Do you greet other cyclists?
Discussion
I usually limit a wave or nod (or raise the fingers off the hoods) to other road bike users who are clearly out on a training ride, rather than all bike users who would wonder what’s going on. It’s generally the done thing.
Of course if someone waves on something else, I’d wave back.
There are those who are ‘too pro’ to wave back.
Of course if someone waves on something else, I’d wave back.
There are those who are ‘too pro’ to wave back.
I had never noticed the waving at other cyclists on the road thing until I went out with roadies.
After waving at everyone for a while I realised "generally" those pootling along in work or casual clothes just looked at you as if you were a bit odd. I wave at those who appear to be more regular riders, and nod at others if they look at me, return a wave and smile to all though.
I understand why some roadies don't wave at those who aren't though as the majority think your being weird. So I don't take offense when I'm commuting and don't get waved at by roadies.
After waving at everyone for a while I realised "generally" those pootling along in work or casual clothes just looked at you as if you were a bit odd. I wave at those who appear to be more regular riders, and nod at others if they look at me, return a wave and smile to all though.
I understand why some roadies don't wave at those who aren't though as the majority think your being weird. So I don't take offense when I'm commuting and don't get waved at by roadies.
OK - I admit it.
I was trolling, just fishing to see if anyone agreed.
I just get sort of pissed off by fellow cyclists and refuse to acknowledge a greeting from someone who has a common enjoyment in cycling.
Usually most riders are fine, sometimes MTBers are bemused at a wave from a roadie, and more common are the blank stares from large investors in kit or clothing.
As an old and slow cyclist, I believe that it's good manners; particularly if you are overtaking.
I was trolling, just fishing to see if anyone agreed.
I just get sort of pissed off by fellow cyclists and refuse to acknowledge a greeting from someone who has a common enjoyment in cycling.
Usually most riders are fine, sometimes MTBers are bemused at a wave from a roadie, and more common are the blank stares from large investors in kit or clothing.
As an old and slow cyclist, I believe that it's good manners; particularly if you are overtaking.
SomersetWestie said:
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 ! 
I'm in the sticks too.I normally raise a hand or shout alright mate, normally get a response.
Tend not to to people without helmets, not that I’m bothered what they’re wearing but they’re not normally cyclists and riding along on the path.
Mtb is much more social, I’ll chat with people if we’re heading the same way and more of an exchange when going opposite ways. May be because of the slower speed but in general I find mtb much much more relaxed
Tend not to to people without helmets, not that I’m bothered what they’re wearing but they’re not normally cyclists and riding along on the path.
Mtb is much more social, I’ll chat with people if we’re heading the same way and more of an exchange when going opposite ways. May be because of the slower speed but in general I find mtb much much more relaxed
The 'no wavers' must be the self and same people as the 'silent wheelsuckers'. But you can have a bit more fun with the wheelsuckers ... turn the screw, adding power in 30w increments usually sees them jettisoned at anything over 240w
At least in Europe, wheelsuckers usually thank you for the ride as they peel off.
At least in Europe, wheelsuckers usually thank you for the ride as they peel off.
JEA1K said:
The 'no wavers' must be the self and same people as the 'silent wheelsuckers'. But you can have a bit more fun with the wheelsuckers ... turn the screw, adding power in 30w increments usually sees them jettisoned at anything over 240w
At least in Europe, wheelsuckers usually thank you for the ride as they peel off.
Nah, just suddenly bang in a 1000W sprint effort. Especially if there’s a hill coming.At least in Europe, wheelsuckers usually thank you for the ride as they peel off.
I'd say it's certainly changed as cycling has become more popular. I'd say that 10 years ago, there were far fewer people out on road bikes, in your local area a lot of them on the road were likely people you knew (or wearing club kit from a club you knew), so the wave was really because you did know them. Or, if you didn't, had plenty of affinity with them.
Nowadays it seems to me that it the people you *actually* know, the 'club men' or the old boys that wave. A lot of 'new' cyclists don't. No great loss, but i remain friendly to anyone else on a bike!
Nowadays it seems to me that it the people you *actually* know, the 'club men' or the old boys that wave. A lot of 'new' cyclists don't. No great loss, but i remain friendly to anyone else on a bike!
loskie said:
do I have to hand in my badge? Said hello to a lady on a mobility scooter this afternoon. Rural backroad.
Nah. Whisper it, but I've even stopped for a chat with people I've nodded to or said hello to. Walkers, dog walkers, horse riders, etc. And I was forced to ride along behind a herd of cattle once. I suppose I could have shot the farmer a Paddington Bear Stare and then studiously ignored him, but we had a nice chat until the cows left the road to go into their new pasture. I almost always nod, wave, or say hello. Or at least lift a hand on the bars. And I ALWAYS make sure that someone stopped on the road or trail is OK. I'm pretty self-sufficient on long rides so I might be able to help someone get mobile again. I feel obliged to do this because on my worst ever ride four people who weren't even cyclists helped me out at various stages with coffee, shelter to repair a puncture in the rain, tools to bend back a mech hanger and repair a chain (and an offer of a lift to a station which I foolishly turned down), and a sweet mum and daughter who even took me into their living room to warm up, and made me a sandwich at nearly midnight on the edge of Newbury while I was repairing yet another puncture on that ride, sat under a lamppost on the verge of giving up and throwing the bike into a ditch.
Sure, some riders will ignore you. But I've never had anyone get grumpy at a smile, nod, or wave.
sociopath said:
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.
Hand your bike in, it's what we do, well except the stuck up ones who don't.I don't know you and I'm just out for a ride.
When walking where we live, everyone usually says, "Moien!" (Local lingo
), so I carried on with that when cycling. Most other cyclists respond positively, except the "pro peleton" type groups. They are, in my opinion, a bunch of 
s who ignore you to the point of almost running you off the cycle routes, so much space they take up across the pathway, and regardless of which direction they're moving. They receive a one word 'greeting' from me then that isn't a cheery, "Moien!"Speaking of pro Pelton s. I was on my way home after a ride in the surrey hills (in my car) and there was a bunch of roadies coming the opposite direction. The s were in my side of the road and they had the ordasity to gesture at me to move over
I always try to say hello. Doesnt hurt, I say hello to everyone no matter the bike I'm riding or they are riding, walkers too.
s. I was on my way home after a ride in the surrey hills (in my car) and there was a bunch of roadies coming the opposite direction. The s were in my side of the road and they had the ordasity to gesture at me to move over I always try to say hello. Doesnt hurt, I say hello to everyone no matter the bike I'm riding or they are riding, walkers too.
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