So if I wear my Thin Blue Line support jersey I should also be safe right? No, that would be like putting a target on my back.
I don’t think being patriotic is a right vs left thing. Clearly where we live creates our perception and it may be true in some areas but I’ve never been coal rolled or intentionally swerved at. Usually it’s just some numpty that doesn’t understand physics and can’t be bothered to wait 30 seconds to pass safely and instead buzzes me as close as possible.
Huh, the original post did not mention urban vs rural.
I’m completely serious that this type of behavior is only happening for me in the urban areas of California’s capital city (urban population 1.7M people).
Reckon a grizzly bear outfit might get a different response.
Thats the thing, you aren’t revering the piece of cloth, it is about what the piece of cloth stands for.
But the definitions of “patriotism” are very different.
“Nationalism” is a better description for what many (most?) on the right views as “patriotism”.
I doubt the average Canadian driver would even notice it. That would require missing a couple of Facebook posts.
See above…there are many things that the flag “stands for” currently that I disagree w/ vehemently.
But that doesn’t mean I am not patriotic (nor does it mean I am on the “left”, for that matter).
Sweeping generalizations are entertaining and one of the most productive forms of debate on the Internet 
To get back on track, would be great to discuss strategies for minimizing risk of conflict in certain cycling hostile environs and with specific individuals.
I want to buy a Stars and Stripes jersey but I am failing to find any made in USA jerseys. All seem Chinese made and if I am going to broadcast my love for country and membership in team USA I want an American made jersey. Anyone know of any USA based manufacturers of cycling jerseys?
How does one change the category of a thread from “Equipment” to “Aimless Political Debate”?
Lets go with a universal symbol for unity and leave out all the other crap that people like to put on it. 
You could wear a Chinese flag jersey, and that way a) you can buy it even if it’s made in China, and b) you can be certain of the behavior of incoming drivers. No surprises.
So if I wear my Thin Blue Line support jersey I should also be safe right? No, that would be like putting a target on my back.
You said this ironically but one of the local 2013ish club jerseys has black and blue banding that looks like the thin blue line. Some people swear that they have less trouble and experience fewer incidents when wearing them.
We don’t go back to that design because we focus on the bright colors and making ourselves as visible as possible to all drivers.
I’m afraid we’re in need of another translation session for us uneducated foreigners.
Thin blue line is a symbol of support for US law enforcement. Depending who you ask it’s just a sign of racism
Ach so. Danke sehr.
My other suggestion is to avoid conflict post encounter and just let it go… you aren’t going to change anyone’s behavior and just put yourself at risk of escalation.
I am reminded of the time in rural Texas when I flipped off the pickup that blew past me with probably 1-2mm to spare. He then slammed his brakes and came to a screeching stop in front of me, blocking the road. That’s when I noticed the full gun rack. Worse, it was a warm summer day and the windows were down. That’s when I heard the girlfriend/wife plead with him to leave the nig*** alone and let it go. That’s when I knew I was toast. I dropped my bike, hopped a fence and started running across a pasture in cleats. Thankfully he drove off. Since then, I try to check my impulse to over react to jerks.
Nothing like a little tribalism with your exercise.
I can’t “like” that post, but I appreciate you posting it.
Sorry you had to endure that.
Rule #1: play the village idiot. Wave with a smile, regardless of what they do. I guarantee you this is the safest course of action in all situations. They cut you off? Thank them.
