Alone in a Sea of Autos

[J Imler]

I do my best to ride my bike vs drive, mostly because riding is a lot of fun along with personal and enviro benefits. In the last six months I've put 2,000 miles on my car. I'm shooting for a sub 5k year. We'll see.
The thing that strikes me more and more is how few people ride in my town and how enclosed everyone appears in their cars. I feel like I'm sticking out like a sore thumb. There's a quote I like, the one that says be the change you wish to see in the world. I feel I'm living that out when I decide to ride vs drive.
Today there was some enjoyment and connection between myself and the drivers though. Several waved and smiled, like they wanted to be riding too. That made me feel good.
I'm sure every place has a different cycling culture but can anyone relate to what I'm talking about?

[Lum Gim Fong]

Yes. Riding can be a lonely business.
But I like riding alone.
One gets to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation better when not talking and just enjoying the sights and smells and breezes and sounds. Intoxicating.

[Garth]

On the contrary ..... Each and every formation in the Sea, IS the Sea Itself ☺

Sea here, Sea there, Sea this and Sea that ☺

Sea Be All I Be ☺

[Steve Palincsar]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq3kxtDJxR0

--
Steve Palincsar
Alexandria, Virginia
USA

[RichS]

Yes, I can relate. My 5 year old VW has 13K miles on it. It's on track for another sub 3K year. Would love to equal that on my bikes but 2K or so is more realistic.

Regards,

Richard

[Jeffrey Arita]

J Imler,

I hear you.  Totally agree.  Cycling is one amazingly efficient mode of transport and it is FUN too.  Your observation about motorists in cars is spot-on: Way back in the day I used to ride motorcycles.  As a motorcyclist, we/I would refer to automobile drivers as 'cagers' (a person stuck in a cage).  Quite appropos, yes?

As an aside, I am wondering aloud if people who are attracted to cycling (and stick with it) tend to be introverts and fiercely independent.  As in "I really don't care what other people think about me" mentality?

You are definitely not alone!

Jeff

[Patrick Moore]

This is for Garth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AyXc7s8l3A

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Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, New Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique

****************************************************************************************

Auditis an me ludit amabilis insania?

[Deacon Patrick]

Och, aye! When I first began riding through the nearby town to get to other rides that my wife used to drive me to (they are on quiet roads and trails, so my bludgeoned brain could handle them, riding them helped me heal enough I could eventually ride through town and get to them myself), I saw narry a pedestrian or fellow cyclist. I was also grouchy trying to navigate traffic, riding far to the right as I could. More oft than not I didn’t make it through town to those quieter roads and trails.

I needed to try something different. Along the lines of “be the change you wish to see” I decided to change my fundimental countanance on the road and wave an smile at everyone, while simultaniously being traffic, riding in the right tire “trough” in the road instead of the far right. Instantly, drivers becamse neutral rather than agressive. They passed me by going into the other lane. I waved at them all, whether they were oncoming or passing from behind. Still, it was neutral. Almost no waves. occationaly, the generious driver would raise their index finger on their steering wheel.

It took about two years. Suddenly, drivers began waving at me. Real waves, remiving their hands from the steering wheel waves. Now I get some drivers so excited to see me I think they may leap through their front windshield waving, peace signing, grinning, and thumbs upping. I see pedestrians and cyclists all around town and on CR21. I even see some folks bicycling to trails. Weird stuff!

It’s corilarly and I have no illusion that y presence was causal, but sometimes all it takes is one person being seen doing something kfor others to realize it is possible to do it too. If that person looks happy doing it, all the more so.

Great job, J! Sounds like your traffic is far more than I deal with (or could), so I imagine the “take the lane and wave” approach may be wrong in various circumstances, but just being seen and smiling through multiple years may will help people realize what is possible and figure out they could do it too. Grin.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Patrick Moore]

Patrick: Perhaps part of the latest change is simply because now people recognize you and consider you a part of a community, rather like the people you meet regularly at the checkout line or while walking the dog; you become friendly with them. Patrick, you've become "that guy who I always see riding his bike."

