Are men bike snobs?

[OakLeaf]

We have Yamaha Star Motorcycles, and wave to anyone on a cruiser... - unless they're on a Harley, then those "snobs" often just wave to other Harleys

So you're some of those snobs who don't wave to anyone on sportbikes then?


There's definitely a helmet/no helmet thing that goes on with motorcyclists (vs. bikers). I kind of wish it were the same with bicyclists...

[Christopher]

I don't offer a wave or greeting, but will return one. I get irrationally angry if I get ignored if I do offer a greeting first, so no longer bother. I am also a little paranoid about looking at women on cycles in case they think I am ogling them.

Around here (NW England), cyclist and motorbikers ignore one another. Not in a rude way, there's just no interaction. But it's fun to see that Sidi do make nice motorbike boots... The bike are either cruisers mosying along, or sportbikes screaming at 8000 revs...

[Crankin]

You know, now that I think about it, women rarely initiate a wave or nod to me. In fact, some of them just put their head down.

[shootingstar]

You know, now that I think about it, women rarely initiate a wave or nod to me. In fact, some of them just put their head down.

I actually rarely initiate a nod or greeting to any passing cyclist.
And roadie gals about 90% time just really don't respond to me..probably because I ride a hybrid. If they only knew how long I've been cycling or how old I am.

On bike, with my sunglasses and helmet, I probably look alot younger than what I really am, simply because of my petite build.

[Crankin]

OK, here is my *very* unofficial poll of who responded to my wave or nod.
I did a 15 mile ride on one of my regular loops (Lowell Rd.- Monument St., back by the North Bridge). This is an extremely popular route for cyclists from all over eastern MA, commuters, clubs, etc. Since I went out at 9 AM, on a weekday, I guess the participants in my poll are not well distributed.
I observed for about 13 miles, basically the loop part of the ride. I either waved very slightly, not a vigorous, obnoxious thing, or nodded my head once. All of the men either waved back or nodded. None of the women waved, but one did smile at me. All of these riders were on road bikes, although it is not unusual to see plenty of people on hybrids or mountain/comfort bikes on this route.
Maybe because I was wearing my black and yellow helmet with my red shoes and bike ?
OK, gotta go do my work.

[JennK13]

So you're some of those snobs who don't wave to anyone on sportbikes then?

haha! well, more or less! Not that sport bikes wave at us, either

As for helmets, I ALWAYS wear one on a motorcycle or snowboard (fell getting of the lift this season and whacked my head - fortunately, had a helmet), and almost always on a bicycle - after I clean and lube my bike, I don't when I ride up and down the street to check everything, or if I'm chillin' on my cruiser on the bike path. But I always do if I'm commuting or road riding in the street - any kind of "aggressive" riding.

Nice morning ride around the reservoir with my usual Wednesday morning group - lots of cyclists are there at any time of day. I think we had one person give a "how ya doing?" as HE passed us on a hill.

That's about it.

[PamNY]

In terms of biker friendliness, I notice cultural differences far more than gender differences.

I wouldn't go into much detail in an online discussion -- too much potential for misunderstanding.

But several neighborhoods that I pass through are friendlier and more fun than a strictly white, American neighborhood.