Cycling Techniques

Trainers, I think, have to be honest with trainees and tell them they may get beeped at more often if they ride assertively; but that being beeped at does not hurt while being car doored hurts a great deal. I always add the caveat that if they encounter a truly aggressive driver, one who seems beyond angry, then they might as well pull over, when it is safe to do so, and let the miserable idiot go on his way. Otherwise they should not let themselves be bullied in to pulling over.

It's always worth repeating that if you get honked at, you've got a reaction. The driver has seen you. It's not necessarily a bad thing. The number of drivers who become aggressive in this situation are a very, very small minority. With the vast majority, the usual communication techniques will work a treat.

Of course you can't create an ideal world by riding according to the National Standard, but you can get very close.