# Why do people insist on honking at me when I ride my bike? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 21, 2015, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218 "2015-04-21T19:25:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2015, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/121 "2015-04-30T03:58:33Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > I should set up a survey. It seems that only “special” snowflakes are affected by honking horns, whereas I suspect (with no data) that the vast majority of people are capable of reacting to the sounding of a horn without experiencing a sudden panic. Horns are definitely _not_ meant _only_ to warn of impending danger; they are simply an audible signaling device. First up - It’s not a “sudden panic” Second up - I’m pretty far from a “special snowflake” but I also get surprised when someone horns / honks at me. Pretty much every time it has happened so far, it has seemed that the driver wants to “warn” me I am going too slow or taking up too much of “their” road space. Such drivers do make me nervous - and I do find it inherently threatening. YMMV ---
**Author:** ![Stealth\_Potato](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Stealth\_Potato](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stealth_Potato)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2015, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/122 "2015-04-30T06:55:12Z")
> [@SciFiSam](#): > > I know you say that you’d hate cycling without headphones on, but try it for a few days and see if there are fewer honks. Yikes. I commute to work ten miles by bicycle every single day in the city, and I would never _dream_ of riding with headphones on – that’s firmly in my “death wish” category. Even though I’m in a pretty bike-friendly city (Seattle), being able to both see and hear what’s around me is paramount. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2015, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/123 "2015-04-30T13:24:47Z")
> [@AnaMen](#): > > When I hear a horn, I look around to see if it is warning impending danger. If there is no danger, I was distracted for nothing. It’s also distracting that people here (Florida) routinely throw drinks out their windows at cyclists and scream that they should get on the sidewalk, which is dangerous and illegal. Sometimes people will even try to run you off the road on purpose, laughing, honking, and screeching with idiotic glee. Spring Break? ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2015, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/124 "2015-05-01T00:39:56Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Why do people insist on honking at me when I ride my bike? Maybe they find you attractive? ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2015, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/125 "2015-05-01T03:18:18Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Maybe they find you attractive? "Men are not subtle — men are obvious. Women know what men want. Men know what men want. What do we want? We want women! It’s the only thing we know for sure: we want women! How do we get women? Oh, we don’t know that. The next step after that we have no idea. This is why you see men honking car-horns, yelling from construction sites. These are the best ideas we’ve had so far. The car-horn honk, is that a beauty? Have you seen men doing this? What is this? The man is in the car, the woman walks by the front of the car, he honks. E-eeehh, eehhh, eehhh! This man is out of ideas." > **[The Seinfeld Chronicles](http://www.seinfeldscripts.com/TheSeinfeldChronicles.htm)** > > Want to know what Kramer told Seinfeld? Read the full scritpt of The Seinfeld Chronicles. Full Seinfeld scripts and episodes ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2015, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/126 "2015-05-02T22:36:37Z")
We are simple creatures. Women give us too much credit for depth we lack, and are disappointed when we don’t live up to their expectations. Sorry, ladies, the lummox you are with is not hiding his inner Disney prince in a frog skin. He really is that graceless and dumb. But maybe if you kiss him just the right way . . . okay, try it again . . . really, maybe it will work next time. But not during the playoffs. ---
**Author:** ![DeptfordX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DeptfordX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeptfordX)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2015, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/127 "2015-05-08T23:10:55Z")
> [@Mr.Miskatonic](#): > > Indeed. Every bit of broken glass from a damaged car, every car part, everything that falls out of a car ends up in that lane. Have Tannus Tyres > **[Tannus | Anti-Puncture Solution for All Cyclists](https://www.tannus.com/)** > > Tannus' innovative anti-puncture solutions empower cyclists to ride with confidence and freedom, ensuring seamless journeys for all. Ride More, Worry Less. The Future of Tire Performance. reached America yet (I’m in the UK)? I got a set for my commuting bike the other week and i’m very happy with them. Slightly worse performance than a heavy duty tyre with a pneumatic tube but well worth it for never having to worry about a damn puncture ever again. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2015, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/128 "2015-05-09T01:31:00Z")
In my neck of the web of railroads, existing and defunct, that is Chicagoland, when riding on one of the Rails to Trails paths it is considered polite when overtaking to ring your polite, little bell and politely say, “Passing on the left,” before politely passing on the [del]right[/del] left. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2015, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/129 "2015-05-09T04:07:25Z")
