Are men bike snobs?

[BikeHN]

Ok. Maybe I'm being hyper-sensitive, but there is something that I'm noticing in the cycling community around where I live. Men don't acknowledge women riders! I'm talking about while passing on the roads, men don't even give a nod, a wave, or even a glance. I've just gotten into cycling but I've been a fairly serious runner all my life, we runners male or female (even when suffering) usually give a nod at least. Women cyclists around here always give a friendly smile and nod...but nope, not the men.
I'm wondering if I"m being overly sensitive since recently I heard a woman in our riding group say about a couple of guys that passed us on a climb, "Oh, those guys were nice & even encouraging for a change."

Am I over-analyzing this or is it legitimate?

[zoom-zoom]

I've seen it. Even before I started riding, myself. I can count on 1 hand all the times in 4.5 years (and thousands of miles on the roads) of running that a male cyclist acknowledged me while running. They seem to reciprocate waves and hellos more when we are both on bikes, but there definitely does appear to be some weird superiority complex that many guys on bikes take on (at least around here).

But it's not just the spandex-clad "elites." It's guys on casual cruisers and mountain bikes, too. The only ones who break this trend are the 'bent guys. I love those dudes on recumbents. They are always happy to exchange greetings.

[KnottedYet]

I find older guys to be more friendly. And definitely the 'bent riders.

Guys significantly younger tend to be in their own little world, and don't respond to much. (except to pour it on and re-pass me once they realize they've been passed by a chick)

[Blue_Fedora]

Not my experience at all where we live. Cyclists of both genders are equally friendly... and equally aloof ;)

[BikeHN]

Actually zoom, I'm not talking about when I'm running and the men are on bikes...I'm talking about when were BOTH on the bikes. I don't care that cyclists don't acknowledge me when I'm running. I just thought you know, runners have a kind of comaraderie with other runners they pass, and I would think the same would be true of two cyclists passing. I'm glad I'm not the only one that notices this. I totally agree with you, its NOT just the 'spandex-clad "elites".'

[trista]

I don't see many other cyclists at all when I'm out, so I can't comment on actual riders, but I have learned that at the LBS it's best for me to ask for a female to assist me when I need something. The first time I went shopping for a road bike, a man "helped" me. He told me that a novice like me shouldn't be considering a road bike, that it's not normal to go from a hybrid to a road bike, and that I was foolish to consider that the increased hand positions of a road bike was going to offer me any relief from my wrist hurting on the flat handlebars of the hybrid. I left there without having tested ANY bikes, feeling dejected and amateurish. I was so mad!!!! No woman at the LBS has treated me that way.

[Catrin]

When I am riding in the country most of the other cyclists I see wave or say something to me when we pass. In the park where I go to practice intervals, it has taken all summer for many of them to start acknowledging my presence - but most of them do now.

Apparently the fact that I ride a Surly gets attention and most of the roadies want to know where I got it. Guess it has a reputation around here of being hard to get - and of being a great all-day bike (which it is).

Sadly that snobbery is just one of the not so nice part of human nature - but it is also true that I've noticed far more of it over the years from men. Not saying that there aren't female snobs - but I think it tends to come out differently. Or not.

[maillotpois]

there are so many cyclists on the roads here I would never consider waving to everyone. it would be a parade instead of a bike ride. if someone's stopped with a mechanical, I am going to ask if they need anything and will stop and help if they do. but I am not waving at everyone, sorry. I dont think that makes me a bike snob.

[buffybike]

All the cyclists in my area are pretty friendly (I DO live in the South, though). The older men are the nicest and most encouraging. The worst treatment I ever got was actually from another female cyclist.

The younger racing crowd tend to keep to themselves, but that's fine with me--I'm not trying to keep up with them.

[Owlie]

Where I'm currently living, we road cyclists are such a novelty that most of us wave or nod to each other. Back home, most nod or wave, except for the MUST-GO-INSANELY-FAST-type guys, who are in their own little bubble of awesome, apparently.
And let's not talk about the guy with the Pinarello who seemed to think it was his job to be a tool...:rolleyes:

[shootingstar]

BikeHN, there are enough cyclists in our area at times, that usually everyone is doing their own thing.

