🚴♂️ 1. Stay Calm and Don’t Engage Emotionally
- Do not yell, gesture, or argue back, even if provoked.
- Take deep breaths and stay focused on your safety, not winning an argument.
👁️🗨️ 2. Avoid Eye Contact
- Eye contact can be perceived as confrontational by angry drivers.
- Instead, focus on your surroundings and where you’re going.
🤐 3. Don’t Respond to Aggression
- Ignore insults, honking, or gestures.
- Don’t stop to argue or confront a driver unless absolutely necessary for safety or legal reasons.
🛑 4. Pull Over If It’s Safe to Do So
- If a driver is following or harassing you, safely stop and let them pass.
- Create distance when possible.
📱 5. Document When Necessary
- If you feel threatened:
- Take note of the license plate number, vehicle description, and location.
- Use a helmet or handlebar camera if available.
🧠 6. Use Body Language to Signal Peace
- Open-handed wave or nod can signal you’re not a threat.
- If you’ve unintentionally upset a driver, a polite apologetic gesture can go a long way.
🚦 7. Follow the Rules of the Road
- Obey all traffic laws, signals, and lane use.
- Riding predictably and legally can reduce tensions and road rage triggers.
🫶 8. Acknowledge Courteous Behavior
- A friendly wave or nod when a driver yields or gives space can build goodwill and reduce future hostility.
👮 9. Report Repeated or Aggressive Drivers
- If a driver is consistently endangering cyclists in your area, file a report with local law enforcement.
🧭 10. Prioritize Safer Routes When Possible
- Choose bike-friendly streets, multi-use paths, or lower-traffic routes.
- Use apps like RideWithGPS to find cyclist-safe roads.
