Are men bike snobs?

[jobob]

I often begin & end my rides on an 8 mile long bike path. Often times I'll see older ELDERLY cyclists, newbie cyclists, and families of cyclists on that path. I'll often smile at them if we're passing in opposite directions, or I'll call out a cheery good morning / afternoon if I'm passing them.

Part of that admittedly is for self-defense , so I know that they know I'm there, but it lifts my spirits as well.

I don't often acknowledge the experienced riders on the path, and once I'm out on the main road, I rarely acknowledge other riders unless I'm passing them.

I suppose I'm a reverse snob.

[PamNY]

Um, older cyclists? I have seen zero evidence that older cyclists are less safe. And I'm not just saying that because I'm 59. Possibly if people are old enough to be infirm or losing eyesight -- again, same as auto drivers -- age could be a factor.

Younger cyclists (as a group) are more dangerous for the same complex reasons that younger drivers are.

[jobob]

Um, older cyclists? I have seen zero evidence that older cyclists are less safe. And I'm not just saying that because I'm 59. Possibly if people are old enough to be infirm or losing eyesight -- again, same as auto drivers -- age could be a factor. .

Pam, I'm being cheery and supportive to people I see on the freakin' lousy bike path that might like a bit of cheer and support.

And no, I'm not talking about 59 year olds -- crap, my husband is 59 and I'm 50 -- I'm talking about the 80 plus year olds.

Good grief.

(any 80-year-olds care to chime in now?)

[PamNY]

Pam, I'm being cheery and supportive to people I see on the freakin' lousy bike path that might like a bit of cheer and support.

And no, I'm not talking about 59 year olds -- crap, my husband is 59 and I'm 50 -- I'm talking about the 80 plus year olds.

Good grief.

(any 80-year-olds care to chime in now?)

I think it's cool that you see 80-year-old cyclists. I see a few who I'd guess to be that age, but not many.

[NbyNW]

I know a guy, 80+, who still rides (not as much these days), and he has probably been one of the most encouraging, welcome-to-the-sport, come-ride-with-us people I've met.

As for acknowledging other cyclists, I think it kinda depends on the situation. If I'm out for a leisurely ride and see someone else out doing same, we generally trade a nod. During a busy commute, it's all about communicating with other road users to stay safe. I don't expect much communication from people who are clearly on a training ride, other than for them to call out if they are passing me. I'd rather they focus on what they need to do to have a safe ride.

[Crankin]

If you want to read an inspiring story about an "older" cyclist, click the link to the story below. The group that is mentioned in the article is the group I ride with.

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/lexin...lls_toward_90/

[WindingRoad]

I think it just depends on the person because the other day I was riding on the local multi purpose path and I passed a guy and he then proceeded to pass me like 30 seconds later and took off like I lit a fire under his a$$, LOL. What an idiot. He was 30 something if I had to guess? I actually found it pretty amusing that he felt so threatened by me on my commuter with panniers and fenders . But then again the same day I encountered an older gent huffing and puffing down the path and we both had to stop to turn around and ended up exchanging pleasantries. Seemed like a nice enough guy. It's like anything I guess, it's the jerks that tend to stand out in our minds. Try to remember there are nice guys/gals too.