Are we a miserable lot?

[Ming the Merciless]

Every cyclist I pass sings the hello song


View: https://youtu.be/q5BcGrOny-k

 

[TheDoctor]

The horror, the horror...

 

[simongt]

Motorists used to greet fellow drivers in the early days of cars.

When I owned a VW Beetle in the early 70s, it was still usual for Beetle owners to wave an acknowledgement as they passed in opposite directions.

 

[Smokin Joe]

When I owned a VW Beetle in the early 70s, it was still usual for Beetle owners to wave an acknowledgement as they passed in opposite directions.

Try driving a Reliant, we used to practically jump out and hug one and other.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Some friends of mine bought a camper van some years ago. When they first got it apparently there was a lot of "Who was that? Do you know them?" "No, why?" "They just waved at us".

 

[scragend]

Following Dr Hutch's advice of only waving to your own category, that means you are one of the few cyclists I am legally permitted to wave to.

However, I would still shun you given the chance.

 

[Randomnerd]

...in Your Face.

 

[Punkawallah]

Miserable? Possibly. I aim for ‘curmudgeonly’, but . . .

As I eschew a bell (tends to scare the shoot out of people and animals) my default when passing anyone is a ‘good morning’* Usually gets a positive response, but there is an occasional ‘Strava stare’.

*other times of the day are equally valid

 

[Drago]

Try driving a Reliant, we used to practically jump out and hug one and other.

When I had a Smart ForTwo I discovered that other Smart drivers are prone to such unsolicited greetings.

 

[Punkawallah]

When I had a Smart ForTwo I discovered that other Smart drivers are prone to such unsolicited greetings.

Did you check you wallet afterwards?

 

[Drago]

No room for a wallet in a Smart ForTwo. I had to strip down to my Y fronts and lard myself up just to get behind the wheel.

 

[DRM]

I recall listening to a spooky type podcast, where a family had an old car, they saw an identical one coming the opposite way, so they all waved as they passed, only to realise they were waving at themselves

 

[CAESAR AVGVSTVS]

I usually give the oncoming cyclist the thumbs up, cost me nothing.
Im always a charmer on my Mtb, with the women walking the dogs and the ladies on horses.
Had a fantastic moment a few months ago. I was passing a gorgeous lady walking her boxer dog. The dog turned around and was looking at me wagging its tail. I’m a dog fan, so I said ‘hello beautiful’ and the woman replied ‘hello’😎. If only I was 25 years younger 😊

 

[DogmaStu]

As an old age trike cyclist (86) and NEVER suited up with "the kit", it is the same here. Almost everyone on the MUP waves back when I wave, except the fully kitted riders on $5000 bikes and up. Maybe they dont see anyone, because their head is down staring at their front wheel.

Really? Head staring down at their front wheel? You think that's how they ride, do you?

Are people with bikes £4999 less friendly then than those with £5000 bikes then? Is that your cut-off for who you can tolerate sharing the roads with you before you dislike them based upon how much they have spent? Do you check Invoices to make sure?

"The kit" and "NEVER" just makes you come across as a very bitter individual anti a certain type of cyclist you don't like. Me? I welcome anyone to cycle, be that on a penny farthing, 'bent, trike, commuter, hybrid, MTB or racing bike and they can wear whatever makes them comfortable in their pursuit - no pathetic 'them vs us' here.

It's bollocks that those who 'train' or are more 'focussed' or ride expensive bikes, fully kitted out are less friendly. This whole 'them vs us' only exists in the minds of certain folk who hold a particular chip in their shoulders.

I've been cycling in many countries, in all its forms - including the UK - and there is some utter tosh being stated in this thread. Some of the most helpful cyclists in the UK - who actually promote cycling for all, who give up their free time as volunteers to help others enjoy their cycling, who organise events etc - belong to Clubs and in my experience are very friendly, despite many owning expensive bikes, training and even racing.

I don't recognise your perceived experiences. In the main, I get waves, nods etc returned from all types of cyclists I encounter on roads and trails.

 

[Mburton1993]

Depends on the gradient.