Unfriendly/arrogant cyclists

[michaelcycle]

This must be region specific to some degree surely? If I saw someone smiling or waving at me whilst riding in London I would presume they were a chugger waiting to whip out a clip board and would run (or ride that is) for the hills...

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

No neediness is very much apparent across the UK

 

[Dusty Bin]

I have just added spelling police to the list

Genuinely, I thought 'fake ranger' was some kind of new expression, like impersonating a power ranger, or something..

 

[welsh dragon]

This morning I crossed paths with 3 cyclists. They all stopped and said hello, but to be honest I think they felt sorry for the poor middle aged woman gasping and wheezing by the side of the road looking like a complete numpty. I think they just wanted to make sure I wasn't having a heart attack.

 

[CopperCyclist]

I nod. I guess about 50 percent nod back. It doesn't bother me. I'd probably prefer to be antisocial and not bother nodding to people I don't know, but I also don't want to be rude!

 

[Milzy]

I like the ones who shout stuff over at you like an RAF WW2 fighter pilot! the best.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

^ must have an expensive bike

Must learn to spot the difference in bike prices - me that is, haven't got a clue!
So I could wave only to handsome hunks on expensive bikes

 

[snorri]

People engaging in outdoor sport, or training for that sport, usually do it on a pitch or playing field with the general public excluded, apart from spectators who are restricted in where they may sit or stand, and in any interaction with the players.
However,cycle sport is completely different in that particpants or those in training mingle with the general public, perhaps it is this difference that causes the "problem" being discussed in this thread.
Members of the public passing sporting venues would not expect acknowledgemt from golfers, tennis players or javelin throwers as they train for perfection in their respective sports, Why then should they expect acknowledgent from the helmet, lycra, goggles and expensive bike brigade, who are quite clearly engaged in cycle sport?

 

[Hacienda71]

I find people are more likely to give a cheerful greeting when you are sweating up a big hill in the Pennines even if they or you are on a mtb, even the walkers quite often say hi . Out and about on the Cheshire plain, the weekend warriors are far less friendly.

 

[Crankarm]

I don't ride my bike to be sociable, I ride to get some where. If there are such insecure losers out there that feel their day is ruined because a greeting isn't reciprocated then they are the ones that need help. Why do they think they can invade my space by shouting at me from the other side of the road or as I speed past them? Some of them are borderline stalkers. It's always worse at weekends. I don't greet every other car driver when I'm in my car. Most drivers shout abuse and curse at other drivers that get in their way or cut them up "Get out the way a******e!" I just want to ride along in peace without being disturbed.

 

[screenman]

I made the post earlier and I will make it again, it is part of cycling history. But like most things in today's society is on decline, if you wave back or nod I do not give a toss but I was trained to do so and will carry on.

 

[Alan Frame]

I greet most people I see when out and about, so long as the place isn't teeming with folk, so that's the jogger, the dog walker, the postie,the milk deliverer, the school crossing patrol and anyone else who looks friendly. Pleased to say 98% respond.

I think it's a case of "familiarity breeds contempt"...the more people there are about, the less likely they are to acknowledge each other.

 

[mattobrien]

Time to post this again

I refuse to acknowledge

Bso's
Anyone on an Apollo
Anyone on something with full suspension
People in high vis
Wearing headphones
Wearing a helmet
Pavement cyclists
Red light jumpers
Fakengers
Very serious cyclists
Not serious cyclists
People who wear safety boots
Anyone on a mtb
Anyone when I have had a bad day
People who look shifty
Men with pony tails
Anyone who has a glow in the dark bike


The above list is not final and I will often change at a whim. I do tend to relax my rules on cycle chat meets but only for a few hours. ;>)

Have you added the last one on the list just for me? I feel honoured.

 

[mattobrien]

I do tend to acknowledge other riders but this might be fairly subtle. A slight nod of the head or the raising on a few fingers and possibly quite easy to miss if the other rider isn't paying me full attention.

So if anyone thinks I haven't greeted them or acknowledged their greeting it isn't me being rude, it is most likely them who hasn't given me their full and undivided attention whilst I have been in their view

Obviously this only applies if I am on my cheaper road bike. While on my 'expensive' road bike, I wouldn't lower myself to greeting the needy and unwashed masses. Damn plebs

 

[Spoked Wheels]

Anybody on a cheap bike doesn't get a nod from me. It would make my life easier if bikes had a price tag.