How do you guys keep your cool??

cheehee

Howdy, as the title really.........

Over the past two days I've had some unwarranted verbal abuse and have been swerved at by 4x4 drivers.

I try to keep calm and laugh at the sad b*stards, but sometimes I feel the red mist a'comin.

What are your tactics to avoid going whoopass??

Cheers

Cheehee

prj45

Laugh at them. (some more)

Jay dubbleU

I used to yell back at the ba**ards or raise the finger but these days it just washes over me - I figure its their heart attack. I tend to ride more assertively than I used to - make sure I'm far enough away from the kerb so that they can't push me into the gutter, keep an eye out behind and signal clearly

NGale

I don't :!: I shout at them and get angry and quite often swear.

It has startled many a motorist and a few of the cycling club chaps

Corporate Camper

It's a bit of a worry for me too. I'm a new cycle commuter and I've had no "run in's" so far, but I have a very low tolerance to bullies and it would be embarrassing to launch myself through the window of a Transit to head-but the driver. I suppose following them home and taking a dump through their letterbox would be the gentlemanly thing to do.

teulk

I tend to shout and swear at them - great self control eh Only today i stopped and threatend to kick the heads in of a chav who made me swerve as a van was passing me. Ok so this might be the right thing to do but it makes me feel better

fenboy369

I commute through Cambridge, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a wing mirror flying down the road after I have smacked it off or even better the sound of a car window cracking
Get some decent Free-ride or Down Hill mountain bike gloves for commuting, doenst hurt your hands then....
But make sure you can get away afterwards, Cambridge is ok, I can escape and alter my route for a few days, but be careful...

rally200

fenboy369 wrote:

I commute through Cambridge, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a wing mirror flying down the road after I have smacked it off or even better the sound of a car window cracking
Get some decent Free-ride or Down Hill mountain bike gloves for commuting, doenst hurt your hands then....
But make sure you can get away afterwards, Cambridge is ok, I can escape and alter my route for a few days, but be careful...

anyone got the address for LFGSS handy?

Jay dubbleU

fenboy369 wrote:

I commute through Cambridge, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a wing mirror flying down the road after I have smacked it off or even better the sound of a car window cracking
Get some decent Free-ride or Down Hill mountain bike gloves for commuting, doenst hurt your hands then....
But make sure you can get away afterwards, Cambridge is ok, I can escape and alter my route for a few days, but be careful...

Like thats going to help the next cyclist :roll:

woodyonthebeach

fenboy369 wrote:

I commute through Cambridge, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a wing mirror flying down the road after I have smacked it off or even better the sound of a car window cracking
Get some decent Free-ride or Down Hill mountain bike gloves for commuting, doenst hurt your hands then....
But make sure you can get away afterwards, Cambridge is ok, I can escape and alter my route for a few days, but be careful...

I have been in the situation. Doesn't go down very well. Usually like a tone of bricks.

I have lost the aggression that I used to have. Nothing like the 1 Finger Salute and a few choice words to tell that they are wrong

il_principe

Sometimes I ignore them, sometimes I shout. I took my Bro out for a 60 miler yesterday, coming home some twunt tried to overtake as we wre rounding a line of parked cars, I already had my right arm out indincating so waglled my finger... he comes passed a few seconds later, gesturing "W*nker" at me. Caught him at the lights, he had his window down, so I peered in - big fat bloke looks back at me:

"You should try getting on a bike yourself you fat to$$er" I say, conversationally. He started to open his mouth and we scooted off down Embankment, leaving him maroon, marooned in traffic.

Rich158

I used to get angry, until I realised the very thing I was doing to relax was making more stressed than befoer I got on the bike :shock:

Now I just let it wash over me, and go on my merry way safe in the knowledge that I'll have a long and healthy life, whereas they'll die a premature death due to inactivity and the stress of commuting by car

lost_in_thought

Jay dubbleU wrote:

fenboy369 wrote:

I commute through Cambridge, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a wing mirror flying down the road after I have smacked it off or even better the sound of a car window cracking
Get some decent Free-ride or Down Hill mountain bike gloves for commuting, doenst hurt your hands then....
But make sure you can get away afterwards, Cambridge is ok, I can escape and alter my route for a few days, but be careful...

Like thats going to help the next cyclist :roll:

Exactly. What a muppet. :roll:

Also, it's worth bearing in mind that a lot of the time people don't intend to cut you up. I know it's no excuse, but bear that in mind when reacting.

I may make a hand gesture if I'm in a mood...

always_tyred

What sort of hand gesture?

