Shouting at cyclists

[ThePonderer]

Today I was nearly hit by a cyclist while I was on a pedestrian crossing. I shouted at him, "Excuse me, I'm trying to cross here!" and he pointed at his headphones and sneered at me, "I can't hear you!" as he cycled away, even though he clearly could.

Thinking about it afterwards, I realised that if you tell somebody off like that then you just annoy them. You both get cross, and then there's no chance of it ending in a heartfelt apology.

So, here's my question: is there anything I could have said or done which might have actually made him consider stopping at a red light another time? Is there a way to make the point while being polite? Or at least without being the mad shouty woman?

This makes me so angry! I always take lots of care while crossing, especially with DD. And then you get cyclists who think they are above the law!! Wearing headphones is even more ridiculous! Very for you.

I think you were quite restrained actually. Can't think of a way to make the point more politely... After all you only have a split second to make an impression on the cyclist.

Well, you get van drivers who think they are above the law, too.
And moms on the school run. And pedestrians who blithely cross the road in dodgy places, taking their lives into their hands. And motorcyclists who think it's fine to overtake on blind bends. And so on. Parcel Force drivers are among the worst, we find, for dodgy overtaking (DH is past-master at chasing them down to have a word, on his pushbike, of course).

Sorry you got a scare, OP. I find vehicles are better about respecting pedestrian crossings in small sleepy towns like ours. No comfort, I know.

ps: DH just puts on a big smile when he chases a motorist down to have a word, no matter how much they rant DH keeps his voice calm. Being very polite is only way to go.

I am thinking now that a sarcastic but calm "Is it ok with you if I cross now?" might have been better. You're right, lljkk, that a big smile is always good.

Of course, collapsing to the ground with a fake injury might have been more entertaining.

It was just that afterwards I felt that standing in the street shouting had just made me look (and feel) worse about it. Not a great contribution to polite society, even though he absolutely was at fault.

Cyclists with headphones make me apoplectic with rage so any sense of etiquette would fly out the window, I'm afraid. They are making themselves so vulnerable - headphones are not like having the car radio on.

I so understand your anger!!!
There're fools on the road. They're not only a danger to themselves, but also to others.

Best then to do is to stay calm, but I sooo know how you feel!!!