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[CycleChic06]

I think this brings up another question. Who is a cyclist? What is a cyclist? How do you define it?

Webster's simply defines a cyclist as:

"One who rides a cycle."

My question is, when did the term 'cyclist' become an elitist term used to include some and exclude others?


But what do I know, I actually got pulled over by a cop on my bike and recieved a $50 ticket for riding my bike over a pedestrian bridge. The alternative was to ride over a narrow two lane bridge with constant stream of cars and semis traveling at 50mph. It was worth the $50.

[Aint Doody]

Whoa, Cycle Chic...I think I'd have fussed about that one.

[Veronica]

I think this brings up another question. Who is a cyclist? What is a cyclist? How do you define it?

Webster's simply defines a cyclist as:

"One who rides a cycle."

I'm a cyclist. All the people I ride with are cyclists.

The lady I saw today working her way up a hill in jeans on her hybrid is a cyclist.

I haven't read the sidewalk thread.

V.

[guest1]

I think this brings up another question. Who is a cyclist? What is a cyclist? How do you define it?

Webster's simply defines a cyclist as:

"One who rides a cycle."

My question is, when did the term 'cyclist' become an elitist term used to include some and exclude others?

I like this idea ... should we start a new thread? The question: WHO is a cyclist?! What a great discussion because we obviously have a lot of different opinions! However, if I started it, I think I would get a lot of people mad, so maybe someone else could start it and I could just read it ... I may be enlightened because it is SAFE to say -- I am a BIKE SNOB ... confession is good for the sole, isn't it?!

[Kalidurga]

I like this idea ... should we start a new thread? The question: WHO is a cyclist?! What a great discussion because we obviously have a lot of different opinions! However, if I started it, I think I would get a lot of people mad, so maybe someone else could start it and I could just read it ... I may be enlightened because it is SAFE to say -- I am a BIKE SNOB ... confession is good for the sole, isn't it?!

This is a great article that I read in Bicycling magazine (and I think someone also posted the link here a few months ago): Invisible Riders. If you want enlightenment about "who is a cyclist?", it's possible you'll find some in that article.

[guest1]

This is a great article that I read in Bicycling magazine (and I think someone also posted the link here a few months ago): Invisible Riders. If you want enlightenment about "who is a cyclist?", it's possible you'll find some in that article.

I read that article ... good point! THANKS!

[Pax]

...

My question is, when did the term 'cyclist' become an elitist term used to include some and exclude others?

We live in a world of ever smaller circles of exclusion.

Think about how this works with Marines, they are MARINES/Brothers in arms/Leathernecks...then the question arises about where they went to boot camp (Parris Island for "real" Marines or Sandy Eggo for "Hollywood" Marines), this is further broken down into what their military specialty is/was...if you're not a rifleman then you are a pogue (someone who isn't primarily a rifleman and who is therefore "less").

We use "circles" to exclude and include those we want to either lessen or enhance...my guess is this is usually done as a way to elevate ourselves (and those we include) above others.

It's too bad that people feel the need to do this and create disharmony or ill-will in the process.

[7rider]

I"m reading all of this and all I can think of is that saying...
"Opinions are like belly buttons. Everybody's got one."

Yeah...it's a little Forrest Gump-ish, but hey. Get's the point across.

And PLEASE....don't start a "what is a cyclist" debate!!!
It's like asking - again - "How come that person on the bike (dare I say "cyclist"?) didn't wave at me when I waved first? Is he/she an elistist snob or something??"

[mimitabby]

I"m reading all of this and all I can think of is that saying...
"Opinions are like belly buttons. Everybody's got one."

Yeah...it's a little Forrest Gump-ish, but hey. Get's the point across.

And PLEASE....don't start a "what is a cyclist" debate!!!
It's like asking - again - "How come that person on the bike (dare I say "cyclist"?) didn't wave at me when I waved first? Is he/she an elistist snob or something??"

I agree, Regina... pulleeezze

[snapdragen]

We are all cyclists. Some are more cyclist than others.....



with apologies to George Orwell

[salsabike]

We are all cyclists. Some are more cyclist than others.....



with apologies to George Orwell

Nice one, Snap.

[Deborajen]

I agree, too. We're all cyclists - that's why we're here. We all ride bikes whether it's for commuting, exercise, competition, or whatever.

I think sportsmanship is always important in sports. Winning without gloating and losing without being a "sore loser" make all sports more fun. It keeps everyone in the "circle." Same with not having to define/qualify a person to be a "cyclist." Why go there?

Deb

[guest1]

We live in a world of ever smaller circles of exclusion.

Think about how this works with Marines, they are MARINES/Brothers in arms/Leathernecks...then the question arises about where they went to boot camp (Parris Island for "real" Marines or Sandy Eggo for "Hollywood" Marines), this is further broken down into what their military specialty is/was...if you're not a rifleman then you are a pogue (someone who isn't primarily a rifleman and who is therefore "less").

We use "circles" to exclude and include those we want to either lessen or enhance...my guess is this is usually done as a way to elevate ourselves (and those we include) above others.

It's too bad that people feel the need to do this and create disharmony or ill-will in the process.

I agree with you, life is full of "circles" to exclude and include -- to elevate and devalue ourselves and others. So, who and what is a cyclist? Is ANYone who rides a bike a cyclist? To me, that is like saying ANYone who throws a football in the backyard with their kids on Sunday afternoons is a football player; ANYone who jumps into a pool and doggie paddles across the pool length is a swimmer; ANYone who shoots hoops in their driveway is a basketball player. OK, I may be wrong, but to me, they are people having fun playing a sport, not necessarily defined by that sport. As for riding a bike, there are times when I am riding a bike and I am a bike rider -- I am goofing around with my kids in the neighborhood, riding my bike to the grocery store, or riding a smooth bike trail with my friends. Other times, I am a cyclist -- I am riding for fitness, endurance, and training. I am working hard and pushing my body to its limits (yep, give me a circle to place myself in), and I am presenting myself and my sport in the highest regard because I am maximizing my efforts and displaying respect for myself and my equipment, other people, automobiles, and the laws of my state. I am no longer "just riding my bike" but I am athlete and a professional (if only in my own mind). Yes, I am a bike rider, having fun and following the rules of the road, but I am also a cyclist because I train and work hard at riding my bike. IN MY OPINION, most everyone can ride a bike, but not everyone can be a cyclist. Ok, call me a snob, or any other form of snobbery ... I will be the first to claim it as truth ... but please don't PM me just because my "circle" is different from yours. Life is full of "circles" and that will never change.

[Pax]

... but please don't PM me just because my "circle" is different from yours. Life is full of "circles" and that will never change.

Point of clarification - Since you quoted my text it appears that you're addressing the above quote to me...I'd like to be clear that I am not the person who PM'd you.

[guest1]

Point of clarification - Since you quoted my text it appears that you're addressing the above quote to me...I'd like to be clear that I am not the person who PM'd you.

yep, you're not and that was NOT the intent of what I wrote! it was a general statement, meaning, I know what I am and if ANYone disagrees, I support you for disagreeing but please don't send me private messages about how you (meaning ANYone) disagree ... tell Everybody!