It's always been traditional for cyclists out in the country to greet each other, at least with a nod or a wave, when passing on the road, and to utter a greeting of some sort when overtaking. At least four times in the last few months I've been overtaken in complete silence while out in Hertfordshire roads. These were presumably experienced cyclists; at least, they were going pretty fast and riding expensive machines. Does this mean that the old customs are dying out? It seems a pity if so.
-- Anthony Campbell - [email hidden] Microsoft-free zone - Using Linux Gnu-Debian http://www.acampbell.org.uk (blog, book reviews, on-line books and sceptical articles)
"Anthony Campbell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
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It's always been traditional for cyclists out in the country to greet each other, at least with a nod or a wave, when passing on the road, and to utter a greeting of some sort when overtaking. At least four times in the last few months I've been overtaken in complete silence while out in Hertfordshire roads. These were presumably experienced cyclists; at least, they were going pretty fast and riding expensive machines. Does this mean that the old customs are dying out? It seems a pity if so.
There was a thread on this a while ago, but can't remember the outcome. Most other cyclists I see say hello (more now than in the winter) and I should probably do the same as it's a bit more friendly than giving a nod. -- peter
It's always been traditional for cyclists out in the country to greet each other, at least with a nod or a wave, when passing on the road, and to utter a greeting of some sort when overtaking. At least four times in the last few months I've been overtaken in complete silence while out in Hertfordshire roads. These were presumably experienced cyclists; at least, they were going pretty fast and riding expensive machines. Does this mean that the old customs are dying out? It seems a pity if so.
I don't think so. I don't greet everyone I meet when out walking, I don't wave to all the other drivers when I am in the car and I don't wave or talk to all the other cyclists when I am out cycling. I can remember a time when people used to wave or flash their lights to anyone driving the same make of car as them and the RAC and AA patrols used to salute members (who carried a badge on the front of their car to identify themselves). But those days are long gone along with the bow ties and DJs of the Radio 4 newsreaders.
-- Tony
"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way." - Bertrand Russell
In article <[email hidden]>, Tony Raven [email hidden] says...
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Anthony Campbell wrote on 10/06/2007 08:19 +0100:
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It's always been traditional for cyclists out in the country to greet each other, at least with a nod or a wave, when passing on the road, and to utter a greeting of some sort when overtaking. At least four times in the last few months I've been overtaken in complete silence while out in Hertfordshire roads. These were presumably experienced cyclists; at least, they were going pretty fast and riding expensive machines. Does this mean that the old customs are dying out? It seems a pity if so.
I don't think so. I don't greet everyone I meet when out walking, I don't wave to all the other drivers when I am in the car and I don't wave or talk to all the other cyclists when I am out cycling. I can remember a time when people used to wave or flash their lights to anyone driving the same make of car as them and the RAC and AA patrols used to salute members (who carried a badge on the front of their car to identify themselves). But those days are long gone along with the bow ties and DJs of the Radio 4 newsreaders.
When mountain bikes were the exception rather than the norm some of us used to give each other the thumbshift salute (raise fist and wiggle thumb) - the action of newer shifters doesn't lend itself to such a distinctive gesture. :-)
I don't think so. I don't greet everyone I meet when out walking, I don't wave to all the other drivers when I am in the car and I don't wave or talk to all the other cyclists when I am out cycling. I can remember a time when people used to wave or flash their lights to anyone driving the same make of car as them and the RAC and AA patrols used to salute members (who carried a badge on the front of their car to identify themselves). But those days are long gone along with the bow ties and DJs of the Radio 4 newsreaders.
Partly it's a population thing: with increasing numbers of cyclists who are in turn less likely to be part of a clique of Weird People there's less inclination for cycling being an inclusive "club".
In NL recently we passed /thousands/ of cyclists over the week we were there. About half a dozen waved... all the other ones on 'bents, that is.
