Why I hate Bicyclists

July 22, 2009 | Filed in: Uncategorized

Perhaps that title is a little harsh, BUT, hear me out. This is my opinion and my blog so therefore I am allowed to say whatever I want and I definitely have much to say about ‘bicyclists’. Now, personally, I’m not one to hop on a bike and get my daily workout in, but there are some of you, many of you who do this option. Personally, I run. I used to think that bicyclists and myself were some what on the same playing field. You know, they’re working out and so am I. Maybe they run too, because they are training for a triathlon? I don’t know why I came to this decision, but I’ve decided that bicyclists hate me. Men and women, none the less. This doesn’t mean I’ve never ridden a bike or haven’t ridden a bike in the past years of my life, because I definitely have included some pictures in this post to prove that I to can cruise the streets on two wheels. I’m sure you are all wondering why do you hate bikers? Well excuse my rant but here we go.

First off, the bikers I have ran by and rode my bike by are incredibly, incredibly unhappy. Maybe it’s because they had to spend so much money to get that bike, or perhaps because they can’t run so they’ve resorted to biking. I, especially when running, am happy and usually smiling. People that I pass that are walking and rollerblading and biking, I always give them the head nod, or small wave or at the very least a smile. When I smile, I show teeth, and give them a nice smile. Most people who are walking or running or blading look at me nicely and return the favor. Bikers look at me like I could have six heads and like I’m an idiot. When I first started running along the beach path around 2 years ago, I thought maybe I just always hit the same sour patch of riders. I continue to wave and smile to this day. The wave has been returned probably a total of 10 times. I run past huge packs of bikers all the time, and I get nothing. Let me tell you, that is SUPER lame, you bikers. Work on your people skills. Maybe you can’t ride without two hands on the handle bars but at least show me some teeth!

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This was taken two summers ago. Don’t worry I’m not flashing people, I’m wearing a bathing suit. Yup, got my beach towel and my water bottle in my front basket. Cruising through Newport beach. How can you not wave or even smile to me?! I can’t ride without two hands, but I can ride without one, and with the other one I’m throwing up some waves!

Then we have them who HAVE to ride in packs that take up the WHOLE bike path I run on. It’s like they are playing Red Rover on bikes. Now, I understand I must share my bike path with others. I share with the bladers I mentioned earlier and walkers, and joggers like myself. I always get out of the way when I hear anyone say to the left and I stay in the special pedestrian lane, but then why do the bikers who I run by give me the cold shoulder and try to run me over? Now, this is plain out MEAN. So therefore two points for MEAN bikers and zero points for me. I pay attention to all laws regarding the beach path and streets, they should too! Unless they want me to put a stick in their spokes!

Then we have the fact that they don’t approve of my bike, Pinky the Beach Cruiser. Well folks let me tell you a little story. I’ve ridden 22 miles on a beach cruiser on hilly terrain about 15 times. My beach cruiser has a basket and you push back on the pedals for brakes. It doesn’t have gears. I don’t have a custom seat or wear special clothes. I know biking can kick your butt. My butt would be sore for DAYS. It’s hard work, I’m not knocking your sport, but don’t mock poor Pinky, or look down on me because I’m not the Lance Armstrong Wannabe.I know the hard work that goes into pedaling, beach cruising can be hard work if you are riding your bike for 22 miles round trip too. The scoffs I get from you mean bikers is not very nice! Just because I’m not cruising at a high speed doesn’t mean you can hate on me and my friends, who are following the laws of the bike lane land and friendly as well.

See I can ride my bike too!

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A glorious ride along the back bay trail, in Newport Beach. This was how we rode our bikes to the beach. 22 miles round trip isn’t a joke on a beach cruiser.

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I can do cool tricks too! Just becuase your bike doesn’t allow it doesn’t mean you can hate on mine!

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I know bike care is hard! I have had my bike fall down these stairs on me before. But I have to take care of my bike just like you do!

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See I am a friendly biker!

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22 miles on this seat kind of sucks. It’s fun, but it sucks.

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Look at me, this is normally the beach path I run but I’m riding my bike on it! And I’m staying to the right side and not anywhere near the pedestrian lane!

So I think that you spandex suited biking fiends need to work on being a little more friendly and your interaction with runners. Alas, these are just my thoughts. When I run, I can hear you and your buddies yelling to each other, so I know it’s not out of your physical capacity to smile or wave at me. Even the old guys look at me like, why are you running? Sad but true. Bikers just seem so angry. I might not enjoy every run but I don’t run around with a huge scowl on my face. Happy up boys and girls!

