Bryan Smith
In the interest of de-escalation:
Mr. Barber: I realize that you were disappointed by the way you were treated by some "teenagers." I have to ask you, did you behave in an adult fashion? As a public school teacher, I am verbally abused, disrespected, and insulted by teenagers at least once a week. However, as the adult, I feel that it is important that I set a good example. It is hard to set a good example when a group of rowdy adolescents has just attempted to assault you with a beverage container. However, I would argue that most reasonable ADULTS (cyclists or not) who witnessed the altercation you describe in your post would be embarrassed and appalled by your conduct.
Please, refrain from your irrational and anger-fueled conduct in the future. Cyclists that kick in windows do no good for the rest of us.
Dan,
I appreciate your respect for the rules of the road. I would argue that you should worry less about self-accelerating Toyotas and make your decisions based on what will keep all travelers safe and facilitate the smoothest flow of traffic. Are you really complaining about motorists being TOO courteous?
Mr. Mastenbrook,
I can understand your frustration with the behavior of motorists on the Sellwood Bridge. Transportation data shows that a high percentage of the commuters using the Sellwood Bridge live in Clackamas County. Clackamas County happens to be the only place where I have had my heterosexuality questioned by passing motorists. Just today, I was yelled at by a truck traveling down River Road in the Direction of Clackamas County. I ewas told, "Get off the road!" I have to admit that I responded verbally in a most unfriendly way, much like I might expect Mr. Barber to respond. I will spare everyone on the list the details of my inappropriate comment. However, I decided a few blocks later that I would, in the future, respond with "Stop dragging your knuckles on the ground!" While discourteous, it is at least not overly inflammatory.
Let's stop complaining. Stop making assumptions about motorists' character. And most importantly, stop assaulting/vandalizing motorists' property (even if they are obnoxious minors).
Ride your bike. Be courteous. Set a good example.
(I think there is a rule about this somewhere...I think it's golden.)