As to riding toward the left, I found and still find that true on the nearby 4 lane, cross-town, and very busy (because 1 of the few routes across the Rio Grande) Montano Boulevard, which has narrow bike lanes with traffic whizzing by at 50 mph. When I kept to the right of the bike lane, cars came closer than when I stay right in the middle of the bike lane.

[Deacon Patrick]

Riding to the Left: I agree with you, Patrick. Same name, same mind. Grin. Drivers see me as fellow traffic (or at least roadkill IN traffic), not road kill. No one moves over for roadkill on the far right, but they do for roadkill in traffic. Grin.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Yes, I understand. I am most definitely 100% alone in a sea of autos on our school commute. I feel like what Deacon Patrick said about people seeing you as part of the community rings true for me. You cannot NOT notice the boys and me, because we're the only bikes 95% of the time. I've studied attitudes I've seen out on the road. In the suburbs, below are the conclusions I've drawn. I'm about to offend some camps here, but again, these are just my observations drawn from my experiences in my corner of the world. You may disagree and we can still be friends.

1. When people recognize me in the community, they know me as the "bike girl" or the "biking mom." One family said I'm referred to in certain circles as Mother Goose. (I scratched my head at that one.) They perceive the boys and me wistfully, wishing they had time to also ride their bikes. They don't believe that the bike has a place in their everyday lives, because of time and logistics, but they are supportive of me because biking seems idyllic to them. I suppose it looks enjoyable as I'm not suffering out there - I'm chatting with the boys, sunglasses on, hair blowing in the breeze. They add that it would be good exercise as an afterthought. The primary allure is that it looks simple and enjoyable to ride your bike in the morning with your stuff carefully stowed on your way to SOMEWHERE. Add a fluffy, adorable dog in the basket and people just swoon.

2. Cyclists on road bikes in lycra who share the road are seen as selfish and as annoyances. I see it in the gestures and head shakes of motorists. The occasional honks. The even rarer yelling out the window. It seems to me that most motorists around here don't like road bikes. They like me well enough - but I stay on the path and out of their way - I don't share the road with them. Also, the sweepy bars of my bike and its happy blue paint and retro feel and my non-lycra appeals to them, maybe because I'm a regular person, or because I'm seen as a throwback to a more carefree time.

Road bikes have none of that romanticism and are seen as unnecessarily getting in the way just to get exercise while everyone is clamoring to get down this mountain to WORK. And little else will make a person feel their time is more important than yours than when they are on their way to work.

I don't feel alone anymore because I've carved an identity in the neighborhood and it feels good to be known!

In sum, The Big 2 To Being Liked By Motorists: Ride a romantic bike in normal clothing and stay out of their way...and you'll be absolutely adorable. Ha!

[Steve Palincsar]

On 02/08/2018 05:11 PM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

1. When people recognize me in the community, they know me as the "bike girl" or the "biking mom." One family said I'm referred to in certain circles as Mother Goose. (I scratched my head at that one.)

Like that, only on 2 wheels... makes absolutely perfect sense to me!

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Oh alright, I see it. 😂

[rob markwardt]

I was just thinking the opposite thought last night. I live in a residential neighborhood about 3 miles from downtown Seattle. Last night I was coming back home from a spin class in south Lake Union about 5:30 and I was struck by how many bikes were on the road. I was one of many (you'd get to 100 pretty quickly if you started counting) and the interaction between cars and bikes coming through Fremont has become smooth and relatively devoid of confrontation. It seems to me like vast majority of people in this part of town have figured it out and everybody just moves along doing what they are supposed to. I know some people still have run-ins with traffic but I bike almost everyday and I can't remember the last time I had somebody honk at me or get aggressive. As you head out to the burbs it does start to change a bit but it's still pretty difficult to be alone in this city without putting in some serious miles or by putting the rack on the car.