On that note, last night I went for a run and for this post I counted how many bikers I passed. I passed 47. I waved at 47. ONE waved back and I got 1 partial smile. SEE! I have proof! Last night my run started off crappy. I tried out my 80′s fanny pack on my run to see if it would work for this weekend’s 13.1 for carrying my phone and camera. EPIC fail. I ripped a hole in the fanny packs side, but it was super entertaining. I never have gotten so many weird looks! My legs felt really heavy for the first mile but after that I felt good and besides the fanny pack bouncing around it was a great run. Tomorrow morning I hope to get up extra early and do one last trail run on the trail I ran my 13 miles on the other weekend when I had a great run. I’m suppose to meet up with a group so hopefully I don’t oversleep like last time and feel like a complete loser.

I am getting so excited about this weekend! It’s going to be a blast and I realized that I also get all my ‘California Dreamin‘ awards for doing the Long Beach, Huntington Beach and San Fran races. I get an extra medal and a jacket, I think. I’m super excited! I heard the medal is huge. It seems like so long ago that I ran my first 1/2 marathon back in Long Beach, but it hasn’t even been a year yet! Isn’t that crazy to think about? I’ve already ran a full marathon! Sheesh, I am a freak.

xoxo

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You pink bike is so cute! Wish the bicyclists were a bit more friendly. Hope you have a nice trail run.

It may be b/c I can’t ride a bike (yes, you heard me correctly – can’t do it) and am bitter, but I agree with you! After Lance Armstrong made cycling cool, Austin BLEW UP with cyclists – you couldn’t jog on Town Lake or drive your car without seeing dozens of them – they are everywhere and they DON’T MOVE OUT OF YOUR WAY AND THEY DO NOT SMILE.

At first, as a triathlete, I thought I would be upset with you. But your points are valid. When I run along PCH I have only received a “keep it up” from one cyclist, but if you are the bike they are much more friendly. As a sole cyclist I do get nods and words of encouragement from others on two wheels but it is far less than when I am on my own two feet. I like to smile and say hi to everyone. I am motivated by everyone, wheels or no, that is workin out and since I know I need the encouragement I pass it along. As for the bike path, I hate seeing any cyclist with spandex on it. It is for cruising not hard riding. That is why there are speed limits on it. I still think you should go for a Tri

OMG, I love your pink beach cruiser!!! I think they are so fun and I am so tempted to buy one off craigslist but considering I own a mountain bike and a road bike and rarely ride either, I’m trying to refrain myself.

Oh and sorry bikers are lame in your ‘hood. They seem totally friendly where I bike but then again, I don’t think I am as outgoing as you when I run/bike. :)

I love your little pink cruiser bike. You should get into biking, and frown too.. :; I have found this amoungst some runners too, so serious they can’t nod or say hello. I chaulk it up to bad manners/poor social skills.

I found the cyclists on the beach paths near Venice (Cali) to be not so friendly. As a part-time cyclist (who is married to a pretty dedicated cyclist), I have to say that I honestly don’t see a runner’s face/wave in time to react if I’m going towards them, and although I nod & sometimes wave or smile when I’m running, I don’t as much (read: ever) when I’m biking. It’s not that I’m unhappy, I’m just going fast enough that my reaction times are too slow to smile/nod to anyone. Also, I think bikers in Portland are (generally) friendlier. There are, of course, assholes everywhere, though! (Your bike, while way too pink for me, is pretty cute though. Don’t let the h8rs get you down!)

You can’t hate bikers completely when else do you get to see guys looking so hot in tight shorts.

I understand bikers on trails, paths, and in the neighborhood getting a work out, that’s fine.{Even though you are trying to be Lance Armstrong in your yellow jersey and it’s lame}. Also I understand the bikers around town that’s their mood of transportation. {Please follow the same traffic rules as the cars}. But It’s the ones that ride on the highway that scare me. Dude, you are going to get hit by a car going 70…

That’s funny the bikers are so mean. Most we run into are usually friendly and we’ve even had some stop to talk to us… I LOVE your pink cruiser! I wanted a pink bike so bad but the hubby said no. He wouldn’t be caught riding around with me and my girly bike. Terrible!! haha

That’s exciting about the awards and a jacket! Pretty cool!!