What seems noticeable is more in isolated areas where there are far less cyclists, and I'm cycling solo in opposite direction, then occasionally there may acknowledgement from a passing male or female cyclist. But more often, I think some guy- cyclists (usually 1 or 2 of them) if they bother to look at me, it's to figure out if they might know me.

Usually it's a guy older than his 20's, if he nods or looks.

Many cycling gals in our area are indifferent. Or just concentrating on the traffic or hill ahead of them. Just like I tend to do.

Don't take it personally. Love your bike rides instead.

[Veronica]

Why do you think they have to give you a smile, a wave or a nod? When you're grocery shopping do you acknowledge everyone you see?

Veronica

[Eden]

Why do you think they have to give you a smile, a wave or a nod? When you're grocery shopping do you acknowledge everyone you see?

Veronica

+1 - I've never understood this he/she didn't wave at me so he/she must be a snob thing..... you don't wave at all other drivers or all other folks walking on the same sidewalk as you? Well at least we don't around here.

[Catrin]

I suspect that most of those riding in the country in my area acknowledge each other because days can pass without seeing another cyclist. We are obviously out there to ride our bikes, first and foremost.

While bike snobbery does indeed exist and it manifests itself in different ways - simply not waving or acknowledging someone else is not automatically snobbery. I think my original reply implied that but it was not my intention.

[BikeHN]

I am only making an observation & wanted to know if others made the same. If NOONE acknowledged me out there then fine, but again, it's mainly just the men who act like they don't see you. Haven't you ever noticed how motorcycle riders wave to each other? 'Around here' the runners usually nod to each other and I guess as a runner and now a new rider I thought it would be similar on the bike. Silly me. Oh well, I'll still ride like hell & have fun doing it whether I get a wave, nod, or the finger. :cool:

[Eden]

........ its NOT just the 'spandex-clad "elites".'

I actually find the fact that people associate snobbery with spandex amusing. I race and I'm on a team - so I'm one of those..... as a group no we aren't the most likely to wave or be chatty. When we're riding as a team we don't necessarily want other folks getting into our group. We're generally out there to train. We're paying attention to our workout etc. *but* - team riders are also usually the first to stop and help out when there's someone with a problem - a flat, a crash. We tend to be prepared (lots of spare tubes, pumps, patches, co2), we're used to helping out one another and we have a lot of health care workers - my team alone has several PT's, a doctor, more than a few nurses.... (and of course unfortunately most of us have had some experience with a downed teammate, so we know some of the problems you run into trying to get medical aid to a crash.)

[KnottedYet]

If I'm calling out "passing on your left" I really like to get some form of acknowlegement so I know the rider is aware there is someone about to pass them.

The OP was about a difference between observed behaviour of men and of women in passing situations.

I have noticed that younger men are not as responsive when I call out before passing as are older men. (I'm not expecting a big warm hug and a juicy kiss... I'm talking about raised fingers, a nod, a "ok" or "thanks", or a return ring on a bike bell to signify the rider is aware I am about to pass)

Not that I would interpret it as snobbery, I think of it more as the younger men are just in their own world more when they ride and don't think about communicating that they know they are being passed. Everyone will use their own vocabulary, I used her description of the situation more than her vocabulary choice when I thought about her post.

Cyclists are in a fairly unique position as vehicles, because we can signal the person ahead that we are going to pass, and the person about to be passed can signal back that they know it. The only parallel I can draw for car traffic is when you activate your turn signal you want to merge into a lane, and the car behind you in the next lane flashes their headlights to let you know they will stay back as you merge.

[shootingstar]

Haven't you ever noticed how motorcycle riders wave to each other? :cool:

Nope, have not noticed this..yet.

Really, maybe it's your area that likes to be friendly when people feel like it. Each region is abit different.

We also get alot of tourists who cycle and jog in certain areas. Often one can figure out if they are tourists, just by their riding style. But other times, no.

[BikeHN]

Yep, must just be a regional thing.

[ZooZoo]

And about 95% of the time they nod back.

What was cool, or I thought it was anyway, on the second day of STP this year there was a motorcycle in a turn lane and I happened to catch his eye. I smiled and nodded and he nodded back & gave a thumbs up, then went along his way. I've seen motorcyclists nod and wave at each other, but don't think I've seen one respond to a bicyclists. (And no, it was not one of the Gold Wing people this guy was on a Harley and decked out in leathers).

