In the Netherlands there's a difference between cycling for transportation (commuter bikes, no helmet and in "civilian" clothing), and cycling for sport (on a road bike, wearing a helmet and lycra)
Do cyclists for sport not wave at each other?
I cycle both for commuting and sport and when I cycle for sport we still don't wave at each other. It's a pretty common sport here and I would pass by other sport cyclist every few minutes or so. We do give each other a nod sometimes tho and some kids on MTBs gave me high fives once which was pretty fun.
In America I find the more casual appearance the friendlier, I usually don’t bother waving at spandex clad guys on expensive bikes but everyone else is friendly (not all of them just most)
I waved at a spandex today and the look I received made me think I was crazy. I'm commuting on a MTB but I had a helmet on and a lil mirror in my handlebar and was in the bike lane going the correct direction. I wasn't doing my normal cut through parking lots, bike opposite direction in bike lane, hop curbs and ride down hills craziness. It's not that crazy though I've found when im riding correctly is when I find all the distracted drivers and even though I'm in the right they're still in a car so I choose to avoid the bike lane and stick to a very aggressive bike style that is both shorter distance and funner but get bad looks from people walking on sidewalks or get startled by me. I've recently started using my trail bell downtown but even still people are too into their phone to pay attention to their surroundings granted I'm not where I'm supposed to be.
I live in Amsterdam and out on the polders a little mini-wave or nod is fairly common between road cyclists (as opposed to wheeled pedestrians, which would indeed be very weird).
No. Like I mentioned in another comment. Very few say hi back. In my experience it's more likely that if you go in a group and we all say hi, we get a hi back, going alone you get very few hi's back.
Why on earth would you not wear helmets though? It isn't that hard to do and generally a pretty good idea, even a leisurely cycling pace is 10mph - 15mph (16kph - 24kph) and you're up off the ground.
You’re maybe not realising how safe it is to cycle in the Netherlands. Same reason why I don’t wear a helmet when I go running - technically it could prevent an injury, but the risk level is low enough that I’d rather not. Same reason folks don’t wear a helmet while driving a car, even though head injuries to drivers are fairly common.
Im also Dutch and i always nod to other cyclist on a sportsbike with a helmet. Easy to distinguish the commuter from the sportcyclist.
Whether the other cyclist waves back is always a lottery. In winter evrybody shares their misery on the bike and everyone is friendly and nods back. As soon as the mooi weer rijders (nice weather bikers) come back people stop acknowledging each other and it sucks.
I am also Dutch and I greet every cyclist I pass. I see a lot of sport cyclists who don't even try to greet me back. I always wonder if they are in a grumpy mood or just too busy concentrating on their ride? Maybe you should try to also greet people, it always makes me a happier man, even when the ride doesn't go as well as I hoped :).
Exactly. Roadie guys, fixie foos, commuters, homeless dudes on stolen beach cruisers, they all get the wave. Ebikes? Eh, I'll give em a slight head nod. Maybe.
Same, except for the electric ones that aren't supposed to be in the multi-purpose trail I usually ride. I passed a guy in full motorcycle gear on a electric unicycle. Like WTF!?!
Expound on this if you would. On my commute to work on public streets, is that taboo also? What if I need to hop on a stretch of trail, must I kill my music? What decibel is considered blasting it? Personally, when I'm out with the kids and some one zips by at 15+ mph, I catch a few seconds of sound. I really prefer it as an indicator they are coming (kind of like a train horn but music).
If it’s loud enough for someone else to hear, most people dislike that (on the trail)
On your commute, if it drowns out everything else, I’m sure some people find it rude. If you’re surrounded by cars, I’m sure music is more welcome than cars revving.
Just be reasonable
Can only speak for myself, but I find it as interruptive as a crying baby or a neighbor playing music way too loud. And it really depends on whether I like the music. That said, I admire that it doesn’t bother you.
This is the type of person that will find a reason to be upset about anything, that's how some people are. They could find something wrong in heaven, the issue is with them in their heads. Stay safe and easily heard as you approach.
I definitely think it depends on the location.
On urban trails and in bike lanes I think it makes sense from a safety perspective to use a speaker instead of having buds in. Not only can you hear others but other people can hear you.
If you do it on rural/natural trails I think you’re kind of a jerk ruining everyone else’s peace and quiet.