Bummer that you aren’t getting any love from the cyclists. Maybe you should start sticking your tongue out at them instead!

Or this:

“Unless they want me to put a stick in their spokes!”

P.S. I love your bike!

I hear ya! I bike pretty frequently (that and run) and I try so desperately to be nice to strangers with a wave or smile. Whether I’m biking or not. Even when I’m passing a runner I say, “Hello!” all friendly-like. I think in general people need to be nicer. Living in DC some people can be jerks. Aren’t in-shape people supposed to be happy because of the endorphins?! Sheesh! xoxo

Haha…I love this post for some reason. Especially when you talk about your theory of them being miserable about having to bike instead of running.

Don’t let the disgruntled spandex sportin’ Lance wannabes get ya down Danica. Keep doing what you’re doing and show them how much more fun you’re having running!

Ugh – I’m totally with you! I run on this fantastic path near Washington, D.C. almost every night. It’s a bike AND pedestrian path in one, but there are signs everywhere saying pedestrians have the right of way.

My biggest pet peeve is when bicyclists come careening around a curve, downhill and give me nasty looks as though I’m in their way!

Oh, and don’t even get me started on that obnoxious bell…

Yikes. I’m a runner and a bike commuter and I’ve lived in a lot of different places in this country. It might be a regional thing. I’ve found that in different parts of the country, runners and cyclists are more friendly than in others. In Baltimore, the outdoor athletes in the winter are more hard core, so there’s lots of friendliness there, where as in the Bay Area, I’ve noticed that people aren’t as friendly…maybe because so many, many people are exercisers here. But, it’s not just cyclists who don’t wave or smile…runners don’t do it either. And one thing I’m always aware of, when I’m suffering and working really hard in a workout (which may or may not be what’s going on with the cyclists you see), I’m less likely to wave or be friendly, only because I’m trying to stay focused on my workout. People are out there for different reasons.

I completely agree. Bikers are MEAN. Shhh, don’t tell my husband.. he’s a biker.

Good luck on your half!

Wow. You’re not pulling any punches! And I thought I was harsh to cyclists. ;)

this wasn’t as bad as i thought it was going to be. your points are pretty valid. as a runner who cycles to train for triathlon, i get to see both sides. i’m a waver, too, so i often spend my workouts counting the number of waves that i get in return [too bad repete won't be there tomorrow morning, he's another waver]. it’s usually a mixed bag with runners, but almost zero response from cyclists. when on a bike, that changes a bit. i’ll get a head nod or a hand lift from fellow cyclists. sometimes, it’s due to the fact that bikes are going much faster and the window to react is much shorter.

but, in general, cyclists could really care less about anyone not on a bike. this pisses me off to no end. when i ride, i ALWAYS provide the common courtesy of announcing my presence to others on the trail. i’ll shout out an “on your left” early, and again when i get closer if i’ve seen no reaction [usually due to headphones], and then follow up with a “thank you” or a “good morning” as i pass.

when riding with other cyclists, i rarely hear them offer the same courtesy to pedestrians and as a runner, i rarely receive the courtesy. this boggles my mind, as i’ve seen so many crashes that could have been prevented by that simple nicety. and you know who gets hurt most in a crash like that? the cyclist. why would you NOT announce your presence? sheesh.

from my experiences, there just seems to be a level of elitism that runs through cycling. maybe it’s jealousy, maybe it’s annoyance, maybe it’s regret for spending the money on a piece of gear. whatever it is, i can count on one hand the number of cyclists that i’ve ridden with that showed decency while sharing the trail.

don’t give up, though. maybe i’ll ride past you out on the back bay and you’ll wave, and i’ll wave back and the successfully exercise challenge and response will restore your faith in humanity.

Good post!
I normally return waves and nods, and depending on how I am feeling, I will initiate the nod/wave. Most of my running is on technical trails, so if I don’t wave, it’s because I’m trying not to wipe out and break my face.
If I’m not on trails i often am running at my limits, just focusing on keeping a pace.
One thing I really like is when I pass someone on a bike when I am on foot! I don’t know how some people can ride so slow. Maybe they are trying not to break a sweat? I dunno.

Anyway, dont believe the haters. You have a sweet bike. I bought a 30 plus year old Mongoose for $10 at a thrift store, and get looks when I ride it, too! It is stealth, though, no one wants to steal it. “Like, OMG, it doesn’t have shocks! How can you ride that thing?”