[shootingstar]

In Copenhagen where over 40% of cyclists are women....no one cares to acknowledge :rolleyes: Just way too many. :)

I'll be posting an article about my Copenhagen cycling experience last month...just give me a few days.

[zoom-zoom]

I've seen motorcyclists nod and wave at each other, but don't think I've seen one respond to a bicyclists. (And no, it was not one of the Gold Wing people this guy was on a Harley and decked out in leathers).

I've had several motorcyclists wave and/or nod in my direction. It always has an air of "I see that you are on 2 wheels, too. Cool." :cool:

[zoom-zoom]

+1 - I've never understood this he/she didn't wave at me so he/she must be a snob thing..... you don't wave at all other drivers or all other folks walking on the same sidewalk as you? Well at least we don't around here.

I think what gets me is the fact that I live in a rural area. I can go for miles without seeing another walker/runner/car/cyclist. So when I do encounter another living person I generally wave or nod. In the cases where other cyclists don't reciprocate it always seems more than a little like they are going out of their way to avoid making eye contact or acknowledging me...which seems weird and a little rude. Especially since I don't get this from other runners very often (on the rare occasion that I do, again it is men the vast majority of the time).

[Crankin]

Men acknowledge me on a regular basis. So do women. Sometimes a really fast guy will pass me and not announce his intention, which is a little unnerving, but I accept it. There's tons of cyclists around here and half or more are women.
If I am on my Jamis with the pannier, I don't get as many waves, as when I am on my road bike, but since the Jamis is a little usual, I do get an occasional nod, since I look like I am commuting , even if I am just doing an errand.

[EasilyLead]

the busy big road near where i live is like a bike riders freeway. the bike lane is ten feet wide and always full on both sides of the street.

i try to wave at people, but there are so many that its hard to concentrate on riding and not crashing into the many speeds and styles of riders just on my side of the road.

its like an amateur bike race on the weekends that is miles long. more like a social gathering on bikes.

us girls get lots of attention from men here:eek:. a little too much if you get my drift.....

[chicagogal]

I definitely think it is a regional thing
Around here, cyclists tend to acknowledge eachother with a nod.
just like backpackers acknowledge each other in the backcountry.
It only takes a sec to nod (doesn't even really disrupt an interval) and makes people feel good.

[marni]

I ride solo out in the country and have rarely had the very occasional male bike rider warn me that he is passing me or acknowledge me with so much as a glance if going in the other direction. Now farmers and truck drivers in any direction are another story- trucks passing will hannd back a bit, give a toot to let me know they are there and then pass with plenty of room.

Since I can ride for hours without seeing another living soul, it makes it a bit less lonely when they toot and wave but I would think the same would apply to male bike riders. As far as women riders, out in the country, I have yet to see one.

It probably is probably regional though.
marni

[PamNY]

I've found male bikers much more helpful and friendly than women. Where I live, bikers check on each other mostly in winter or at night (because fewer people are out, I guess). I see far fewer women biking in winter.

Males are also much more amenable to general bike/gear/route conversation and advice.

I've only once had a woman ask if I was okay, whereas men do it fairly often.

I heart spandex boys.

[GLC1968]

There are definitely regional differences.

When I lived and rode in NC, I didn't find much of a difference between men and women, but there was definitely a difference depending on which bike I was on. Road bike? Lots of attention/acknowledgement. Commuter? Not so much unless it was freezing or raining and then everyone was generally friendly.

Here in Oregon? Maybe it's because I've been ridng longer, or maybe it's because I see so many more cyclists on any given day, but honestly, everyone seems friendlier. I notice NO difference between men and women (though I do generally see more men than women) or no difference based on bike or my attire. I do notice that cyclists generally acknowledge each other more when in the country than in the city, but that just makes sense. There are tons of riders in the city. As others have said, if you were to acknowledge every single cyclist, you'd be a waving maniac or nodding so much you'd be constantly dizzy!

[jobob]

I often begin & end my rides on an 8 mile long bike path. Often times I'll see older ELDERLY cyclists, newbie cyclists, and families of cyclists on that path. I'll often smile at them if we're passing in opposite directions, or I'll call out a cheery good morning / afternoon if I'm passing them.