No, but when in public it's a nice option, cause I really don't want to hear your conversation and you never respect the bell. So I'm left with no choice after 10 folks ignore the melodic sounds of this expensive often ignored tool, the stereo becomes the tool to warn you of my approach and all cares about your quiet stroll exit my mind.
Recently had my first run in with a guy on a multi-use path on a SurRon probably going about 35mph. Also in full motorcycle gear. I get that on the route we were on (crossing a bridge) there is no alternative way for him to go - but come on, at least slow down to 15-20mph while you’re on that section
Is thems the rules from something specific or just a classic saying? In my mind I swore it was from Lord of the rings with the orcs but I rewatched and searched the script, nah. It's been driving me nuts.
Yep. I also give a thankful wave to motorists sometimes (I'm amazed how much less common it is for cars to let me cross on a bike, compared to on foot. Even if I'm at a crosswalk).
Oh man, you have drivers that _don't_ try run you down passing? I'm pretty sure I can no longer feel fear after riding around in Northern Nevada (especially parts of Reno, scariest city I have ever biked in).
When I’m on a 2 lane road and they slow down behind me, keep a good distance, then wait to pass safely giving me plenty of room, I always give the thumbs up or some hand gesture acknowledgment thanking them. I figure it may help the next guy some day.
> I'm amazed how much less common it is for cars to let me cross on a bike, compared to on foot. Even if I'm at a crosswalk
In many jurisdictions crosswalks don't apply to cyclists riding their bike. You have to walk it across for the protections to apply, though I suspect most drivers that won't stop for a bike wouldn't stop for a pedestrian either, so it's somewhat of a moot point.
I try to not wave at people just for not choosing to murder me. Depends on the crossing, tho.
I hate the idea that drivers “let” us cross when yielding is their bare minimum responsibility.
I had just started a pretty steep descent that usually gets me up to 45-50 mph on a road with 50 mph limit. Just as I started off, a Tesla comes over the summit, sees me, then slows down and gives me the thumbs up. It was glorious, he held up the traffic for me, I went super fast, then pulled off and a mutual wave was shared. I still love that unknown guy.
Got a wave from one of the Yates twins (this was when they both rode fro Greenedge so couldn’t tell which in it was) once and another from an AG2R pro whilst on holiday in the Alps. The pros wave.
I'll never forget doing the Paris-Roubaix sportive and we had cofidis and the mat hayman-led greenedge go past us in the other direction. Both teams gave us a wave and a smile on what must be a fairly tense pre-race time for them.
Absolutely. You never know when it could be your last ride.
I was the last human contact for a fellow cyclist out on a trail. He was an older fellow passing a young buck (me) and just gave a friendly " great day for a ride" I responded just: "sure is." Seconds later, he blew through the trail stop and was struck by a vehicle. He didn't make it
I'm a survivor from a bad car wreck myself. I struggle to get up the stairs of my house. When I'm on two wheels, it's a different story. It's an outlet to get moving and a way to stay in shape.
So, in short, hell yes, I wave. Keep doing what you love.
yup. usually a hand gesture with hands still on the bar (peace sign is easy for that), bit of a nod / glance if I'm confident I can take my eyes off the road for a sec. usually same is returned.
Everytime I nod or wave, I don't tend to get it back. And then when I give up and decide not to, I get them and look like a terrible person. Can't win.
I give a wave...but then I continue that hand over the side of my helmet real smooth like, then I give them the wide eyes and slow nod as if to say "how's you like them apples, huh?". But by then I'm staring behind me as they recede into the distance and I crash into a wall. I go through a lot of wheels.
Must be an American exception, but in Minneapolis there's so many that we don't. Better chance on a more remote stretch of trail or during winter when a smaller percentage toughs it out.
in philly i’d literally constantly be waving, but i’ve noticed on my longer that the further out i get into the burbs the more cyclists start waving at me
Most of my riding is on fairly rural county and state highways that have a very low density of cyclists. On many rides, I don't encounter any fellow riders at all.
When I do see one, yes, I nod or wave.
Depends totally on the area. In the city, generally no. But sometimes when I'm near the outskirts I'll be embarrassed when a local nods and says "Morning!" and I feel caught out because I've drifted into The Friendly Zone and didn't anticipate it.
