Should I nod at/acknowledge other riders?

[SquareDaff]

To start - thanks to everyone for the advice. New bike ordered and, hopefully here for Friday so I can set it up over the weekend for the commute to work on Monday!

One thing that has been bugging me - as I've been ridding to work I've been nodding at other cyclists. It's a habit I picked up when I used to ride on motorbikes and assumed that cyclists would be of the same attitude. So far I've only been acknowledged back once. Do cyclists just not do this? Can I also assume that if I break down some kindly person won't stop and offer to lend a hand too (even though I may not need it)?

 

[Globalti]

Nobody will acknowledge you until you look something like this:

 

[Fab Foodie]

Some do, some don't.
Do what makes you feel comfortable, me I'll wave at anybody...

 

[007]

I nod to pretty much everyone I pass on a bike. Most respond, some don't - no big deal.

 

[snorri]

Do cyclists just not do this? Can I also assume that if I break down some kindly person won't stop and offer to lend a hand too (even though I may not need it)?

Some do, some don't, it can depend on the number of cyclists around at the time and which part of the country you are in. Utility and sporting cyclists are unlikely to respond, probably your best bet for acknowledgement are the leisure cyclists.
I doubt if there is any connection between acknowledging a wave and assisting, or not, at a breakdown.

 

[wilko]

As has been said, some will respond, some won't. In my experience it's the same for motorbikes, where some will respond and some won't. I used to take it quite personally if my friendly wave was ignored, but now it doesn't bother me so much, though I don't get it that someone would just ignore you if you say hello. Just arrogance in my book.

 

[ianrauk]

On my commute I don't usually, as there are far too many. On a ride, sometimes I acknowledge, sometimes I don't. It's no big deal if I get a response or not.

 

[SquareDaff]

I tend to use country lanes and quieter roads for my commute so see the same people nearly every day! Maybe I'll just have to invest in some day glo lycra as suggested but just seems ignorant to me and not something I'd do.

 

[wilko]

On my commute I don't usually, as there are far too many. On a ride, sometimes I acknowledge, sometimes I don't. It's no big deal if I get a response or not.

I can understand you not acknowledging if there are lot of cyclists about, but why would you not if there is just you and someone else passing?

 

[marzjennings]

I do and I don't depending on the ride. If I'm head down concentrating on cadence and spin I'll not be waving at anyone, but if it's a ride to the shops I'm a head nodding, 'how's it going' freak.

I do though, always asked cyclists who seem to be having problems whether they're ok or not.

 

[SimonC]

To start - thanks to everyone for the advice. New bike ordered and, hopefully here for Friday so I can set it up over the weekend for the commute to work on Monday!

One thing that has been bugging me - as I've been ridding to work I've been nodding at other cyclists. It's a habit I picked up when I used to ride on motorbikes and assumed that cyclists would be of the same attitude. So far I've only been acknowledged back once. Do cyclists just not do this? Can I also assume that if I break down some kindly person won't stop and offer to lend a hand too (even though I may not need it)?

If it was me riding past and I saw you broken down at the side of the road, I would slow down and ask if you are OK, and a lot of other serious/experienced roadies would IME.

Tends to be the weekend warriors who have had a bike for 10 minutes who ignore you, or is this just an almighty generalisation.

This is, of course, NO excuse for going out unprepared. Take some spare tubes, take a multitool.

 

[Willo]

I tend to greet fellow cyclists and find that most others are the same where I tend to cycle. Prob less so on commutes but with traffic etc it's not really as practical. As others have said, I slow down and ask if others are okay if I see someone pulled over with a puncture or something, and have found that others have done the same to me to check all is okay which is really nice.

 

[gbs]

Can I also assume that if I break down some kindly person won't stop and offer to lend a hand too (even though I may not need it)?

Around this patch - supposed cold and standoffish SW London, Surrey, Sussex - I guess that 30/40% of cyclists will call out if you are tending to a mechanical. If you are simply hedgestopping you are invisible.

 

[guitarpete247]

I'm just a leisure cyclist so wave at most people I pass (or those that pass me). I went out today and passed about 6 other bikers. All responded except 1 old guy on an electric bike. He just sailed past, in opposite direction, eyes fixed firmly in the distance. I waved and called out "Hi". He continued with eyes straight ahead .

 

[johnr]

I acknowledge everyone including kids and considerate drivers. As you're likely to see the same people every day, you'll wear them down in the end!