I agree that you should draw the line at property damage. If a car is within reach, hitting the side of it to get it to move out of reach is fair. Deliverately scratching it, kicking it, taking the wing mirror with you - all tempting in a certain type of fantasy universe, but not advisible if anyone's watching.

(I left my computer unlocked and someone else typed that last bit.....)

fossyant

I usually shout 'Oi' or such like. The problem with my commute is you see drivers day after day, so no point smacking cars. Most are 'accidental'.

Had one pull out, I shouted 'Oi' - then got the finger from the driver. Needless to say, I caught up 200 yards later - I just glared - he wouldn't look at me, then he stayed well back.

This morning, local 'black spot' (i.e. they don't realise a bike can do 30 plus...) pulled out. Half expecting it, like I do every morning, I just swerve about behind the car, then pull past (legs are doing in excess of 150 rpm on the fixed) and just shout "thanks" - driver didn't look, but I passed the car and pulled in front of her.

No point getting too 'hissed off', although I can say I was a very angry cyclist for about a month after getting knocked off last December...took a while to calm down, especially after two additional very near misses. Anyway, off to the consultant shortly to find out what the damage is...only taken 7 months .... :shock:

cee

Always Tyred wrote:

What sort of hand gesture?

I agree that you should draw the line at property damage. If a car is within reach, hitting the side of it to get it to move out of reach is fair. Deliverately scratching it, kicking it, taking the wing mirror with you - all tempting in a certain type of fantasy universe, but not advisible if anyone's watching.

(I left my computer unlocked and someone else typed that last bit.....)

you remind me of the streets track Geezers need Excitement, and in particular the lyric......"But stop to think and it's never gonna be the Jackie Chan scene it could have been to end up"

fenboy369

Right, lets get this straight. I will not remove a wing mirror from somebody if its a genuine mistake, we all make those. Just ride up along side, tap on the window and ask, 'didnt you see me?'. Thats normally enough.
But on the three or four occasions this year that people have either cut me up on purpose or tried to push me into the kerb, well thats it. You can normally tell by the fact they are looking in the rear view or side mirror and laughing, usually to their mates, but its just about attempted murder in my eyes. And I have asked the Police, but they said that its my word against two that say they didnt do it, so fat lot of good they are.
Wing mirror 'adjustment' is an extreme measure for extreme circumstances, and one that I dont use lightly.
Sorry if that offends anyone, but thats the way I see it. The only way to sort out a snotty nosed little chav is hit him where it hurts, in the pocket.

woodyonthebeach

fenboy369 wrote:

Right, lets get this straight. I will not remove a wing mirror from somebody if its a genuine mistake, we all make those. Just ride up along side, tap on the window and ask, 'didnt you see me?'. Thats normally enough.
But on the three or four occasions this year that people have either cut me up on purpose or tried to push me into the kerb, well thats it. You can normally tell by the fact they are looking in the rear view or side mirror and laughing, usually to their mates, but its just about attempted murder in my eyes. And I have asked the Police, but they said that its my word against two that say they didnt do it, so fat lot of good they are.
Wing mirror 'adjustment' is an extreme measure for extreme circumstances, and one that I dont use lightly.
Sorry if that offends anyone, but thats the way I see it. The only way to sort out a snotty nosed little chav is hit him where it hurts, in the pocket.

I can kind of agree with you on that one as I hate chav's with a passion.

However I do think bless. Care in the community has really let you down

schlepcycling

fenboy369 wrote:

Right, lets get this straight. I will not remove a wing mirror from somebody if its a genuine mistake, we all make those. Just ride up along side, tap on the window and ask, 'didnt you see me?'. Thats normally enough.
But on the three or four occasions this year that people have either cut me up on purpose or tried to push me into the kerb, well thats it. You can normally tell by the fact they are looking in the rear view or side mirror and laughing, usually to their mates, but its just about attempted murder in my eyes. And I have asked the Police, but they said that its my word against two that say they didnt do it, so fat lot of good they are.
Wing mirror 'adjustment' is an extreme measure for extreme circumstances, and one that I dont use lightly.
Sorry if that offends anyone, but thats the way I see it. The only way to sort out a snotty nosed little chav is hit him where it hurts, in the pocket.

Rather than break the law yourself why not fit a helmet cam and provide evidence to plod of the chav's actions maybe then they'll take some action.

antfly

So when you remove a chav`s wing mirror are you saying they just say "oh fair enough" and go home? It`s a dangerous business, hitting cars.

