[Laneco]

You are EXACTLY right! I started riding road in the late 80's. Back in the day, with our goofy big Bell helmets and toe straps, we all road single file with a tight rolling paceline, on wide shoulders, maybe a close two-abreast if there was good visibility and little or no traffic. Everyone rode like that, racers, rec riders, EVERYONE. We rode as if we were sharing the road and had no more rights than any other users, but a great more personal risk for screwing up!

Now people spill out into wide groups and block traffic, blow stop signs, etc. Cars bunch up and get pissed off. Frankly I don't blame them! Not only is it dangerous, it's rude as hell. I very seldom ride on the road with anyone, anymore. It's gotten to the point where I really believe that I am safer by myself.

If anyone, as a cyclist, wants respect in traffic, be courteous at all times, ride as far to the right as safely possible, and obey the laws. No matter how rude the dude in the car is, you can always make the matter worse and it's YOU who will wind up dead...

agnela