I belong to a large cycling group in Orange County, CA. This whole discussion comes up time and time again. Bottom line, we are under the law, considered to be vehicles and must obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs, using hand signals etc. Most formal riding groups are very good at doing this. They will point towards the direction of a turn, will hold out their arms and hands to notify and signal to drivers that they are riding through, call out hazards etc. My group, unfortunately is not so formal and alot of riders just follow along and in an effort to stay with the lead riders, will blow through signs and even stop lights.

I try to stop btu confess through residential neighbors will only slow down. I signal my turns and I also hold my arm out to drivers to get their attention and let them know when I'm riding through. One example or riders pissing me and motorist off. I stopped at a 4 way stop. The driver had the right of way and I motioned them through. Just as the car started forward, two riders came from behind me, did not stop, and made a left turn right in front of the driver. The driver had to hit his brakes and gave me a nasty look. I later caught up to those riders and gave them a piece of my mind (and since there is so little left I hate to do this).

I really don't like to hear riders shouting or pointing at cars. The action can be misunderstood. We just have to be more diligent than cars in watching traffic and making sure it is safe to proceed. We all have to be good-will representatives of the cycling community and act politely and with courtesy.