Why do you suppose so many American drivers are so incredibly rude and inconsiderate to cyclists? Even going to so far as to throw objects at riders as they pass by.
Personally I've had:
Liquid (?) thrown on me.
Had several attempts to force me off the road. (One successfull)
Had verbal abuse yelled.
Had several people stop and want to fight me.
Had cars vere around and cut in front only to stop directly at the light just ahead.
Been called a f-a-g. (go figure this one???)
Been honked at from just behind. (This one will get your heart rate up)
List your experiences please.
2006-07-20 19:21:27 · 17 answers · asked by letem haveit 4 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I have never had that problem. Put yourself in the driver's position. whenever I'm driving and I see a bicyclist or pedestrian driving in the middle of the road when there's a SIDEWALK.... that pisses me off a lot. I never do that on my bike. And nobody wants to get in a head-on collision trying to pass a biker. You gotta have courtesy, you're not king of the road.
2006-07-21 07:51:04 · answer #1 · answered by Sally Pepsi 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
In this it's not just Americans, it's all drivers.
90% of the driver's here (Hong Kong) will always adjust their speed to force a cyclist to stop when cornering, or often just passing alongside an obstruction.
I have only had someone try to run me off the road once, but because cycling here is always defensive I was ready for him. I powered ahead through the gap, then keyed him as he went passed with the top of the bell I yanked off the handlebars. I'm a big enough guy to get away with it.
Once a taxi attempted a u-turn in the bike lane. Deliberately in front of me when I was doing about 30-40 km/h. If I hadn't fixed my breaks that morning I'd have come off. I stopped the bike behind him, got out my cigarettes and lit up. He locked the doors and sat there till I had finished.
2006-07-20 19:38:44 · answer #2 · answered by Simon D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some towns have nice drivers and others don't, I have found myself wanting to ride on trails, but none are ever long enough. One truck played chicken with me and as you know if you are riding a road bike, the tires don't do well in gravel with glass but luckily a police officer was checking speeders so the guy was busted, he claimed that cyclists didn't have the same road priviledges as cars, but he was educated in the subject. I haven't had anything thrown at me, but one guy yelled "the Tour de France is in France hun!", now I know that I am not good enough to ride in that but it seems that many non-cyclists think that it is the only race, I prefer to ride across country or at least a couple of states but I just love those drivers who run up right behind you and then pass you with an inch of clearance and then slow down. Can't we all just share the road, I mean we are all human beings.
2006-07-21 02:34:52 · answer #3 · answered by exracehorsechick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why its like that but I have had the same experiences in Britain.
I've had glass bottles thrown to shatter in fromt of me.
I've been clipped by the tie down straps on passing lorries(trucks).
I've had pedestrians chase me and some pull at my jersey?!
I too have been forced off the road.
People have pulled out of side roads seemingly blind to the bright colours I was wearing. One time hitting the side and flying over the vehicle - forks snapped but i was okay.
I've had the same experiences as you and i am left wondering if people don't half try to kill me when they see me on the road.
I have punched and kicked vehicles either to make them aware of me or after they have made an attempt on my life.
I don't know who is more insane; the cyclist who persist under such conditions or the motorists who try to kill them!
I have been told that cyclists get more respect on the continent, especially Germany, France and Belgium.
2006-07-21 04:02:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not just American Drivers!! Try the London Cab drivers and delivery vans....
I was too scared to cycle on the road most of the time there so gave up. Am in Australia now (Melbourne) and the roads are wider and they are building designated bike lanes everywhere so it's much much better, but a long way to go.
2006-07-20 23:56:27 · answer #5 · answered by aggrieved_aussiette 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had problems with people in cars as well, all we can do is grin and bare it, it is to dangerous out there otherwise. Try to get a plate #, and report it to the police. Some of the things you describe could be considered felonys. Stay safe.
2006-07-21 05:30:04 · answer #6 · answered by SKIP D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because most places don't have bike paths and the inconsiderate bastards will not get to the side of the road where they belong so I can get by without killing them. then god forsake I hit them accidentally hit them and I get sued for everything that I don't have plus five dollars more. that is why.
2006-07-20 19:28:10 · answer #7 · answered by hey you 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must be unlucky. The average cyclist would only have to experience two or three of the above.
2006-07-20 19:38:07 · answer #8 · answered by Munster 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, maybe you should go and buy a new BMW, I just bought mine, and I LOVE it, all I have to do, is push a pedal, and I go a lot faster than a bike. And second of all, it's GLOBAL WARMING, your going to sweat to death, so, do us all a favor, and get a BMW.
Josh;)
2006-07-20 19:38:21 · answer #9 · answered by Yehoshua 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is american driving 4 u
2006-07-20 20:46:03 · answer #10 · answered by motown 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