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

Aboslutely. Around here (Tel Aviv) bikes, mostly electric, are for kids and people who can't afford a car.

[JohnS]

One time last year on my commute from inner city Baltimore south to near BWI, a motorist gave me a thumbs up as I crested a hill, made my day!

As for riding with other bike commuters, once in a while I'll meet up with a co-worker and sometimes I'll catch up or be passed by another cyclist, but for the most part I'm out there on my own and loving it!

JohnS

P.S. This year my commutes are on my QB.

[Bruce K Jamison]

I'm alone on every commute.   Maybe I'll see another bike on the trail part of my commute, but on the road parts it's just me and all the cars and trucks.  I'm OK with that.  I like riding much more than I do driving.   My car is 10 years old and at this rate will last another 10.  

I get the occasional aggression, but the more I take charge of situations the better things are.   Cars want to be told what to do when they see you.  Hand signals - especially the "come around me wave" - are respected.   I always ride with a mirror and I try to be aware of what others may be wanting.   If there's no room to be passed, I signal that and take the lane.   Once there is room I move over and wave them around.   It works for me.

  

[Deacon Patrick]

Google ate my attempted response, so here goes again. Sorry if this double posts later.

Bruce said: “If there's no room to be passed, I signal that and take the lane. Once there is room I move over and wave them around. It works for me.”

Sweet! I attempt much the same thing, but with mixed results. Could you help me understand what “not safe to pass” signal you use? I find that 2/3rds of drivers either ignore it or are ignorant of the meaning it. One driver told me “I don’t speak bike.” I wanted to ask if he spoke common sense, but common sense prevented me from asking. Shrug. Grin. I use the “slow” signal: left arm straight out, forearm bent down 90˚, palm open, facing backwards. Sometimes I’ll swing my palm back and forth to try and get their attention if they are not slowing down and it’s not clear.

I never cease to be amazed by how often drivers pass when they can’t see if it is clear ahead. Also, I never signal for cars to pass me. Too much “but he said it was OK!” excuse for failure to be smart. Instead, I just smile and wave.

With abandon,
Patrick

[Reid]

On Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 2:11:39 PM UTC-8, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

 Add a fluffy, adorable dog in the basket and people just swoon.

Pics! Or it never happened. Would love to see the little guy.

Reid 

[Leah Peterson]

How can I deny you this? Of course I can’t! 

Sent from my iPhone

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[Garth]

Patrick , use universal hand gestures common to human beings standing in person next to each other , no one understands "bike signals" these dayze.  Think "talking with my hands".  It's gotta be demonstrative, with emotion .... none of us are machines, period.


Point left with the left hand, right with the right. To gesture slow down, turn your body in the direction of the driver(eye contact if you can) and give a gesture like you're pushing a wall (palm out, fingers extended), and hold it briefly.... like you're telling them to "back off". 

If I "take a lane" with a car behind me, I make a gesture like a emphatic "hammer slam down" with a pointed finger downward to the lane, and I MEAN IT.  "Here I am, this is mine now, back off" .  

[Ryan Merrill]

For the most part I no longer ride on the road. I live too far away from work to realistically commute, so unfortunately that activity was shelved when we moved here. I've had a couple of bad personal experiences riding with vehicles (yelled at, honked at, intentionally hit, bottle thrown at me), local cyclists have had a slew of others, and we've had a death of a cyclist by a man who did not have a license because he was legally blind and another doctor left for dead after being hit on his tri bike...thankfully alive but had to quit his practice because of the head trauma suffered when he was hit. Locally, it has just become too dangerous and I opted out.

I do all my riding now on trails or gravel roads, which thankfully we have plenty of.

[Bruce K Jamison]

My friend calls it my “jazz hands” gesture.   Left hand down, palm back, fingers moving and hand shaking.    

[ascpgh]

I ride with an expectation of respect from vehicle traffic equal to what I'm giving. I've been doing this for a while and long ago gave up on unilateral respect from traffic because of regulations or rules. Some traffic approach with a more sympathetic sense but I ride like I have to earn what treatment I get. 

