Why does everyone assume I'm a cycle... Jerk?

[Rtvolk]

I feel like everyone assumes I'm a douche because I commute on a bike & i use/wear cyclist gear everyday weather I'm cycling or not. (i.e. Using a chrome bag or sporting a shirt w/ cycling affiliation.) Does anyone else get that & how do you deal with it?

 

[Hydra]

I often feel that I'm somehow less important than someone who drives a car. But I couldn't care less, because I know I can filter to the front of a traffic jam, and not kill the planet in the process

 

[Rtvolk]

Touché. So u just shrug others offensive actions off?

 

[buggi]

would it be the people that wear football shirts when they are not playing that think this of you?

 

[Hydra]

would it be the people that wear football shirts when they are not playing that think this of you?

Heh! I know the type.

I've never really been subjected to any 'offensive' behaviour really. More like light mocking.

Though there was one time, I was riding down a road on my route and heard a "f^kk off you w@nker" followed by a bottle smashing behind me. 'Twas uncalled for, methinks. Especially because I thought my bottle of wine had fallen out of my bag somehow (it hadn't).

 

[gbb]

Cos we're non conformists.
90% of people drive to work (just a figure, not accurate)
90% of those would have no inclination to commute on a bike.
Because we chose a different mode of transport and dress differently...we stand out.

People soon get used to it. I know i felt a little self conscious when i started wearing cycling specific clothing, you do stand out. Until they get used to it...no-one bats an eyelid at work now.

Mind, i usually wear Bikesters. Last week i dropped in for coffee at work (just happened to be passing as they were out for break) on the end of a long ride, wearing roubaix tights. That raised a few eyebrows

 

[gbb]

Heh! I know the type.

I've never really been subjected to any 'offensive' behaviour really. More like light mocking.

Though there was one time, I was riding down a road on my route and heard a "f^kk off you w@nker" followed by a bottle smashing behind me. 'Twas uncalled for, methinks. Especially because I thought my bottle of wine had fallen out of my bag somehow (it hadn't).

TBF, in maybe 5 to 8 years of commuting in cycling specific clothing, i've only encountered a remark once from a couple of young guys on BSOs.
'Who the fcuk does he think he is ?' was said as i passed....

Shugged shoulders, rode on. Couldnt give a monkeys what anyone thinks.

 

[Rtvolk]

So ignoring stupidity is the name of the game? The offenders are usually younger or really old & follow the more 'normal crowd'. I just feel like we're getting the short stick for being healthy & friendly to the ecosystem.

 

[Norm]

To slightly turn this one around, I get "Oh, you came on the bike then" when I walk into the office carrying my helmet.

My reply is "No, I'm just a very nervous bus passenger".

I don't wear cycling clothing (i.e. lycra, clipless shoes, helmet etc) when I'm not on the bike but I do use the same bag every day and I have one weather / wind-proof fleece I'll wear on the bike or in the car.

 

[slowmotion]

Hello Rtvolk, and greetings.
My advice would be not to worry too much about what other people think. If they do not understand cycling, it really is their loss.

Have fun.

 

[Jim_Noir]

Have a look at this, nothing to do with cycling, but you get the same (or worse in this case) of a bike! http://www.sophielancasterfoundation.com/

 

[summerdays]

Ignore them mostly ... but don't get tons of bad comments (a large number of my colleagues cycle - so you would probably have to be brave to make derogative cycle comments in the office). Today's commute is going to take me back through a large car park at a retail park ... and last week some idiot in a small car but with lots of modifications felt the need to tell me to get off the bike ... but that seemed to be the whole of his argument - just that I should be in a car like his....!! No Thank You.

 

[John the Monkey]

I don't wear cycling clothing (i.e. lycra, clipless shoes, helmet etc) when I'm not on the bike but I do use the same bag every day and I have one weather / wind-proof fleece I'll wear on the bike or in the car.

I once saw a bloke at Alton Towers, who was wearing a Rapha summer cap. I cycle, and I'm a fan of cycling caps, but he looked ridiculous, imo.

Takes all sorts, I suppose.

 

[Brommie77]

You think general people are bad - just try turning up in front of all your students in Hi vis yellow cycle gear (and on a Brompton...)

 

[Leaway2]

I get "here comes captain spandex" every time I walk in the office (from one wag). It just gets funnier every time I hear it!