The Art of Good Communication

One of our family mottoes is "Good Communication Is The Key To Happiness."  Another motto is, "We Survived Cabin 6; We Can Handle Anything", but that's another story.

Mastering how to communicate properly isn't an easy task, but its something everyone has to do if they want to get through life without being in constant conflict with others.  Having good communication is also a sign of respect.  We must learn to communicate well with friends, family, and co-workers if we want those relationships to be healthy.  

If we're bike commuters, we also have to know how to communicate with drivers and pedestrians.  Part of our communication is how we ride.  In other words, if we are consistent and predictable on our bicycles, drivers and pedestrians will know what to expect from us.  If, however, we're popping on and off sidewalks, running reds, and switching directions we're not only being unsafe, but we're communicating that we don't care about the people we're "sharing the road" with.

Another important part of cycling communication is using hand signals.  Granted, drivers (at least those around here, anyway) rarely using their turn signals anymore, but that doesn't mean we should behave in kind.  Signaling turns as illustrated below is extremely helpful to others and it shows that we respect others on the roadway.

You can also use your right hand to signal a right turn if that is easier.

Another aspect of communication is body language.  Yesterday, I was reminded how my visible reaction to someone's behavior can send someone over the edge.  While I was headed home on Exchange St. and approaching the traffic light at Rose. Blvd, some guy in a white LeBaron passed me and cut me off at the red light.  I reacted by shaking my head.  I wouldn't consider a shake of the head to be that angering; I didn't yell or flick the guy off.  However, since the road was built for him alone, he thought that was not acceptable.  At the next light (a whole 420ft from the last one) he pulled into the left turning lane and I continued straight.  As I passed, he shouted "You dirty whore!"

Wow.  Really?  I don't think that insult really applied to the situation, but to each his own I guess.  Clearly, this fellow's communication skills are lacking.  He had already made it clear that my safety and right to the road weren't as important as him beating me to the light.  However, in hindsight, I probably shouldn't have indicated that his behavior annoyed me.  Sometimes its hard to remember that our body language is right out there in the open for everyone to see.  Many times its better just to keep our thoughts to ourselves.

So, keep in mind the next time you're on the road that good communication is the key to happiness.  We can't control what drivers do, but we can do our part by communicating responsibly.

Anyway, have a great weekend, happy Father's Day to all the dads, and pedal safe!