Most of the people that I have problems with come up from behind so I generally don’t make eye contact with them unless I’m staring/glaring at them as they go by while putting me at risk.

But when running, crossing intersections, I definitely try to make eye contact.

Cars treat me better than they do him, I always wear a helmet and obviously I’m a chick. I also make lots of eye contact and smile. My coach notices that when he makes eye contact a car is more likely to be aggressive, whereas I find it to be the opposite.

There are so many social forces at work here.

This is a bit of an interesting read on how drivers react to cyclist. I had remembered watching this segment on 20/20.

But yeah, idiots are everywhere. I’ve experienced it cycling and running.

Heck, even sometimes when I am running, I encounter cyclists who don’t want to move over. This is in the park and we are both coming at each other, I stay near the curb and sometimes they fly past me less than a foot from my shoulder.

I keep thinking, if you hit me on your bike, you’re going to get hurt worse than me.

Sorry you had to experience that though.

Other than that, it sounds like a great day.

too bad for the jerks out there – unfortunately I’ve dealt with plenty of that especially around Erie. I have seriously thought about getting a small digital video recorder so when the jerks come out I can capture it and pass it along to the authorities. There are a few out there that store ~2hrs worth on a secure digital card and are small enough to mount on bars or helmet, possibly two and put one on seat post facing rear as well.
Beyond that; I’ve also joined Bicycle Colorado and Bikes Belong along with studying local and federal laws around vehicular code.

Good job on your training ride and the great form that you are gaining!