It is nice to be acknowledged
 

So yesterday on my way to a family lunch I pull onto an open stretch of road, my view clear as I do it. When within seconds I get a bike making progress in my rear view mirror.

I move over towards the left to ensure I am not impeding his progress and out comes a hand in thanks as he passes me. Immediately infront of me another car cuts out causing the bike that had just overtook me to hit his brakes.

Again out comes the hand as he passes, but for some reason a completely different gesture to what he had used as he passed me.

I felt a tad smug. I had been nice and it had been acknowledged. The driver in front of me hadn't and that too had been acknowledged.

I have to admit I do tend to acknowledge those drivers that I think have made the effort to see me and allow me the opportunity to pass them safely. Especially when filtering.

However, I do find it irksome that some want to slow and try to force me to overtake. I want the decision when and where to overtake to be mine and not forced on me.

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

good point Tim.. I am the same..

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

I try my best to thumbs up but when im let past to overtaking , But you need to concentrate on the possible numpty in front .

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

I acknowledge drivers that have been nice to me, also drivers that have not been so nice. Swings and roundabouts. Totally agree with what Tim has said.

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

+1
I feel guilty if I filter past someone who has made that effort but im unable to thumbs up because of other traffic around.

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

Always thank folk who move over for me, or who nearly pull out and don't, or who have waited for me to pass before pulling out. In my opinion, if trying to be nice and grateful to those that do make an effort on the road means that those car drivers pass on the goodwill to other bikers then it's definitely worth it. Too many ignorant and obnoxious bikers give us as a collective a bad name so I'm nice when I can be.

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

Yeah I always give a wave to drivers that move over for me. As for giving the finger to others, I've always tried to just ignore them and move on in order to keep calm.

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

Give a thumbs up to both the considerate and inconsiderate. Always good to annoy those who think anyone on two wheels must be a yob!

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

I once waved at someone who pulled over to let me past, only problem was but the time I had got past i was doing ahem miles per hour and the wind resistance from my flat pal nearly cause be to be blown off the back of the bike. Since then I only rick a little nod of the head.

Re: It is nice to be acknowledged
 

If someone has been kind enough to acknowledge that i am behind them and made the effort to move over to let me past, if possible i will give a wave as i pass or stretch my left leg out to say thanks. that can be easier than letting go just to wave a thanks to them.