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Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!we13!ihnp4!drutx!druxj!bhilden
From: bhilden@druxj.UUCP (HildenbrandBE)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Cars, Drivers and Cyclists
Message-ID: <789@druxj.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 20-Apr-84 12:39:19 EST
Article-I.D.: druxj.789
Posted: Fri Apr 20 12:39:19 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 21-Apr-84 02:10:47 EST
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 41

In response to some of the disheartening comments regarding the
classic 2000lbs. of steel vs 20lbs. of chromemolly confrontation
I thought I'd add a few comments.

I think drivers get upset at cyclists for several reasons:

1) They didn't see the bicycle(i.e. weren't looking or paying
attention) and are not able to come to grips with their mistake.
They mis-direct their anger at the cyclist instead of apologizing
for the obviosly bozo maneuver they just made.

2) Face it, most cyclists are pretty fit and many drivers are not.
I think some drivers resent that I have the love or will power or
whatever that gets me off my can and on the road.  My father, who
cycles 30 miles a day RT to work gets this line all the time from 
his less active friends.  How do they display this resentment?

3) There are just some people that feel bikes don't belong
on the road.  They are either perenially 15 minutes late
or turkeys or whatever. By their reckoning, the
only vehicles that should be allowed on the road can
do 75 mph in 3rd gear, or have a gun rack and a severely
tilting camper shell on the back.

What to do about the problem?  I heartilly agree with Dick
Dunn that a confrontation is to be avoided at all costs
(ever wonder why motorcycle insurance is so cheap?).
When I originated this subject on the net, I was hoping
that somebody had a solution to this problem(negative
ion generator, 8-speed rear cluster, good karma clothing)
and though I am getting somewhat discouraged, I am still
looking for any helpful suggestions.

By the way, a sure fire method to totally rile a motorist
is not to flip them off but, to smile, wave and say
"have a nice day" though this may result in the much
to be avoided confrontation.

                Bruce Hildenbrand
                ATT ISL Denver
                ihnp4!druxj!bhilden