Dear Cyclist,
I have to say, your approach left a lot to be desired. When you zoomed past me and shouted “Watch where you’re going, you idiot!” I didn’t stop to consider whether I was in the bike lane, or if I could have moved aside more quickly. Instead, I simply thought you were rude. And honestly, I still feel that way, with no change in my perspective on bike lanes.
But let me share a little story from my past. A while back, when my little one was just a baby, I loaded her into her car seat and headed to the grocery store. The sun was shining, and the parking lot was spacious, making it easy to find a spot. As I pulled in, a car honked loudly, causing me to pause, but I didn’t see anyone around. I assumed the honk was meant for someone else and parked my car.
As I was shopping, a woman approached me, her face twisted in anger. “You weren’t even watching where you were going!” she scolded. “That’s really dangerous!” Caught off guard, I found myself speechless.
Though initially upset, I began to wonder where her car had been when she honked. I didn’t recall seeing it, which puzzled me. Later, I bumped into her again in another aisle, and this time, I decided to respond.
“Excuse me,” I said, “you’re right. I didn’t see you at all.” I explained that I had heard the honk but was unsure of its source, and I asked her where her car was relative to mine. As I shared my experience of often driving with a baby, her demeanor softened. She explained where her vehicle had been parked, and in that moment, we transitioned from confrontation to collaboration. We both left the exchange feeling lighter, having turned a negative experience into a positive one.
So, to you, the cyclist who yelled: I’m actually a friendly person who doesn’t want to block anyone’s path. I have kids and strive to set a good example. Instead of hurling insults, consider a more constructive way to communicate. With the same energy, and even the same number of syllables, you could have been way more helpful. Here are some alternatives:
- What you yelled: “Watch where you’re going!”
- Syllables: Five
- Suggested alternatives:
- “Bike coming through!”
- “Look out for the bike lane!”
- “Careful there, friend!”
- “Whoa there, speedy!”
See? It’s really that simple.
With best wishes from your brief acquaintance, but never a friend,
Jessica
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Summary
In a humorous yet heartfelt note, Jessica reflects on a rude encounter with a cyclist who yelled at her in the street. She shares a personal story of a similar experience with a stranger in a grocery store, illustrating how constructive communication can transform conflict into understanding. Jessica encourages more thoughtful interactions and provides alternative phrases for expressing concerns.