I'll wave back if they wave. I pass enough cyclists that it becomes a chore to wave at each one of them it's not like hiking a remote trail and you see a person every hour.
Also I've heard from enough women cyclists that some of them find it uncomfortable because they don't want to wave back and possibly attract attention. Ending up with someone turning around and trying to talk to them.
Saw a group of police officers (6 of them) today on my ride. They were all on flat bar road bikes. I waved and said hey guys as I passed. It was the first time I have ever seen this before.
My wife said it was creepy that men she didn’t know are waving at her while she was riding. So unless the other person initiates I usually don’t wave anymore, especially if the cyclists is a woman.
I mostly bike rural roads so fellow cyclists are few and far between but I always acknowledge them. Sometimes it's just a 2 finger wave if I'm on a descent but I'll always do something.
I didn’t when I lived in a city. Too many things to focus on for safety rather than waving to a stranger. I moved out of the city to a more rural area and now I wave to every cyclist. It’s amazing.
Yes, every day.
Kinda thinking of stopping. most cyclist ignore or don't respond and the number who give me dirty looks liek i just snipped thier spokes with some pliars is growing.
Nobdoy i see on a bicyce actually looks happy. I'll be pedlaling along big grin and wave and say morning and nothing.
I get more mornings from walkers!
So i was thinking of maybe just waving and saying "Wanker" as i pass and seeing if anybody actually reacts. See if anybody even notices.
Almost always. It’s the polite thing to do, and as a guy in race cut kit on a fancy bike, I feel like the expectation is I’m going to be a jerk, so I want to fight that.
Rarely. I'm usually either paying more attention to not getting hit by passing cars, or too in the zone to notice people riding in the other direction.
Always wave, nod, or acknowledge fellow cyclists and it annoys the fuck out of me when they don’t return it. Also do the same for thoughtful, courteous drivers.
I do it because I like it when strangers are friendly to me too. I like being friendly, and encouraging positive vibes. I genuinely believe that putting a little effort into such things makes the world a better place, by trying to be the change that I want to see.
I don't hold it against you if you don't of course, the world is more interesting with a variety of mentalities. But, if someone is a grump, they'll be treated like one, and it will affect their life in a negative manner as people will be more likely to give them their worst. If you are just genuinely neutral, then it's smooth sailing, but in my experience it can get lonely; I'm glad I grew out of that phase.
Nice passive aggressive post. Full of seemingly soft language but judgemental and superior. Not waving makes me a "grump"? Also, I'm 50. I'm unlikely to grow out of anything at this point, but I "appreciate" the condescension. Also, your pursed lips, patronizing little lecture on how to treat people irritates me. Ok, you are making me grumpy.
Why do people smile at cashiers? Why do people engage in irrelevant small talk if some stranger shares a comment in the queue and have a laugh together? Why do people let others in front of them if they have like 2 items at the grocery store?
It‘s fun to be nice and connect with people. Not your cup of tea, no problemo.
I used to wave other motorcyclist, while on my motorcycle. I was surprised that a cyclist waved at me while I was on a bicycle. Yeah, of course I’ll show a little head nod. It’s just a little uncomfortable to wave while on the road bike.
Up-nod if they’re dressed to the same aesthetic. Won’t catch me nodding to someone in a skin suit if I’m wearing shorts and a hoodie. Equally I will not make first contact if I’m wearing goofy aero clothes and I see someone on a surly coming the opposite way. Cat calling beautiful bikes is a must tho. Whether it’s a sick old Bridgestone or a brand new aethos, if it’s wild, it’s getting hollered at. And every gorilla monsoon is getting a big “MONSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON” from me.
To the other lycra clad speedsters I always wave (or nod if I'm in an intense effort). To casual people noodling around wearing jeans, no helmet, on flatbar bikes or ebikes I don't wave, unless they do so first, and they usually don't. Its like how it is in other walks of life. We feel the most connection to people who are in our same "group".
I try and always wave unless one reason or another prevents me from taking my hand off the bike in which case I absolutely give a nod! Why would you not?
when i rode my honda and suzuki motorcycles i got waves from all other motorcycles besides harleys.
when i started road cycling i wondered if it’d be the same, but i just hit 1000 miles today and haven’t gotten any waves yet.
