Jon George
Mamil and couldn't care less
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?