The System 472: Road Sage
UPDATE: The Quirky Nomads Podcast has made this comic into a radio production! More info here »
ALSO: Now avaiable as an 11×17 print! Check it out here.
This is a followup to one of the more popular comics in the archive, famously featuring “figure out purple”.
Hitting conflict in the face with more conflict never seems to help, as both sides immediately identify the other as the enemy and shut off any ability to listen to reason. But confronting conflict with the unexpected produces unexpected results. This works not only while biking but on forum “flame wars”, on the phone, and hell, maybe even in times of war.
I’d like to point out where this comic starts, “when someone yells at you from their car”. People piss each other off on the road all the time, cyclists and motorists alike. Both, when breaking the law, are wrong. This is NOT about breaking the law (see this comic if you wanted it), it is instead about when people are angry at each other. Feel free to debate in the comments as you will.
UPDATE: Thanks for all the love on the comic! If you like it, you can buy it as a signed print in the HilariAwesome.com store. BUY A PRINT NOW »
You can also buy this t-shirt about biking:
February 28th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
just in time for what happened here http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/driver-pl…
February 28th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
the figure out purple proverb is one of the comics i quote the most
March 1st, 2011 at 1:17 am
That is so true sir…:)
March 1st, 2011 at 11:06 am
Heh… When they tell me about the bike lane right next, I usualy tell them where the next supermarket is.
March 1st, 2011 at 4:30 pm
A friend of mine waves and says "Hi, Pat! See you in church!"
I generally just wave, smile, and say "Have a nice day!", unless they actually endanger me. It's still hard to hold back when that happens. Fortunately, it doesn't happen that often.
But I like dothebart's suggestion too!
March 1st, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Sometimes I yell "I LOVE YOU!"
March 2nd, 2011 at 9:59 am
When I'm endangered by a motorist, I generally yell "Bumblebrain". By the time we're out of sight, I'm generally snickering because, face it, it's hard to keep from laughing when yelling that. My heart-rate returns to normal, and my attention is on the road again.
March 2nd, 2011 at 2:10 pm
i usually use the word 'CUNT!!!!' – it probably doesn't make them think but it makes me feel better and i bet it stays with 'em!
: )
(that's the british english use of the word CUNT by the way – not the american)
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:03 pm
I just say " Hi" …. Would you like to cook my sock?" and hope they're dislexic ….if not it takes a few minutes to set it in. I'm sure that it sticks around all day.
If you prefer the song method, I'ts a small world" seems to work well.
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:31 pm
[...] When someone yells at you from their car… Posted on March 2, 2011 by Jeremy Here is a fun little comic from notquitewrong.com [...]
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:32 am
or you could just obey traffic laws when bicycling on a roadway so people don’t yell at you in the first place.
March 3rd, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Im usually the one yelling…and its usually without reason. Anger is usually the best reaction, but sometimes people do some of these and no…it doesnt stick with us all day
March 3rd, 2011 at 7:06 pm
These are all very lame responses. Just stay out of the road you elitist cyclist douche bags. When you ride in a pack, ride single file. I get what lycra is used for but if you are fat, it's useless like yourselves.
Have a nice day.
March 3rd, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Here's a better idea, bicyclists: try obeying traffic laws and maybe motorists won't yell at you in the first place. I know, radical, right?
March 3rd, 2011 at 8:49 pm
*Slow clap*
March 3rd, 2011 at 8:50 pm
Aaaaaaand out come the trolls! I was wondering what took you guys so long.
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Purple monkey dishwasher.
March 3rd, 2011 at 9:01 pm
My spoon is too big.
March 3rd, 2011 at 10:45 pm
See "Anon Guest" , they can't even except that they are in the wrong on these occasions. Just obey the traffic laws. Don't cut in front and through traffic. Hit peoples side mirrors with their fat asses. Clip clop into coffee shops demanding the barristas to hurry up. Riding their 15,000 $ bicycle like they're going to race the Tour de Douchebagge next week. STOP IT> ride a beach cruiser with a cute bikini clad blond instead. Purple spoon licker.
March 4th, 2011 at 12:55 am
Blowing a kiss really freaks people out. Especially if they are the same sex as you. batting your eyes also fucks em up.
March 4th, 2011 at 1:31 am
I like to compliment people in an angry voice in response. Usually bewilders them. Also, some of the commenters are dummies.
March 5th, 2011 at 8:26 am
Why not just be less of a douche and use the bike lane they are pointing out to you?
March 6th, 2011 at 2:40 am
I like the part where he was on a bicycle.
March 6th, 2011 at 10:11 am
I take my helmet off and smash myself in the face with it, then yell "see what you've done!"
