Wheel Talk: Taking heat for cycling down the middle of the lane

Dear Wheel talk: How should I deal with an aggressive driver honking at me when I’m taking the lane?

— Genial Josh

Dear Josh: You are allowed to ride your bike in the middle of the lane, but many people opt to ride on the shoulder because they feel less in the way. This is fine but it poses dangers: dooring, getting clipped by passing cars, swerving to avoid debris and decreased visibility at intersections. It also reinforces the expectation that bicyclists are apologetic street users who should ride streets the way mice navigate your kitchen. (Lights! Scatter!)

To avoid these dangers and on principle, I typically ride in the middle of the lane.

But cyclists also ride on the shoulder to avoid aggressive drivers. South Philly is the worst. Some drivers harass bicyclists by honking, engine revving, tailgating and the tossing of invective or objects. These bullies, who believe bicycles belong anywhere but between them and the next red light, are bigger detriments to Philly’s quality of life than Ruben Amaro Jr. or Callery pear trees. Sadly, only bike lanes, speed bumps or their mother getting a bicycle (maybe) will quell their rage.

The tension between riding legally and being harassed for doing so is a shame our city must address. Not everyone can ride fast enough to stay ahead of hostile drivers. When I’m harassed by a driver desperate to pass, I pull over at the next intersection. That is safer than doing so mid-block. 

Good Mood Me imagines they are transporting a heart for Bill Watterson’s emergency transplant (Godspeed, sir!). Bad Mood Me asks what on earth makes them so damn angry?

Confronting angry drivers is a terrible idea that encourages escalation. Get away from them and try to not let them ruin your day. Meanwhile, take the time to show gratitude to drivers who treat you respectfully. That’s what we all want — grief-free transportation and a wave now and then.