Luckily the ones on my trail aren’t that unfriendly. I do get a lot more hellos and waves from runners and walkers though. Most people are pretty nice to a woman running with such a little dog. I hate though when bikers don’t say on your left. I also hate when people come at you on the right side of the trail and stay there, especially when they have a dog.

AHAHAHAHAHAH thank you for this post! Seriously people, did you wake up and drink some sour milk or something? What is the meaning of all these sourpusses everywhere on your bike’s. If it sucks that bad take up a hobby that makes you happy… like running! :)

But seriously, great post! I wonder every run why biker’s always look like such generally unhappy people!

When I was in San Fran I almost got pushed off the bridge by hardcore bikers! I was just riding along on my wimpy rent-a-bike and they fly past me SO ANNOYED. OMG Seriously. CHILL OUT!

Great post, as usual =) Ahhh, I love venting!

Hmm…i’m a cyclist. And yes, i’ll admit to not waving or smiling to some runners…simply because I pass by them too fast and once I see them wave/smile, it’s already too late. Sometimes i’m also concentrating on not trying to ride into somebody – it gets VERY annoying when runners or walkers are on the bike path and not the little pedestrian path that’s meant for them. Dogs on leashes are scary as well. Keep in mind that we have to dodge a lot of people as well, and it’s much harder for us to come to a sudden stop and unclip without doing a faceplant or skidding and then doing a faceplant. And when we ride in packs, we probably don’t look so friendly because we’re concentrating on keeping our distance so we don’t touch the person’s wheel in front of us, or crash into the person next to us. I try to stay in the bike lane as much as possible, unless there is somebody blocking my way. But I usually yell out “on your left!”.

By the way, I love your pink bike! I want a beach cruiser as well for the mellow days.

I run as well…so i’ve seen both sides of the coin.

I feel the EXACT SAME WAY!

I used to think the same thing about cyclists!

Until I became a triathlete and found out why the cold shoulder treatment. It’s mostly for safety reasons. When riding in a pack, going over 15 mph or just navigating through a crowded multi-purpose trail, you have to stay focused. I once saw my husband take his hand off his handle bars to wave to a neighbor and in a split second, down he went. I don’t even really look at people beyond seeing where they are and trying to avoid hitting them. I’m sure I could ride right past my husband if he was walking and not know who he was.

I hear ya. I do hear ya. You are not alone. I feel exactly the same way as you do. I do think we have two different breeds: Runners and Cyclists. I have tried to wave them and never got anything from a single cyclist for the last four years. They seemed to have a mind of their own. I will say this… They think they are special elite member of the cycling world and they rule the road over runners. I do feel like a dip**** every time I waved at them. Nowadays, I just run on my own and not doing anything to cyclist because I know in my heart that they are too busy focusing on themselves. Why bother? I am totally with you.

They actually bug me more when I’m driving, because they think they’re cars. The only time I really have a problem with them when I’m running is when they’re riding on the sidewalks (I always run on the sidewalks).

One thing’s for sure … I LOVE passing them on the uphills. That’s a huge boost.

most of the bikers on my trails are nice… they usually give a finger wave or smile if i do. love your pics and CANNOT wait for this weekend!!!!!

I totally, totally agree! No nice bikers here in Texas either. Maybe they think they’re cooler or something… naaah. they’re just grouchy because their booties hurt from that seat

I’d have to say I agree with you for the most part….although I have meet some happy cyclist and to counter that some grumpy runners! I think for the most part cyclists are grumpy because they have their junk getting squished by a bike seat and us runner are free and hang loose! LMAO ok that was ridiculous!

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU this weekend! whooohoooo :D

First of all I love your pink bike!! I want me one of those!!
Secondly I am sorry that bikers don’t wave at you. I always try to wave and/or smile at other bikers and runners when I am out running or biking. I understand how you feel because I am lso annoyed when I smile/wave at another runner/biker and he/she doesn’t wave back. Seriously- how hard is it??
I am also jealous of the tricks you can do on your pink bike!