March 6th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Blow it out your ass, all of you. Motorists need to give cyclists more room and not cut them off – cyclists need to ride single file. I'm a cyclist, but can't stand cyclists who don't ride single file. A little bit of patience and respect from everyone would go a long way. Try swapping to the other side for a fortnight and see what you think.
March 8th, 2011 at 3:23 am
I have never yelled at a person on a bike but usually get yelled at by people on bikes particlary when they are zooming past on the inside of the road way – noisless and stealth like.
Then they yell at the top of their lungs, usually something in coherent.
I always liketo assume it is something like – MY GOD YOUR BEAUTIFUL. but it may not be.
Never sure what they yell but they always look odd and petty when they do yell.
March 8th, 2011 at 7:20 am
I've been both cyclist and driver and I have to say in my experience that the cyclist is usually in the wrong. I have never actually rolled down a window and shouted at a cyclist, just stored up my hatred for the day when I eventually go postal.
Cyclists as seen from an irate (and intentionally unreasonable) driver's perspective: http://unnecessarilyharsh.blogspot.com/2010/11/cy…
March 8th, 2011 at 7:26 am
[...] via This entry was posted in Education, Humor and tagged Bike, Car, Education, Humor, Traffic, When someone yells at you from their car, Yell. Bookmark the permalink. ← Bored Couples by Martin Parr [...]
March 8th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Hahahaah I love this
March 8th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
but bike riders deserve it?
March 9th, 2011 at 5:55 am
I yell at cyclists when they are riding too many side by side and blocking the traffic, so ignorant.
March 9th, 2011 at 8:19 am
Have any of you angry motorists ever ridden a bike in heavy traffic, risking being crushed beneath the wheels of a juggernaut or forced to overbalance onto the pavement or just been looked through as if you are invisible and pulled out in front of when negotiating a roundabout? If someone tells me to get off the – deserted – pavement and into the stream of lethal traffic, I steer round them and thank them for educating me. Almost every other country in Europe accommodates a mix of cyclists, pedestrians and cars by having a proper system of safe bike lanes – why not here?
March 9th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
(translated to spanish)
(cada renglón es un cuadradito)
Cuando alguien te grita desde el auto…
Podés devolverle el grito. Pero qué tal una retribuición creativa?
* Decile que tiene la luz trasera apagada
* Cantale una canción para que se le pegue
* Hacele un gesto de "llamame"
* Dale un "aplauso lento"
* Aparentá confusión
* Levantate la remera
* O simplemente saludá
Cuando la gente se confronta, lo hace con enojo.
Pero cuando lo hacés con algo inesperado, hacés pensar al otro,
lo cual es lo más malvado y lo más lindo que podés hacer
…porque se le pega para todo el día
March 9th, 2011 at 9:37 pm
i hit you with my bike i dent your pretty car. you hit me with your car and you dent my beautiful brain. i prefer to remain silent and let my saliva speak for me when it splatters across your windshield..
March 10th, 2011 at 10:13 am
I either wave as if I know them or give a huge smile and a thumbs up. But if I must go verbal, I find that the word “monkeyjuggler” is effective on many levels.
March 11th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Yeah seriously, why do you think they make bike lanes?
March 11th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
Still doesn't change the fact you are a bunch of hipsters with dumb ass "fixies".
March 11th, 2011 at 5:04 pm
Here is a crazy notion. Ride in bike lanes, you know, those lanes made for cyclists? If you can't do the speed limit posted on the street you can't be in the car lanes. it isn't that hard to get through your plastic and foam covered skulls. Also you all look like morons in lycra outfits.
March 11th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
yeah… nice one eduardo.
March 11th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
hey
March 14th, 2011 at 10:41 am
Cyclicsts don't block traffic; they ARE traffic.
March 18th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Your tail light's out…
March 19th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
errrr it is just as demeaning in either country. knob.
March 22nd, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Here's something for you idiots who are saying to ride in bike lanes. In the winter, you don't have that option. When it's storming and there's a foot or more of snow, you can't ride on the sidewalk and you sure as hell can't ride in bike lanes. You can't even see them. Motorists are NOT always in the right. Do you know how many times a car will turn on red, or not look both ways before turning? Fuck cars.
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:42 pm
And let's not even add the fact that not EVERY single street even has bike lanes. Then you go to the sidewalks and there covered in glass.
March 24th, 2011 at 1:41 am
Cyclists in my area generally obey traffic laws, but they still get harassed by cars. There seems to be a predisposition towards hating cyclists simply because they AREN'T driving cars. What most people don't realize is that if your on a road bike, you have the same rights as a motorist. You HAVE to ride on the street and if a bike lane is not provided you HAVE to share the lane with traffic.