Over the last week or so it's been interesting since the winter accumulation has changed the bike lanes into a rutted, frozen solid glacier and where there are no designated lanes, parallel parked cars have hindered clearing or treatment resulting in the same unridable icy slab. In the morning darkness my Luxos' light isn't enough at riding speed to make it super obvious where bare pavement is clear and wet or the off-pitch of dirty ice pack begins. Veering onto the frozen stuff is bad with studded tires, an instant wreck from plain tires squirting out from under you.

I have to gain the forbearance of traffic as I make my way along the edge of clear pavement and that of the glacial advance, so I make signals as I need, in whatever seems the most understood way and make my moves as gently and ahead of need as I can. If they can cipher what I'm about to do and where I'm going, it worked. 

My bike looks worse than after riding 80 miles on the GAP in the rain, my drivetrain is a filthy mess but I'm no worse for wear. Big wins in this winter of commuting from fenders and my Ventile smock also.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[Hetchins52]

Wow, he really is fluffy and adorable! There is something disarming about seeing a dog taking a ride on a bike.

Is the dog content to reliably stay in the basket or pannier?

David Lipsky

Berkeley, CA

On Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11:30:18 AM UTC-8, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote: ....

[Doug H.]

Cute! And, the dog isn't bad either... ;-)

[Leah Peterson]

Hi David! Thank you. He is my white shadow, and has refused to leave me for even a single moment’s peace for 13 years. That’s not an exaggeration - I’ve jokingly said, “Hi I’m Leah and I’ve been a victim of stalking for 13 years.” Shown here is him popping up in all the windows as I move about the yard. 

So yes, he will stay perfectly content in that basket because it’s his ticket to coming along. No basket can be uncomfortable as long as it means we can be together 🙄. Before I got my Riv he would ride in my backpack, and undignified as it was, he never complained. When I ordered my Riv I made provisions for him - I got the heavy duty Nitto Big Front and the largest Wald they made. I tell him, “ Do you wanna go for a bike ride with Mom? You lay down in your basket” and he does. That was in 2012 and we’ve been like this ever since! 

Doug, thank you! You make a girl feel good!

--

[R Shannon]

What a companion:-) Such a sweet story. Thanks for getting my day off to a good start.

Best,

Richard

Sent from my iPhone

[Chris Birkenmaier]

I have a Golden Retriever. No bike baskets for my guy! 😉

[Patrick Moore]

I recall taking our 2 Shi Tzu in a milk crate attached to the back of our tandem; I attached shortened leashes to, as I thought, keep them safe.

Well, the rather neurotic (but oh, so cute with that underbite and big black eyes in a white face) got nervous and at about 2 miles from home she decided to make a run for it and dove over the edge of the crate and dangled by her neck while I and then-wife panicked and fell over, almost crushing the dog. Fortunately, we did not injure her or ourselves.

Which reminds me, I must get a trailer on which to pull my mid sized mutt in his kennel ...

On Mon, Feb 12, 2018 at 8:25 PM, Chris Birkenmaier <cbirk...@gmail.com> wrote:

I have a Golden Retriever.  No bike baskets for my guy! 😉

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[Lum Gim Fong]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HB-DKO1Xmk

I think this is a cute dog rides with master bike video but i cannot condone riding a bike with dog on it for the dogs’ safety reasons.

[Surlyprof]

I have been commuting by bike and train for the past 3-4 years, couldn't be happier, and have even inspired a couple of my students to do the same.  No fighting the increasing Bay Area traffic anymore.  It is a pretty solo venture as I've actually noticed a bit of a decline of cyclists on the train (much to my surprise and dismay).  The first and last part of my commute is on a dirt path that runs along the Alameda water channel in the east bay.  I start the day riding as the sun rises on the lakes and channel.  There is always a wide array of wild birds looking for breakfast.  Even saw a bald eagle perched in a tree one day.  I stopped to watch it and then it swooped down across one of the lakes and snagged a fish out of the water.  Amazing way to start the day.  The ride home is almost pitch black with few lights beyond my bike light.  Initially stressed me out but now I find the dark, quiet ride a delightful way to wind down after a long workday.  My wife has even taken to walking our dogs to meet me at the edge of the park where I come out of the woods.  Great way to end the workday and start the evening at home.