> [@DeptfordX](#): > > Have Tannus Tyres > > [http://www.tannus.com/](http://www.tannus.com/) > > reached America yet (I’m in the UK)? > > I got a set for my commuting bike the other week and i’m very happy with them. Slightly worse performance than a heavy duty tyre with a pneumatic tube but well worth it for never having to worry about a damn puncture ever again. About 10 years ago I had a series of flats that lead to me to try a solid tire. Disaster. It felt like I was dragging a weight, it felt like control was much worse, it felt awful. I returned the tire. Pneumatic tires are genius. ---
**Author:** ![DeptfordX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DeptfordX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeptfordX)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2015, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/130 "2015-05-09T09:35:29Z")
That was 10 years ago. Never tried solid tyres back then, but I’ve heard similar stories. Technology marches on however. Tannus really do seem to have made a breakthrough into practicality. There’s a long review here which I pretty much agree with. > **[Tannus solid tyres - an HONEST review - lawsie](https://lawsie.com/veloballs/bike-gear-reviews/tannus-solid-tyres-review/)** > > This is a page about Tannus solid tyres - an HONEST review archived (but still relevant) on the lawsie website Every cyclist i Know who’s tried my bike has said the same thing, some variation of “Huh, feels just like a normal tyre to me”. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2015, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/131 "2015-05-09T15:03:46Z")
Flats are not the only reason for not wanting to have to ride through the garbage in the garbage lane. ---
**Author:** ![Stringbean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Stringbean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringbean)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2015, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/132 "2015-05-09T18:50:22Z")
Stop being a jackass and use the fucking sidewalk. Forcing a line of cars to suddenly slow down to 5mph just to accommodate your entitlement to use the roads is a greater danger than anything else. But you don’t fucking care about that, you do it to make a point. Don’t play this victim bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2015, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/133 "2015-05-09T19:09:43Z")
> [@Stringbean](#): > > Stop being a jackass and use the fucking sidewalk. > > Forcing a line of cars to suddenly slow down to 5mph just to accommodate your entitlement to use the roads is a greater danger than anything else. > > But you don’t fucking care about that, you do it to make a point. Don’t play this victim bullshit. Only legal for kids in many places and fucking insanely unsafe for pedestrians and riders alike. Not many riders who only go 5 mph. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Miskatonic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.miskatonic/32/310_2.png) [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/134 "2015-05-10T15:31:28Z")
> [@Stringbean](#): > > Stop being a jackass and use the fucking sidewalk. > > Forcing a line of cars to suddenly slow down to 5mph just to accommodate your entitlement to use the roads is a greater danger than anything else. > > But you don’t fucking care about that, you do it to make a point. Don’t play this victim bullshit. I always love how drivers whine and bitch about how cyclists must feel ‘entitled’ because they dare to use _their_ roads. BTW, cycling on the sidewalk? Illegal and hideously dangerous most locations. Buh-bye. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/135 "2015-05-10T15:45:52Z")
> [@Stringbean](#): > > Stop being a jackass and use the fucking sidewalk. > > Forcing a line of cars to suddenly slow down to 5mph just to accommodate your entitlement to use the roads is a greater danger than anything else. > > But you don’t fucking care about that, you do it to make a point. Don’t play this victim bullshit. What? Riding a bike on a sidewalk is \*\*illegal \*\*here (and in most places), unless the rider is less than 12 years old \*and \*the wheels are less than 26" in diameter. > [@](#): > > N.Y. ADC. LAW § 19-176 : NY Code - Section 19-176: Bicycle operation on sidewalks prohibited - > No person shall ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk unless permitted by an official sign. A person who violates this subdivision may be issued a notice of violation and shall be liable for a civil penalty of not more than one hundred dollars ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2015, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/136 "2015-05-10T22:05:16Z")
Could it be because [of this?](http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d97/Clothahump/YoureHavingABadDay_zpscmltj7i8.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2015, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/137 "2015-05-11T14:22:16Z")
> [@Stringbean](#): > > Stop being a jackass and use the fucking sidewalk. > > Forcing a line of cars to suddenly slow down to 5mph just to accommodate your entitlement to use the roads is a greater danger than anything else. > > But you don’t fucking care about that, you do it to make a point. Don’t play this victim bullshit. You live in Florida? How many drink containers have your thrown at cyclists? Unbelievable. Ignorance abounds! :mad: ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2015, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218/138 "2015-05-11T18:44:22Z")
> [@Stringbean](#): > > Stop being a jackass and use the fucking sidewalk. > > . **NO!** Stay off the damn sidewalk! It’s dangerous for you and for the people who are legally using it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-insist-on-honking-at-me-when-i-ride-my-bike/718218.md?page=6)