Cyclists of the world, unite!
Posted by Tim Riley Thu, 01 Dec 2005 11:14:00 GMT
One thing I have noticed since I have started riding my new bicycle to work is that there is no camaraderie between cyclists like there is between motorcyclists. On the motorbike, it’s common to give (and receive) a nod to any other passing bike riders (with the exception of Harleys and motorscooters). Pulling alongside another motorbike at stop lights, there are always some good words to share. The bikes are a common bond, a link that transcends age, race, and gender.
On the deadly treadly, however, every morning I pass a lot of other cyclists and I haven’t yet to receive any sort of acknowledgement, despite my hardest efforts to establish eye contact. So I am going on the offensive! Everytime I see a cyclist while I am on my trusty two-wheeled steed, I will be sure to give him or her a concerted nod and a knowing smirk. Cyclists out there, share the love!
Hello from Perth, Western Australia. I don't know about you, tovarisch, but I greet *everyone* I meet -- walkers, cyclists, wheelchairists, the lot. Some cyclists and joggers are too breathless to respond, some greetees are wearing headphones and don't even hear me, and some respond with a shriek or "****! Where'd you come from?" but they all do get greeted. Whatever your lot in life, you *are* going to live through it, so it may as well be enjoyable as boring or fearful, no?
What about that special bond between cyclists and automobile drivers? Not a week goes by, when riding my bike, that someone yells out, "NICE LEGS, POOFTA!" or "GET A FUCKING CAR YA DICKHEAD!" or my personal favourite, when they honk their horn behind you to scare you, and proceed to swerve to hit you. As for Cyclist-on-Cyclist love (or COC, as it's known "in the industry"), yeah, there definately needs to be more of it.