Riding with people driving!!

[KathiCville]

When I'm riding on back roads, I try to smile and wave (or at least nod) as often as I can to all vehicles--whether they're coming toward me or passing me. I make a special effort to be friendly when I know that someone has been hovering behind me for at least a few seconds, waiting till it's truly safe to pass. I figure it makes 'em feel good to be acknowledged for 'doing it right' instead of trying to run me off the road, LOL! I'm also hoping in a small way to counter the lousy reputation that the cycling clubs have around here for hogging the roads, making obscene gestures and the like.

The other drivers---the ones who pass too close, show impatience, honk wildly, whatever---I haven't yet figured out a way to, uhhh, encourage them to improve their passing skills......I'm usually clinging to my handlebars and just trying to stay upright as they accelerate past me.

Addendum: I actually had an oncoming pick-up truck 'playfully' take aim at me this past weekend on a flat straight stretch of road-----came over into my lane, mainly I think to see what I would do. I slowed my pace a little bit but didn't stop. He moved back over in plenty of time. I smiled and waved as he blasted past---figured it was best not to show annoyance.