Do you greet other cyclists?
Discussion
Most cyclists are quite social and like to say hello, it doesn't hurt and a reply doesn't cost anything, of course there are anti-social people who think it below them to acknowledge a friendly wave.
Seriously it's all "we're in the same gang" but sometimes some riders don't like members of that gang because they ride something different e.g. roadies not waving to mountain bikers, I wave to others and often the riders actually pretend they haven't seen me because of the type of bike I'm riding (I have road, mountain and recumbent bikes and velomobiles), it's no skin off my nose, so if you don't want to say hello or wave carry on.
Something to think about though, there may be a time when you're at the side of the road with a ripped tyre and the person with a tyre boot that could help won't stop because they recognise the tt who didn't wave back 30 minutes earlier.
Seriously it's all "we're in the same gang" but sometimes some riders don't like members of that gang because they ride something different e.g. roadies not waving to mountain bikers, I wave to others and often the riders actually pretend they haven't seen me because of the type of bike I'm riding (I have road, mountain and recumbent bikes and velomobiles), it's no skin off my nose, so if you don't want to say hello or wave carry on.
Something to think about though, there may be a time when you're at the side of the road with a ripped tyre and the person with a tyre boot that could help won't stop because they recognise the tt who didn't wave back 30 minutes earlier.
Edited by sherbertdip on Friday 16th October 07:40
I say hello or good morning/afternoon to everyone I pass.....cyclists, dog walkers etc. But then I do live and ride in darkest Somerset where I don't pass a lot of people anyway, so it makes it easier ! Most people return the greeting, occasional dog walkers look at me like I'm some insane idiot for saying hello and the occasional 'Wiggins' wannabe dressed all in black with no lights mostly don't say hello but I guess they're too busy concentrating !
Paul Drawmer said:
Why do so many other riders keep saying "Hello" or waving at me?
I don't know you and I'm just out for a ride.
Yes, I do. Nothing wrong with it. I don't know you and I'm just out for a ride.
I also often say hello to people running whilst running (and even walking when outside of busy areas). It bemuses me that a small number (mostly male, 30-40 something) of people make a conscious effort to avoid my gaze/greeting when running towards me.
There does appear to be some confusion from people traveling via different transport, eg. motorbikers a bit puzzled when I nod at them whilst cycling.
As a newish cyclist I was a little bemused by a lack of cyclists returning a nod/wave or hello. Maybe because I was a fat old bloke in a t shirt and shorts on a fairly rubbish bike.
I've found that as my gear has got better so have the responses. Cyclists now clearly recognise that I'm at least trying to be a cyclist rather than a fat old bloke on a bike.
I've found that as my gear has got better so have the responses. Cyclists now clearly recognise that I'm at least trying to be a cyclist rather than a fat old bloke on a bike.
sherbertdip said:
Most cyclists are quite social and like to say hello, it doesn't hurt and a reply doesn't cost anything, of course there are anti-social people who think it below them to acknowledge a friendly wave.
Seriously it's all "we're in the same gang" but sometimes some riders don't like members of that gang because they ride something different e.g. roadies not waving to mountain bikers, I wave to others and often the riders actually pretend they haven't seen me because of the type of bike I'm riding (I have road, mountain and recumbent bikes and velomobiles), it's no skin off my nose, so if you don't want to say hello or wave carry on.
Something to think about though, there may be a time when you're at the side of the road with a ripped tyre and the person with a tyre boot that could help won't stop because they recognise the tt who didn't wave back 30 minutes earlier.
If you're a stuck up you ignore friendly people.Seriously it's all "we're in the same gang" but sometimes some riders don't like members of that gang because they ride something different e.g. roadies not waving to mountain bikers, I wave to others and often the riders actually pretend they haven't seen me because of the type of bike I'm riding (I have road, mountain and recumbent bikes and velomobiles), it's no skin off my nose, so if you don't want to say hello or wave carry on.
Something to think about though, there may be a time when you're at the side of the road with a ripped tyre and the person with a tyre boot that could help won't stop because they recognise the tt who didn't wave back 30 minutes earlier.
Edited by sherbertdip on Friday 16th October 07:40
Not exclusive to cyclists but does seem to be more likely with the amount of lycra worn.
In general
OP you are a sad example of what people are in todays society.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPdPG3QIIHU
Just as well you don't live in the Islands. Everyone on Islay waves at you when you drive around, whether you know them or not.
Maybe it's a country thing but since I was a wee lad we always greeted people when out and about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPdPG3QIIHU
Just as well you don't live in the Islands. Everyone on Islay waves at you when you drive around, whether you know them or not.
Maybe it's a country thing but since I was a wee lad we always greeted people when out and about.
always! to be fair when I commuted in london a few years ago I didnt other than some guys I knew from my commute.
now riding around west sussex I always say hi to passing cyclists and get the same 9/10 times!
being friendly hurts no one.
I'd say you're the odd one out if you find it strange.
now riding around west sussex I always say hi to passing cyclists and get the same 9/10 times!
being friendly hurts no one.
I'd say you're the odd one out if you find it strange.
hyperblue said:
- Unless you’re on an MTB and I’m on my road bike or vice versa
The opportunity needs to have a turn onto some dirt with 50m of the pass as I will be absolutely fking knackered by then.
Mr E said:
I like to catch and pass groups of road bikes on my MTB with a cheery “hello” when opportunity presents.
The opportunity needs to have a turn onto some dirt with 50m of the pass as I will be absolutely fking knackered by then.
Yes it's always amusing, 50miles into a century, when somebody riding an MTB in a pair of baggy pyjamas does that The opportunity needs to have a turn onto some dirt with 50m of the pass as I will be absolutely fking knackered by then.
I ride (and run) on and off road.
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