This is a great point to bring up.

We act as if we're the more evolved group, but then stoop to using the idiotic logic that is commonly thrown at us from the ignorant average Utah motorist.

There is a video on Crank My Chain about a ride they did through a local mall. While they were skimming the line between assholery and civil disobedience, one aspect caught my attention and still sticks with me from this...

Toward the end of the video as mall security is escorting the cyclists out the door, he asks the cyclists, "don't you know the rules?" In an upbeat, if somewhat snarky tone, the guy answers in the affirmative... "of course! Dream, and anything is possible!" Or something along those lines. It still makes me laugh and feel all giddy thinking about it.

We need to evolve a higher sense of purpose when out on our bikes. The more we ride and gain experience, the more we are looked at by society as examples. We can be a positive "B" force or a vengeful "A" force. All in all, I think cultivating an attitude of fun and mischief is much more effective than negative toned confrontation. We need to be marry pranksters in all we do. We need to remain positive so that we can respond in a positive way, even in the face of naive stupidity.

In short, we really need to be the better people. Otherwise, those drivers we anger will become much more resolved that we are the enemy and influence others with their opinions.

Thought provoking mischief coupled with a tone of over the top empathy and kindness is the formula for success! In my opinion, that is.

Ryan