My truck is a 2003 and, after two <2500 mile years, I expect/hope to get at least 20 years out of it.  Since it sits in the driveway most days, I've received 4 different notes under my wiper blade asking if I want to sell it.  I'm usually amused except for the one who wrote, "I don't care if it doesn't run."  I thought I should be a tad offended that a complete stranger would assume that I'd let my truck sit dead in our driveway.  I guess they noticed the elaborate spider webs that had accumulated on both side mirrors!

As for the bike lane, I tend to subscribe to one of Grant's suggestions on page 38-40 of Just Ride.  He called it the Safety Swerve.  The idea is to appear slightly unsteady when a car is approaching so they give you a little more room.  Although I don't feel the need to use it much, when I do, it seems to work very well.

John

[Sean Kline]

Hi Doug: my expectation of this group (and I presume that of others) is to read/share respectful comments on all things Riv/biking, not sexual comments on member’s looks. Let’s keep this a supportive forum.

On Monday, February 12, 2018 at 5:15:02 AM UTC-8, Doug H. wrote:
> Cute! And, the dog isn't bad either... ;-)
>
> On Friday, February 9, 2018 at 2:30:18 PM UTC-5, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:
> How can I deny you this? Of course I can’t! 
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Sean, I fail to see anything sexual in Doug's comment. I see a compliment. Please don't speak for me.

[Doug H.]

I certainly meant no offense and it was not a sexual comment in my mind. I did reply to Sean privately and ask that in the future he share his concerns with me privately instead of grandstanding for the group. If it was not appropriate, I apologize.

Doug

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

It wasn't a sexual comment. At all. It was a compliment, and one I received warmly.

I'll go so far as to say this: most women appreciate when people notice the effort they put into throwing together a nice outfit, or when they're having a GREAT hair day or when they get new lipstick. Healthy women don't want to be sexualized, and that's the difference. Rest assured Doug, you are guiltless.

[Sean Kline]

I'm glad to hear that. Your voice is your own. 

I wasn't seeking to speak for you at all, but flagging a comment that felt outside my expectations of this forum. If others feels commenting on member's appearance in that way is cool and 'just kidding' around, then fine. I don't in the same way I don't expect a comment like that at work.

On Wed, Feb 14, 2018 at 9:07 AM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Sean, I fail to see anything sexual in Doug's comment. I see a compliment. Please don't speak for me.

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[Leah Peterson]

Compliments are certainly not outside the expectations for this forum; we give and get them in one way or another all the time on the list. I like your style, great idea, awesome cap, cute dog, stylin' outfit, whatever. In fact, there’s a whole (predominantly women’s) movement out there that thrives on appreciation of fashion and function for biking - it’s known as bicycle chic, in fact, I relate to that over the bike packing, century-conquering sets. And while I do have a keen mind, some mad talent in the kitchen, and a witty sense of humor, the day no one thinks I’m cute is going to be a sad day for me indeed. 

We’re not at work; we’re among friends in an affinity group. We can pay each other compliments. Let’s assume the best about one another; no one on this forum means anyone else any harm. Saying someone looks cute or fit or good is just fine. If you comment that my a$$ looks good in those shorts -I’d agree with you- but we’d have an issue, you and me, because that’s sexual. 

Now my dog, on the other hand…well, when he found out about this he really wanted to give Doug a chance to email HIM an apology. My American Eskimo dog does not identify as “cute.” And he is outraged that anyone would label him so.  

I respect your right not to ever receive a compliment. Even if your hair is really GQ that day, I promise I shall refrain. But let’s not shame well-meaning folks from paying harmless compliments. The culture in which we find ourselves is ridiculously offend-able and reactive and thin-skinned and ridiculous. Let’s refuse to participate.

