Take the Lane!!!

[Trek420]

....A van pulled up behind me and started laying on the horn. LOUD. I turned around and the guy was yelling at me in Spanish, gesturing me to get on the sidewalk. I waved and pointed to the bike lane across the street.

You have to smile while you do that, big goofy silly grin "Hi!!! lookit that bike lane it's right there" where's the waving hands smile face?

little tiny voice, shhhhh, did someone really tick you off? you say you reported it and know nothing will be done?

Well, maybe their vehicle really needs a smog check

www.baaqmd.gov/exhaust/exhaust.html

I just assume that if they can do something wrong they will, change lanes, need to turn into Wendys RIGHT NOW and in front of me....and always that they do not see me.

Hope that works.

[KnottedYet]

Well, maybe their vehicle really needs a smog check

www.baaqmd.gov/exhaust/exhaust.htm

My dear, you are an evil evil woman....

[Trek420]

Heh heh heh "And she was so quiet, we never knew"

[li10up]

Another thing I thought of...when you do decide to go through an intersection get on it. Don't just slowly pedal across. Look like you're on a mission. The drivers will appreciate it if you look like you are trying to hurry so you don't slow them down. We all need to try to be ambassadors of good will toward motorists. The more we get them to tolerate us the better off we all are. I know we have a right to the road - just don't be DEAD right.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Li10up-
The trick is to just LOOK like you are making haste. You do NOT want to rush across an intersection (dangerous)- or down a narrow road section in the middle of the lane on Main street for that matter. Someone is liable to throw themselves in front of you and if you are speeding you won't stop in time.
When you are in the "take the lane" part of your ride, you need to be cautious and not rush. BUT- keep pedaling. When you coast without pedaling, it makes car drivers frustrated and subtley encourages them to try to pass you. If they see your legs pedaling they subconsciously feel you are moving faster and they will tend to have a few extra seconds of patience until you can safely move to the side again. Keep pedaling and LOOK like you are moving quickly, but stay steady without speeding up dangerously.

[mimitabby]

good point, Lisa, we've stuck our tongues out like we were panting as we crossed the road and this amuses car drivers enormously. They can't be mad if they are smiling.

[li10up]

good point, Lisa, we've stuck our tongues out like we were panting as we crossed the road and this amuses car drivers enormously. They can't be mad if they are smiling.

This is a good one...I'm going to try it.

I know that the majority of the time when I give a thank you wave to a motorist that waited they wave back and seem to appreciate it. Everyone likes to be thanked for their courtesy.

Lisa, I agree...we always need to be cautious. It just frustrates me to see someone just slowly making their way through the light. If you (not you personally Lisa )see all the cars waiting on you then move it along...don't make them wait so long that they miss the light. But you're right - safety first ALWAYS.