Cyclists nodding.

[CharlieB]

There seem to be no rules about etiquette at all.

Yesterday I had a visit from the fairy less than two miles from home on my way to my voluntary job. As I was by the side of the road changing tubes a couple on road bikes paused to ask if I needed any help, five minutes later a guy on a MTB also stopped and asked if I had everything I needed and stayed for a chat while I was finishing up.

A few miles later, stopped for a quick slurp from bottle and a guy on a bike passed by without a word. A few miles later I passed him and said 'good afternoon'. Not a word, eyes straight ahead. A few miles later he catches me up. Not a word.

Doesn't hurt to be polite, I would have thought.

 

[rich p]

I only nod at mamils and pretty young girls on horses.

 

[rodgy-dodge]

I first experienced this nodding malarky when I became a pillion on the motorbike. I found it to be a very comradely amongst bikers. I automatically do it to other cyclists too. I feel it acknowledges that you share the same passion. However I did give the guy driving the white lotus car that nearly knocked me off yesterday the Jasper Carrot gesture for 'Nob Head' (ooooo there should be a smiley for this!)

 

[asterix]

There seem to be no rules about etiquette at all.

Yesterday I had a visit from the fairy less than two miles from home on my way to my voluntary job. As I was by the side of the road changing tubes a couple on road bikes paused to ask if I needed any help, five minutes later a guy on a MTB also stopped and asked if I had everything I needed and stayed for a chat while I was finishing up.

A few miles later, stopped for a quick slurp from bottle and a guy on a bike passed by without a word. A few miles later I passed him and said 'good afternoon'. Not a word, eyes straight ahead. A few miles later he catches me up. Not a word.

Doesn't hurt to be polite, I would have thought.

You were polite; you were hurt at being ignored?

On passing a stopped cyclist who appeared to be looking for something I paused to ask if he needed help but was brusquely sent on my way. It occurred to me that on a bright sunny day he should have been wearing shades, expensive ones as he was that kind of rider, and my theory was that having dropped them was too embarrassed to let on.

 

[661-Pete]

So why do some people think they need to be anti social and others are more than happy to say hi, very weird.

That phrase is terribly over-cooked now, isn't it! 'Unsociable' would be better. Personally I blame the ASBOs....

Shock! Horror! I deliberately blanked a couple of ladies whilst out walking in the countryside yesterday (walking - not cycling - but walkers are also obliged to 'nod' aren't they?). Thing is, their dogs ran at us jumping around and barking madly. Me no likey. First it was 'hello' from the ladies. Then a 'they won't bite'. Then, finally, as they called off their mutts, a muted 'sorry'. I maintained a stony silence throughout. Me bad?

 

[John the Monkey]

I let on to most folk I see, although it's fairly easy because there's not many folk about when I commute/train.

I don't let on to people as I pass, generally, because it can make them jump out of their skins if they've not seen you approaching.

 

[psmiffy]

I would never expect another cyclist to acknowledge me just because I am a “cyclist” – notwithstanding this – I will acknowledge anyone who makes “eye contact” – be they pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders or sometimes motorists – it is just sociable - acknowledgements range in magnitude from eyebrow raising through nods, waves, good mornings/bonjours and on occasion to stopping for a chat if I am on tour – but to suggest that there is some sort of unwritten etiquette and then take umbrage because the other parties do not subscribe is silly at the very least!

 

[661-Pete]

I don't let on to people as I pass, generally, because it can make them jump out of their skins if they've not seen you approaching.

That's happened to me, too (me making the other person literally* jump out of their skin, I mean).

*well, perhaps not quite 'literally'. I put that word in to see if anyone noticed.....

 

[swee'pea99]

I'd always reciprocate if greeted, but don't initiate. I encounter probably 100+ cyclists a day - busy route. Only an idiot would try to greet 500 people a week, two-wheeled or not. It would be different if I was out in the countryside, but in the city...? No.

 

[Hacienda71]

There is something nice about being out in the country miles away from the nearest town, seeing a fellow cyclist and exchanging a nod or a wave. Not all do but I always resiprocate if acknowledged. I will say hello or morning as I pass a cyclist but only when I am level with them so they already know I am there. Seems polite.

 

[ThePainInSpain]

It's all a typically British thing, over here there's always a nod at least, but more often it's a 'hola', 'Buenas Dias' or a cheery wave. I don't know what it's like in the towns. My rides are always in the campo (countryside).

The service road at the end of the lane where I live is used by a lot of people getting excersise in various forms, from runners, joggers to walkers and cyclists. Everyone has a greeting, we all have a common interest, a bit of excersize.

Lets face it, with the weather in the UK, it's little wonder you're all miserable

Reading how bad conditions are on another thread. Just to p**s you off, I've been out today, clear blue skies, and just touching 30c. that cheers you up.....................

 

[2Loose]

I do notice that people are more likely to nod or say hello depending on how far out of town you are, also how long it has been\will be to the next rush hour.

When people stop rushing then they generally become more friendly.

 

[hackbike 666]

I make a tiny nod of the head to other cyclists. They can take that however they want. Motorists get a whole lot more thanks, big waves and loads of thumbs-ups . They could kill me faster, and I need them as friends.

Definitely,I don't want a homicidal motorist behind me.

 

[montage]

Oh serious cyclist on your serious bike,

I see you there pedalling, on the peripheral of my vision,

But when I nod at you, you look away.

Are you shy, serious cyclist?

Why only when I ignore you do you glance up in my direction?

Oh serious cyclist, it's alright, you are forgiven.

Copyright Montage 2010

 

[davefb]

Oh serious cyclist on your serious bike,

I see you there pedalling, on the peripheral of my vision,

But when I nod at you, you look away.

Are you shy, serious cyclist?

Why only when I ignore you do you glance up in my direction?

Oh serious cyclist, it's alright, you are forgiven.

Copyright Montage 2010

you're either morrisey or that just SOUNDS/SHOULD BE like a smiths lyric