For me it depends. If it's a purpose built road-calming measure with clear notification of priority, then no. But if it's a bridge, a parked car or something similar, then as i remarked earlier, if it's clear to me that somebody has deliberately stopped to allow me through, i acknowledge the gesture, and would expect the same in return. I think it's arrogant if it doesn't happen to be honest.

 

I thank people when they have done something to thank them for. People letting you through when you have the right of way is the same as them stopping at a red light. If they let you through when they had the right, then thats a different matter.

In saying this, I am actually one of the seemingly few people who always look to let people out of junctions when I'm not in any kind of rush. Unless of course they look to be over 70 as I'd just end up having to overtake them

I do see your particular situation with the chicane though as there is a similar bridge on a corner near me.

 

Yeah, it does very much depend on the particular place and circumstances.

Generally I'm pretty patient with people on the roads when it comes to giving way (I too would prefer not to have the scratches and dents), it's annoying though when I go out of the way to let someone through, when I don't necessarily need to and then they just cruise on through without so much as a nod, as though I was waiting because I like to.

 

Yea thats what annoys me. When i cycle I used to jump on the pavement or stop to allow a car to come through (even though it was my right of way). But due to the amount of people that do not wave or nod to even acknowledge that I was being nice, i stopped doing that and just get in their way and make them get out of my way instead

 

I am a very courteous driver and there is usually not a day that goes past without me waving thank you to someone. Driving a big car like I do through London, I am constantly having to give way or use my right of way. But I don't think I am owed some thanks for driving correctly and I don't get mad or hurl abuse at people who I feel are discourteous.

I'm all for good manners too, hence when someone does help me out they get a very broad hand waving thanks for their efforts.

 

So you should too. Don't endanger yourself or any pedestrian by going up a kerb, stick to your guns. The one that drives me bloody nuts everyday are w*nkers who edge out of junctions into the cycle lanes, causing cyclists to have to swerve round them and I don't even own a bike.....

 

Ok.

Whilst I am aware that it is the right of way for oncoming traffic when cars are parked on my side of the road, I just consider it good manners to thank someone. It costs nothing. When it is the other way round I always give a wave of thanks. I'm not talking about the odd time it happens on a random journey, but on the small road I use every day. I also thank people who have stopped to let me cross the road at a crossing.

The times it specifically irritates me is on a road near where I work. There are cars parked along both sides and only one car can get through at a time. If someone coming from the opposite direction has stopped to let cars through and I then flash him/her to let them go does it really hurt for them to just give a small acknowledgement? I'm not asking for their undying gratitude or for them to leave me a fortune in their will, just a quick flick of the hand.


Tel.............you forgot to mention the capital 'W' in 'woman'.