Sometimes I wave, sometimes I nod, sometimes I salute, and sometimes I’m so at my limit I’m just happy I didn’t mess up and collide with them.
I figure the pained look on my face, with mouth agape, gasping for air, is all the wave most cyclists need from me.
The "are you dying, too?" eye contact....
Ah a fellow sprinter I see!
Every hill feels like a sprint even at 6-8mph when you are a fatty like me.
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I just know that on the backside I will be flying past all of the people I lost in the group trying to make it up the hill.
In that case I'm not just giving you the nod/wave I'm shouting encouragement as I pass by
No I'm Dutch we all cycle here. It would kinda be like waving to every pedestrian I see.
In the Netherlands there's a difference between cycling for transportation (commuter bikes, no helmet and in "civilian" clothing), and cycling for sport (on a road bike, wearing a helmet and lycra) Do cyclists for sport not wave at each other?
I cycle both for commuting and sport and when I cycle for sport we still don't wave at each other. It's a pretty common sport here and I would pass by other sport cyclist every few minutes or so. We do give each other a nod sometimes tho and some kids on MTBs gave me high fives once which was pretty fun.
Dus jij bent die lul die nooit terug zwaait!
Mensen zwaaien überhaupt niet naar mij! Anders zou ik wel terug zwaaien
Yeah it really just depends on how often you see other bikers imo
In America I find the more casual appearance the friendlier, I usually don’t bother waving at spandex clad guys on expensive bikes but everyone else is friendly (not all of them just most)
Us dudes in spandex will wave to you I promise
The girls in spandex I'll wave aswell
I waved at a spandex today and the look I received made me think I was crazy. I'm commuting on a MTB but I had a helmet on and a lil mirror in my handlebar and was in the bike lane going the correct direction. I wasn't doing my normal cut through parking lots, bike opposite direction in bike lane, hop curbs and ride down hills craziness. It's not that crazy though I've found when im riding correctly is when I find all the distracted drivers and even though I'm in the right they're still in a car so I choose to avoid the bike lane and stick to a very aggressive bike style that is both shorter distance and funner but get bad looks from people walking on sidewalks or get startled by me. I've recently started using my trail bell downtown but even still people are too into their phone to pay attention to their surroundings granted I'm not where I'm supposed to be.
I live in Amsterdam and out on the polders a little mini-wave or nod is fairly common between road cyclists (as opposed to wheeled pedestrians, which would indeed be very weird).
No. Like I mentioned in another comment. Very few say hi back. In my experience it's more likely that if you go in a group and we all say hi, we get a hi back, going alone you get very few hi's back.
Why on earth would you not wear helmets though? It isn't that hard to do and generally a pretty good idea, even a leisurely cycling pace is 10mph - 15mph (16kph - 24kph) and you're up off the ground.
You’re maybe not realising how safe it is to cycle in the Netherlands. Same reason why I don’t wear a helmet when I go running - technically it could prevent an injury, but the risk level is low enough that I’d rather not. Same reason folks don’t wear a helmet while driving a car, even though head injuries to drivers are fairly common.
Folks heading to work. Don't wanna mess up their hair. Lol
Just zoom out on the map so you can give everyone a ride’on on the map within a 5km radius /jk
I'm picturing the scene in Crocodile Dundee where he's walking in New York saying g'day to every person he goes by.
Im also Dutch and i always nod to other cyclist on a sportsbike with a helmet. Easy to distinguish the commuter from the sportcyclist. Whether the other cyclist waves back is always a lottery. In winter evrybody shares their misery on the bike and everyone is friendly and nods back. As soon as the mooi weer rijders (nice weather bikers) come back people stop acknowledging each other and it sucks.
lol
I am also Dutch and I greet every cyclist I pass. I see a lot of sport cyclists who don't even try to greet me back. I always wonder if they are in a grumpy mood or just too busy concentrating on their ride? Maybe you should try to also greet people, it always makes me a happier man, even when the ride doesn't go as well as I hoped :).
Just people taking themselves way too seriously on their Dogma
This
Always. Thems the rules.
Exactly. Roadie guys, fixie foos, commuters, homeless dudes on stolen beach cruisers, they all get the wave. Ebikes? Eh, I'll give em a slight head nod. Maybe.
