Attention cyclists! The weekend is upon us, so you, like me, will be out there riding. And, inevitably, some of you will pass me on the road. That's ok. But when you pass me, I want you to know that I prefer a gentle "good morning" rather than a loud "on your left!'. The former usually results in a pleasant smile from me; the latter results in me saying something like "on my left? Really? Cus you would have to be retarded to try passing me on the right." You have been warned. :)

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3' passing rule.  It's not just for cars. 

I read all the posts before chiming in. I have read and responded to similar threads in the past. There is wisdom on all sides here. I think ( and have no problem being corrected here) that the original poster has in issue with tone. I get that. Barking on your left is really saying, "Get the @#% outta my way". I try to keep tone in mind as I decide what to say or not say when passing. In general I think it is courteous to notify somebody that you are passing. I do not have one single way of doing this. I will often say, "on your left" and  will occasionally add a greeting such as "Good morning" etc while singing rather than barking it. When  I am passing what I perceive to be a novice or a child I  will reassure that rider that they are  doing just fine and can continue doing what they are doing. I don't want them to think that they need to move over and I do not want them to stop. If I am approaching somebody while  leading a group I will often call out the number of bikes that will pass so they know when the invasion will end. "Six bikes passing on your left."

I have a bell but generally use it for other warnings and not for passing. 

If I am passing somebody with headphones on I  will assume they cannot hear me unless I am loud and I will not modify my tone at all for them. They will be annoyed when I pass.

If I feel there is a lot of room and minimal traffic I may not say anything at all as the call will be more disturbing than the perceived warning. I will give plenty of room and be on my way.

While we are on the subject, if you are on a group ride and a bike or car  is approaching in the other lane and it does not  impact what  you are doing there is no reason to call "car up". If a car is behind and  you are on a big road this is not a big surprise and does not need to be called out unless  you feel it may change the way people should ride or react such as the guy riding double file who you are trying  to wake up. .

Well said, as usual.

David Barish said:

I read all the posts before chiming in. I have read and responded to similar threads in the past. There is wisdom on all sides here. I think ( and have no problem being corrected here) that the original poster has in issue with tone. I get that. Barking on your left is really saying, "Get the @#% outta my way". I try to keep tone in mind as I decide what to say or not say when passing. In general I think it is courteous to notify somebody that you are passing. I do not have one single way of doing this. I will often say, "on your left" and  will occasionally add a greeting such as "Good morning" etc while singing rather than barking it. When  I am passing what I perceive to be a novice or a child I  will reassure that rider that they are  doing just fine and can continue doing what they are doing. I don't want them to think that they need to move over and I do not want them to stop. If I am approaching somebody while  leading a group I will often call out the number of bikes that will pass so they know when the invasion will end. "Six bikes passing on your left."

I have a bell but generally use it for other warnings and not for passing. 

If I am passing somebody with headphones on I  will assume they cannot hear me unless I am loud and I will not modify my tone at all for them. They will be annoyed when I pass.

If I feel there is a lot of room and minimal traffic I may not say anything at all as the call will be more disturbing than the perceived warning. I will give plenty of room and be on my way.

While we are on the subject, if you are on a group ride and a bike or car  is approaching in the other lane and it does not  impact what  you are doing there is no reason to call "car up". If a car is behind and  you are on a big road this is not a big surprise and does not need to be called out unless  you feel it may change the way people should ride or react such as the guy riding double file who you are trying  to wake up. .

Yup. Using language like that? I don't really care what you think or want.

JeffB (7+ miles) said:


Statements like this result in me thinking you're an insensitive jerk:

"... Cus you would have to be retarded to try passing me on the right."

Good evening, once again, Tristan. You obviously have an interesting and meaningful discussion topic with over 30 replies and over 930 views. Your topic involves a request of politeness from other's to you. May I make a request of politeness from you? As fellow members, Jeff B (7miles) and Michelle Milham have pointed out, your topic post has an offensive and insensitive phrase in it. You can correct this if you want to be polite. Are you aware there is an edit button on the top of your discussion area where it says "options".You can go in and correct anything , if you wish. It's your call. Thanks.
Oh, no! The language police!

If you don't like the word then don't use it. But don't be an idiot and tell others what words they can and can't use. That's culture moving backwards.

I vary my tone. I make sure it's heard.  If people are weaving, riding the center of the path, or widing 2-3 wide across the whole path, I will bark it, and I sound scary. Everyone else gets a loud yet respectful OYL, and a "thank you" if they move.   

No. 

NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. 

Say all the swear words and cuss words you like. 

The minute you use an abelist, sexist, racist or homophobic (or any other) SLUR? 

I will fucking tell you what's up. 

Don't be an asshole.


James BlackHeron said:

Oh, no! The language police!

If you don't like the word then don't use it. But don't be an idiot and tell others what words they can and can't use. That's culture moving backwards.

+5000


Michelle Milham said:

Yup. Using language like that? I don't really care what you think or want.

JeffB (7+ miles) said:


Statements like this result in me thinking you're an insensitive jerk:

"... Cus you would have to be retarded to try passing me on the right."

Hm. It sounds as if you have the situational awareness of a half-eaten grape.


James BlackHeron said:

Oh, no! The language police!

If you don't like the word then don't use it. But don't be an idiot and tell others what words they can and can't use. That's culture moving backwards.
++

But "abelist"? I though Abe's List was shut down years ago...



Michelle Milham said:

No. 

The minute you use an abelist, sexist, racist or homophobic (or any other) SLUR? 

I will fucking tell you what's up. 


Whoops. Just a typo. 


Jonathan Quist said:

++

But "abelist"? I though Abe's List was shut down years ago...



Michelle Milham said:

No. 

The minute you use an abelist, sexist, racist or homophobic (or any other) SLUR? 

I will fucking tell you what's up. 

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