bike ettiquette

Elijah2010

is it me or am i imagining that when you pass anyone on the road and say hello almost everyone replies but when you pass someone going in the opposite direction only about 50% reply . just remember as my mum always says manners cost nothing ,riding always puts me in a good mood irrespective of my mood when leaving home be happy your ment to be doing something you love!

navrig2

Unless you "nod" as you speak the person going in the opposite direction probably wont hear you especially if there is any noticeable wind. A nod at least can be seen (unless their head is down).

mcvw

I always try to acknowledge fellow cyclists, usually by a nod or wave - sometimes both (depends how knackered I am at the time) LOL!

darkhairedlord

if you have the breath to say hello to someone coming the other way you must be coasting, hence downhill. Therefore the other person must be going uphill, pedalling hard, short of breath.
A nod, lift of the right hand fingers from the hood or a smiley grimace should suffice.

dj58

I have found that most cyclists coming the other way respond to an hello or nod of the head. Can depend on the type of road, traffic conditions etc. I don't get upset if someone ignores me though, as you don't know what is going on in their world at the time.

whoof

This has previously got upto 3 pages in May
viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12969692&hilit=acknowledge

And six in August last year.
viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12936156&hilit=acknowledge

debeli

There are several real or imagined 'communities' among road users: People who drive classic cars, motorcyclists, cyclists... All or many of these have sub-sets: Recumbent riders, P5 drivers, Velocette riders and so on.

Cyclists do seem to be a friendly bunch, but I have never felt the presence or protection of some imagined community among them. There are (of course) the more 'senior' riders, still devoted to steel, still in casquettes and still looking decades younger than their age. They all seem to be wavers and smilers. Good for them!

Among the newer subscribers, the Mamils and their brethren, there seems sometimes to be a slightly agressive wish to be included and recognised. The nod will be somehow cold and the smile un-smiley. I'm not sure where that comes from, but it seems to predominate among men my age (50) or younger who have jolly posh mounts and matching kit.

Wave or not, I find cyclists a jolly bunch. Many still shout offers of help when I'm fixing a puncture. That doesn't happen so much with cars and motorcycles....

But I do not subscribe to the 'need' to wave. Nice when it happens and of no consequence when it doesn't.

arran77

whoof wrote:

This has previously got upto 3 pages in May
viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12969692&hilit=acknowledge

And six in August last year.
viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12936156&hilit=acknowledge

I give this one just two

BTW I subscribe to 'couldn't give a fuck what anyone else does'

Elijah2010

a nod or a wave would do as i feel there is more of a community spirit with bike riders than car divers,i think when you're on your bike your not in that bubble you get in when you're in your car for some reason .also i ride in the country where there's not as many distractions ,i still think if i actually say "hello" to somebody,then they should have the manners to acknowledge me,irrespective of the watts they're knocking out.I shift ,but i can still find the strength to say hi,to a fellow rider,i've only been riding two years and in that time the majority of riders are extremely pleasant!!!

NeXXus

FFS

ben@31

When I was out the other day. I was cycling along a long straight road and came across two who were cycling in the opposite direction with their right arm out to signal turning right. I almost gave them a high five as I went past. Made me smile (easily amused)

letap73

whoof wrote:

This has previously got upto 3 pages in May
viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12969692&hilit=acknowledge

And six in August last year.
viewtopic.php?f=40013&t=12936156&hilit=acknowledge

You spoilsport!

What better thread to follow two protracted threads on helmets.

Anyway the next person who says hello to me on a bike I going to make an about turn, catch them up and say something like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e9CkhBb18E

For balance, the next person who doesn't say hello to me on the bike I will say this to them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmLRTVYgEq4

simon_masterson

Not again!

thefd

Oh good not had this one for....at least a week!

Elijah2010

very funny, i think im going so quick everyone gets jealous thats why some dont acknowledge me lol.

Ber Nard

What's your average speed?

Colinthecop

A couple of weeks ago I saw a lady cyclist, I smiled and she smiled back. So I turned around and followed her so we could get to know each other. She cycled away really fast and I never got the chance.

