I guess they win.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes PLEASE write a letter to your newspaper- or even ask to be interviewed for a small article! It might help someone, somehow, or might make some driver think for just a moment.
See if you can get license plate numbers as offending cars drive away, and report to the police. Report to the police anyway and tell them your story.
You never know where these efforts might lead- they could save some future biker's life if people are made more aware of what's going on.
Meanwhile...are there other safer roads that you could ride on in your area? Bike paths maybe, or rail-to-trail paths?

I'm so sorry- it's hard to believe that people act this way.

[7rider]

That is really distressing, Telegirl.
Vermont (and New Hampshire, if you crossed the CT river on your ride) seems to pride itself as a cycling destination. In fact, several tour companies I can think of off the top of my head have trips to VT. Cycling is a big industry in Vermont and it's terrible that there aren't better facilities (and treatment) for cyclists where you are.
I agree - talk to your local reps, the newspaper, even the chamber of commerce where you live.
Ignorant motorists should not be allowed to rule the roads.
Good luck. Don't give up on bikes all together. There are other options -- and perhaps better roads - for you out there!

[RoadRaven]

I got the shivers reading that account, telegirl.

I completely understand you wanting to take a break from riding on the road - but OH WHAT A SHAME!!!!

Some of the things I have done to try and raise bike-awareness in car drivers...

Asked the local council to put up signs with bikes along our road (I am rural and it is 16kms to the nearest 'settlement' with a shop)

Talked to our neighbour, a traffic/police officer, and he has "had a chat" with a few locals on the road and drives his work car home when he can.

Asked the local school to pop occasional reminders in the school newsletter regarding bikes, and how many of the people on the local roads are children of the school, or children's parents/older siblings.

I really hope you can find somewhere safe to ride on the road, even if it means a drive.

Can you find someone else to bike with so you are more visible on the road?

Also, do you have long hair? If not, I suggest you make a fake pony tail and attach it somehow - research shows that people are more considerate of a cyclist when they believe the cyclist is female...

Good luck with finding a solution... I really hate to think you are being deprived of something you enjoy.

[Jenn]

Oh my gosh, telegirl, bless your heart, ugh...I HATE that crap. I don't know if you've seen some of my other posts but I mountain biked for years and was thinking that maybe I was just overly sensitive to being on the road with cars but no there are just ALOT of jerks out there,.
However, I've come to the conclusion that I am NOT and there are a bunch of angry, lazy A-HOLES out there that just want to make our lives hell for trying to make ours better.
I am so sorry that your rides are so limited due to your location. But, even then, like here, we could have 14 lanes WIDE open and I guarantee you some SOB is going to ride right up as close to you as he can get. Your paper is definately a GREAT idea. I actually wrote the base paper here after our "BMW" close call and the Base Commander addressed it stating that if drivers did not acknowledge and allow more room for people riding there would be heavy penalties..what those would be....(would probably not be much, if any) BUT he did address the incident!
I hope you are feeling better!!!
Jenn