Finding My Voice
Sometimes when you’re on a bike, you need to make some noise. And I don’t mean a bicycle bell.
Watching others, it seems yelling works best. People naturally respond when they hear a human voice in crisis. However, I’ve always been more of the creative introverted type that prefers drawing thoughtful illustrations than drawing attention by yelling.
But being a creative introvert hasn’t proved good in urgent situations. So I decided to take a class in yelling from an expert.
I was a horribly untalented student, but very determined. I worked hard and practiced whenever I got the chance.
So now I think I’ve finally mastered it: a yell so loud it stops drivers in their tracks.
But I really wish drivers wouldn’t make me demonstrate it for them.
Drill instructor voice: “HEY! WATCHWHEREYERGOINGYOU ****!!!” (Use your diaphragm so that entire street can hear you)
Often the driver says, “Oh, uh, sorry!”
And them I respond back in my girly voice: “Oh, no problem, just letting you know I was there!” *nervous giggle*
If driver ignores or say something rude in return, I follow up with “MORON!”
It’s nothing personal, just a quick reaction to years of bike commuting in Manhahttan.
love it! I’m an extrovert and my preferred yell is a very LOUD “NOOOOOOO!!!!!” that always gets their attention. (even metro bus drivers)
I had to yell at a driver just this morning. a forceful “HEY!” was all it took. I don’t ~know~ that he would have hit me, but I was fine not taking the chance. He beeped ?at? me as I passed.
Great article and cartoons as always, but you get extra props just for referencing one of my favorite actors, Brian Blessed!
I find a good "FUS RO DAH!" stops most vehicles in their tracks.