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[Patrick Moore]

Well, now that it's safe to say so, I thought all parties in the photo in question were looking very good that day. So was the bike. Tell your dog that I think he is really handsome in a very uncute way.

Patrick Moore, who deprecates excessive earnestness (but was earnest in the compliment. But not excessively earnest.)

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[Doug H.]

Bicycle Belle Ding Ding,

What is the front rack on your bike? I'm looking for one to put on my commuter.

Doug

On Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 1:29:26 PM UTC-5, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

Compliments are certainly not outside the expectations for this forum; we give and get them in one way or another all the time on the list. I like your style, great idea, awesome cap, cute dog, stylin' outfit, whatever. In fact, there’s a whole (predominantly women’s) movement out there that thrives on appreciation of fashion and function for biking - it’s known as bicycle chic, in fact, I relate to that over the bike packing, century-conquering sets. And while I do have a keen mind, some mad talent in the kitchen, and a witty sense of humor, the day no one thinks I’m cute is going to be a sad day for me indeed. 

We’re not at work; we’re among friends in an affinity group. We can pay each other compliments. Let’s assume the best about one another; no one on this forum means anyone else any harm. Saying someone looks cute or fit or good is just fine. If you comment that my a$$ looks good in those shorts -I’d agree with you- but we’d have an issue, you and me, because that’s sexual. 

Now my dog, on the other hand…well, when he found out about this he really wanted to give Doug a chance to email HIM an apology. My American Eskimo dog does not identify as “cute.” And he is outraged that anyone would label him so.  

I respect your right not to ever receive a compliment. Even if your hair is really GQ that day, I promise I shall refrain. But let’s not shame well-meaning folks from paying harmless compliments. The culture in which we find ourselves is ridiculously offend-able and reactive and thin-skinned and ridiculous. Let’s refuse to participate.

On Feb 14, 2018, at 10:00 AM, Sean Kline <sean...@alumni.lse.ac.uk> wrote:

I'm glad to hear that. Your voice is your own. 

I wasn't seeking to speak for you at all, but flagging a comment that felt outside my expectations of this forum. If others feels commenting on member's appearance in that way is cool and 'just kidding' around, then fine. I don't in the same way I don't expect a comment like that at work.

On Wed, Feb 14, 2018 at 9:07 AM, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Sean, I fail to see anything sexual in Doug's comment. I see a compliment. Please don't speak for me.

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[Leah Peterson]

None other than the Nitto Big Front. If memory serves, it’s rated to hold 30 pounds. I love it because I have no nervous hand-wringing about weight on that rack. And it’s so lovely-looking. When I bought the bike I didn’t understand about Nitto and quality racks. I looked at Tubus and quickly changed my mind about the Nitto price tag. The Nitto just looks right on that bike. I say go for it!

Sent from my iPhone

[Craig Montgomery]

     I commuted to work for 30 years. In those 30 years I had only one altercation, with a young aggressive boy in a pickup truck (a Southwest staple). Other than that everybody knew me. The secretaries would occasionally wave (with their perfume filling my nostrils as they drove by at 45mph). My commuter was a late 70's Holdsworth Mistral converted to fixed. British racing green, fenders, drop bars, saddlebag, knickers, sweater, wool cap. Every day was a tweed day for me. One morning a fella pulled alongside, very well dressed, gave me a thumbs up, and yelled "Rule Britannia." He was in a beautifully restored TR 6. Subsequently saw him in a gorgeous Austin Healey 3000. 

     I think your regular presence breeds acceptance. If the same people see you at the same time. Commuting is much more fun when it's not seen as a battle. 

    

     Also, I bought my Toyota pickup in 2002 with 30 thousand on it. It's got 130 thousand now. You can do the math. Most of those are camping miles from innumerable sojourns around the Southwest. Probably why the thing runs so well now...all those long distances at a constant speed.

Craig in Tucson