Katosu - Sotaka

I love cycling, and I love cyclist. However, recently, I've been at a conundrum: Is there a way to show your approval / support for fellow cyclist on the road? Rather, is there a SAFE way to do so?

I always thought maybe a thumbs-up or something would suffice, but that seems kind of odd. I know riding the bike on the roads around here can be quite degrading - people honk at you, scream at you, mock you, do just about anything to make you miserable, so I want to show them that not all drivers are ignorant and stereotypical rednecks.

I've done the thumbs up before, too. <_< They wave and seem to smile when they see it, if they see it. Others kind of cock their head and look at you funny.

markhr

Either a "share the road" number plate like they have in a few states or bumper stickers? Yelling and gesturing out the window usually just looks like another cranky motorist.

pirate

Wait to pass safely, give them a couple feet when you do pass and don't right or left hook. That's probably the best way to show your support.

genec

Have wondered the same thing myself. I may even have the bike in the back of my truck and still be wearing my "colors" and have wondered how to show support for a fellow cyclist.

Roughstuff

Definitely many things you can do. Yes, the thumbs up and a nice 'shave and a haircut/six bits!' horn beep helps. Second, SLOW DOWN AND SLOW THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOU DOWN. Give cyclists their due, whether it is 3 feet or whatever, and slow down until it is safe to pass. Be vigilant when cyclists take the lane...don't forget, they don't have brake lights so ya need to be attentive to see if they are slowing down to turn right or left at the next intersection.

ADVOCATE better roadways, especially improved (wider, cleaner, well marked) shoulders. This makes the roadway safer for everyone.

roughstuff

st0ut

Keep you bike rack on your car. I love seeing cars with bike racks on them. lets me know they are not trying to kill me.

bike2math

Treat them as you want to be treated and lead other motorists by example:

I pass bikes as if they are the vehicles they are, I follow at a safe distance (one car length for every 10mphs of speed as I was taught in Dr. Ed. for following cars), I wait until a safe passing location (including a dotted center yellow if on a marked two lane road), I use my blinker (wish cars would do this when passing cars!), change to the next lane after checking my blind spot, make the pass at a safe speed and with due caution, and use my blinker before changing back to the original lane and checking my blind spot.

I do not do the things which really annoy me as a cyclist: honking, yelling, gesturing, etc. Honks always seem to startle me (even if done in a happy rhythm and with no ill intent), yelling is always indecipherable, gesturing is usually impossible to interpret through the side and rear windows.

chipcom 

Don't drive like a ******, don't honk, don't holler and give me plenty of space...that's all the support I need.

MichaelS

I agree, I slow way down and stay behind them until it is very safe to pass and never pass too close. Also, advocate for better roadways and better enforcement of trafic laws which will probaby require retraining of police (make them ride bikes to and from and during work for a while and we might see them actually start to care a bit more).

lmxloco

Well I figured seeing as how cyclists usually need water I will usually chuck...ahem...gently toss, a full water bottle at them. I have to yell too, to make sure they know I was well intentioned.

Most are usually very polite, holding their hands out and telling me I'm number one.

CyLowe97

Rattle a cowbell so they think there is a prime coming up and they dial it up a notch with excitement.

chipcom 

You are an evil little feller....I like you.

ChezJfrey

Funny thing is, I know a guy that drives around with a cowbell in his vehicle and when he is driving up an extended hill where cyclists are prone to be, he rattles it as he passes and yells, "Allez! Allez!"

Hickeydog

+1

CommuterRun

Depends.

If they appear to be riding legally I give a thumbs up or wave out the window or sunroof depending on where I'm sitting and which side of the car will pass them.

If they're riding the wrong way, on the sidewalk, running redlights, etc., I do nothing, other than a safe pass.

CB HI

This statement sounds very odd to me. The JAMs that act like this are degrading themselves, not me. Although I do not like their behavior, after riding another 100 yards, I have put their bad behavior behind me. Most of the JAMs continue to remain angry for the rest of their drive.


Almost all of us know the JAMs comprise only 1 or 2 % of all the drivers out there.

Kurt Erlenbach

donnamb 

hotbike

Slow down to the speed the bikes are going.

Put my four-way flashers on.

Stay 250 feet back.

Feldman

Only pass cyclists when there is safe space and visibility, and scrupulously obey speed limits at all times, regardless of the speed of other drivers!

timmhaan

hand out a feed bag or bottles of water as you pass and let them know how long to the break ahead. also, when they grab the bottle from your hand have them hold on so they can get a little break from pedaling. not to long though, otherwise he'll be penalized time.

maddyfish

I have sticker from the LBS on my car.

maddyfish

I like this one.

Ed Holland

Do as you would be done by

chipcom 

Do others before they do you...or she calls the cops.