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[Geonz]

In my opinion it crosses the line between expressing one's *own* opinion and slamming others... about riding on sidewalks and declaring that anybody who does not share that opinion is, therefore, not a cyclist.

[rocknrollgirl]

I just read the sidewalk thread, and I did not see anything wrong with your reply. As a matter of fact, I looked for a second post thinking perhaps that was the offense one.

That being said, I think that if someone had a beef with something that I posted, I would rather have them address me privately, instead of publically in the thread.

Just my two cents....

[TrekJeni]

I just read the sidewalk thread, and I did not see anything wrong with your reply. As a matter of fact, I looked for a second post thinking perhaps that was the offense one.

That being said, I think that if someone had a beef with something that I posted, I would rather have them address me privately, instead of publically in the thread.

Just my two cents....

I agree with Rocknrollgirl. I was looking for a second post.

In the state of Ohio, it is ILLEGAL for ANYONE to ride on the sidewalk OVER the age of 16. Bet you didn't know that.

Had an interesting talk with a bike cop here in Cincinnati about the whole 16 and over rule. Asked her if she would write a ticket if it was a mom on the sidewalk with her two little ones. She said she wouldn't, she uses her "judgement" versus always follwing the book.

She was pretty cool though because I asked her another question pertaining to objects being thrown at cyclists. Even if it didn't hit you, they "attempted" and I was supposed to call her to file a report!

Jeni

[Looeez]

I just read the sidewalk thread, and I did not see anything wrong with your reply. As a matter of fact, I looked for a second post thinking perhaps that was the offense one.

Personally I didn't find the post offensive. Although perhaps humourous, I felt it could be interpreted as rude. I can't be bothered with elitism and snobbery in sports or anything else and so didn't feel it was worth responding. As a shameless "bike rider" who'd want my opinion on a cyclists board?

[wannaduacentury]

I agree with Rocknrollgirl. I was looking for a second post.

In the state of Ohio, it is ILLEGAL for ANYONE to ride on the sidewalk OVER the age of 16. Bet you didn't know that.

Had an interesting talk with a bike cop here in Cincinnati about the whole 16 and over rule. Asked her if she would write a ticket if it was a mom on the sidewalk with her two little ones. She said she wouldn't, she uses her "judgement" versus always follwing the book.

She was pretty cool though because I asked her another question pertaining to objects being thrown at cyclists. Even if it didn't hit you, they "attempted" and I was supposed to call her to file a report!

Jeni

We need more policeman(women) like her. I like Cincinnati-I was there in December, nice city. Jennifer

[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?!

[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

[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.