Are men bike snobs?

[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.

[crazycanuck]

I was taken aback a bit ago when some roadies(male) actually said "hello" to me ...I find if i ride alone people actually acknowledge me. Many female roadies dont' say hello though .
That's roadie riding though.

On de dirt people say howdy all the time...

[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?)

[Zen]

. Haven't you ever noticed how motorcycle riders wave to each other?

I've had motorcycle drivers wave to me on the bicycle.

[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.

[loopybunny]

I subscribe to the King of Style's etiquette (lesson #4) in this department because I feel it creates a friendly sense of community.

I usually give a wave, nod, or hello to everyone (regardless of bike and also joggers/walkers). There are two exceptions. The first one is when I didn't see the person because I was messing with my water bottle or looking at my computer. The other time is when I'm riding on the bike trail by my parents' house and there are cyclists every 2 seconds (I do try to smile and nod, but saying hi every time is exhausting).

I ride alone 99% of the time. I also ride enough that I often see the same people out. I want to appear friendly enough that if I'm standing on the side of the road with a technical and they see me, they'll be kind enough to stop and ask if I need help even if I don't.

Very rarely do I ever not get a wave, nod, or hello from others. Usually the most enthusiastic greetings are from other women riding solo.

[trista]

My dad rides motorcycles and he has discussed *at length* his "signature wave." He has told me many times that bikers need to develop their own wave and it needs to be unique. That it's not cool to pass another biker and not present your signature wave. Kinda hilarious, since he's so dorky and he's like, 70 and still talks about the importance of the signature wave.

So I've often wondered if as a cyclist, I should develop MY signature wave. (this is all in fun, mind you). My signature wave is either a nod or a single-finger up, since i'm often dodging pot-holes and need both hands. Today I passed a cyclist and couldn't respond at all, I was in such a bad spot on the road.

[OakLeaf]

"Signature wave???"

Now, I've only been riding motorcycles since 1991, but my DH has hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years on me, and he's never mentioned anything about a "signature wave."

Wave, yeah. Signature, uh, whatever.

[trista]

"Signature wave???"

Now, I've only been riding motorcycles since 1991, but my DH has hundreds of thousands of miles and 20 years on me, and he's never mentioned anything about a "signature wave."

Wave, yeah. Signature, uh, whatever.

LOL. You have to remember this is coming from a man who started riding in the 50's. His "newest" bike is a BSA manufactured about 35 years ago. He's REALLY old school.

[Zen]

The older I grow, the less the younger men want to talk to me

You do know we're invisible, right?

Conclusion: it's a guy thing. They need less testosterone to experience higher brain activity.

You could build an entire thesis on that

[bmccasland]

On the levee path (10' wide), most cyclists will at least raise a couple of fingers up off their hoods as they pass me. I've had faster riders say something in greeting as they've passed me, when I've been riding alone ("morning", "nice tail wind", "brutal side wind"). So maybe it's the proximity, or southern hospitality, but I haven't noticed specifically whether or not age or sex makes a difference on greeting.

[TrekTheKaty]

The male cyclists in our area have become more friendly. I get more waves on the road than I used to. I don't know if they have started to recognize me or I "look like I know what I'm doing"--which, yes, would be snobbery.

On the trail, I just say hello.

I've had motorcycles wave or cut closer than cars--so that's a toss up.

I don't have a signature wave--Contador's pistol would be too cheesy, right?