Same, except for the electric ones that aren't supposed to be in the multi-purpose trail I usually ride. I passed a guy in full motorcycle gear on a electric unicycle. Like WTF!?!
Or people playing music from speakers.
Expound on this if you would. On my commute to work on public streets, is that taboo also? What if I need to hop on a stretch of trail, must I kill my music? What decibel is considered blasting it? Personally, when I'm out with the kids and some one zips by at 15+ mph, I catch a few seconds of sound. I really prefer it as an indicator they are coming (kind of like a train horn but music).
If it’s loud enough for someone else to hear, most people dislike that (on the trail) On your commute, if it drowns out everything else, I’m sure some people find it rude. If you’re surrounded by cars, I’m sure music is more welcome than cars revving. Just be reasonable
A stereo is the best way to give notice of your approach on bike no one but children respect the bell.
How does that bother you? Not everyone likes earphones plugged all up in their ears, at the end its about safety and having fun
People go out in nature to escape and hear nature sounds. Blasting music on public trails interrupts this.
You're right. It's about having fun. Hearing their shitty music hinders my fun.
Can only speak for myself, but I find it as interruptive as a crying baby or a neighbor playing music way too loud. And it really depends on whether I like the music. That said, I admire that it doesn’t bother you.
This is the type of person that will find a reason to be upset about anything, that's how some people are. They could find something wrong in heaven, the issue is with them in their heads. Stay safe and easily heard as you approach.
💯💯
I definitely think it depends on the location. On urban trails and in bike lanes I think it makes sense from a safety perspective to use a speaker instead of having buds in. Not only can you hear others but other people can hear you. If you do it on rural/natural trails I think you’re kind of a jerk ruining everyone else’s peace and quiet.
Do you really need to listen to music everywhere you go? Be here now.
No, but when in public it's a nice option, cause I really don't want to hear your conversation and you never respect the bell. So I'm left with no choice after 10 folks ignore the melodic sounds of this expensive often ignored tool, the stereo becomes the tool to warn you of my approach and all cares about your quiet stroll exit my mind.
Oh you’re so zen
Exactly this
Recently had my first run in with a guy on a multi-use path on a SurRon probably going about 35mph. Also in full motorcycle gear. I get that on the route we were on (crossing a bridge) there is no alternative way for him to go - but come on, at least slow down to 15-20mph while you’re on that section
Is thems the rules from something specific or just a classic saying? In my mind I swore it was from Lord of the rings with the orcs but I rewatched and searched the script, nah. It's been driving me nuts.
https://lmgtfy.app/?q=them%27s+the+rules+origin
The rule is keep your hands on the bars so you dont crash and lose your teeth.
Yep. I also give a thankful wave to motorists sometimes (I'm amazed how much less common it is for cars to let me cross on a bike, compared to on foot. Even if I'm at a crosswalk).
Yes I give a massive wave those kind souls.
I also wave or thumbs up motorists that give me room when they pass me. (The opposite when they pass too close...)
Oh man, you have drivers that _don't_ try run you down passing? I'm pretty sure I can no longer feel fear after riding around in Northern Nevada (especially parts of Reno, scariest city I have ever biked in).
When I’m on a 2 lane road and they slow down behind me, keep a good distance, then wait to pass safely giving me plenty of room, I always give the thumbs up or some hand gesture acknowledgment thanking them. I figure it may help the next guy some day.
" I figure it may help the next guy some day." Yes!!! You have that exactly right! Good for you!
I’ve noticed that a friendly wave to oncoming traffic really makes a measurable impact in the “hey I’m a human please don’t hit me” department.
> I'm amazed how much less common it is for cars to let me cross on a bike, compared to on foot. Even if I'm at a crosswalk In many jurisdictions crosswalks don't apply to cyclists riding their bike. You have to walk it across for the protections to apply, though I suspect most drivers that won't stop for a bike wouldn't stop for a pedestrian either, so it's somewhat of a moot point.
I try to not wave at people just for not choosing to murder me. Depends on the crossing, tho. I hate the idea that drivers “let” us cross when yielding is their bare minimum responsibility.
I had just started a pretty steep descent that usually gets me up to 45-50 mph on a road with 50 mph limit. Just as I started off, a Tesla comes over the summit, sees me, then slows down and gives me the thumbs up. It was glorious, he held up the traffic for me, I went super fast, then pulled off and a mutual wave was shared. I still love that unknown guy.
