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Utterly depressing read.
I would suggest, in all seriousness, you change your route (which is in itself sometimes a great re-invigorator, regardless of this nasty threatening behaviour). Also consider investing a rape alarm / spray something like that, so you can as it were move on and live your life.
I totally get what you’re saying about your work seeming hard to achieve in the face of this sort of aggression.
I am starting to think it’s best not to saying anything to anyone about their roadcraft, just focus on your own, remain positive, thankful to kindnesses and considerate to everyone who’s being cool. And forget the losers.
I’ve said it a thousand times on here: make like Supernanny - praise the good, blank the bad.
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Had a similar experience after throwing my arm up (no finger gestures) after a close pass by a white van. I then had the van driving alongside me as the two occupants glared and issued threats of physical harm as they squeezed me into the curb.
The answer is a D-Lock or chain. Not to start trouble but something to have in the event of an assault, I have carried one every day since. At least once I have had a driver get out of his car to confront me, threaten to smash my face in and I point out I am holding a D-Lock and after more bluster they got back in their car and drove off.
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Skülly
Jimmy_Fingers
@Quincy
Recent LinkedIn post below. For context, my job revolves around addressing physical inactivity. This was last week and has really taken the enjoyment out of my commute since. I actually saw the same van/occupants yesterday but they were coming out of a side road and I didn't see them again. I'm fairly unflappable normally with this sort of thing but it's taken away my joie de vivre.
'Are you in a rush mate?'
A fairly non-threatening way to ask the question 'Do you realise you nearly knocked me off my bike as you squeezed past me to beat the traffic lights?'
In response to my non-threatening, only slightly accusatory question:
This morning's cycle commute from Upminster to London Bridge was the least enjoyable that I have ever experienced.
There are countless issues that contribute to fewer people cycling than otherwise might. However, this is one that should never have to be a consideration.
I truly believe that active commutes have a much larger part to play in the lives of tens of thousands of Londoners and I want to encourage more people to enjoy the fresh air and the energised feeling that I start my day with (almost!) every day. However, if I encouraged a friend to cycle and they had a negative experience like mine that might be enough to put them off forever.
I don't want to make this an 'us' vs. 'them' thing. It isn't. But was I wrong to speak to the man in his van in the first place?