Do you greet other cyclists?

Do you greet other cyclists?

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Hard-Drive

4,187 posts

244 months

Tuesday 20th October 2020
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I live in the sticks, rural Rutland. I always say hello/nod/lift fingers etc to to other cyclists depending on the size of their group, although to be honest out here everyone pretty much says hello to everyone else anyway! Obviously if it's on the approach to Cafe Allez/Ventoux/Windmill where there are cyclists everywhere it starts to become a bit less practical, and around Rutland Water there's more of a knowing mutually respectful nod between lycra/baggy clad types on proper bikes, and I'm less inclined to greet large groups on hire bikes wearing tracksuits...

TBH a greeting or wave is one of those small things that brightens my day. I also sail, and out on the Solent etc all sailors wave to each other (less so with powerboats, obvs!). I've also owned lots of "wavey" cars...classic VW Beetle, classic VW Campervan, Land Rover Series 3 and Defenders, Boxster, mk1 MR2, and being a PHer, an MX5 of course. A mutual wave is one of life's little pleasures.

BobSaunders

3,099 posts

170 months

Tuesday 20th October 2020
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Will say hello, unless it is a peleton then it's a simple hand up to greet or nod. Can't always let go of the handlebars.

Will say hello whilst overtaking, but will advise that i am on their right or left first.

Will always ask and help people if needed.

No problems with people that don't say hello, we all have stuff going on in our heads, but those who are assholes i remember.

Won't stop for assholes, and i have a memory for face, jersey, and bikes, like an elephant even years later.

boyse7en

7,601 posts

180 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
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I didn't realise that some people didn't say hello.

I always say hello (unless I'm busting my lungs going up a hill, in which case they'll get a finger wave smile ) to riders/runners/horse riders

If I catch up/get caught by people going the same way I'll usually have a quick chat.

maybe it's a city/country thing

Simes205

4,826 posts

243 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
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I always say hello on my mtb, most roadies don’t respond.

lauda

3,923 posts

222 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
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I always say hello to other people who look like they're out riding for pleasure, regardless of what bike they're on. I tend not to say hello to the commuters unless they look like they might be a more serious cyclist. Not sure why really.

jinkster

2,357 posts

171 months

Saturday 24th October 2020
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I always say hello unless i'm sprinting up a hill and nearly die-ing biggrin

Howaboutthis

162 posts

77 months

Saturday 24th October 2020
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We had a friend from the UK visiting us here in the south of Ireland a while back, she went for a walk one morning and came back puzzled, "do I look like someone else?". Nope, people were just being friendly, smiling and saying hi.

Tempest_5

605 posts

212 months

Monday 26th October 2020
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I generally greet other cyclists, especially out in the middle of nowhere. I also greet walkers/dog walkers/horse riders as well, partly out of friendliness and partly out of doing a bit of PR for cycling. A few of them might be a bit less "anti" if we are nice to them. Some will still be miserable b@stards whatever we do though.

I have have had many pleasant conversations with fellow mountain bikers who are complete strangers when out on the trail. It makes the ride a bit more enjoyable.

Having ridden a road bike on the commute I understand why some roadies aren't always sociable, they are too busy avoiding the potholes that give them pinch/snakebite punctures.

If I'm not being sociable it's probably because I am knackered.

magpie215

4,765 posts

204 months

Monday 26th October 2020
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I will usually say hello/wave or give the 'nod' to anyone on 2 wheels.......if they respond great.

I do find that if I'm on my non road bike winter hack the responses from roadies do drop off a cliff though.scratchchin