It definitely the crowd on the beach path. I went riding around Santa Monica the other day and it was miserable. They are not real cyclists…they are wannabes and usually their guts are so big their knees stick out when they ride.
I also agree with Shirley (few comments up), on the bike paths at the beach there are so many people and many of them are not good cyclists (especially those short ones…i think they call them kids). You have to focus and expect them to hit you, so many times having the ability to wave is impossible.
When I ride I try to say hi or smile…helps pass the time.
Also, I have a cruiser just like yours, no gear, push back brakes, but yellow. Her name is Sunflower!
So see, not all cyclists are mean.

Wow. I don’t know why you have such negative, unhappy cyclists in your corner of the Southland. I’m up near Brea, Chino Hills and such and I get lots of happy nods and waves from cyclists up here when I’m running. And I run in their bike lane, and they’re still usually nice to me. Anyhow, I’m a cyclist now too (triathlon) so…I’m certainly not hating on you and hope you’re not on me either! Oy!

I love biking almost as much as I love running, but I understand that some bikers (me excluded, of course!) are not that friendly. The trail I ride my bike on is shared with pedestrians and horses, and I can’t tell you how many people riding horses have been genuinely surprised and thankful for me pulling my bike to the side of the trail and letting them past. It seems as if most bikers do not announce themselves and just ride past the horses, which is potentially dangerous if the horse becomes startled. I notice that a lot of bikers are friendly to me when I run, though.

first – I can’t belive your bringing back the fanny pack. You go girl!!

second – I agree with Vanilla. One word: elitism. I just scowl at them now. It’s a good way for me to acknoledge them too. It works for both of us ;) It’s either that or give em the finger and scowling just makes me feel better. What bothers me more is when someone who isn’t doing a hard focused run doesn’t acknowledge me. Even worse when they intentionally look away from me. I don’t bite. I expect more from runners than roadies I guss.

Don’t let em get you down girl.

I use to get really annoyed at the bikers around our trail as well. I agree they seem less friendly and when you are running they really do look at you like you are crazy.

LOVE your pink bike! It’s too cute. Good luck this weekend!!

Funny post. As someone who does both you tend to find cyclists (bikers ride Hogs) acknowledge each other as do runners but there is little cross over, but yeah going three abreast on a’la peleton at 25mph on a beach path is stupid crazy…talking of which where is your mofo helmet!

I just have to say that you are the happiest person on a bike I have EVER seen.

I am not much of a wave initiator but I will always return a wave/hello (unless it is some creepy guy). Maybe the people on the bikes are going too fast to notice?? I find it odd they would just IGNORE you!!

just back from a lunch run and here’s the score:

37 waves to cyclist
5 returned waves
7 head nods

i found the longer i held out my hand waving and the earlier i initiated it, the more likely i was to get a response. but even then i got some eye contact and an expression like, “woah, are you a leper?”

Nice post, I totally agree. And the pink bike is so hot!! You must be batting men off with a stick when you ride around town on that!

I have to admit – I’m feeling pretty defensive right now about your post.

Still, I also have to consider where you are. Perhaps it really is a regional thing.

Here in Sonoma County, when we encounter runners, assuming we aren’t blazing by in a paceline at 25 mph, we usually always say “good morning” or “on your left. Good morning!” As other commenters have said, if I don’t say hello, it’s usually just because I’m going too fast to say something.

I think it seems a bit brash to say “I hate bicyclists.” I’ve encountered many runners (as a runner when I used to run)who also never uttered a peep. Often this was true in San Francisco when I lived there.

Finally- when it comes to angry cyclists, it must be a SoCal thing. Cyclists up here are some of the happiest people I’ve ever met. We live in a place with hundreds of miles of rural and coastal roads to enjoy and usually only have to use a bike path to get out of town. In fact, it’s usually the drivers that seem angry to me (I think drivers are just jealous that we have so much fun on our bikes).

So…before you swear off all cyclists, maybe consider it a regional thing? Next time you’re out of SoCal, give it a shot. One of us might just return the smile and wave. :)

You tell ‘em, ChicRunner! This should be required reading for all cyclists. I try to do my part and stay where I should but I’ve seen so many cyclists try to run me down in the park that I have sustained more injuries trying to avoid them than actually running!

Your beach cruiser is totally hot! I’m officially jealous!

Have fun in your race this weekend. I hear it’s going to be a blast!

You and your little pink bike are so cute!! I also hate when I say hi or smile at people on trails or sidewalks and get nothing back. You know how much energy it takes me to get out a “hey” when I feel like I’m going to die?? It would be nice to get a measly smile back at least!

