What's the deal?

[DeniseGoldberg]

I usually wave - unless I feel I need both hands on my handlebars. And I often say hello too. I'm amazed at the number of people I see out riding who don't acknowledge other riders. They seem to be looking at a spot on the road in front of their wheel - and it seems to me that they are missing out on a wonderful part of cycling, seeing the world around them!

--- Denise

[Pax]

I did my first organized ride last weekend and noticed the same thing. At first it sorta hurt my feelings and then it confused me, people didn't look like they were having as much fun as I was??? If it's not fun, why do it? Then I just assumed since I was a goofy newbie that was all excited and waving and saying hello that I'd committed some huge cycling faux pas.

The same thing comes up constantly on motorcycling sites (only there it's "why don't HD riders wave to non-HD riders?") and I just assumed it was a guy/cool/macho thing.

[skibum]

If we're riding in the same direction and one of us passes the other, I'll say hi, maybe a few other words if we don't pass each other too quickly. If they're going in the other direction, I'm like SadieKate, I'll do a finger wiggle or a nod in their direction. That seems to be what I notice mostly from other cyclists too. Occasionally, I'll get a full wave from someone. If I do, I try to wave back. And, there's always some people who give you no acnowledgement at all. I don't take it personally, I just figure they're lost in their own little world at the time and didn't notice me.

[Pedal Wench]

If we're riding in the same direction and one of us passes the other, I'll say hi, maybe a few other words if we don't pass each other too quickly. If they're going in the other direction, I'm like SadieKate, I'll do a finger wiggle or a nod in their direction. That seems to be what I notice mostly from other cyclists too. Occasionally, I'll get a full wave from someone. If I do, I try to wave back. And, there's always some people who give you no acnowledgement at all. I don't take it personally, I just figure they're lost in their own little world at the time and didn't notice me.

I'm the same way - wave when I can. You can't take it personally, unless these people know you personally! They don't know you, don't know who you are, so don't worry about it! I don't let other people alter my behavior - I say hello, good morning, wave, whatever I feel like.

Ha - but, I tend not to say hello to people who are not wearing a helmet! My attempt at social change...

[CorsairMac]

(gee this will surprise everyone here) I wave and say Hi to everyone, even the ppl on the other side of the bike path. I say hi to the ppl that pass me, even the ones that don't have the courtesy to let me know their on my left! Not everyone says hi back or waves back or even acknowledges that I'm there, and that's OK.......I at least was polite and observed the nicieties! (and my mama would be proud!) Don't ever feel like a "turd" for being nice!

and Queen - I wave to everyone on motorcycles too, even the non-Harley riders!!

and Audio: I even say Hi to the non-helmet ppl but I sometimes add something like "hi, wow no helmets?? how interesting!" and I zip past. (don't attempt this while climbing just in case they climb faster than you! LOL)