mickchick, yeah rudeness is rampant and some days it's very hard to be patient especially where ones safety is at risk.

especially here in the US of Automobile seems we've got more newbie riders these days, check out:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051001...s_051001131528

one of the things I love about cycling is the culture, a generally friendlier bunch is not to be found. My theory is many new riders don't consider themselves cyclists, just someone saveing money on gas or fighting the battle of the bulge.

Take my commute for example, please ;-)

Friday ride to work, elevator door opens to take me up to the train, there's a "cyclist" inside loaded to the gills with a back pack, panniers, rear bke rack and even plastic Walmart shopping bags on handlebars! I gotta get me some a' those. Anyway he says
"can you wait a minute while I adjust my bags? I'll be out in a moment"
I calmly say "Ya know, can you help a fellow cyclist out by doing that *outside* the elevator so that I can catch my train?"
"Oh, right, ok" he exits the car, doesn't hold the door for me which slams on my hand.

ya know ettiquette is sorta the social chain lube that makes things run better, some just don't know that I guess.