Bike Creep
The other day I was enjoying the wonderful cool autumn weather on my ride home.
When all of the sudden I was interrupted.
And I realized there was something lurking over my shoulder.
I thought he was trying to pass me… but he didn’t.
I know drivers complain about tailgators. But they should consider themselves lucky that they can’t feel that stranger’s breath on their cheek.
Oh, crap… I’ve done that!! Usually it’s because I can’t stand the girl who just blew past me as if I was not moving. The huffing and puffing is just my ego being deflated… and the sound of my attempt to catch back up!!
I repent… I now see how creepy that is. Geesh… the things we do that we don’t realize are creepy!
Great post! Always funny!!
Such mansplaining. So defensiveness. Wow.
Seriously, though, if you can’t comfortably pass someone while giving them plenty of room, slow down a tiny bit to give them space and just fucking wait.
As for stealth-drafters… a sudden swerve to avoid a road hazard (that I just may have happened to intentionally ride toward) is usually enough to get them to leave me alone.
This.
If I’m not going to pass someone, I give them a couple of bike lengths. It’s really not a problem to give someone a little bit of space.
Otherwise you’re like the biking equivalent of these people: http://mentakingup2muchspaceonthetrain.tumblr.com/
Totally agree it’s infuriating when some shoots past especially if your not sure where your going a. Bit of consideration would be nice
I’m on an electric-assist cargo bike and often find myself passing riders who are working really hard to get up a hill. Normally I’d be the one getting passed, so I understand both sides of this issue! When being passed, I like to hear “on your left” and appreciate it if the passer waits until the coast is clear (quick shoulder check will do to make sure you’re not putting yourself in front of an oncoming vehicle). I also don’t like being passed at lights or stop signs. So I use the same process and etiquette when passing others. Often I can tell from 20 to 30 feet behind a rider that my pace is greater than his and can plan when and how I’m going to pass him.