Was I wrong?

I definitely don't do this often, but happened twice today.

Any of you in England know it's been chucking down really heavy today. Twice, I got cut up by cars lane-swapping either at a stand-still or at the lights. The first time was by a guy on a mobile phone - I'd beeped gently before he did it to warn him I was there. He still proceeded to carve me up and forced me to do an emergency brake.

Whacked his wing mirror backwards.

The second time was at a second of lights - two chavs in a small hatchback decided to pull into my lane (the slow lane). My braking distance was already exceeded, and this was at less than 20mph. One of the chavs stared out of the passenger windows grinning as I just managed to stay alive in between the gutter and the chavmobile.

This time I whacked the mirror out of anger and scarpered in front of the lorry.

Ok, I'm not going too go back and say sorry to the chavs. Not feeling particularly guilty at the moment either - but was I wrong??

[Biker Biggles]

A very good evening to you.

Whack 'em a bit harder next time - they fall off.

You should have whacked the chav's

When you kick a chavs car you're never wrong.

[Sid Squid]

Depends.

It's not good form and doesn't show biking or those who ride at their best. And, if the tosser that slices you up takes your number, you stand the risk of getting tugged for criminal damage.

However, from where I am there are certainly times where it is an attractive action. But, think on this; you whack the mirror and chavvy boy decides to whack you - with a car.

Tread carefully.

[Speedy]

Nope you're not wrong!

I had a Volvo driver intentionally try to knock me off once because I was filtering past traffic up to the lights,He actually swerved nearly hitting me,causing me to do an emergency stop!

Now,I was along-side of him waiting at the 'lights',he kept edging forward and to the right,closing the gap between me and the Traffic light island.

As they went Green,he accelerated,so did I but I was quicker,and I KICKED his O/S mirror OFF!

I was fuming at his lack of road manners.

Not something I regret doing,not something I was/am particularly proud of,but hey,there you go,and he deserved it!

Titainium toe sliders do a nice job of the painwork

Hey thanks guys - I feel like a right wuss compared to some of the extreme behaviour (not looking at anyone, Billy )

Fair point Squid, although the chav couldn't move any more forwards - he was already up against the back of the lorry where I'd planned my exit. He'd need
to be concentrating to read my numberplate: with driving like that, the small detail of a numberplate isn't going to be something he can focus on if he can't even see or hear a motorcycle.

Can I ask what you would do instead? I know it's not great biking etiquette to retaliate, but riding in the rain for 3 hours, I'd just lost it as cool as I could.

Speedy - sometimes Volvo car drivers can't help it. They have a big blind spot and can't cover it. That's why they buy a Volvo.

[Sid Squid]

No, I take your point PB, but I'm not commenting on this specific occasion, I was thinking in more general terms.

What would I do? Can't really answer that - too dependant on the exact circumstance. Note I'm not saying I've never...errrmmm...made my feelings known though.
Generally, I find a measured approach is best, but of course there are times when people do properly daft things which could result in the shortenening of my life - I get very annoyed. Then, on another occasion, however similar the transgression, somehow I just don't get so angry, I just shake my head and ride on.