why people think that bike riders are homeless

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Geonz]

.... how, indeed, to teach acceptance and love instead of shame?

To demonstrate it constantly... to teach with words and example...regardless of whether it penetrates. great idea, melalvai :-)

[KnottedYet]

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.

That is a very cool idea!

[GLC1968]

That is a great idea, Melalvai!

You know, I was thinking about this last week. I was riding to work on my old beat up mixte with a big basket on the front. I wear regular work clothes (that day was dress pants and a sweater) and while I always wear my helmet, gloves and sunglasses are hit or miss. As I was on the way back to work after lunch, I passed a roadie going the other way. I admit that I was stunned that he greeted me with a huge smile on his face, a nod and a small wave. This guy was fully kitted out, and I have to admit, it made me feel really good that he positively acknowledged me when I was on my 'commuter'. I know we've had discussions here about 'waving' to other cyclists, but what never occurred to me before is how GOOD it could make a person feel.

Anyway, I made a mental note to myself to always positively acknowledge all bicycle riders - particularly when I'm all decked out in my 'roadie' gear. I think it will go a long way towards making those 'stealth' cyclists or those who are just starting out feel more like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

[Tri Girl]

Anyway, I made a mental note to myself to always positively acknowledge all bicycle riders - particularly when I'm all decked out in my 'roadie' gear. I think it will go a long way towards making those 'stealth' cyclists or those who are just starting out feel more like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

I agree (even tho my weekend experience dismayed me a teensy bit).
On Saturday I had to go to two different events downtown (about 12 miles away from home). I decided to ride my beater commuter. I had my helmet and regular clothes on, so I didn't look like anything special. I was passed a couple times by roadies, and saw some coming the other way. I waved and said hello all times, and not one person acknowledged me. I felt kinda snubbed. I wanted to wear a sign that said "My other bike is a top of the line carbon fiber speedster- this bike is my way of giving back to the environment." I guess I just looked like a poor schlub on my $40 garage sale beat up Trek not worthy of a roadie's attention.
Then again, come to think of it, I waved at some casual neighborhood riders and didn't get a response either. Maybe they just thought I was some weirdo. Oh well, won't stop me next time from saying hello or waving anyway.

[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.

[Trek420]

I made a mental note to myself to always positively acknowledge all bicycle riders - particularly when I'm all decked out in my 'roadie' gear. I think it will go a long way towards making those 'stealth' cyclists or those who are just starting out feel more like they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

Especially on Wednesdays

www.sfbike.org/?waveweds

[BeeLady]

When I ride in San Antonio doing errands I always wave at: 1) obviously new cyclists; 2) any children that notice me and 3) any motorist who had a chance to run me down but didn't. I nod to well-dressed cyclists on expensive bikes and sometimes get a nod or wave back.

When I'm riding near my home in the country most of the "cyclists" I see would probably rather not be noticed. They are commuters and generally ride on the wrong side of the road. They do not have cars at home and probably do not have drivers licenses and probably would not like to see "La Migra" coming up behind them. I do smile and wave and wonder how my neighbors or small-town folks in the area "classify" me when they see me riding around on my bike along with these other commuters.

Can't wait to get my Big Dummy on the road -- kind of like the Hummer of bicycles. That might confuse the issue even more, especially since I can haul passengers like some of my other "country cyclist" friends.

[badger]

I ride in a city with quite a few commuters. We even have our own lanes (albeit we have to share with buses and that can be quite dangerous!)

I find that because I wear street clothes with nothing that reeks of hard-core commuter, most of them turn their noses up at me.

I remember last week when I had a business course downtown. I was turning onto a bike lane and someone was already on it but still behind a bit. She came up behind me at the light, and proceeded to go in front of me, nudging me out of the way. The thing was, she was commuting on a mountain bike with panniers and I'm on a cyclocross. I had no trouble passing her while she's cranking away on her heavy bike.

What makes me laugh is that guys just hate it when a girl pass them or is coming up to them. You see them noticeably putting in more energy to keep you at bay