Pete. -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
"Tony Raven" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
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Anthony Campbell wrote on 10/06/2007 08:19 +0100:
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It's always been traditional for cyclists out in the country to greet each other, at least with a nod or a wave, when passing on the road, and to utter a greeting of some sort when overtaking. At least four times in the last few months I've been overtaken in complete silence while out in Hertfordshire roads. These were presumably experienced cyclists; at least, they were going pretty fast and riding expensive machines. Does this mean that the old customs are dying out? It seems a pity if so.
I don't think so. I don't greet everyone I meet when out walking, I don't wave to all the other drivers when I am in the car and I don't wave or talk to all the other cyclists when I am out cycling. I can remember a time when people used to wave or flash their lights to anyone driving the same make of car as them and the RAC and AA patrols used to salute members (who carried a badge on the front of their car to identify themselves). But those days are long gone along with the bow ties and DJs of the Radio 4 newsreaders.
I think it has a lot to do with whether you are out for leisure or utility purposes. I don't greet everyone I see in the street when walking but if I am hiking in the hills then it seems to be customary to smile and say hello to passing walkers. I guess it is something to do with friendliness towards people with a shared interest.
I think it has a lot to do with whether you are out for leisure or utility purposes. I don't greet everyone I see in the street when walking but if I am hiking in the hills then it seems to be customary to smile and say hello to passing walkers. I guess it is something to do with friendliness towards people with a shared interest.- Hide quoted text -
When I have got my hea down in the tri's, I must admit I only give a smile. However, my commute takes me on a very quiet country road. I pass the same cyclist on the way to work, then cross him on the way back too on this totally traffic free road. I've given up saying hello every morning now! If I remeber right, we were once going in the same direction. I passed him and he did the sticking to my wheel thing for a while before making a 'humph' noise and droping back. An old grudge maybe?
I certainly say hello when on utility or casual training ride.
I certainly say hello when on utility or casual training ride.
when cycling in the countryside I always acknowledge. In London or any other big city, though, I start to get the crocodile dundee effect: trying to say 'hello '' to thousands of people gets a bit ridiculous.I still expect a few polite words of conversation when stuck at lights, but have found that , especially in London, occasionally the other person can actually be frightened by any sort of interaction.
It's always been traditional for cyclists out in the country to greet each other, at least with a nod or a wave, when passing on the road, and to utter a greeting of some sort when overtaking.
A fair few friendly cyclists and walkers today. My ride was a mixture of country lanes and bridleway, and without exception everyone responded to my nod or wave or "hello" or "thank you" or whatever. I only saw the after-effects of horses today, but the riders are also equally courteous, usually.
On my commute though, most cyclists are really POBSOs, and tend to look at you a bit strange if you even acknowledge their existence.
"Paul Boyd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
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On 10/06/2007 08:19, Anthony Campbell said,
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It's always been traditional for cyclists out in the country to greet each other, at least with a nod or a wave, when passing on the road, and to utter a greeting of some sort when overtaking.
A fair few friendly cyclists and walkers today. My ride was a mixture of country lanes and bridleway, and without exception everyone responded to my nod or wave or "hello" or "thank you" or whatever. I only saw the after-effects of horses today, but the riders are also equally courteous, usually.
On my commute though, most cyclists are really POBSOs, and tend to look at you a bit strange if you even acknowledge their existence.
Every cyclist that I met on today's Audax round Howden and Berverley exchanged greetings.
Last week I was hailed by name as I hurtled past some York CTC members near Selby as I was desperately trying to find the 3/4 that I'd lost somewhere en route on a DIY 200km Audax. Nice to be recognised. There again I'm not easily mistaken for anyone else.....
I don't think so. I don't greet everyone I meet when out walking, I don't wave to all the other drivers when I am in the car and I don't wave or talk to all the other cyclists when I am out cycling. I can remember a time when people used to wave or flash their lights to anyone driving the same make of car as them and the RAC and AA patrols used to salute members (who carried a badge on the front of their car to identify themselves). But those days are long gone along with the bow ties and DJs of the Radio 4 newsreaders.
