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.
Great Blog Bikeyface!!! I usually resort to more barbaric means of dealing with knucklehead drivers. I usually resort to a choice hand gesture, and if that doesn’t get their attention, I keep a small bag of 1/4 inch ball bearings in my top tube bag to “get their attention”. But before it gets that serious, I usually make sure to be proactive by wearing a safety green shirt/vest/coat so in the event they do hit me, they cannot say that they did not see me!
I was on the sidewalk (couldn’t cross the street – too much traffic) and the car driver is looking left at approaching cars so they can make a right turn into the street. If I try to pass in front, she could hit me (You’d think no one would move their automobile without looking in the direction they’re going, but they do). So I yell “Hey!” to get her attention. She sees me, I go.
Martial arts training is helpful in that a good kiai will get attention…. hopefully.
For those who have this issue, try the ORP bike light and horn. Has a gentle tone for passing and a really loud one to scare drivers who are doing something stupid. It’s also useful for waking people up…