Part of that admittedly is for self-defense :D, so I know that they know I'm there, but it lifts my spirits as well.

I don't often acknowledge the experienced riders on the path, and once I'm out on the main road, I rarely acknowledge other riders unless I'm passing them.

I suppose I'm a reverse snob. :rolleyes:

[PamNY]

Um, older cyclists? I have seen zero evidence that older cyclists are less safe. And I'm not just saying that because I'm 59. Possibly if people are old enough to be infirm or losing eyesight -- again, same as auto drivers -- age could be a factor.

Younger cyclists (as a group) are more dangerous for the same complex reasons that younger drivers are.

[crazycanuck]

I was taken aback a bit ago when some roadies(male) actually said "hello" to me :eek: ...I find if i ride alone people actually acknowledge me. Many female roadies dont' say hello though :confused:.
That's roadie riding though.

On de dirt people say howdy all the time...

[jobob]

Um, older cyclists? I have seen zero evidence that older cyclists are less safe. And I'm not just saying that because I'm 59. Possibly if people are old enough to be infirm or losing eyesight -- again, same as auto drivers -- age could be a factor. .

Pam, I'm being cheery and supportive to people I see on the freakin' lousy bike path that might like a bit of cheer and support.

And no, I'm not talking about 59 year olds -- crap, my husband is 59 and I'm 50 -- I'm talking about the 80 plus year olds.

Good grief. :rolleyes:

(any 80-year-olds care to chime in now?)

[Zen]

. Haven't you ever noticed how motorcycle riders wave to each other?

I've had motorcycle drivers wave to me on the bicycle.

[PamNY]

Pam, I'm being cheery and supportive to people I see on the freakin' lousy bike path that might like a bit of cheer and support.

And no, I'm not talking about 59 year olds -- crap, my husband is 59 and I'm 50 -- I'm talking about the 80 plus year olds.

Good grief. :rolleyes:

(any 80-year-olds care to chime in now?)

I think it's cool that you see 80-year-old cyclists. I see a few who I'd guess to be that age, but not many.

[NbyNW]

I know a guy, 80+, who still rides (not as much these days), and he has probably been one of the most encouraging, welcome-to-the-sport, come-ride-with-us people I've met.

As for acknowledging other cyclists, I think it kinda depends on the situation. If I'm out for a leisurely ride and see someone else out doing same, we generally trade a nod. During a busy commute, it's all about communicating with other road users to stay safe. I don't expect much communication from people who are clearly on a training ride, other than for them to call out if they are passing me. I'd rather they focus on what they need to do to have a safe ride.

[Crankin]

If you want to read an inspiring story about an "older" cyclist, click the link to the story below. The group that is mentioned in the article is the group I ride with.

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/lexington/articles/2010/07/25/near_death_last_year_bedford_bicycling_enthusiast_bob_sawyer_rolls_toward_90/

[WindingRoad]

I think it just depends on the person because the other day I was riding on the local multi purpose path and I passed a guy and he then proceeded to pass me like 30 seconds later and took off like I lit a fire under his a$$, LOL. What an idiot.:rolleyes: He was 30 something if I had to guess? I actually found it pretty amusing that he felt so threatened by me on my commuter with panniers and fenders :D. But then again the same day I encountered an older gent huffing and puffing down the path and we both had to stop to turn around and ended up exchanging pleasantries. Seemed like a nice enough guy. It's like anything I guess, it's the jerks that tend to stand out in our minds. Try to remember there are nice guys/gals too. ;)

[loopybunny]

I subscribe to the King of Style's (http://www.iamtedking.missingsaddle.com/) etiquette (lesson #4 (http://www.iamtedking.missingsaddle.com/2009/11/kos-2/)) in this department because I feel it creates a friendly sense of community.

I usually give a wave, nod, or hello to everyone (regardless of bike and also joggers/walkers). There are two exceptions. The first one is when I didn't see the person because I was messing with my water bottle or looking at my computer. The other time is when I'm riding on the bike trail by my parents' house and there are cyclists every 2 seconds (I do try to smile and nod, but saying hi every time is exhausting).

I ride alone 99% of the time. I also ride enough that I often see the same people out. I want to appear friendly enough that if I'm standing on the side of the road with a technical and they see me, they'll be kind enough to stop and ask if I need help even if I don't.