If people shout inane things at me I barely even notice these days, it washes straight over because it matters not a jot. If someone endangers my life it`s a different matter.I do find if you lose your temper with a car in front the cars behind tend to back off a lot.

dilemna

fenboy369 wrote:

Right, lets get this straight. I will not remove a wing mirror from somebody if its a genuine mistake, we all make those. Just ride up along side, tap on the window and ask, 'didnt you see me?'. Thats normally enough.
But on the three or four occasions this year that people have either cut me up on purpose or tried to push me into the kerb, well thats it. You can normally tell by the fact they are looking in the rear view or side mirror and laughing, usually to their mates, but its just about attempted murder in my eyes. And I have asked the Police, but they said that its my word against two that say they didnt do it, so fat lot of good they are.
Wing mirror 'adjustment' is an extreme measure for extreme circumstances, and one that I dont use lightly.
Sorry if that offends anyone, but thats the way I see it. The only way to sort out a snotty nosed little chav is hit him where it hurts, in the pocket.

That's all very well but by damaging their car you are making it very hard for the next cyclist they come across meaning they will probably run them down. You can do plenty of things without resorting to criminal damage. I know it's hard to resist shouting abuse back at drivers if they've endangered your life but try to ride proactively in the first place so that these situations are infrequent rather than commonplace.

Tis best to remain impassive, say nothing, but be assertive in your body language and importantly to frequently look behind you.........eyeball potential problem drivers/vehicles approaching from behind. Use both your ears and your eyes. Don't wear headphones. Once a driver knows you are watching them they will give you a wide berth and maybe gesticulate or f n blind but all you do is stare back impassively curling your lip if need be. They don't hang around.......Believe me it works. Most drivers are cowards they think that because you haven't looked around at them approaching they can shave by your elbow. Don't let this happen. Be proactive - look behind you. It will stop close passes and maybe save your life. If things really escalate get your camera out or dial 999. Or as previously stated if you find these incidents occuring frequently invest in a head cam.

I hope zedders can post his tale of a club ride from hell again as that was a terrifying read. I tried searching for it the other day but couldn't find it. So zedders if indeed it was you and you are reading this can you kindly repost as your tale where you and other riders were chased by a psycho in a car was truly frightening. Cyclists have been run down and killed by nutters so be careful what you do out there. Pride before a fall and live to ride another day.

From the Coventry Telegraph 21st April 2009.

A cyclist had an altercation with a car driver in Coventry and allegedly took a swipe at his wing mirror. The driver then chased him in his car mounting the pavement driving over and killing him. RIP. Be careful what you do, you are very vulnerable on a bike. Always always have an escape route.

Cyclist killed by driver for damaging wing mirror, court told

Apr 21 2009

By Duncan Gibbons

A CYCLIST was knocked down and killed in a suspected revenge attack after he damaged a motorist's wing mirror, a court has heard.
The car driver, Sean Fitzgerald, aged 35, of Bennetts Road North, Keresley, Coventry, is charged with murder.
He is alleged to have deliberately mounted the pavement and driven at warehouseman Paul Webb on Thursday afternoon.
The 42-year-old victim suffered multiple injuries and died at the scene in Bennetts Road South, Keresley, as he cycled home from work at the Co-op distribution centre at PrologisPark.
Coventry magistrates court was told Fitzgerald reacted after his nearside mirror was knocked off by a cyclist moments earlier, but it is not clear if the victim was the man responsible.

Emma Garnett, prosecuting, said: “He was angry that his wing mirror was knocked off.
“This defendant followed the cyclist for 300 yards from the first point of contact and mounted the kerb while he [Mr Webb] was on the pavement.”
She said the cyclist suffered a fatal combination of broken ribs, a shattered pelvis and internal bleeding in the crash, which left debris scattered up to 15 metres away.
The court heard Fitzgerald handed himself in to police the following day where he was arrested and charged.
Andrew Mithie, defending, said: “This gentleman was driving from Bennetts Road North into the city centre along Bennetts Road South when there was contact by a cyclist with his nearside wing mirror.
“He was upset about the damage and started to remonstrate with the cyclist who made off.
“This gentleman accepts that some distance away there was contact and it seems that it probably was the same individual, but he’s not sure if it was or not.”
Dad of two Fitzgerald was denied bail and was remanded in custody for a hearing at Coventry Crown Court on Monday April 27.
Police are still seeking witnesses to the accident.
Detective Inspector Wendy Bailey from CID at Little Park Street police station said: “The victim was wearing a red jacket and the car he collided with was silver in colour.
"It is believed the car involved was behind a refuse collection lorry.
"We would appeal for anyone who saw the pedal cyclist or the silver car behind the refuse lorry to come forward.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone with information is urged to call Little Park Street police station on 0845 113 5000.

Aidy

I'll normally give particularly poor displays of driving the finger.

