Why the Animosity from Some Drivers?

[fixiegrrl]

Sometimes I think people are just plain jackasses. I've only been road riding for 6 months or so and usually ride 2 - 3 times a week. Occassionally, not very often and in certain areas, I've had similiar things happen. Mostly, it's cars driving in the lane next to the bike lane, honk (as if I'm suddenly in their way or am about to jump out into traffic) then slow down and cuss or give me the finger. I've had things tossed out the window near me and have had cat calls and multiple gestures. What a**holes! I'm not trying to be chauvenist in any way, but 99% of this has been perpetrated by males. I think when people see a female cyclist (very easy to spot because of their wee stature and riding posture), it flips a switch in their brains. I've also had people almost hit me in the bike lane because they somehow left justified that they needed to be driving in it. Mostly, I just cuss under my breath and try to refocus on riding safely. It's tempting to give them the finger but I don't trust drivers (especially upset ones) and am not looking to provoke a fight. Sometimes it makes a good ride suck, but only until I can focus on the positive feeling and the pleasure I get from being on the bike.

Keep you head up and ride safe....