Very rarely do I ever not get a wave, nod, or hello from others. Usually the most enthusiastic greetings are from other women riding solo.

[trista]

My dad rides motorcycles and he has discussed *at length* his "signature wave." He has told me many times that bikers need to develop their own wave and it needs to be unique. That it's not cool to pass another biker and not present your signature wave. Kinda hilarious, since he's so dorky and he's like, 70 and still talks about the importance of the signature wave.

So I've often wondered if as a cyclist, I should develop MY signature wave. (this is all in fun, mind you). My signature wave is either a nod or a single-finger up, since i'm often dodging pot-holes and need both hands. Today I passed a cyclist and couldn't respond at all, I was in such a bad spot on the road.

[OakLeaf]

"Signature wave???"

Now, I've only been riding motorcycles since 1991, but my DH has hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years on me, and he's never mentioned anything about a "signature wave."

Wave, yeah. Signature, uh, whatever. :rolleyes:

[trista]

"Signature wave???"

Now, I've only been riding motorcycles since 1991, but my DH has hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years on me, and he's never mentioned anything about a "signature wave."

Wave, yeah. Signature, uh, whatever. :rolleyes:

LOL. You have to remember this is coming from a man who started riding in the 50's. His "newest" bike is a BSA manufactured about 35 years ago. He's REALLY old school.

[Zen]

The older I grow, the less the younger men want to talk to me :rolleyes:


You do know we're invisible, right?


Conclusion: it's a guy thing. They need less testosterone to experience higher brain activity.

You could build an entire thesis on that :)

[bmccasland]

On the levee path (10' wide), most cyclists will at least raise a couple of fingers up off their hoods as they pass me. I've had faster riders say something in greeting as they've passed me, when I've been riding alone ("morning", "nice tail wind", "brutal side wind"). So maybe it's the proximity, or southern hospitality, but I haven't noticed specifically whether or not age or sex makes a difference on greeting.

[TrekTheKaty]

The male cyclists in our area have become more friendly. I get more waves on the road than I used to. I don't know if they have started to recognize me or I "look like I know what I'm doing"--which, yes, would be snobbery.

On the trail, I just say hello.

I've had motorcycles wave or cut closer than cars--so that's a toss up.

I don't have a signature wave--Contador's pistol would be too cheesy, right?

[MomOnBike]

Interesting thread.

What I have noticed around here is that I get acknowledged by just about everyone, spandex racer-types (even in small groups), pre-teen boys, joggers, tattooed tough guys on MTBs - you name it. Now I wonder why.

My theory is that I am completely unthreatening and I ride an unusual bike a lot so I have wormed my way into people's minds. I also smile a lot on the bike. Maybe they are just trying to encourage that fat old broad who obviously loves her heavy faired recumbent bike.

I also nod first. Not much, just eye contact and a nod. Maybe some people are missing the acknowledgements? They can be pretty subtle.

It could also be that I live in a friendly part of the country.

Also, if conditions are right (tailwind, downhill, bad attitude on either party's part) I can toast their cookies, so they'd better be nice.

[limewave]

In my experience there is a good amount of male cyclists that are "snobs." But there are quite a few who wave and nod too. In my experience its 50/50.

But I have to say that some of the most rude behavior I've experienced has been from other women cyclists (roadies).

The snobbish tendency isn't gender-specific.

[ivorygorgon]

Yep, must just be a regional thing.

I don't think it is regional. My DH is an avid motorcyclist and has biked all over the country, and they all wave. Each make of motorcycle has a different kind of wave.

[OakLeaf]

I gotta figure this out then.

I just got a little Honda commuter that I'm loving. My bigger bikes are a Yamaha up north and a Suzuki down south. Now I have to have a different wave for each one?! Somebody tell me what they are!

I swear I have never heard of this. DH has not only been riding as long as I mentioned, but he covered motorcycle racing for a long time, and we still follow it avidly, and he's always waved the same way whether he was on his Ducati, his Honda, or the Yamaha he rides now.

And he's lived and ridden in New Jersey, Arizona, Florida and Ohio, so if it's regional it must be one-a those really regional things.

