Code of Conduct

[scots_lass]

When out cycling I normally say hello to people who are cycling, walking their dogs, pushing prams etc. Even thank you to dog walkers who restrain their pets while I go past. And I ring my bell if I am coming up behind someone. Mostly cycle on cycle paths and canalside. All common courtesy or is it? Most people say hello in return except those very fast blokes in lycra who go whizzing past! Is it not cool to acknowledge an obvious 'social' cyclist like myself or are they going so fast that they don't have breath for a hello? What do you do? Are you a hello-er or an ignorer?

Scots_lass

 

[Bigtwin]

Can't stand people being sociable when I'm riding. It's about me, the bike and the road. If you have the energy to speak, you're not riding, you're just cycling. Pain, burn, push, sweat nothing else is relevant.

 

[Blue]

Hello scots_lass.

 

[rich p]

It depends on how many cyclists there are, are they commuters etc. A lot of people are just riding a bike to the shops etc and don't feel part of the brotherhood of cylists. They are POB's and good luck to them. I say hello more often than not but not in town.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Can't stand people being sociable when I'm riding. It's about me, the bike and the road. If you have the energy to speak, you're not riding, you're just cycling. Pain, burn, push, sweat nothing else is relevant.

With respect, I totally disagree. What hope is there to encourage newcomers to our glorious sport if the established members can't be bothered to extend a common courtesy?

 

[new-fish]

I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to be sociable, the majority of people i pass acknowledge you, even most horse riders.. which is amazing in itself lol

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Can't stand people being sociable when I'm riding. It's about me, the bike and the road. If you have the energy to speak, you're not riding, you're just cycling. Pain, burn, push, sweat nothing else is relevant.

Anyhow, what are you training for? The next TDF?

 

[eldudino]

I said hello to a bloke this evening; all the gear no idea. As I said it, he looked at me like I'd shat on his kids. He then wove in and out of traffic, cut me up and allowed me to scalp him 3 times. What a nice chap.

Generally a hello to most folk, barring POB's or anyone with a fag or a pie in their hand.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Ah.....you just might have uncovered the secret. Maybe these ignoramuses dare not speak because they have something to hide. For instance they are POB's in disguise?

 

[Randochap]

Like any other situation, it depends.

If I'm training and riding fast, there's not much time for niceties ... and most other folks on the road don't have time to either. Maybe a nod of the helmet/tip of the cap. But maybe not.

On trails it's a different matter. Unless it's rush hour -- when you can't possibly acknowledge every bike that passes at 5 second or less intervals -- then you are closer and ignoring might seem more of a personal affront.

Still, my view is I don't know you from Adam. So don't take it personally if my mind is somewhere else and not on you.

Here's different. We're in virtual proximity, although I can't see you. Hello and welcome.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Respect indeed Randochap if you and I pass. It's a heck of a long way from Canada to Lincolnshire

 

[Wigsie]

I have all the gear and no idea yet I say hello to every one, I make special note to say hi to the roadies as it seems to annoy them as they are 'training' and saying hello may disturb them.. I am beginning to think that road cycling may contain more snobbery than golf courses!

And Eldudino... how does he 'let' you scalp him 3 times? did he overtake you twice?

 

[marooncat]

I always thank anyone who moves out the road for me on the cycle path (or grunt what I hope sounds like thanks depending on how out of breath I am) and tend to smile or somehow acknowledge any cyclist who passes me, most who acknowledge me back even if it is just a nod.

I cycle in a tracksuit and T shirt so nothing fancy

 

[eldudino]

I have all the gear and no idea yet I say hello to every one, I make special note to say hi to the roadies as it seems to annoy them as they are 'training' and saying hello may disturb them.. I am beginning to think that road cycling may contain more snobbery than golf courses!

And Eldudino... how does he 'let' you scalp him 3 times? did he overtake you twice?

Yep, I happily waited at traffic lights as he wove away on and off an access-only side road that runs adjacent to the main road. I had to touch the brake lever as he rejoined the main carriageway to avoid literally scalping him for the final time. He didn't acknowledge me, maybe he will next time.

As for roadies, I'd heard that they don't necessarily like other two wheel travellers that don't follow their chosen religion so I make a point of giving them a bigger wave than everyone else!

 

[scook94]

I said hello to a bloke this evening; all the gear no idea. As I said it, he looked at me like I'd shat on his kids. He then wove in and out of traffic, cut me up and allowed me to scalp him 3 times. What a nice chap.

Generally a hello to most folk, barring POB's or anyone with a fag or a pie in their hand.

Sorry mate, didn't realise it was you...