[turbo6bar]

American cyclists must be different from Aussie cyclists. If an American was weaving in the road, he'd just get run down. I know I would. If you are complaining about not being able to pass a cyclist because he's too slow and there's not enough room to safely pass, well be to blunt, tough.

I find it hard to believe you have NEVER met a polite bicyclist. A polite cyclist is transparent.

Road cyclists, by default, must be very defensive, because the risks are huge. Sometimes, being defensive means taking an offensive stance. If there's not enough room for a car to pass, I'll move 30cm into the roadway to prevent a driver from passing. Via the laws in my state, I am entitled to do so, but I realize it may peeve drivers. I have to do what is necessary to preserve my safety. Inherently, riding will impede traffic, and that is where I feel many drivers become very irate. There are even instances in which I ride in the middle of the lane. Legally, I'm entitled to do so, even though it inconveniences some. I do so for my safety, and when all is clear, I try to move over. Legally, the cyclist has a lot of leeway, but in order to coexist, we have be proactive.

IF I'm riding against the law, then all bets are off. However, I am sure that many riders, and MOST drivers don't even know the laws.

99.9% of the minutes I ride, such confrontation rarely applies. Never had a motorist show a lot of discomfort towards me, maybe a little impatience, but everyone has a bad day. Adam, you made some unfounded generalizations(cyclist fears of accidents, cyclist's complex, cyclist's right to the road), and that's why I took offense. If you're going to cast a stone, even justifiably so, leave out the bias & speculation and just stick to the facts.

peace out,
jurgen