Two days in a row now I have been in altercations with motorists simply because I was following the law while riding on the road. I know I can't blame the many for the crimes of the few like so many motorists do to cyclists but this is not how I wanted to start my summer and it's really bumming me out. I hate that no matter how hard we try, there is still an us versus them mentality out there.
apatz87
2013-05-11 14:48:05
That is frustrating. But if it helps to restore your faith in some people, when it was pouring down rain on my commute home, 2 motorists stopped to allow me to make a left turn in front of them.
stefb
2013-05-11 15:03:21
Abe, how many motorists were not a problem?
We all run into problem motorists sometimes, but I always try to remember that most of them are ok, and a few are downright nice to me.
helen-s
2013-05-12 16:42:23
yeah, yesterday, a driver waited quietly behind me on the uphill part of penn until I moved right and waved him by when it was safe. And he actually yelled "Thanks!" out the window and waved after. I tried to think of that on my commute home today anytime I saw someone behaving badly, and it helped.
rubberfactory
2013-05-12 17:44:12
At one time I believed it was a us versus them battle until I started driving my daughter to school. I have had more drivers blow their horn, yell at me, and cut me off driving then I have biking. The problem is I don't go over the speed limit and they hate anyone who is moving too slow. It didn't matter if I was driving or not. 25mph makes some drivers angry.
Also I have had more positive encounters with drivers cycling over the last 6 months than I had in the last few years. While there are still some jerks out their I think more and more Pittsburghers are accepting us.
marvelousm3
2013-05-12 18:17:40
The more people that bicycle regularly, the more drivers will understand what it is like to be that person on a bicycle.
stuinmccandless
2013-05-12 19:28:42
I would like to add, there are more people cycling now than ever so when you personally know someone who rides it changes your perception on cycling. A lot more of my co-workers ride to work now and the attitude about cycling has changed in my workplace. I am no longer different or strange now I am one of many.
marvelousm3
2013-05-12 19:47:24
