Is it the weather? Or are most cyclists insular?

[Jon George]

You’d think that with all the dopamine apparently released when cycling, the majority of riders would generally be happier and possibly more gregarious. Unfortunately, the evidence appears to be not. For many years I have ridden both cycle and motorbike and I latterly made a rather sad observation when comparing the two. When on my motorbike, it is noticeable how many other bikers will return a nod of recognition – about 75% in my experience. Not so on my cycle. I have got back into riding some serious miles during the last year and always try to greet a fellow cyclist with a smile and a ‘good day’. About a quarter return the gesture and another quarter will perhaps raise a hand or nod. The other half completely blank me. I accept there’s a chance that the sight of me in my lycra and spandex would make anyone lost for words, and that some might be exhausted or glum at the grind of cycling to work, but is a large section of the cycling communality so self-obsessed or miserable that they can’t muster even a little bit of joy and communicate? Or do I blame the government?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Do you have flat bars or drops?

 

[ianrauk]

Here we go again............

It really isn't important.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Here we go again............

It really isn't important.

don't dis the brotherhood.




though why it is folk think total strangers should interact with each other just because they share the same mode of transport is beyond me. Should I wave to everyone I walk past in the street who is wearing brown shoes?

 

[4F]

I normally blank other nutters / fruitcakes who feel the need to wave or nod at me

 

[ianrauk]

don't dis the brotherhood.




though why it is folk think total strangers should interact with each other just because they share the same mode of transport is beyond me. Should I wave to everyone I walk past in the street who is wearing brown shoes?

And certainly not saying hello to the likes of you trendy fixie riders....

 

[4F]

And certainly not saying hello to the likes of you trendy fixie riders....

Or tattoed cyclist....

 

[ianrauk]

And certainly not saying hello to any runners/joggers.. bleedin' weirdos blocking the roads and pavements.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

No one waves to me. I've got bullhorns.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

And certainly not saying hello to any runners/joggers.. bleedin' weirdos blocking the roads and pavements.

Actually there is a jogger on my route to work that I have a thing for. She waves I wink. And once I stopped at the village shop and she came in. It's ok though because I've told the lovely Helen.

 

[Deleted member 23692]

I often encounter a couple of chaps on road bikes whilst I'm out and about. Sometimes I'm on my road bike and sometimes on my MTB... Can you guess which bike prompts a response from them?

 

[Globalti]

I always nod or raise the fingers of my right hand off the bars when passing other cyclists, 99% of the time they reply in like manner. The only people I don't always greet are chavs on BSOs 'cos they ain't real cyclists.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Here we go again............

It really isn't important.

It's the debate that just won't die

*wears tri-suit on club run to gauge reaction

 

[Dave 123]

don't dis the brotherhood.




though why it is folk think total strangers should interact with each other just because they share the same mode of transport is beyond me. Should I wave to everyone I walk past in the street who is wearing brown shoes?

NEVER EVER wave to anybody wearing brown shoes. You risk becoming pregnant.

 

[User16625]

You’d think that with all the dopamine apparently released when cycling, the majority of riders would generally be happier and possibly more gregarious. Unfortunately, the evidence appears to be not. For many years I have ridden both cycle and motorbike and I latterly made a rather sad observation when comparing the two. When on my motorbike, it is noticeable how many other bikers will return a nod of recognition – about 75% in my experience. Not so on my cycle. I have got back into riding some serious miles during the last year and always try to greet a fellow cyclist with a smile and a ‘good day’. About a quarter return the gesture and another quarter will perhaps raise a hand or nod. The other half completely blank me. I accept there’s a chance that the sight of me in my lycra and spandex would make anyone lost for words, and that some might be exhausted or glum at the grind of cycling to work, but is a large section of the cycling communality so self-obsessed or miserable that they can’t muster even a little bit of joy and communicate? Or do I blame the government?

I never acknowledge other cyclists. However I will return an acknowledgement aimed at me. I dont take such stuff seriously.