If your a motorist and this angers you, take your car and drive on the sidewalk
March 27th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Traffic that is supposed to ride single file.
March 27th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
So basically: Drivers need to pay more attention. Not just to cyclists, but everything. Forget about noticing small stealthy cyclists, a lot of drivers don't even notice the other CARS around them…
But also: Cyclists need to not act like they own the road. Stop blowing through stoplights and stop signs. I almost saw a guy get CREAMED the other day doing this, thank goodness the driver could stop in time! Stop riding side by side unless there is tons of extra room to do so. If you get passed by a car, don't just pass him back at the next stop light. He will want to pass you again, and all you're doing is causing traffic problems, and creating more danger for yourself.
March 27th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
The crux: Bicycles are smaller, quieter, and harder to notice than cars. They provide little protection for their riders. While cars need to be vigilent for all sorts of things including cyclists, cyclists need to take extra care not to create a dangerous situation. Put it this way, riding on the street automatically puts you in a dangerous situation. You can't trust those around you with your safety, therefore you mustn't increase the danger to yourself needlessly.
I've been in the situation where I've come very close to striking cyclists. It scares the crap out of me, because I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't yell at them, but when the arrogant cyclers flip me the bird afterwards it makes me wish I would.
March 28th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
FACT. Well put.
April 6th, 2011 at 10:44 pm
You bikers that for some reason… DONT USE THE FUCKING DESIGNATED LANE… are retarded, how would you like it if we drove our cars in your lane, or the side walk? i would laugh my ass of as some biker trying to tell me to "share the road" bounced off my windshield.
50 POINTS!
April 20th, 2011 at 8:11 am
Actually, cars drive in OUR bike lanes all the time, because they are fucking stupid. And like I said, not every city has bike lanes everywhere. There really aren't that many where I'm from. So, I really don't have an option when there is no sidewalk or lane. BUT at the same time, I'm not gonna play chicken with a car and be an idiot myself. I see a car coming and I ride out of the way. I think everyone needs to be careful, motorists and cyclists included.
April 25th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
i ussualy flash em'
haha
May 3rd, 2011 at 1:33 am
Maybe you should ride your bike in the middle of the street like an asshole
May 15th, 2011 at 11:01 am
fuck cyclists, if you yell at my car im open my door into your skinny ass and laugh
May 16th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Even though I avoid using car and cycle whenever and wherever possible, weather permitting, I obey the rules, *never* drive side by side etc, so it has never happened yet that passing car drivers would yell at me. If they did I guess I'd simply ignore them (after quick checking that everything is ok with the bicycle and that I didn't drop my wallet or my mobile). Whether it would make them start thinking or not, I really do not give a crap. Unfortunately, some ppl are very hard to force to start thinking and I can not see how is it *my* problem.
May 17th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
I just wave and say "JESUS LOVES YOU!!!" like the get a song stuck in there head suggestion by the way, peanut butter jelly time makes them go insane EVERY TIME!!
May 18th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Is it ok if I use When someone yells at you from the car on my blog at htpp://www.itutorblog.com ? I will give credit where it is due and link back. Thank you in advance.
May 18th, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Sure.
May 18th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Do this in Australia (specifically NSW) and you'll get run over, the shit kicked out of you, shot, mugged, pissed on and a good number of your bones broken. I lived there for years and I never met one single decent person.
May 30th, 2011 at 5:58 am
[...] Notquietwrong ‹Previous Post FOLKS – VERONA BARDOLINO [...]
May 30th, 2011 at 7:00 am
[...] Rosscott, Inc. i Rowerowy [...]
June 3rd, 2011 at 7:53 am
[...] Apple unveils … an online service? … I have no freaking idea. And Finally…Road Sage; When someone yells at you from their car… [hat tip: Akii] Don’t miss out on IT Blogwatch:Follow @richi, your humble [...]
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:22 am
Riiight. Well I know which one of us is gonna be laughing in 20 years when it costs 100 bucks for a litre of gas and you're fat from sitting in your car all day instead of walking/biking.
June 30th, 2011 at 1:25 am
Brilliant comments =]
July 3rd, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Drivers do the same if not worse mistakes as cyclists. I have (and probably you too) seen drivers use their cellphone, have earphones on, drive in the bike lane, run reds, don't signal, and even more. Drivers just justify themselves because there are more of them.
July 4th, 2011 at 1:17 am
Nice suggestions. Motorists can be so impatient even though they are going as fast as our human technology can carry them.
