Thanking the Cyclist?!

[Voodoo Sally]

Today as I approached a red light, first one in line (bike or car) I looked behind to see if there was a motorist who needed the right lane to turn right (often there's not). I saw that there was, so I after I had stopped, I moved over towards left, to get out of the way, like anyone would, right? As the driver passed by doing his right turn, he paused and rolled down the window. Oh, God, now what, I braced. Smiling, he said, "Thank you for moving. That was very considerate. I don't see that very often." I almost never feel like any motorist out there considers me as anything other than a bother. Thank you, nice man! I was really buoyed after that.

Granted, this fellow was a driving instructor, driving one of the dorky "STUDENT DRIVER" cars, and is probably very sensitive to how people conduct themselves on the roads, but still, he didn't have to say the nice things.

[Blueberry]

I'll chime in here too. I had a really cruddy ride yesterday (lots of BAD drivers) - and as I was slogging up a hill, a car slowed, the window rolled down, and a kid hung out. I was thinking the same thing - what now?! The little girl yelled "nice job" as her mom drove past. At least some kids are being taught good stuff

CA

[TsPoet]

I've often wished there was a signal one could give. I have a friend who is a classic car buff, they put their arms up high with a thumbs up when they see a car they like - this is understood by the driver in question. I've been riding bikes with him and had him do that to drivers, they almost always honk and wave - it's understood! Motorcyclists show a downward fist with the palm toward the rider. I've also seen this done car to motorcycle, and I have several cycling friends who'll do that bike to motocycle - and the response is always the same symbol back from the motorcyclist.
Why don't we have such a thing? Especially when I'm driving my truck, I'd love to signal a bicyclist some way that I am friendly.
Last week I cut a cyclist off - totally my fault and I felt terrible, I would have loved to wave a thumb or fist in such a way that he would have understood that it was a brain f*&% on my part and not that I was being a jerky driver...

[jobob]

Well done, VS It's always good to let drivers know there are responsible riders out there!

[kacie tri-ing]

That is really nice to hear. I like the story about the kids too! I teach, and I have a few families who bike commute to school together! It is adorable!

[bikerHen]

I've got a couple of stoplight with a high right turn count. I all way move to the left side of thoses lanes. More for my own saftey. No one has ever thanked me but I've sure felt a few daggers in my back if I don't get far enough to the left! bikerHen