As I sit here writing this, the sound of tonight's rain is hammering against the windows - hopefully it will have gone away by the morning, when an early start will mean a ride to work in the dark; rain would be one more thing to be concerned about, another method of hiding Yours Truly (even with fluorescent vest) from myopic car drivers.
That said, I just read on Highway Lass's blog that she thinks that car drivers are getting better at moving out of the way - on reflection, I come to the same conclusion; the commute to work is definitely getting easier. This could be for a couple of reasons
a) 4+-wheeled motorists are getting the message to look out for bikes (ShineySideUp campaign fronted by John Reynolds - lives near me, you know!)
b) my recent IAM training is making me a more responsible and smoother, patient rider
Hopefully its b), but a) definitely has its place.
However, there was one moment of indiscretion - the other night on the way home I was confronted by the Owner Of The Whole Damn Road switching to the outside lane as I approached whilst filtering (at a reasonable speed, honestly!), then when I was alongside him he wanted his share of the nearside lane again, even though I was near enough to chat to his passenger and had my air-horns sounding a retreat - regretfully, I resorted to violence and thumped the side of his car (yes, I was still that close) to gain his attention and then waved goodbye to him with just the odd finger or two...
I can't think of any other recent occasion where a rogue driver has caused a similar incident - still see people on the phone or texting while queueing in traffic, and general laziness in lane discipline, but I reason that because I've seen them doing this, I'm more aware than they are, and make an effort to get away from them.
Oh, and the rain has subsided now - time to lighten my mood!
I had to ride to work (D/FW Metroplex) in the cold & rain this am with my Frogg Toggs on over my leather jacket & chaps...what fun...
ReplyDeleteRide on,
Torch
I think your more correct in (B.)
ReplyDeleteOr...was it ever really as bad as we remember?
I tend to believe...in my case especially, that it is I who has become more aware, less in a hurry, more reasonable in compromise while on my bike.
The first time I ever pounded a 4 wheel car door, was on the autobaun, the year was 1971. I was young...and riding a 650 Trumpet...it sure couldn't do the speeds they were. But I tried.
Over the years, I've pounded a few more car doors or quarter panels...and one time 2 years ago, I put my hand on the driver's shoulder. That scared the shit out of him. He almost killed me when he pulled the wheel even harder toward me.
I just am not that worried anymore. I'm watchful, I'm careful, and I'm rarely in a hurry.