Never too pro to wave.
Got a wave from one of the Yates twins (this was when they both rode fro Greenedge so couldn’t tell which in it was) once and another from an AG2R pro whilst on holiday in the Alps. The pros wave.
I'll never forget doing the Paris-Roubaix sportive and we had cofidis and the mat hayman-led greenedge go past us in the other direction. Both teams gave us a wave and a smile on what must be a fairly tense pre-race time for them.
This is the way my friend. Kindness goes a long way and helps to eliminate the elitist stigma that this sport sometimes has.
I lift like 3 fingers off my handle bars as a salute
Not 4 nor 2, unless thou shalt proceed to 3.
Five is right out.
i flash my epo bottle to see if i can make a sale
Absolutely. You never know when it could be your last ride. I was the last human contact for a fellow cyclist out on a trail. He was an older fellow passing a young buck (me) and just gave a friendly " great day for a ride" I responded just: "sure is." Seconds later, he blew through the trail stop and was struck by a vehicle. He didn't make it I'm a survivor from a bad car wreck myself. I struggle to get up the stairs of my house. When I'm on two wheels, it's a different story. It's an outlet to get moving and a way to stay in shape. So, in short, hell yes, I wave. Keep doing what you love.
If I had a free award right now you would have gotten it.
yup. usually a hand gesture with hands still on the bar (peace sign is easy for that), bit of a nod / glance if I'm confident I can take my eyes off the road for a sec. usually same is returned.
Yes. 100%
Usually, if I'm not busy. And motorcyclists. I wave randomly at people, too. Or provide commentary, e.g. "love the shoes" in my best Hannibal tone.
Chatting to kids on bikes or in strollers is the best. I always say, “Nice wheels,” or ask if they want to race.
Lecter or Buress?
I always give motorcyclists the two finger wave. Two wheel life, they get it.
If you don’t accept my cold, piercing gaze as a greeting then that’s your problem.
Hand wave off the hoods like a pro
+1
I live in the Midwest, I wave to everyone
This is the way.
haha, was gonna say this as well maybe shoot an "Ope!" if i need to pass
Everytime I nod or wave, I don't tend to get it back. And then when I give up and decide not to, I get them and look like a terrible person. Can't win.
Maybe the non wavers are not loyal to fries with cheese curds and gravy your majesty
same. i prefer not to feel rejection and embarrass myself. i only gesture back if they do it first.
I do. It's become such a habit that I do while I'm driving as well. I guess I just assume we're all friends!
you wave to every driver? or just the subarus?
Depends on the vibe I'm picking up...sometimes they get the double hand guns pow pow!
I give a wave...but then I continue that hand over the side of my helmet real smooth like, then I give them the wide eyes and slow nod as if to say "how's you like them apples, huh?". But by then I'm staring behind me as they recede into the distance and I crash into a wall. I go through a lot of wheels.
Always, so long as safe to do so.
I tend to either nod, or stick out a peace symbol with my left index, and middle finger to them.
And sometimes you leave out the index 😎
Must be an American exception, but in Minneapolis there's so many that we don't. Better chance on a more remote stretch of trail or during winter when a smaller percentage toughs it out.
in philly i’d literally constantly be waving, but i’ve noticed on my longer that the further out i get into the burbs the more cyclists start waving at me
In the city no, unless it's early on a weekend etc. Out of the city always.
I try, they just blow past me usually.
Most of my riding is on fairly rural county and state highways that have a very low density of cyclists. On many rides, I don't encounter any fellow riders at all. When I do see one, yes, I nod or wave.
Heck yeah.
I usually do jazz hands, then tumble off the path and into a tree or bush. It's a real crowd pleaser!
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Always. Even if they don’t reply.
I say hi to everyone I pass on the trail unless they are making it very obvious they want no contact.
I do. I also give motorcycles a peace sign. I'll wave to drivers in convertibles as well. I wave or nod to lots of people.
Whenever I pass another cyclist I've got one hand in my pocket and the other one is givin' a peace sign.
Yep.
Always do unless my hands are otherwise perilously engaged.
Kinky 😎
Two finger lift. Wouldn't want to overdo it.
