Reverse Elevator Eye Contact Syndrome

When yet another stranger made eye contact and greeted me, it occured to me that maybe it isn't just that I'm "in the midwest" - but maybe cycling creates the opposite bio-psychological effect that getting into an elevator does.
(Or, it could be cultural. A lady who *should* have waved or somethign when because a mess of construction cut us down to one lane and I ducked over to the sidewalk to let her by... had Virginia tags.)
You get into an elevator, and everybody looks up, down, firmly at the floor numbers. AFter all, you're stuck with those people for just the wrong amount of time. With cycling, it's safe. You're going to be GONE in 4 seconds - just time enough for a swift karma exchange.
Or maybe it's the "We're NOT CARS" kinship, I don't know. It's almost as uplifting as when I commuted by motorbike.

For the first three years I had my Beetle, I flashed a peace sign at EVERYONE who was driving a Beetle.

Then they were everywhere, and mostly old gray people driving them (of which I am almost one--so don't get offended), and they never waved back. Except for the obvious enthusiasts with daisies on their taillights, etc.

It's the same kind of thing--meeting a fellow cyclist, meeting a fellow Beetle enthusiast. Kewl. :)

Karen

Karen- When I had my little Yellow Beetle I loved waving at other Beetle drivers. In 2001 it was still gaining popularity in Texas and I got a lot of waves back. By the time I got rid of it in late 2004 the novelty had faded for most people, but not me! I miss my Venus (her name), sadly leases aren't practical to buy out.

I always wave at other cyclists. Generally I am trying to share the happiness I am feeling. I also wave with a big smile at angry drivers. :p

Yes, I sometimes even blow kisses at angry drivers, but that's only if I'm the one who antagonized them. lol.

Karen