jersey and show our concealed handgun. *Jokes! All jokes!* Not where I thought that was going...... QUOTE] +1 Dangit! |
2009-06-16 2:24 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Master 1402 Highlands Ranch | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? Wave, smile, say thank you, appreciate their potential ability to share the road, tell them you hope the day continues to improve for them. They'll usually be too confused by the kindness to continue spiralling in anger... |
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2009-06-16 2:31 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Elite 3683 Whispering Pines, North Carolina | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? if it's a chick, i blow her a kiss if it's a d00d, i blow him a kiss, too and that enrages them even more here, especially out in semi-rural georgia. haha. |
2009-06-16 2:41 PM in reply to: #2221707 |
Champion 11989 Philly 'burbs | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? ChrisM - 2009-06-16 2:11 PM KSH - 2009-06-16 11:10 AM In Texas we just lift up our jersey and show our concealed handgun. Not where I thought that was going...... Not where I was hoping it was going. Have you seen her post in Girls of BT??????? |
2009-06-16 2:52 PM in reply to: #2221980 |
Slower Than You 9566 Cracklantaburbs | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? roch1009 - 2009-06-16 3:14 PM I saw them swerving in and out of traffic, onto sidewalks, running red lights, and even going the wrong way on one-way streets. (And most didn't have on a helmet.) /hijack Those are hipsters, they don't count. I usually wave, or sometimes blow them a kiss (overly exaggerated, of course). |
2009-06-16 2:55 PM in reply to: #2221594 |
Expert 658 | Subject: RE: smart-alec replies for drivers who harass bikers? If you want them to run you over, sure, start a full on battle with them, although cars always seem to come out on thop in collisions, not fair! |
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