[TrekTheKaty]

[QUOTE=limewave;524570
But I have to say that some of the most rude behavior I've experienced has been from other women cyclists (roadies).

The snobbish tendency isn't gender-specific.[/QUOTE]

This is very true! NONE of the women acknowledge me on the road (they do on the trail). I've struck up a few conversations at organized ride rest stops with other women--primarily about their bikes.

Again, in my industry, women try so hard to fit into the male-centric world, that they don't acknowledge other women. Much has also been written about how women don't help women in the business world. Another thesis here!

[JennK13]

I gotta figure this out then.

I just got a little Honda commuter that I'm loving. My bigger bikes are a Yamaha up north and a Suzuki down south. Now I have to have a different wave for each one?! Somebody tell me what they are!

I swear I have never heard of this. DH has not only been riding as long as I mentioned, but he covered motorcycle racing for a long time, and we still follow it avidly, and he's always waved the same way whether he was on his Ducati, his Honda, or the Yamaha he rides now.

And he's lived and ridden in New Jersey, Arizona, Florida and Ohio, so if it's regional it must be one-a those really regional things.

We have Yamaha Star Motorcycles, and wave to anyone on a cruiser, and they all "wave" back, give a peace sign, a high five, whatever - unless they're on a Harley, then those "snobs" often just wave to other Harleys :)

As for cyclists, I don't think men are snobs. It's rare I encounter a rude cyclist, and here in Colorado, if I waved to everyone I wouldn't get any riding done. There are so many people out here, it would be like a dang receiving line if you waved or nodded to everyone. I think some women are just more social than men (and other women), so they expect people to be "friendly" and welcoming - the hostess with the most-est! I don't think it's snobbery or rudeness if people don't wave or nod. I know that when I'm riding alone, it's usually for a workout, so I'm really focused and not looking to socialize. If I'm going through a crowded area, riding with a group of people, happen upon a family with kids or whatnot, I do give a nod and a "how ya doin?" just like I do if I'm at a stop light with another cyclist - that's when I chat. I always ask a person on the side of the road if they need help, and when I've been stopped, I must say, men are the only ones who've ever asked me if I need help.
Just like if I'm in the gym running on the tread mill, I'm wearing my iPod for a reason - so I can focus and not have to talk to people!! I'm not being rude, I'm not a snob, I'm just focused. I'm there to workout. And running here on our trails, if I happen to make eye contact with someone, then I nod - I'm not going to ignore them if our eyes meet, or quickly look away; but I'm not out waving to everyone, either. Again, there are SOOOOOOOO many people out there, one would get whiplash!

[OakLeaf]

We have Yamaha Star Motorcycles, and wave to anyone on a cruiser... - unless they're on a Harley, then those "snobs" often just wave to other Harleys :)


So you're some of those snobs who don't wave to anyone on sportbikes then? ;)


There's definitely a helmet/no helmet thing that goes on with motorcyclists (vs. bikers). I kind of wish it were the same with bicyclists...

[Christopher]

I don't offer a wave or greeting, but will return one. I get irrationally angry if I get ignored if I do offer a greeting first, so no longer bother. I am also a little paranoid about looking at women on cycles in case they think I am ogling them.

Around here (NW England), cyclist and motorbikers ignore one another. Not in a rude way, there's just no interaction. But it's fun to see that Sidi do make nice motorbike boots... The bike are either cruisers mosying along, or sportbikes screaming at 8000 revs...

[Crankin]

You know, now that I think about it, women rarely initiate a wave or nod to me. In fact, some of them just put their head down.

[shootingstar]

You know, now that I think about it, women rarely initiate a wave or nod to me. In fact, some of them just put their head down.

I actually rarely initiate a nod or greeting to any passing cyclist.
And roadie gals about 90% time just really don't respond to me..probably because I ride a hybrid. If they only knew how long I've been cycling or how old I am.

On bike, with my sunglasses and helmet, I probably look alot younger than what I really am, simply because of my petite build.

