Have you ever helped an invisible cyclist?

[Trek420]

Yesterday I rode to the USPO. As I was unlocking an elderly gent on a battered Huffy rode up. He actually had an interesting front rack he'd made of a milk crate. It looked better than the usual plastic bags on the handlebars I see 'round here.

As he wrapped the chain around a pillar I asked him "can I give you a tip?" not sure if he spoke English. He nodded yes.

I showed him it's not secure. Mimed and said that all someone needs to do is lift the bike upright and voila, it's off the pole. Pointed to my bike and showed the lock round secure post, then front wheel, and frame.

He gave me a big smile, his bike is important to him, maybe more so than mine to me.

I should have gone on about helmets, I had not seen him ride so I dunno if it's on the sidewalk but figured one thing at a time. Maybe the next time he sees someone kitted up in lycra he'll think "they're not so bad"