Quote Originally Posted by CA_in_NC View Post
My theory is that drivers are much more tolerant when I'm carrying stuff and/or look like I'm commuting. When I am just out for a ride (spandex, no cargo) seems to be when I'm more likely to be hassled. I think drivers resent you're being on "their" road to play, as opposed to going somewhere. Just a thought

CA

I agree with this observation, too.

And I'd like to point out the drastic difference between city riding and country riding. Around here, in the city most cars treat cyclists with respect if you obey the traffic laws (assuming they see you, which often they don't). In the country, I've been spit on, had things thrown at me and been run off the road - female, commuter, lit up like a christmas tree not-withstanding. Hell, I've even been yelled at to 'git off the road' while I was standing in a driveway (and not even on the road and not on my bike!).

On the flip side, the opposite was true in my last city of residence. In the city, as a commuter, I was hassled or ignored or cut off. In the country as a rec-rider...I was respected 9 times out of 10.

Go figure. And then, ride like you are invisible.