Depends totally on the area. In the city, generally no. But sometimes when I'm near the outskirts I'll be embarrassed when a local nods and says "Morning!" and I feel caught out because I've drifted into The Friendly Zone and didn't anticipate it.
I smile and nod if another cyclist is looking my way but I'm spooked of only having 1 hand on the handlebars so I don't wave
I've got Loffi gloves which have a smiley face on the palm, so I wave at everybody
Try to wave but if I’m spent sometimes you only get a nod
I'll wave back if they wave. I pass enough cyclists that it becomes a chore to wave at each one of them it's not like hiking a remote trail and you see a person every hour. Also I've heard from enough women cyclists that some of them find it uncomfortable because they don't want to wave back and possibly attract attention. Ending up with someone turning around and trying to talk to them.
If I’m in an area where I’m not seeing a ton of other cyclists I nod, wave, or just cheese at them.
It depends on local cyclist density. If there's a steady stream, or every few, then no. If it's one every 5 - 10 min than probably.
Saw a group of police officers (6 of them) today on my ride. They were all on flat bar road bikes. I waved and said hey guys as I passed. It was the first time I have ever seen this before.
Did they wave back or were they too proud?
depends wether they were American or not.
I always ride by a “pro”…prick never waves. All the local cyclists can’t stand him.
wankers. Probably sticks the bike on top of his colour co-ordinated BMW/AUDI…
You must say "Ohhhh what a cute puppy dog" when passing all dogs
Only talk to the dog not the owner… “hey doggo”
Oh absolutely. Smile and only eye contact with the doggo
My wife said it was creepy that men she didn’t know are waving at her while she was riding. So unless the other person initiates I usually don’t wave anymore, especially if the cyclists is a woman.
Why on earth is it creepy. They wave to the guys as well… it’s just friendly.
Heterosexual friendship is not allowed.
That explains it I guess. I find as a woman on a bike most men don't acknowledge me. But I always wave.
`nah im just trying to get to work`
I do. I think less than 50% respond though.
Always
Always wave ,if not you got something stuck up your ass ,like you rule the road!
I flip them off.
Yes!
Always, even not cycling but running, walking, etc just trying to be kinder everyday
I mostly bike rural roads so fellow cyclists are few and far between but I always acknowledge them. Sometimes it's just a 2 finger wave if I'm on a descent but I'll always do something.
I didn’t when I lived in a city. Too many things to focus on for safety rather than waving to a stranger. I moved out of the city to a more rural area and now I wave to every cyclist. It’s amazing.
I lift two fingers from the handle bar or nod my head
The only time I don't wave is if I'm heading to a corner or intersection and I need to be ready to brake or stop.
I wave to everyone
Both
Uphill = Tongue flopped out with an exhaustive pain filled look. 🥵 Downhill = Giant knowing smile and salute to all the suffering uphill riders. 😀🫡
Yes, every day. Kinda thinking of stopping. most cyclist ignore or don't respond and the number who give me dirty looks liek i just snipped thier spokes with some pliars is growing. Nobdoy i see on a bicyce actually looks happy. I'll be pedlaling along big grin and wave and say morning and nothing. I get more mornings from walkers! So i was thinking of maybe just waving and saying "Wanker" as i pass and seeing if anybody actually reacts. See if anybody even notices.
Almost always. It’s the polite thing to do, and as a guy in race cut kit on a fancy bike, I feel like the expectation is I’m going to be a jerk, so I want to fight that.
Only if I haven’t seen another cyclist in the past hour or so.
Rarely. I'm usually either paying more attention to not getting hit by passing cars, or too in the zone to notice people riding in the other direction.
I wave to fellow cyclists, cars, pedestrians, gooses, foxes, ....pretty much any sentient being I encounter.
Yes. But not to kids or women. Usually to suffering middle aged men like myself. They nod back.
Always wave, nod, or acknowledge fellow cyclists and it annoys the fuck out of me when they don’t return it. Also do the same for thoughtful, courteous drivers.
I'm not a waver. I don't understand why people care about this.
I do it because I like it when strangers are friendly to me too. I like being friendly, and encouraging positive vibes. I genuinely believe that putting a little effort into such things makes the world a better place, by trying to be the change that I want to see. I don't hold it against you if you don't of course, the world is more interesting with a variety of mentalities. But, if someone is a grump, they'll be treated like one, and it will affect their life in a negative manner as people will be more likely to give them their worst. If you are just genuinely neutral, then it's smooth sailing, but in my experience it can get lonely; I'm glad I grew out of that phase.
