I was riding on a two-lane highway located between two small towns in Southern Indiana. The cars were going 40-45 mph and there was steady traffic. All cars that passed me gave me plenty of room as most drivers do. Then the huge van passed within inches of my left side. I mean, gee whizzy, he was close. I was riding a straight line and this is why I didn't get hit. He pulled into an auto shop just a few blocks ahead. I caught up and decided to talk with him.
I told his wife that I almost got hit. She was speechless and just stared at me. Then the husband told me that he had told his wife that I took a "jog". He said, "I did see you." Unbelievable. Quite a few things went through my mind like screaming at him, "Would you have seen me in the ditch?!"
Welcome to the world of bicycle haters. He had every intention of stressing me out to teach me some kind of lesson. He didn't slow down. He didn't move over. He got as close as he could and felt justified in doing so. He wasn't sorry at all.
Not sure what I could have done. It would have been a he said/she said. I wasn't hit. He just made it clear that he wouldn't have cared if he had hit me. He didn't issue any threats.
I know my riding style. Riding a straight line is what I expect of myself. If I'm going to take a "jog" then I motion my intentions to the cars behind me.
I have to remind myself of all the motorists who are considerate even if they don't ride. I don't have a problem with 95% of drivers.
Be careful out there!
Barb