heckled two times in 1 week

[ginny]

So, I commute every day of the year on my bike (okay, I walked two days last winter). But, you get the picture. I live in a college town, and readily admit this town wouldn't be what it is without students. Nonetheless, the students have returned, and two times in one week, I have been honked and yelled at by 1) a middle aged woman, and 2) a frat boy type guy. Now, the first time, I was riding outside of the 'door prize' region on a small block between campus and the main street in town. This is such a small road that there are no lines in the middle and no makers for a bike lane. I always try to ride politely and was honked at out of the blue... the second time, I was stopped at a red light (and so was the guy who honked and yelled). This guy chased me across the intersection and rode my @$$ until he couldn't get onto campus. Both times I was baffled at the anger a (polite) human on a bike can cause in those in cars... completely baffled...

I will say that I am beginning to understand some of the root problems between cars and bikes - no wonder those on bikes throw the finger from time to time. We silently ride while people scream at us and honk and drive aggressively around us... one day, I'm sure I'll throw the finger too...

Opinions? Suggestions? My dbf suggested I take out my cell phone and photograph their license plate then ride on (both instances involved sitting at a red light with someone yelling at me).

[GulfCoastAmy]

I would say just ignore them. (or smile and wave - that's what I do!) You have just as much right to be there as they do.

[Medianox]

I agree that ignoring is the best, though sometimes hardest, thing to do. One of my co-workers and I just had this conversation the other day. She's a runner in obviously good physical condition (and ex-military) but gets harrassed and indimidated by motorists (and even other pedestrians) fairly frequently. I'm not naive but even so I was shocked at the rudeness of the stuff people say to her. In that context, I'm sure I'd get upset, angry and embarassed by whatever was said.
I just had my first comment tossed at me yesterday on the way home and even though it was very tame, it did leave me wondering why people feel the need to say *anything* at all...I was heading home from work on the bike path portion of the ride when I passed a group of 3 teenage boys carrying skateboards. One of them called out-"Wanna race?!" and then they all laughed-yes, very tame, pretty innocent, and kinda funny. Could have been a lot worse for sure-he probably would have beat me!

[channlluv]

What kind of things get yelled at someone like your very fit, former-military runner friend? I mean, I get the occasional stare or outright snort from people walking around the lake, but no one's ever yelled something abusive at me.

I don't usually ride on regular streets, though, so I've never heard it.

Roxy

[Medianox]

What kind of things get yelled at someone like your very fit, former-military runner friend? I mean, I get the occasional stare or outright snort from people walking around the lake, but no one's ever yelled something abusive at me.

I don't usually ride on regular streets, though, so I've never heard it.

Roxy

She says people mostly yell stuff like, "get off the road b****" and sometimes comment on her race (she's caucasian). She is by no means a timid person but, as she said to me, "when you are out on a road and a car drives by and says something, you get a little scared if there is no one else around.". She carries pepperspray but has only used it on a dog so far.
We live in an area where there is a lot of gang activity and random violence is not unheard of so I can understand her apprehension.

[Biciclista]

if it's possible, I try to get close and talk to them in a calm pleasant voice. THey hate to be confronted with your humanity.
"why were you yelling at me?"
"do I know you?"

stuff like that.