Saying Thanks

headlamp · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Karma :

This morning's journey to work was one of those rare ones where more cars, vans and lorries pulled to one side to let me filter then didn't. I found myself, nodding, waving and giving the thumbs up every 50 yards while I was filtering!

It occurred to me that as well as nasty advertising on TV, bike riders have a 'duty' to make other road users bike aware. If every said thanks, with a wave, nod, lifting of the hand, whenever another vehicle does something decent to allow you to progress then I'm pretty certain that these drivers (and others) would become more observant towards motorbikes, which we'd all benefit from!
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Using a mobile phone while driving a car should be made a capital offence!

kawakid · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Karma :

I do try to thank people, but its not always possible.

Also if you wear a bib, they move out of the way quicker, only downside is sometimes they slow down too.
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I've a twin and a 4.

Dark · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Karma :

I had the same thing happen on the way to Snetterton on Sunday, i would say 80% of the other vehicles on the road went out of the way to let us past and everyone of them got a thumbs up from me, i even waved to the kids in the back that were enthusiastically waving to us.

I completely agree with you headlamp, the more we show our appreciation to these kind drivers the respect we will earn and the better we'll get treated out and about.
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My Bikes in order:- Yamaha RXS100 / Suzuki X7 250 / Yamaha RD350LC / Kawasaki
KR1S 250 / Kawasaki ZXR750 H2 / Honda C50 / Kawasaki ZX7R P5 / Kawasaki ZX10R / Suzuki GSXR 400 / Honda CBR1100 Blackbird & Yamaha FZR 600

ZZR Girl · Trackday Trickster Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Karma :

I too try to thank drivers for moving out the way or giving way to me by giving them a nod or wave. What I have noticed though is how white van men move over for bikes - well, they do for me. They're hated by car drivers but do seem to be more considerate towards bikers. Anybody else noticed this?
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Keep it shiny!

Dark · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Karma :

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

FreshAL · Sir Crashalot Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Karma :

I've been trying to explain the "left leg wiggle" to as many drivers as possible.

It's the closest I can get quite often when I'm balancing clutch, brake and throttle to get through a gap.

Giving a thumbs up is good when you can.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I'll at least flip me right hand up while still holding the throttle where ever possible.
Other wise take me left hand off for a wave or an Thumbs Up

.

I'll often also thank drivers that weren't actually intentionally helping or so it seems, in the hope that they might think about bikes next time and move on purpose.

I'll also 'thank' people that pull in from the outside lane on motorways - yes they should be doing this anyway, but it's still not that common.