why people think that bike riders are homeless

[Melalvai]

We just put in a offer on a home that is about 16 - 17 miles from our places of work (we work fairly close to each other) so that we could also get about 5 acres. Our realtor knew we wanted to be able to bike to work, so she kept sending us info on homes that were much closer to our offices but that weren't really what we wanted. When we asked to see this place again, she was like "but you can't bike to work from there!". Yes we can. In fact, after having only a 1.5 mile commute for the past few weeks, I'm looking forward to having a longer one! (assuming our offer gets accepted)

It's just such an incomprehensible thing to so many people. I was trying to help a friend come up with ways to save gas and when I suggested biking to work, she flipped. "But we live in the country!". Yeah, she lives less than 10 miles from where she works.

Depending on wind, weight of bike, fitness, that's a 1 to 1.5 hr commute. How many people think nothing of making that long a commute in a car!

[Tri Girl]

That's funny about what your realtor said. You can't ride THAT far, you silly woman.

And the Road ID ankle bracelet one. I'm going to have to remember that next time. Except I can't really say that to people at work, or I might get into trouble (I teach elementary school- they wouldn't find that funny).

And most people would think nothing of an hour or so commute. For me (and you ladies, too), I'd much rather be on my bike for 2-4 hours a day, than spend half that time sitting in my stupid car getting angry at the gridlock and frustrated at all the stupid highway drivers. I can't wait for the weather to be in permanent spring mode so I can get out there again!

[abvnx]

a few days ago my mother told me- "that given the price of gas it almost makes more sense to bike to work." since she works only a few blocks from i suggested that it was far more reasonable to bike than drive. she said that she fell off her bike once as a kid and would need a big tricycle.

then again she thought my husband was nuts for biking the 1/2 mile to his old office.

[OakLeaf]

she fell off her bike once as a kid and would need a big tricycle.

Plenty of high-end adult trikes available...

actually I've looked at them myself as commuter vehicles, as it seems they have more easily available cargo capacity than two-wheelers.

[Dianyla]

I've actually seen a lot of homeless people using bicycles. I personally think it's a great idea. I mean, it's got to suck enough to be homeless, at least this way they are relatively mobile and can cover a larger area to scavenge their way through daily life. There are even some community efforts here in Portland to help homeless people keep their bikes safe and working.

But back to the whole point of this thread... yeah. Lots of people tend to assume you're either poor or you've had your driver's license suspended and that's why you're "forced" to bike instead of drive.

[bruiser]

One night a few summers ago, myself and three fellow coworkers had all happened to bike to work that day (although I did/do every day). We had all gotten of work around the same time and decided to ride with each other until we needed to part ways a few miles later. We were having a jolly time enjoying the beautiful July evening and debating stopping at a pub before going home when a car full of people slows down along side us just long enough to yell, "Get a job, losers!" I think we all started to cry because we were laughing so hard!

Sometimes I still run into similar comments from people. In fact, I just sold my car and happened to mention it at work when someone asked, "Wait, you actually own a car? Like, one with a steering wheel and needs gas?"
Ironically, I haven't driven it in three years because I never thought getting it repaired would be worth it

[VeloVT]

There is an organization in my town that takes donations of old bikes, fixes them up, and sells them to homeless people/poor people for a nominal amount (like, $10). They also do repairs. I believe it's all volunteer run, and the space is provided by a cool non-profit organization that takes donations of old cars (you get a tax deduction for this), fixes them up and makes them available at low or no cost to low income people. Two good organizations. I'm quite sure that the bike shop is a labor of love, there's no way that they could even be breaking even.

For better or for worse, I doubt I have been mistaken for homeless while commuting on my bike. I never ride wearing "civilian" clothes, and I think I look "geared up" enough that even my enormous backpack probably doesn't make me look homeless. I do sometimes wish that I blended in a little better and didn't look like such a bike alien, for instance if I ride to the grocery store.

[Trek420]

But back to the whole point of this thread... yeah. Lots of people tend to assume you're either poor or you've had your driver's license suspended and that's why you're "forced" to bike instead of drive.

A guy I know had is license suspended (multiple DUI), he's back driving now, sober in recovery but during the forced leave of absence he became a skilled bike commuter. Got a couple of good bikes, tried a few centuries, got fit. He didn't think "oooh, poor me, I can't drive". He made the best of it and got fit and more important, sober.

Which brings me back to my thought: How do we reach out to the invisible cyclists and show them there is a pride and skill in being a good effective cyclist rather than shame in being "car'less".

Liza, I like the sound of that group!!

[Melalvai]

A guy I know had is license suspended (multiple DUI), he's back driving now, sober in recovery but during the forced leave of absence he became a skilled bike commuter. Got a couple of good bikes, tried a few centuries, got fit. He didn't think "oooh, poor me, I can't drive". He made the best of it and got fit and more important, sober.

Which brings me back to my thought: How do we reach out to the invisible cyclists and show them there is a pride and skill in being a good effective cyclist rather than shame in being "car'less".

That's a wonderful story. When I realized I would not be able to take the LCI course in March, or teach in this town when I do take it, I speculated when and where I could teach one day. One of my favorite ideas was to teach the course for DWIs with suspended licenses. I thought most folks will only use the bike until they get their license back, but maybe a few will use it as part of their recovery.

[shootingstar]

This sounds merely wierd...but I feel alot less threatened by a cycling homeless person (they seem to have all their possessions on them or have many garbage bags full of pop cans for recycling to make some money). I see them often ..since I live downtown..the cycling homeless/near homeless.

Just cycling around...is healthier for anyone....and one would hope dissipate a tiny bit of frustration for them with some movement going somewhere..even if only the dumpster for recycling pickings.

[Geonz]

One of the side effects of riding an Xtracycle is that it flagrantly flings me out of people's "categories" for bike riders. It's something I obviously bought on purpose to make the bike useful for errands - I'm not "making do" with a bike 'til I can figure out something better.