Cyclists, What Do You Hate About Car Drivers? And Car Drivers, What Do You Hate About Cyclists?

I have been an avid cyclist for as long as I can remember and I have also worked in the automotive industry as a test driver. With a foot in each world, I have some perspective and pet peeves…

To Fellow Cyclists

I hate it when you do the following:

Ride in the middle of the road, preventing motorists from safely passing. Get your ass on the right side and stop being a dickhead. Run stop signs and stop lights. Obey the law like everyone else. It's not only dangerous but sets a bad example for other young cyclists. With respect to appearance, shaving your legs is unnecessary unless you are on an Olympic racing team. All it does is make you look like a freak. If you're on an Olympic cycling team, I understand the need for a close shave, but you're not… Dress like you're a living billboard. I understand emulating an idol by wearing a similar jersey, but wearing a sponsor racing jersey just makes you look like a wannabe.

To Fellow Motorists

I hate it when you do the following:

Drive so close to the cyclist that you're mere inches away. Move the hell over and give them some room! Stop endangering their lives! Look twice, three times, or more. Nothing is more scary than a driver who is too ignorant, distracted, or mindless to actively look for and see cyclists. We're small and difficult to see. Look for us and check intersections carefully before you turn. Slow down. When you pass a cyclist, the speed differential can make the difference between a safe, relaxed pass and a white-knuckle near miss experience. Don't pass a cyclist at extreme speed. Slow down a little and be courteous. Don't be a jackass. Don't blow the horn right behind a cyclist. Don't throw stuff out the windows at them. Don't shout insults as you pass. Grow up and don't be a douchebag!

My Perspective as an Avid Cyclist

I hate the fact that I must insist on taking the lane instead of being given the 'Right of Way'! People don't know what hand signals are! I may as well be sticking out my middle finger so I can get attention paid to my hand signals. Some people will speed up or just cut me off at a right-hand turn. I will ride one lane away from the curb near signals and take the left-hand turn lane just so I don't need to deal with so much traffic.

Why is there such a lack of respect and understanding between cyclists and motorists? It’s time for both parties to foster a safer and more harmonious coexistence on the roads.

Key Takeaways

Ensuring road safety and good etiquette is not just about following the rules but also about mutual respect and understanding. Cyclists and motorists should work together to make the roads safer for everyone. Here are some key takeaways:

Cyclists should always obey traffic laws and use hand signals properly while respecting motorists' space. Motorists should respect cyclists' right to use the road and give them the space they need while driving cautiously and courteously. Both cyclists and motorists should take responsibility for educating others about road etiquette and safety guidelines.

It is essential to continue promoting responsible behavior among cyclists and motorists alike to reduce accidents and promote a culture of road safety.