Partly it's a population thing: with increasing numbers of cyclists who are in turn less likely to be part of a clique of Weird People there's less inclination for cycling being an inclusive "club".
In NL recently we passed /thousands/ of cyclists over the week we were there. About half a dozen waved... all the other ones on 'bents, that is.
Pete.
Yes, I think you may be right about the increasing number of cyclists. Mind you, greetings don't always go down well. A couple of years ago I overtook a couple of girls in racing gear on a hill. I geve them a cheery "good morning" as I passed and received the angry reply: "Don't f...ing do that, it's so f...ing depressing."
-- Anthony Campbell - [email hidden] Microsoft-free zone - Using Linux Gnu-Debian http://www.acampbell.org.uk (blog, book reviews, on-line books and sceptical articles)
A couple of years ago I overtook a couple of girls in racing gear on a hill. I geve them a cheery "good morning" as I passed and received the angry reply: "Don't f...ing do that, it's so f...ing depressing."
Prolly talking about you passing them and still being able to talk.
-- Mike Van Tuyl titanium Dura Ace 10 Fausto Coppi aluminium Ultegra 10 Raleigh Record Sprint mongrel
I think it has a lot to do with whether you are out for leisure or utility purposes. I don't greet everyone I see in the street when walking but if I am hiking in the hills then it seems to be customary to smile and say hello to passing walkers. I guess it is something to do with friendliness towards people with a shared interest.
I live in a town in North Lincolnshire. In about half an hour, you can get out of the town and into the countryside. Once in the countryside, most people I see say hello.
I was caught out recently when walking around some local woods within a nature reserve. I saw lots of people and they all seemed a bit perturbed when I said hello and nodded to them. I soon realised that it was because although the location was very picturesque, it was still within the bounds of the town.
In article <[email hidden]>, killermike [email hidden] says...
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I was caught out recently when walking around some local woods within a nature reserve. I saw lots of people and they all seemed a bit perturbed when I said hello and nodded to them. I soon realised that it was because although the location was very picturesque, it was still within the bounds of the town.
I live in a town in North Lincolnshire. In about half an hour, you can get out of the town and into the countryside. Once in the countryside, most people I see say hello.
I was caught out recently when walking around some local woods within a nature reserve. I saw lots of people and they all seemed a bit perturbed when I said hello and nodded to them. I soon realised that it was because although the location was very picturesque, it was still within the bounds of the town.
I never initiate a greeting to other cyclists in built up areas, but I do in rural parts. In fact I tend to initiate a greeting to everyone who's out and about and not enclosed in a vehicle out in the country side. When in Rome, etc.
"mb" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...
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Anthony Campbell said:
A couple of years ago I overtook a couple of girls in racing gear on a hill. I geve them a cheery "good morning" as I passed and received the angry reply: "Don't f...ing do that, it's so f...ing depressing."
Prolly talking about you passing them and still being able to talk.
Did similar the other week, climbing fast (er about 10k, its fast for me) i passed two young women who were climbing the hill a bit slower. "Hey thats not fair" said one "Quick grab him" said the other. I was breathing too fast to do little else but breathe. If I hadn't set a target of passing them on the hill I dont' think I would have got quite so "fast".
In news:[email hidden], Anthony Campbell <[email hidden]> tweaked the Babbage-Engine to tell us:
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Does this mean that the old customs are dying out? It seems a pity if so.
With the exception of a couple of grim-bugger roadies[1] encountered near Gainsborough last weekend, I'd say not. Cheery waves, "good mornings" and such seem still to be the order of the day.
1 - members of the same club but not riding together, IYSWIM
With the exception of a couple of grim-bugger roadies[1] encountered near Gainsborough last weekend, I'd say not. Cheery waves, "good mornings" and such seem still to be the order of the day.
I had a few nods this evening, but the only cyclist who actually spoke to me called me a ba****d when I said good evening to him.
I was overtaking him fairly easily up a steepish hill that he was starting to struggle on, but he said it with a smile, so that was OK :-)
Matt
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