There are certainly some drivers who are considerate of cyclists when they encounter them on the road. They give them enough space while passing, and they generally share the road the way that they’re supposed to.
However, there are a significant number of drivers who will act aggressively toward cyclists. They will pass far too closely to be safe. They may tailgate cyclists if they can’t get around or even push their way through, nearly running the cyclist off the road. There have been cases of drivers “rolling coal” to blow smoke all over cyclists—sometimes striking them in the process.
They’re in a hurry
One of the top reasons that drivers are aggressive toward cyclists is simply that the drivers are in a hurry. That driver may want to be going 30 or 40 miles per hour down a city street, regardless of the speed limit. But if they get stuck behind a cyclist who is only going 20 miles per hour, the driver becomes frustrated. This is often why they will pass aggressively—they don’t want to wait until there’s a safe gap.
Not wanting to share the road
Additionally, some drivers just feel like cyclists and vehicles shouldn’t be sharing the road in the first place. They think that roads are for cars and trucks and that cyclists should find other places to ride, or stay on the sidewalk. None of this is true, of course, as cyclists do fully have a right to the road. But this perception from drivers makes them act in a hostile manner.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver? If you have, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.
