The Chainlink

Drivers complimenting cyclists

Although it seems that people always talk about the negative car-bike relationships, tonight was an encouraging sign for me. I was biking back home from Skokie, and while I was stopped at a red light, the driver of the car next to me said, "I just wanted to tell you that I like your reflective vest and lights--I can actually see you! My kids were asking me, 'Why is he so lit up?' and I explained to them that I can see him."

Biking in a safe manner tends to allow you to gain respect with drivers, and getting complimented is always nice! Plus, I know how important it is to be seen. Not only is it legally required for cyclists to have lights at night, but more importantly, I fear Newton's laws a lot more than I do the politicians' laws.

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on August 1, 2012 at 7:06am

Excellent - both for the compliment and the fact that the guy was explaining to his kids.

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on August 1, 2012 at 7:40am

Not on the discussion of safety, but - I had one of those rare, massive westerly tailwinds as I was heading east on my way home from work one time. I was moving at a pretty good clip on Bryn Mawr between Pulaski and Lincoln, blowing past waiting cars...when a woman pulled up next to me at a light and rolled down her window. I was fully expecting to hear an earful of bullshit, but instead she was like, "dude, you were hauling ass back there! Awesome!" and promptly gave me a high five. I was absolutely bewildered, but it sure did make me feel like a badass for the remaining mile or two of my commute.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on August 1, 2012 at 10:35am

I had more than a few people high-five me during Critical Mass, so it shows that not everyone in a car hates bikes. It's really easy to get cynical about cycling in this city, so it's nice to see some positive encouragement!

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on August 1, 2012 at 10:52am

I get that a lot too, but it's always superseded by a "oh, well I could never do that.." and some excuse why. I try to explain to them that riding a bike to work really isn't a big deal and a lot easier than they think. 

Serge Lubomudrov said:

I can't even tell you how many times I was asked by guys riding the elevator down to the garage to get into their cars to sit in rush-hour traffic, how many miles my ride is, how wonderful it is to ride, and if only they can . . .

Permalink Reply by Juan 2-3 or more mi. on August 1, 2012 at 11:31am

Riding freaky bikes with lights will get noticed for sure! I've always had good interactions with drivers on this one.

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