Better to say something? Or keep quiet?

[Geoff]

I think about safety on the trails a lot; many times I have seen an accident, or narrowly avoided one, or nearly caused one and was only saved by the other guy’s vigilance. And I was door’ed earlier this week.

This morning I was on the Custis, on the downward slope into Rosslyn, and stopped for a red light. Full disclosure: if the coast had been clear, I would have crossed against the light. But the coast was not clear. Another cyclist coming up from Rosslyn crossed against the light in front of the car. Nothing bad happened, no horn, no squeal of brakes. But I said to the guy “Dangerous!” as he passed me. I didn’t quite hear his reply but it sounded like a quaint colloquialism for “Mind your own business.”

What do you think? Better to speak up or keep quiet?

Topic

[baiskeli]

@Geoff 71433 wrote:

I sometimes go up the right hand side (of the street) between cars and curb, when the cars are stopped. Never had reason to go up the left. The idea of going between lines of cars gives me the willies. But what really makes my jaw drop is watching riders go through a red light in DC WHEN THERE ARE CARS MOVING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. Sorry for shouting, I do that when my jaw drops.

Yes, I remember seeing this recently while waiting with several other cyclists at the light. We all taunted the guy, saying “Don’t die!” and stuff like that. He exhibited a strange combination of stupidity and impressive skills, and didn’t die – this time.

[Orestes Munn]

@baiskeli 101018 wrote:

He exhibited a strange combination of stupidity and impressive skills

Sounds like one of my external reviews.

[Dirt]

I always speak up. It is hard to know what to say. If someone doesn’t call their pass, I wish them a good ride. Perhaps they’ll start communicating. If they do something really rude or scary, I’ll happily suggest that they be safe. “Ride safely!”. It is hard to keep it positive, but that is important. If delivered in a negative way or sarcastically, your message does the exact opposite of its intent. You make it easier for the person to blow off riding safely and those who suggest that they do so.

[Author]

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