turning a blind eye

[OakLeaf]

Let's put this in perspective.

A couple of weeks ago one of my riding buddies stopped in the middle of a hill, just about where it turns from 8% to 12%, to help a box turtle cross the road.

I was ahead of him, and I saw the turtle, but decided that the road was pretty quiet and it would probably be okay. But it nagged at me all the way up the hill, and when I learned that my friend had stopped, I was both glad for the turtle and ashamed of myself.

Yet, no one would stop to help a person after a crash? That's shameful. I hope that your experience was isolated.

[maryellen]

I've often had folks inquire even when I'm just stopped at the side of the road for a break and much appreciate the concern. When I come upon a fallen or injured cyclist, I do ask if okay (and struggled to help the one time the cyclist replied "not really"). If it's a mechanical, I usually just ask if they have everything they need. So far the only concrete assistance I've offered has been the use of my cell phone!

[Grog]

That's sad and a bit depressing.

Like others, I have given spare tubes, loaned pumps, and helped in various ways. Thankfully never had to help anyone after a crash, but the only time I had a serious crash on my bike there was an elderly couple going by in a car that stopped to help me and I was thankful (although I turned out ok). Mind you, that was at 7am in a quiet area. I'm sure if it had been a busy time of day nobody would have stopped. Weird crowd effect maybe?

[pumpkinpony]

That is sad. I frequently have people ask if I'm okay when I just stop to take a break.

Out on the bike path last weekend - lots of bikes, joggers, strollers... I passed an elderly guy on a beach cruiser. On my way back he had a flat tire, walking the bike, and sweating pretty good. I stopped and asked if he needed help. Turns out I couldn't do much for him as his tire was totally done for. Offered my phone so he could get a ride as he was about 6 miles from the beach where he started from... He really appreciated my stopping and said I was the only one who had asked if he needed help.

As many people as there were riding down that path I think it's disgusting that none of the 'roadies' would bother to stop and help an old guy (or anyone, for that matter).

[Librarygirl]

It makes me happy and I am also unsurprised to see that so many people on this forum think that it is very important to stop and assist people out and about, whether injured or in need of mechanical or other assistance; whether cycling, walking or other activity. I get the impression that the TE-ers here are a very thoughtful, considerate and welfare-minded bunch, which is great.

I don't know if that is more so because it is primarily women?

I would like to think that cyclists as a 'culture' would be helpful and considerate too, but in my experience too it is quite varying as to the extent of this. I certainly do notice a difference in attitude to other cyclists depending on whether the person is a kitted-out full on roadie, or a commuter/recreational cyclist. Also, age and gender does seem to play a part. Definitely the younger guys seem the least likely to give thought to the welfare of other cyclists/pedestrians around them.

I guess it is a bit hard sometimes when you are not sure of the reaction you might get, or potential offence that might be taken by an offer of assistance, but I think that we have to get past that and ask anyway. And if somebody is injured, it's a lot less likely that they are going to get offended by someone offering assistance, especially if they're alone.

Anyway, an offer of help can be a nice way to meet other people along the way and to feel connected in this sometimes lonely world. I stopped to offer assistance to a guy (around my age) when I was cycling around the lake recently. I helped him with a loan of my pump and puncture kit and we chatted while he was repairing. He was quite cute and offered to buy me a coffee to say thankyou! I said thankyou but not necessary, but you know, it could have been a nice way to make a new friend or even a potential romantic connection!

[crazycanuck]

If i'm out on the dirt & see someone stopped, I normally say "You ok yo?". I might not have the item they require but at least I offered. Same at XC events-i'm not in to win (rather just trying to beat my previous times & conquer stuff) so am happy to assist in some way.

A while back Ian was going to bunnings for something & as he turned from our street he noticed a cyclist walking for some reason. The gent had a flat along the bike path a few hundred meters away so Ian invited him back to our house & offered our floor pump as the gent fixed his tire. Nice guy & bike!

We have a floor pump in our ute & if i see a roadie stopped fixing thier bike, i'll stop & offer it.

[bmccasland]

I've always offered help to riders I've seen stopped along the levee path, unless they're talking on their cell phones, then I figure they don't need my help. And I've had John Q Public offer me help on a MS training ride when I had mechanical trouble. The gentleman was driving a van, stopped and offered a ride to town or the next rest-stop, and I was leary about getting in the van, but one of our M/C escorts came up and said he's follow us, where-ever went, "to Kansas if necessary." So I felt better, and took up the ride to the next rest-stop where there was mechanical assistance for my troubled bike. I'm not so sure I'd get in the stranger's van, but knowing the M/C rider was back there made me feel safe. The Good Sam was being just that. There are kind strangers, just too bad the creeps have ruined our trust of most strangers.