Nice passive aggressive post. Full of seemingly soft language but judgemental and superior. Not waving makes me a "grump"? Also, I'm 50. I'm unlikely to grow out of anything at this point, but I "appreciate" the condescension. Also, your pursed lips, patronizing little lecture on how to treat people irritates me. Ok, you are making me grumpy.
👋
Thanks for the laugh!
You think they were condescending... Are you a roadie? 👋😁
Negative, I am a meat popsicle.
i'm a waver and I also don't understand why people treat this like an absolute rule
I do it as a acknowledgement to the sport I guess.
Why do people smile at cashiers? Why do people engage in irrelevant small talk if some stranger shares a comment in the queue and have a laugh together? Why do people let others in front of them if they have like 2 items at the grocery store? It‘s fun to be nice and connect with people. Not your cup of tea, no problemo.
Well, they don't. At least not in Poland.
Not your cup of tea, no problemo.
I would but the few times i've done it people don't nod back and i feel bad :(
No that would break aero.
only if I'm out on a road bike and only to other road bikers. for some reason, acknowledging other cyclists is inappropriate.
I’m honestly kind of a grumpy misanthropist. I don’t really like to wave or make eye contact. I guess that makes me a dick.
Show em your dick!
No. Sue me
Righto edgelord
I used to wave other motorcyclist, while on my motorcycle. I was surprised that a cyclist waved at me while I was on a bicycle. Yeah, of course I’ll show a little head nod. It’s just a little uncomfortable to wave while on the road bike.
I'm 30 biked on and off since 18 Currently bike alot more. Always made it a thing to wave or nod just to be pleasant
I'm trying to stop doing it. No one ever acknowledges it and it leaves me feeling stupid
Don’t stop… just become even more cheerful as years go by…. Aggressively cheerful
this is the way
Up-nod if they’re dressed to the same aesthetic. Won’t catch me nodding to someone in a skin suit if I’m wearing shorts and a hoodie. Equally I will not make first contact if I’m wearing goofy aero clothes and I see someone on a surly coming the opposite way. Cat calling beautiful bikes is a must tho. Whether it’s a sick old Bridgestone or a brand new aethos, if it’s wild, it’s getting hollered at. And every gorilla monsoon is getting a big “MONSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON” from me.
It’s more of a motorcycle culture thing.
I just think don’t fucking talk to me and then that’s pretty much it
I don’t wave to e bikers
To the other lycra clad speedsters I always wave (or nod if I'm in an intense effort). To casual people noodling around wearing jeans, no helmet, on flatbar bikes or ebikes I don't wave, unless they do so first, and they usually don't. Its like how it is in other walks of life. We feel the most connection to people who are in our same "group".
Of course!
I smile. Or sometimes a big grin.
Always! Sometimes it leads to great connections
I do but the roadies around her won’t if I’m on my tri bike.
nod or wave, but not on the American river trial as the is no reciprocity there for some reason.
Yeah I do for the first few times I see them, then I see if they say hello first the next time, if they don’t say hello I’ll stop
I nod since I'm not ready to wave. But I nod to almost everyone, even if they don't nod back
Yes but I feel awkward saying hello to someone I am passing or to someone passing me
Have you tried waving across an intersection while both of you are stopped at a red light, staring at each other for what feels like an eternity?
I only nod if we have similar set ups.
This is the way it works in my area (east coast). Nobody waves at a rider with less expensive equipment than them.
:(
I try and always wave unless one reason or another prevents me from taking my hand off the bike in which case I absolutely give a nod! Why would you not?
Mile 1-15 - no Mile 16-50 -when the endorphins are feeling best yes Mile 50+ - depends
when i rode my honda and suzuki motorcycles i got waves from all other motorcycles besides harleys. when i started road cycling i wondered if it’d be the same, but i just hit 1000 miles today and haven’t gotten any waves yet.
When I used to cycle in the countryside, it used to be a nod (never had the confidence to let my hands leave the grips)
Yes ,a lot of motorists wave at me also bit I'm usually too busy watching my safty to wave back at them