Quite happy to accept that everyone makes mistakes, but some drivers are downright dangerous and/or exceptionally rude. I've been nudged twice when stopped at junctions (once when I was waiting for a fire engine to go past!).

On the other hand, I'll give thumbs ups to particularly considerate drivers.

I generally calm down again pretty quickly afterwards, bikes are great for that

fenboy369

"Tis best to remain impassive, say nothing" Probably what I should have done in my first post.

yr99jparkin

Looking behind works a treat, i have NEVER had any problems and i strongly believe this is because i eyeball most drivers on problem roads prior to them overtaking.

dilemna

fenboy369 wrote:

"Tis best to remain impassive, say nothing" Probably what I should have done in my first post.

Better to learn from others' mistakes than your own IMHO. If advice on this forum keeps cyclist safe, alive and on the road then it must be worth it.

Mithras

I know most of you can't retaliate like I can....But issuing an £80 fine under Section 5 of the Public order Act. Sending a Notice of intended prosecution or just paying a visit whislt in Uniform tends to put them off abusing cyclist in my area.

However I reserve such activities for the worst offenders, as I would end up spending too much time caseing idiots from my hour long commute.

thamacdaddy

Having just been in an incident shall we say I think the best is to let them drive off, its hard but still.

Tonight I was heading home as I have every day for two years up one of the main roads here in manc. I was like half a mile from my house when I spot a car full of chavs at the side road one of which shouts "Hurry up you tosser" as I am cycling past at 21mph.

I held one hand up to say "Whats the problem" and did one up the road. I then get buzzed and they shout at me so I turn down the side road towards my estate and when I pop out the other side they come past at full speed and throw a bottle at my head (Laughing their arses off while they do). I then go to turn into another road but see them turn into the next one and hear their car speed up and brakes screech so know they are going to pop out in front within 10 seconds. I quickly doubled back u onto the main road and took another of the side streets down to my house to avoid.

I really wish I could have taken on a car of five guys just because what they think is fun is actually pretty dangerous but I don't understand that mentallity and I am pretty sure had I stopped I would have got a right kicking if not worse.

Only had two of these incidents throughout the last few years and it always reminds me even a little gesture that isn't even rude isn't worth it for the kind of people there actually are out there. To be honest most will ride off no worries after shouting at you while driving close but now if I see a by racer on the roads I expect something so try and get into a position that stops any nasty surprises.

Talk of retaliation is pretty feeble because if their red mist descends you can find yourself on the messy end of a hit and run, and thats not being extremist.

Gary_H

How do? Yet another newbie here. Thought I'd make this thread my first to contribute to and throw in my way of keeping cool... blow them a kiss! And watch their shock. Of course, it always helps if you embellish it - Carry On style.

However, if I am in doubt, I think of my family when a bad situation is about to errupt to help me reign in on the red mist. I'd rather get home safely than find myself taking a beating or beating someone else up.

It's hard doing your first 'kiss' but once mastered it has the opposite affect I find... welcome to blue mist... ooh er.

Capo

If it's someone who has cut me up from behind, I'll usually let loose a potty-mouthed stream of invective (which more than once has stopped old ladies nearby on the pavement in their tracks - "Sorry, not you, love!") :oops:

When it's someone say pulling out in front of me (or turning right across me), I'll point at my eyes and look at them questioningly (more often than not gets a hand-raised, "my bad" kind of reaction).

I try to use eye contact a lot when riding, and if someone in the lane coming towards me is indicating right, I'm always ready to hit the brakes. I do find that eye contact works, though.

My mate Colin, on the other hand... he could outdraw Billy The Kid with a D-lock... :evil:

Porgy

I've had a bit of a temper problem in the past -but much calmer about it now.

Yesterday some f.ucker in a white van at a give way line tried to push in front of me and then force me out of my lane, but i persisted - refused to be budged and he ended up behind me - though he beeped me for it - not sure why, he was clearly in the wrong.

I got angry about it later, but at the time I forced myself to let it drop, stayed calm, and my blood pressure benefited.

rally200

Had a bad incident yesterday, and chased the guy caught him at a junction about a mile later, and by then was calm enough to just politely(ish) tell him that its not acceptable to risk hurting people, and that I was going to report him to the police. I now feel pretty righteous about the whole thing. Now, had I damaged him, or his car I'd be bricking it, worrying about whether I was going to get my collar felt by the rozzers (with implications at work), or get really hurt the next time I see him.

Saw a fair bit if mindless violence as a young man, and eventually came to the conclusion that "win" or "lose" no-one comes out of a ruck looking good.

Love thy violent oppressor. Peace be with you. 8)