[Crankin]

OK, here is my *very* unofficial poll of who responded to my wave or nod.
I did a 15 mile ride on one of my regular loops (Lowell Rd.- Monument St., back by the North Bridge). This is an extremely popular route for cyclists from all over eastern MA, commuters, clubs, etc. Since I went out at 9 AM, on a weekday, I guess the participants in my poll are not well distributed.
I observed for about 13 miles, basically the loop part of the ride. I either waved very slightly, not a vigorous, obnoxious thing, or nodded my head once. All of the men either waved back or nodded. None of the women waved, but one did smile at me. All of these riders were on road bikes, although it is not unusual to see plenty of people on hybrids or mountain/comfort bikes on this route.
Maybe because I was wearing my black and yellow helmet with my red shoes and bike :D?
OK, gotta go do my work.

[JennK13]

So you're some of those snobs who don't wave to anyone on sportbikes then? ;)

haha! well, more or less! Not that sport bikes wave at us, either :)

As for helmets, I ALWAYS wear one on a motorcycle or snowboard (fell getting of the lift this season and whacked my head - fortunately, had a helmet), and almost always on a bicycle - after I clean and lube my bike, I don't when I ride up and down the street to check everything, or if I'm chillin' on my cruiser on the bike path. But I always do if I'm commuting or road riding in the street - any kind of "aggressive" riding.

Nice morning ride around the reservoir with my usual Wednesday morning group - lots of cyclists are there at any time of day. I think we had one person give a "how ya doing?" as HE passed us on a hill.

That's about it.

[PamNY]

In terms of biker friendliness, I notice cultural differences far more than gender differences.

I wouldn't go into much detail in an online discussion -- too much potential for misunderstanding.

But several neighborhoods that I pass through are friendlier and more fun than a strictly white, American neighborhood.

[Trek420]

http://www.sfbike.org/?waveweds

[trista]

"Signature wave???"

Now, I've only been riding motorcycles since 1991, but my DH has hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years on me, and he's never mentioned anything about a "signature wave."

Wave, yeah. Signature, uh, whatever. :rolleyes:

Ok, now I thought it was because my dad was old school but check this out:

http://www.beginnerbikers.org/showthread.php?11511-motorcycle-wave

an 8-page discussion on motorcycle waving :p. Some people DO have a signature wave, and they're not 70 years old.

[BikeHN]

Thanks trista, I knew I wasn't imagining things.

[PamNY]

Trista, that's hilarious.

[TrekTheKaty]

HA! My husband has a BMW, but he says it's the midwest, so everybody waves.

[TxDoc]

http://www.sfbike.org/?waveweds

Hilarious.
It's just a miracle that I made it through the post without spilling coffee all over the keyboard.
Have to remind myself to never drink and read TE posts at the same time...
:D

[maillotpois]

I read a really interesting article about waving on the moto - something to the effect of how Europeans never wave because they are focused on safe riding and think you should put all your attention to riding instead of waving.

I wave when I am on the Ducati, most of the time. Not when I need that hand for the clutch or whatever. And I haven't noticed any difference in sport bikes v. cruisers waving or not. I had a guy on a bicycle give me a wave when I was on the moto this weekend, which was funny.

[OakLeaf]

Oh, the moto forums will go on and on and on about it. That never happens on bici forums. Whoops. :rolleyes:

At least we don't have engine oil, and seem to be able to restrain ourselves on chain lube, most of the time.

To wave or not to wave, yeah. Exactly how someone's hand or fingers come off different types of handlebars to wave, been discussed to death. Different wave for Hondas and Yamahas? :confused:

[maillotpois]

Well, and on the Ducati it is tricky because you have to keep your pinkie finger up as if sipping a cappuccino....

[OakLeaf]

I have yet to see someone wave from ape hangers. I would like to see that.

[maillotpois]

I just HATE those things. They are NOT legal, and I wish people would be ticketed/pushed off the bike.

[Librarygirl]

What are 'ape hangers'? :confused:

[schnitzle]

I noticed that two finger "wave" thing between Gold Wing riders when we were in Big Sur and thought it was the coolest! I was really excited to get a huge *** cruiser motorcycle when I got older so I could do that too! hehe

I am currently so obsessed with cycling that I want to wave to people on their bikes when I am driving :o

Has anyone else here worked retail? I think all the conditioning to greet people (customers) makes it so I smile or nod at everyone I see on the trail. Not one of my most favorite characteristics about myself :P

[OakLeaf]

What are 'ape hangers'? :confused:

Even a little taller than usual:

[dangit still no YouTube embedding]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdmfD1bMhVU