I hate rude people like that. :x

markhewitt1978

Elijah2010 wrote:

is it me or am i imagining that when you pass anyone on the road and say hello almost everyone replies but when you pass someone going in the opposite direction only about 50% reply . just remember as my mum always says manners cost nothing ,riding always puts me in a good mood irrespective of my mood when leaving home be happy your ment to be doing something you love!

This one again? Really?

chris_bass

The OP seems to be suggesting people going in the opposite direction to him are ruder than the ones going his way? or am i reading it wrong?

either way, who cares, say hello if you want, don't if you don't, its been done to death.

Elijah2010

i do a 32 mile ride twice a week my average speed is 18.5 mph . its not very flat at least a 3rd up hill my best time is 1 hour 40 minutes.im 50 years of age so i dont think im doing bad for an old git.my best average for this particular run is 18.8 mph ,iv,e only been riding for 18 month,used to run cross country until i tore the cartilage in my knee 2 years ago but for some reason bike riding does not irritate it so happy days.

morstar

Elijah2010 wrote:

i do a 32 mile ride twice a week my average speed is 18.5 mph . its not very flat at least a 3rd up hill my best time is 1 hour 40 minutes.im 50 years of age so i dont think im doing bad for an old git.my best average for this particular run is 18.8 mph ,iv,e only been riding for 18 month,used to run cross country until i tore the cartilage in my knee 2 years ago but for some reason bike riding does not irritate it so happy days.

Is this using a compact, standard or triple?

Also....

What groupset?

lakesluddite

Eeee...we're a welcoming bunch aren't we!? :roll:

thefd

Elijah2010 wrote:

i do a 32 mile ride twice a week my average speed is 18.5 mph . its not very flat at least a 3rd up hill my best time is 1 hour 40 minutes.im 50 years of age so i dont think im doing bad for an old git.my best average for this particular run is 18.8 mph ,iv,e only been riding for 18 month,used to run cross country until i tore the cartilage in my knee 2 years ago but for some reason bike riding does not irritate it so happy days.

It would be interesting to see a Strava of your ride...

jgsi

LakesLuddite wrote:

Eeee...we're a welcoming bunch aren't we!? :roll:

considering the 'etiquette'.. he may well have peed a few old lags off who tried for years to a ride average over 18mph ;-)

darkhairedlord

Elijah2010 wrote:

i do a 32 mile ride twice a week my average speed is 18.5 mph . its not very flat at least a 3rd up hill my best time is 1 hour 40 minutes.im 50 years of age so i dont think im doing bad for an old git.my best average for this particular run is 18.8 mph ,iv,e only been riding for 18 month,used to run cross country until i tore the cartilage in my knee 2 years ago but for some reason bike riding does not irritate it so happy days.

if your best time for the 32 mile ride is 1hr 40 then your best average is 19.2 mph NOT 18.8!
me smells BS

chris_bass

darkhairedlord wrote:

Elijah2010 wrote:

i do a 32 mile ride twice a week my average speed is 18.5 mph . its not very flat at least a 3rd up hill my best time is 1 hour 40 minutes.im 50 years of age so i dont think im doing bad for an old git.my best average for this particular run is 18.8 mph ,iv,e only been riding for 18 month,used to run cross country until i tore the cartilage in my knee 2 years ago but for some reason bike riding does not irritate it so happy days.

if your best time for the 32 mile ride is 1hr 40 then your best average is 19.2 mph NOT 18.8!
me smells BS

or it was 1 hour 42 and he rounded it down slightly, not that hard to believe!

