Quote Originally Posted by Melalvai View Post
Finally when we got back, she said "I really need to be better about walking, Rachel, you'll have to work on me." I just said, "I hope I can be an inspiration," because I'm not about to push my values on anyone.

The entire thing was kind of funny. I've felt before that people misunderstand me, that just because I like to bike they assume I'm judgmental about their SUVs, their gas use, their lack of exercise. But honestly I don't really care about them, so long as they don't honk or yell at me. I do believe people would be happier if they biked more but I would never say so (unless asked).

As you know, I haven't lived in a home with car for past 1/4 century. So cycling really on my part, isn't for environmental reasons, even though I'm sure some people think so, especially when some people know my partner is cycling advocate.

As for cycling for health, etc....I just tell them it's a great destressor for me. It's like a drug to me (and you know endorphins are!) What I do say is that I hope people (not necessarily pointing at them) will find some sort of exercise that they will love for life, so they will want to do it for several years.

I do explain to people that I don't drive..I gave up my driver's license because of problems I had with driving.

Nothing you can do if your mere existence as a cyclist makes them feel guilty. Let them talk it out.