Ok first and foremost.. your bike is freaking adorable. And who needs gears? You have a basket that can hold anything! Ignore stupid mean bikers girl, you and your bike are cute!

Secondly, bikers are mean everywhere. Any time i see a a biker, i wave, smile or nod and never get a thing in return later. Since i dont normally come into contact with many people but amish it isnt that big of a deal. But when I do see groups of bikers a wave,smile or hello wouldnt hurt at all! I dont get any love either. Maybe bikers should take up running, then they wouldnt be so angry! :)

YAY runners & YAY for cute pink cruiser bikes! I want one!

yeah…bikers and runners are hard to mix sometimes. I won’t ride my bike on the running trails here just becuase there are so many turns and twists that if you get going fast, it’s hard to stop if you come across a runner or kids or people that don’t understand, ‘on your left’.

Everyone just needs to get along! :)

On my last long run a cyclist (on the wrong side of the path) almost hit me and I said I was sorry. What the heck?

I miss my cruiser. It was mint green and the Cap bought it for me. It was stolen :( boo

Oooh, Pink is FETCH! Love her! Don’t you mind the haters; they are just J of your how cute you look on your pink bike!
I myself am on a one woman mission to get cyclist to NOT hate me as a runner. Or at least stop glaring at my and trying to run me over. I’ve had a lot of sucess…but a few near misses too. Oh well, you can’t win them all.

I’m a triathlete and I agree with the others that most of the time when I’m on my bike I’m focusing on where I’m going in an attempt to not hit anyone, get hit, or wipeout. Please don’t be offended that they don’t wave at you – I’m sure they are not being mean on purpose. Plus, it does sound like a regional thing to you area. Either way, I would think twice before declaring such a strong hate for a very large and diverse group of people.

Also, I spend a lot of time running in my local park too and when I smile at the other runners when they go past me they usually don’t even look at me, but I don’t declare a hate for all runners. I just figure they are focusing on their run and I try not to take offense.

Enjoy the race this weekend! I have a thing that i wear around my waist that holds my keys and phone. Its super small and I got it from my running store. I just looked at it and it says ultimate direction and i think it comes from the marathon line. not sure got it last summer for my half marathon. It was in the area where they have the fuel belts.

I am commenting for the first time even though I have been “lurking” for a while. :)

I also dislike bikers generally. They are typically rude and even when they say things like “on the left” it’s waaaayyy too late. When I used to run from the Pond to the beach by the reservoir trail, I would have to be super careful and even then I would get yelled at if I didn’t move in the split hair of second that the biker wanted me to. I never found them to be very considerate and I also heard a horror story of a friend of a friend who got hit by a biker and broke her arm!

Anyway, when are you coming to visit/run something in Salem?

Good luck in San Fran! ;)

Girl you are too funny! I was seriously laughing out loud almost the whole time. I love it! Good luck this weekend and I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

HAHAHA this was a cute post! My roommate from santa monica bikes and is a total addict. I don’t even know how to ride a bike so I may never appreciate what it does. And I agree.. cyclists DO NOT look happy…

Keep it up!

Right??

Runners get a rap for looking serious, but I think cyclists look downright miserable!

Cyclists think they own the road! These pictures were a crack up! I love this post!!

I am a recent runner-turned-cyclist (sorta) and find it hard to like bicycling nearly as much as I do running. Running is awesome and cheap!

I totally agree with you. I have always had a hatred for bikers. I don’t like them when I’m driving…and I didn’t like them in college when they would run you over walking to class.

I laughed out loud when you talked about putting a stick in their wheels. Love it :)

I am impressed that you have the ability to smile, run, and wave all at the same time. When I “run” I am normally so focused on not vomiting that I doubt I am anywhere near as friendly as you. :)Next time someone isn’t friendly to you just tell yourself that you are in better shape because you can exercise and be friendly at the same time while the other tubs-o-lard-fat bicyclists are too out of shape to do both. :)

I also love that you wore a fanny pack to run. It makes perfect sense to me!

I love your bike!! so cute!

we have a lot of cyclist/runner feuding in central park.. unfortunately, it can get dangerous at times, especially when marathon training is in full swing.

I’ve been a runner for 12 years and have only recently dabbled in cycling. I’m usually scared out of my mind when in the park or on the roads–and though I’m certainly not going crazy fast, I try to keep a good pace and concentrate on staying safe. I’d probably not even notice if someone waved. But if I did, I’d try to smile ;)

what a cute bike! that kind of biking is more my speed. i bought a road bike last year so i could go on rides with my husband, but i try extra hard not to be like the unfriendly/rude cyclists i’ve encountered. why can’t people just be more nice?