Wunnunda

I always thank my bike after a ride.
Just common courtesy.

mpatts

If anyone doesn't reply to my hello, I turn round and chase after them. When I catch up, I point out to them which of 'the rules' they are breaking. If they aren't wearing a helmet, I tell them that they are basically about to die. If they are wearing a helmet, I tell them that there is no point as they are only crash tested up to 12mph. I am also willing to dispense some welcome advice on what wheels would be a suitable upgrade given their weight and speed aspirations. Generally this transpires to be mavic Akysiums. If they are riding Akysiums, I tell them that they could have got a better set for the same money if they went handbuilt. If they are riding Shimano, I tell them Campy is more reliable; if SRAM shimano is better; if Campy I them why they aren't compatible with anything. If they are riding 23's, I tell them 25's are better; if 25's 27's are better; if tubs clinchers are better; if clichers tubs are better; and if tubeless I tell them that they have higher rolling resistance.

Have I covered all the bases?

surrey_commuter

mpatts wrote:

If anyone doesn't reply to my hello, I turn round and chase after them. When I catch up, I point out to them which of 'the rules' they are breaking. If they aren't wearing a helmet, I tell them that they are basically about to die. If they are wearing a helmet, I tell them that there is no point as they are only crash tested up to 12mph. I am also willing to dispense some welcome advice on what wheels would be a suitable upgrade given their weight and speed aspirations. Generally this transpires to be mavic Akysiums. If they are riding Akysiums, I tell them that they could have got a better set for the same money if they went handbuilt. If they are riding Shimano, I tell them Campy is more reliable; if SRAM shimano is better; if Campy I them why they aren't compatible with anything. If they are riding 23's, I tell them 25's are better; if 25's 27's are better; if tubs clinchers are better; if clichers tubs are better; and if tubeless I tell them that they have higher rolling resistance.

Have I covered all the bases?

you seem a bit lenient in letting them have their own opinion on which hot drink they prefer

mpatts

Surrey Commuter wrote:

mpatts wrote:

If anyone doesn't reply to my hello, I turn round and chase after them. When I catch up, I point out to them which of 'the rules' they are breaking. If they aren't wearing a helmet, I tell them that they are basically about to die. If they are wearing a helmet, I tell them that there is no point as they are only crash tested up to 12mph. I am also willing to dispense some welcome advice on what wheels would be a suitable upgrade given their weight and speed aspirations. Generally this transpires to be mavic Akysiums. If they are riding Akysiums, I tell them that they could have got a better set for the same money if they went handbuilt. If they are riding Shimano, I tell them Campy is more reliable; if SRAM shimano is better; if Campy I them why they aren't compatible with anything. If they are riding 23's, I tell them 25's are better; if 25's 27's are better; if tubs clinchers are better; if clichers tubs are better; and if tubeless I tell them that they have higher rolling resistance.

Have I covered all the bases?

you seem a bit lenient in letting them have their own opinion on which hot drink they prefer

You are right.

if they are a bearded hipster riding a fixie, after I've told them they should be running an 11/16, I'll tell them that they should drink Bovril not coffee.

surrey_commuter

mpatts wrote:

Surrey Commuter wrote:

mpatts wrote:

If anyone doesn't reply to my hello, I turn round and chase after them. When I catch up, I point out to them which of 'the rules' they are breaking. If they aren't wearing a helmet, I tell them that they are basically about to die. If they are wearing a helmet, I tell them that there is no point as they are only crash tested up to 12mph. I am also willing to dispense some welcome advice on what wheels would be a suitable upgrade given their weight and speed aspirations. Generally this transpires to be mavic Akysiums. If they are riding Akysiums, I tell them that they could have got a better set for the same money if they went handbuilt. If they are riding Shimano, I tell them Campy is more reliable; if SRAM shimano is better; if Campy I them why they aren't compatible with anything. If they are riding 23's, I tell them 25's are better; if 25's 27's are better; if tubs clinchers are better; if clichers tubs are better; and if tubeless I tell them that they have higher rolling resistance.

Have I covered all the bases?

you seem a bit lenient in letting them have their own opinion on which hot drink they prefer

You are right.

if they are a bearded hipster riding a fixie, after I've told them they should be running an 11/16, I'll tell them that they should drink Bovril not coffee.

sit behind him and have a go about lack of mudguards then overtake and have a go about drafting. This has the added benefit of allowing you to form an opinion of and then criticise their choice of lights/clothing.