As I see it most of us are at a disadvantage when riding our bikes. We are not surrounded by metal that can protect us in an accident.

We have also been conditioned by stereotypes from biker movies and reckless crotch rocket riders breaking speed limit laws and other things. This view translates to the rest of bike riders whether deserved or not.

Europeans enjoy the sharing of the road because it is a way of life over there. Not so here in the USA.

So, when I have a chance to signal a "thank you" for stopping or allowing a lane change I make sure I do the nod or the hand wave.