Cyclist vs bus driver, city road

it's quite tiring to read story after story after fucking story of some poor bastard crushed under the wheels of car driven by some driver texting while turning a corner - and then having to listen to the oft repeated admonishment to remain calm, not to get too excited about all this, speak nicely to the driver, whatever you do don't tarnish the image of cyclists, and other general slave mentality advice.

A rule for one

If a driver uses his car against cyclist N° 2857 because cyclist N°349 rode on the pavement - then the driver is guilty of applying a form of collective punishment as well as being an aggressive and dangerous prick - and this certainly offers no additional reason to treat him with respect of any kind.

and another?

I think RPM is spot on with the social acceptablility aspect, driving in a aggresive manor towards cyclists should not be socially un-acceptable (which i don't believe it is) BUT driving without due care and attention i.e. on mobile, lost, confused by sign post, eating lunch, in too much of a hurry etc
should each be challanged on its individual merit.

Tynan is right, and wrong. we should not treat other road users with too much respect in fear of them taking out on another cyclist in the future (they could spend sunday putting together an ikea wardrobe and by monday want to kill everything on the road!) but it shouldn't be done as a backlash to the rise in altractions.

Personally - i give the driver a good look, if they i believe they are innocent i get in their way and highlight i am near by. if they look like the kind of weapons that did it on purpose i don't give them the satisfaction of the rise and return the compliment and wind them up smiling all the time.
I only kick off when it's something stupid and decided to take the risk.. my risk! then i fuck them up real good in the face