why people think that bike riders are homeless

[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.

[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