Quote Originally Posted by Ana View Post
I’ve learned my lesson: wait for the unsure drivers when turning left

How common are instances like this?
How annoying. Sounds like you performed your left turn correctly, but you are right, we have to watch out for other drivers, whether we're on a bike or a car.

I try not to engage during those encounters. I find it unbearably rude, whether it is someone who is honestly trying to be helpful or someone honking or cursing at me. I report the latter to the Motorist Contact Program. For the former, if it is a stranger, I have learned to ignore them completely. If it were a friend or acquaintance, I explain kindly that studies have shown that the sidewalk is the most dangerous place to ride, and that I'm at greater risk of injury or death in a car than on a bike. Once they realize I've put a lot of thought into my selection of the road, they realize that they weren't being helpful.

It really bothers me when people feel compelled to speak to me, helpfully or otherwise, even though they don't know me. It took a long time before I learned that I don't want to interact with those people. There is a limited repertoire of things that are ok to say to a total stranger and they mostly consist of "It's a nice day to ride".