Etiquette question

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by less'go
When you're on you bike and you come to a stop, for example, next to another bike, do you or don't you say hello? It is such an akward situation, I find, to just say nothing. But cyclists here seem too cool to even acknowledge the presence of another cyclist. I mean, I know we don't say hello to other drivers when we're at a stoplight in our cars, but still, the situation seelms different.

Howw about you?

Sara

I hate to say it, but do you think it may be because you are in Paris!

Don't get me wrong, I love the French, they have great wine, a great rugby team (they beat NZ in the last World Cup), and the best road race on this planet.

In Australia, all the cyclist are pretty friendly, it's only the cars that we get the cold should er from.

Where ever I ride, given the oppertunity I would always say Hi to another cyclist, I have been riding for about 20yrs, and have many sitiuations when my friendlt greeting has been shunned, but just think "me be next time", I have also made a few new friends by doing this, but such is my way that I would always at least try to share a moment with another cyclist.
Being Welsh I have to bow to the current supriority of both NZ and French rugby proesss (well for the forseable future to I guess).

I like say G'day when passing if at a reasonable speed, and always at least gesture if stopping.

Brian

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Aussie cycler
I hate to say it, but do you think it may be because you are in Paris!

Oh, quite very possibly definitely, I'd say. I was just curious as to how it is elsewhere. I just got back from riding about 20k (that's pretty good for me) just for fun, and met up with another cyclist en route. We rode together a while. Very friendly fellow. Not French, though, Greek!

And Madone I think you have the right attitude, to say hello if you want to, even if sometimes you are shunned. It's very possible that other people are too shy to say hello and the only way to start a converstaion is to be the first to say something.

I'm just happy to be biking and want to share it!

S

In Virginia, there seems to be a big camaraderie between all people on two wheels, motorcycles included. There is almost always acknowledgement between us even if it’s only a quick nod as we pass each other on opposite sides of the street; kind of like we are all in some kind of club. It is inspiring.

Ok......how about a Canadian perspective. Rugby...we suck!Nuff said.LOL.
I nodd, wave or say hello to whomever I pass.Most times I get a response but have been snubbed by MTBers and roadies alike. I hate to admit it but there is a degree of snobbery in cycling but I make it a point of not adding to it.
Funny thing is I get the biggest smiles, waves and responses from runners. They always seem friendly. Go figure?
Have a great one!Mmmmmmmmm.....French wine...yum!

another Canadian perspective...... I always acknowledge other cyclists with a wave of a 'hi', don't always get a response but I don't let other peoples rudeness bother me too much, I'm having too much fun riding for that.

As for the French and rugby I guess for an Aussie anyone who beats NZ is OK, just like here in Canada we like anyone who beats the US.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by eric_the_red
another Canadian perspective...... I always acknowledge other cyclists with a wave of a 'hi', don't always get a response but I don't let other peoples rudeness bother me too much, I'm having too much fun riding for that.

As for the French and rugby I guess for an Aussie anyone who beats NZ is OK, just like here in Canada we like anyone who beats the US.

Jeez, any one else want to put their two bob's worth in about rugby. HA!

I kinda think we are lucky here in Australia as you pretty much always get a wave whenever you pass another cyclist going the other direction. It's almost like its rude not to acknowledge your fellow cyclist. I guess we look at it from the perspective that we both have something in common that we love.

Go the Wallabies!

I say hi but they never say hi back....... until I say " is that a dent on your frame?"

Sounds like cyclists are friendlier, in general, elsewhere... although knowing the French, they really are nice people once you get past the exterior appearance of being a snob.. I'd like it to feel like a "club", I fell like other cyclists and I have something cool in common. So I'll take the sound advice of going ahead and being friendly, even if others do not respond in kind.

What's all this fuss about Rugby, fellas? Did the French kick someone's can or something? Don't much follow sports, me...

Sara

The French scored an upset at the last World Cup by beating the Kiwi All Blacks. Even though it was four years ago, I still love watching the game again and again. That's all!

Good luck with being friendly to other cyclists, you might be surprised one day and strike up a great conversation with someone.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by alex001
I say hi but they never say hi back....... until I say " is that a dent on your frame?"

Lmao..

That is a good one.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by jitteringjr
In Virginia, there seems to be a big camaraderie between all people on two wheels, motorcycles included. There is almost always acknowledgement between us even if it’s only a quick nod as we pass each other on opposite sides of the street; kind of like we are all in some kind of club. It is inspiring.

I have to agree with this... Here in the "south", everyone on two wheels is very friendly to each other.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by less'go
When you're on you bike and you come to a stop, for example, next to another bike, do you or don't you say hello? It is such an akward situation, I find, to just say nothing. But cyclists here seem too cool to even acknowledge the presence of another cyclist. I mean, I know we don't say hello to other drivers when we're at a stoplight in our cars, but still, the situation seelms different.

Howw about you?

Sara

The thing that surprised me most when I started cycling was how tight the cycling community seemed to be. Here in Austin, Texas not only does just about everyone say hi no matter what your are riding but I constantly get waves from cyclists when they see me driving with my bike on the roof. It's a shame it can't be that way everywhere. Cyclists have enough obstacles already without each other being one of them. I don't take it personally though when someone doesn't say hi (which is rare) since I assume they are really concentrating unless it's an obvious snub which I still don't lose any sleep over. So to answer your question, yes I always say hello.

Matt

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by less'go
When you're on you bike and you come to a stop, for example, next to another bike, do you or don't you say hello? It is such an akward situation, I find, to just say nothing. But cyclists here seem too cool to even acknowledge the presence of another cyclist. I mean, I know we don't say hello to other drivers when we're at a stoplight in our cars, but still, the situation seelms different.

Howw about you?

Sara

First, you stop for red lights.. 🙂

Here in my neck of the woods, I say a polite hello. Then I ride away from them.

I see dudes on "hogs" waving to each other as they pass. I even get an occasional wave from them. When I drive, I wave at fellow drivers of "Daytonas".

No reason not to say "Hi". Then again I'm not a weak dork.....

Memph

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by less'go
Sounds like cyclists are friendlier, in general, elsewhere... although knowing the French, they really are nice people once you get past the exterior appearance of being a snob..

Wow, when we cycled in Provence, EVERYBODY was super-friendly regarding the bicycles. Even those in cars would drive by, wave and shout "Velo! Velo!" So far, France is my favorite place in the world. Even if we were warned ahead of time to say we were Canadians!

I have a dream to cycle all over the UK sometime; it seems like it'd be wonderful. The UK is another place I love, anyway; even not on a bike.

surely nobody should have to say Hi to mountain bikers...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by jitteringjr
In Virginia, there seems to be a big camaraderie between all people on two wheels, motorcycles included. There is almost always acknowledgement between us even if it’s only a quick nod as we pass each other on opposite sides of the street; kind of like we are all in some kind of club. It is inspiring.

I would have to say the same about riders here in MO. Think it's more of the fact that there is just not alot of us. We like to come across others on two wheels. A nod, wave or friendly hello and comment about the weather("just doesn't get any better does it" or "man when's this rain gonna stop"😉

JR

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Blimp
surely nobody should have to say Hi to mountain bikers...

Bothwell huh!

My girlfriend and I stayed at Bothwell Grange about 7 years ago. Nice quiet place - not much goes on at night though!