Originally Posted by alienator .
Courtesy breeds more courtesy. That's the approach I take when riding. When on tight roads with little shoulders, I try to wave cars by so as not to hold them up and to say, "I don't mind you passing me." Whenever a car/driver yields to me, I give a give 'em a wave and a smile. When riding through road construction where passing isn't an option, I'll actually get up and sprint so driver's don't feel like I was hogging the lane. I don't blow stop signs and lights. I follow the rules the drivers have to follow hoping that'll make 'em realize not all cyclists are a$$hats. Everyday of the week I'll promote good will between us and drivers, hoping to gain acceptance by drivers as well their courtesy. Likewise, I always give an "on your right" to cyclists I'm about to pass, unlike the guy on the time trial rig, Saturday, that gave me all of about 6" as he passed me without uttering a word. I give a wave to riders going the other way, when it's safe for me to do so, and it's quite easy to get into a short conversation with another rider enjoying their day out on their bike. I also don't judge anybody by what they ride, whether it as two wheels, three wheels, and/or a reclined sitting position. I certainly don't judge people about their speed or whether or not they're hardcore. You know, it's not like I can know what the rider's plan on his bike is for the day, whether he's riding slowly, riding fast, or whatever. As far as I'm concerned, they're just out having fun. I couldn't care less whether I pass them, or they pass me. Such petty judgments by small minded riders only serve kill a nice buzz form bike riding.
All in all, I think the number of a$$hats in cars and on bikes is very small compared to the total number of drivers and of cyclists.
