Back to the topic of this thread which is aggressive cart drivers playing chicken with cyclist on MMP
My experience today from a ride that I just completed. Four uses of an automotive horn over 18.3 miles of MMPs, bike paths, bridges, tunnels and quiet surface streets where the only option for anyone is the road.
I was operating a cargo bike (it is designed to carry weight). Cargo bikes are not trick bikes, designed to climb mountains, gravel roads, or win any speed race. I took it grocery shopping. That is a pretty low risk endeavor by any measure.
I sounded the horn to two cars which I could not confirm the driver was aware of me and I feared they would hit me.
The other two were situations where I communicated my desire that the operator STOP what they were doing because they were placing ME in immediate danger by their actions.
One was a car backing out of a parking spot and not checking their surroundings. Result: driver heard me and stopped.
The second was a cart passing recklessly. This idiot decided the second sharp 90 degree turn after crossing behind a village entrance was an excellent place to pass. Result: the idiot gritted his teeth and continued on passing but the cart being passed slowed to allow him to pass. It's a good thing as I was leaning into that 90 degree turn at 17 mph and in no position to maneuver around the idiot on my bike that doesn't do quick turns.
I am pleased with my horn. This is JUST ONE bike ride. Just ponder how tired you get of this when you ride thousands of miles a year.
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