I love your bike! So cute!

I wouldn’t go so far as to say I hate bicyclists but I totally get you. I don’t know why they have to be so unfriendly. I am an uber-waver and cyclists rarely wave back. Or even acknowledge me. But, I do get the occasional smile so some are nice enough!

LOL! I love your bike, too. I miss my cruiser.

Good luck in San Fran!
I can’t believe I ran my entire first marathon wearing one of those 80′s fanny packs! Ugh!

I am a day late…sorry.
But, Amen sista’! I totally agree! They are rude and selfish! I have had to dodge so many bikers in my years of running that I am so fed up!
I’ll be in SF this weekend, too! Enjoy your trip north, it’s finally really nice weather!

just sold my bike at our garage sale last weekend because i never rode it….i think there are some nice bikers out there, though, you just have to find them…i hate that when people don’t wave back….

Here in Chicago, the Lakefront Path is shared by bikes and runners (and sometimes very slow walkers, but what can you do). A lot of the 5K races are held on the path too because it’s way cheaper than closing down city streets. I get SO MAD when bikers yell at us when we are running a 5K that we PAID to do! and for the record, there are usually signs warning of congestion for the bikers. GRRR. Totally one of my biggest running pet peeves.

I live in the Midwest and have recently started biking with BF. I haven’t really encountered any unfriendliness…most of the bikers here tend to at least smile or nod. Still, we’re not hardcore at all and the ones wearing the spandex and all that are definitely not as friendly.

I think we should create large runner pelotons and terrorize the cyclists, hog the trails, and the like. I try to be aware of my surroundings, but every now and then I will be suprised by a cyclist. A week ago I was literally run off the trail by a group of cyclists that had to ride side by side. They weren’t being Lance wannabe’s – they just wanted to chat while riding! Grr….

I hardly ever seen cyclists on my run… So no opinion on that! But I really like your pink bike!

That is crazy that bikers don’t wave! What is wrong with them? :) I love your bike and would totally wave to you if I saw you on the street running/biking :)I love all your pics, too cute!

the cyclists on my nyc run are always very serious too…I find that the runners are usually friendly, but then again as a runner I am probably biased! I do like calling the cyclists who take themselves too seriously, “Clancy Armstrong” :) P.S. Your bike pics are cute! :)

I get what you mean. I definitely get serious on the climbs, but on the flats I’m all smiles! There are some way too serious cyclists (and runners) though! Agreed! :)

I agree with you bikers always seem to take things too serious. But I have to agree with some of their behavior. As a runner I pass a lot of people, some I wave at and others I do not. Mostly this is out of sheer convenience because if I were to wave and smile at every person I passed I might as well enter a beauty pageant rather than be running a workout. A biker is going much faster than me and so they pass way more people than I do, making it that much more inconvenient. So I hope you see my point here, but regardless they could still at least TRY to look like they are having fun whether they return the gesture or not :) Great post.

So, I agree with your observations about cyclists in general. There are differences in bikers though. All of the road bikers do seem pretty ridiculous and snooty with that pointy little seat up their bum-bum’s. BUT, almost all, except for the uber serious trail/mountain bikers with spandex, are pretty up-beat. I was once asked by a ‘Lance’ wannabe here in Austin if I ever carried anything else on my roof rack besides my kayak…I answered, “yes, I put my bike up there sometimes.” I thought he was going to ask me out on a date right there at the jobsite. He then asked me where I rode. I answered, “I ride on the greenbelt. I like the terrain and switchbacks and jumps.”. He looked at me like I just stole his boyfriend and immediately ended the conversation because I was the “WRONG” kind of biker. That’s the type of people I’d imagine you are encountering on your daily grind. Road biking, spandex wearin’, pointy seat lovin’, Lance wannabe’s. Take your attitude and your fiat jersey and cram it in your cram hole. If people in cars driving at 65mph in opposing directions can time up a wave and a smile on life’s highway, so can a darn road cyclist. As for me, mountain/trail bikers would never consider grouping themselves in the same category as a snooty roadie. Love the post and the beach cruiser. Sorry so late on this post. Hope you get this. Peace on the west coast.

Brandon out.

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