Tailgating: What do you do?

[superman]

Had some terrible woman driving five metres behind me when I was going 80-100. Obviously she was in a hurry. I tried to wave her back but she didn't take the hint so I just got angry and slowed down to 60. She wasn't happy and held down on the horn for a good while before blitzing down some side road without indicating.

I'll definitely be getting an L plate up soon since cars obviously expect bikes to go bloody fast all the time. That would at least explain to them why I'm only going 80-100.

What do you more experienced guys do when you get tailgaters?

[The Everlasting]

I would let them pass as soon as it's safe.

[SMOKEU]

Don't bother with an L plate and if you really want to ride slow then pull over as soon as another vehicle comes up behind you.

[sinfull]

Take no notice, it'll only have you missing something important, like whats going on ahead !

[superman]

Take no notice, it'll only have you missing something important, like whats going on ahead !

I shall try control myself and ignore. Hard when it's taking up most of your mirrors though. I really wanted to find some way to educate that woman though... Tried flashing morse code through brake lights but obviously she barely even knows how to use the two pedals in her automatic cage.

[junkmanjoe]

i pull my pants down and stand up ........... they soon back right off after that......

JMJ

[phill-k]

Understand that in a car verses bike its the bike that gets hurt the most, you must learn to ride to survive, if you don't wish to out pace the tailgater move over, indicate to turn left or to stop but don't antagonize.

[Genie]

slowing down will annoy them, I tend to do that, but more so when in the family bus.....best thing, get out of the way. let them go, though, some really need encourging to pass not sure why?

do what will keep you safe.

[EJK]

Speed up

[sinfull]

I shall try control myself and ignore. Hard when it's taking up most of your mirrors though. I really wanted to find some way to educate that woman though... Tried flashing morse code through brake lights but obviously she barely even knows how to use the two pedals in her automatic cage.

Your original comment about the L plate would prob be wise if your gonna do 80 clicks too !
No morse code gonna have her back off it's just one of those things you get used to, tailgators come with the territory, an L sticker might get a few giving you more space but everyfucker is in a hurry !
Just be aware they're there and keep ya wits about ya, don't give em an inch to try and squeeze through, or guess who gets squeezed out if they try and then run out of room, make em wait till they have a clear pass in the oncoming lane !

The next phase after ya get ya full (and up ya speeds a touch lol) is sooo many drivers are over curtious these days, see ya coming and move over for ya, even if ya were quite happy in their draft on a quiet cruise ! (don't get me wrong here, i think it's great, but every now and then i think, sheesh man doncha think i'd be past by now if i wanted to)

[superman]

Speed up

Gladly when I get used to corners. Only taken out my bike twice. But thanks for the advice.

[MaxCannon]

Move over - let them past. Then follow them with your high beams on.
When they stop drag them out of the car and give them a kicking.
Guarantees they won't do it again.

[superman]

Move over - let them past. Then follow them with your high beams on.
When they stop drag them out of the car and give them a kicking.
Guarantees they won't do it again.

I shall start hitting the gym.

[psycho22]

When i'm in a car i'll slow down to about 20kph.

On a bike not so good an idea however.

I would suggest as others have just pulling over and letting them pass.

[PrincessBandit]

I'd be inclined to get that L plate on as it would seem you are meant to have it displayed, going by your OP comment.

An L plate won't automatically mean courteous driving by those around you, and there are times when it seems to attract assholes. However, most drivers will/should understand that while on an L plate you are restricted to certain speeds.

Survival - yours- is paramount when on two wheels and it is much better to leave your ego in the garage before taking the bike out. No matter what part of the GDL stage you are at, or how long or little you've been riding for, your number one concern is keeping yourself alive and in one piece. Fix the L, live with it, but don't treat it an invicibility device...