What's the deal?

[bikerz]

I usually nod or give the friendly finger wave to cyclists passing in the opposite direction, and always return or acknowledge a greeting when I am passed (it may no tme more than a gasp on a hill!). I also say "good morning" or "on your left" on those rare occassions when I pass someone. I always say something to pedestrians when I pass them - part greeting, part warning that I'm there. In fact, I'm so used to saying "good morning" to people on rides, since I generaly ride in the morning, that I often say it in the afternoon, which is really embarrasing!

I do get annoyed when fast "serious" cyclists come flying out of nowhere and pass me on the left (and sometimes on the right! ) with no call out or anything - it scares the daylights out of me!

[SadieKate]

I do get annoyed when fast "serious" cyclists come flying out of nowhere and pass me . . . sometimes on the right! ) with no call out or anything - it scares the daylights out of me!

See!!! I'm not the only one! If they then swerve, nearly clipping your front wheel to pass the person in front of you on the left, they get what they deserve.

[trigurl]

I always wave to people in the opposite direction and if someone passes me on the left I will say hi, they usually use hi when passing instead of, on your left, around here. Then there are those serious riders who check out your bike - look you up and down - visiably - then ride on w/o saying hi or waving THOSE are the ones who piss me off, I usually offer a few words, they can't hear me but it sure makes me feel better.

[yellow]

See!!! I'm not the only one! If they then swerve, nearly clipping your front wheel to pass the person in front of you on the left, they get what they deserve.

Yeah! A mouthful from a couple of alpha women!! Ahhh...this sounds familiar.

We can hope that the negative karma points gained through such an action will catch up with those cyclists...or that the reaction from the passed ends up having a positive effect for the next rider the reckless one (passer) passes on the ride!

Gawd, I need some real sleep.

[ktplayfair]

Maybe women are more shy/nervous about running into trouble... the guys, especially guys in team kits, always wave But that's because they have to be nice to us.

[mary9761]

I usually nod or give the friendly finger wave to cyclists passing in the opposite direction, and always return or acknowledge a greeting when I am passed (it may no tme more than a gasp on a hill!). I also say "good morning" or "on your left" on those rare occassions when I pass someone. I always say something to pedestrians when I pass them - part greeting, part warning that I'm there. In fact, I'm so used to saying "good morning" to people on rides, since I generaly ride in the morning, that I often say it in the afternoon, which is really embarrasing!

I do get annoyed when fast "serious" cyclists come flying out of nowhere and pass me on the left (and sometimes on the right! ) with no call out or anything - it scares the daylights out of me!

LOL, I've been known to do the same it is embarassing but I usually laugh about it then. I definitely call out to pedestrians and say hello as well. I've had several say thanks and I tell them I don't like it when someone flies past me without a warning either. Then there are of course the TRAIL HOGS that when you let them know you are coming and they are walking 2 or 3 abreast, spread out FURTHER or don't even move like they are entitled to the entire trail

[bcipam]

Most experienced cyclists will acknowledge another cyclist either by a head nod (my method) or a finger wave. Hands off handlebar waving towards another rider can be dangerous. I had a friend two weekends ago do just that and ran into a car. Your body and bike will turn towards the wave. I also believe many people are not purposely ignoring you. They just got caught up in riding. I tend to zone out and see nothng but the road. Do try the head nod next time and if you get a result.

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE bluerider]
The funny thing most of the guys in their pro gears and fancy bikes yelled hello or waved hi, it was some of the less fancy riders (like me) who didn't bother to even look my way.

I dont see too many other riders thru the week as I go quiet early but on Sundays when I leave a tad latter I see a few and as bluerider said it seems to be the fit looking older guys who give a nod. It makes me smile and I feel like part of some exclusive club.

[SadieKate]

Hands off handlebar waving towards another rider can be dangerous. I had a friend two weekends ago do just that and ran into a car. Your body and bike will turn towards the wave.

A good reason to practice and improve your handling skills. It will save your you-know-what in an emergency. It's essentially the same skill that it takes to drink from your bottle or hydration pack while riding.

[ladyjai]

i do a stiff Hei Hilter style wave - you can't miss it. I get quite a few responses, and usually do it before they are parallel to me, to give them an opportunity. I know that as I get more comfortable with the road this is easier. There was a period where I was so riveted with trying to keep alive and pedal, that I rarely noticed them until they were passing behind me.

I try to always call out when I pass someone on the same surface. However, I don't when they are on the sidewalk and I am on the street. I've had too many people spook when I call passing on left and even had one dad with a little boy who freaked (dad did), misunderstood me and moved directly to the left - where I was calling I was passing. I've had teenage girls scream bloody murder too When I have to pass peds, I always slow, and if they have a dog/kid, I slow even more.
I try to greet cyclists I pass. I even do it when I'm passing in a group, and I don't know if it has been called. At least a Good Morning can't go wrong. Even if it 110 out and 5pm, we can get a good laugh.

I do tend to ignore folks going the wrong way on the street or in my bike lane, occassionally offering a "you're going the wrong way, sir" in a polite tone (never a gal, I've noticed).