July 5th, 2011 at 4:09 am
Fuck off Chakka and all the rest of you faggots who can take their piece of two wheeled tin crap and shove it. Who the hell do you think you are you sanctimonious sons-of-bitches. Use the cycle paths dirtbags or pay taxes like the rest of us!
July 5th, 2011 at 4:10 am
Yeah, late comment I know. But I feel so much better!
August 17th, 2011 at 11:04 am
[...] the large version of the comic here. You can also buy a poster of this comic for $10 at Rosscott’s web store. Who knows, [...]
August 17th, 2011 at 11:22 am
[...] What To Say When Drivers Yell At You Posted on August 17, 2011 by TreeHugger Comic by Rosscott So you're cycling along and a driver zips by, chewing you out for some terrible deed you've [...]
August 17th, 2011 at 11:26 am
[...] Comic by Rosscott [...]
August 17th, 2011 at 11:42 am
It's people like you that are the actual problem. Get off your high horse, why do you think the roads are only for your lazy butt in a car?
You are not worthy of your own post.
August 17th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Like I never got yelled at when I wasn't breakin the law? I've had people try to kill me just for asserting my right to take up an entire lane when I felt it was un-safe to let them pass me, usually when a big truck was coming the other way on a narrow road. I've had guns pointed in my face and people come up on the sidewalk to try and run me over. Usually for passing them and trying to get over into a turning lane in heavy traffic where they are forced to sit and watch me cut thru it. You sir are mistaken, it's probably best to not comment at all about things you don't understand lest your ignorance become self-evident.
August 17th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
Wow, there sure are a lot of bike haters out there!
August 17th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
How about you just don't drive? You lack the emotional maturity to share the roads with other modes.
August 17th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Sorry, I forgot to mention that there are not many bike lanes and most don't go where people need to go. Your suggestion would be similar to my saying you should limit yourself to only driving on Interstate Highways. Sure they are fast and you can cover a lot of ground but in the end you still need to use surface streets and highways to get to where you're going.
August 17th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
[...] link was something I was sent about how to deal with drivers yelling at you. When someone yells at you from their car Usually when someone yells at me they are long gone before I can take a breath to yell [...]
August 19th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
that will make a great screenprint on the back of my next tshirt
August 23rd, 2011 at 12:41 pm
That's hilarious. I would love to bike to work, but the 28 mile commute kinda puts a stop to that. Being in the country I should get my bike out more, though…
August 27th, 2011 at 12:16 am
Hipsters aren't the only ones with fixies. I ride a fixed gear, but i am definitely not a hipster. Also, when I ride, I always follow traffic laws, but there are just too many dumb drivers that don't know he laws themselves & will still end up yelling or blowing their horn at me.
September 23rd, 2011 at 3:00 pm
*pretends to be amused by some bit of thoughtful text*
October 15th, 2011 at 2:53 am
I must say thank you very much and looking forward to seeing your article soon.
October 22nd, 2011 at 3:50 am
[...] El site está bueno y se puede comprar el poster, así como una camiseta bien chida. Véanlo en notquitewrong.com [...]
November 8th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
[...] from here. Via. Share this:FacebookTwitterStumbleUponDiggLike this:LikeBe the first to like this [...]
December 9th, 2011 at 1:34 am
You know, this comment makes sense if it is only a single lane of road but if it is not, then it just doesn't. A cyclist, even on a one lane road, has the right to "take the lane" should there not be enough space for both a car and bike to travel together. So, if a cyclist takes a lane solo, what difference does it make if there are 2 or 3 or 4 of them across? It is all the same. Learn the laws.
January 11th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
nothing sticks with you, you are brainlness
January 11th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
hmm, what does that make people in cars then; lazy, fat, idiotic consumers. have fun refinancing your house so you can pay for gas to get to the mall.
January 11th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
polluting the earth with your lazy fat ass, so ignorant
January 23rd, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Leaned about 60% of my upper body out the window, wearing a clown mask, and offered them a balloon.
January 23rd, 2012 at 3:58 pm
BTW, I was the passenger in the car…
January 25th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
[...] A great piece of advice from The System. [...]
January 27th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
[...] more often travel on two wheels than three, and this oldie-but-goodie from The System caught our attention this week. We’ve got some opinions on how not to bike like a jerk, but [...]
January 29th, 2012 at 9:37 am
[...] folks a Rosscott have a fun comic about something I’m sure most of us have [...]
January 29th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
[...] Rosscott, Inc. » Archive » The System 472: Road Sage Share this:TwitterFacebookLinkedInLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post. [...]
February 15th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
*slow clap*
April 19th, 2012 at 8:10 pm
dyslexia is a reading disability its not an hearing disability