Twenty ways to respect the bike.
If they ride a bike, they are a cyclist.
When it has no gears. Respect the cruisers that rekindle memories of younger days. Pure joy and freedom at a single speed!
When it's shiny, sleek, and sexy. Respect the carbon fibers that strive for perfection in speed, stamina, and skill.
When it shows its age and battle scars. Respect the war horse that finds its way to work, school, the grocery, and errands.
When it has three little wheels. Respect the short little guy that teaches the child life lessons and discovers the world at the speed of a bike.
When three wheels are the ticket. Respect the trikers whose third wheel is welcome and important to their ride.
When it’s a Walmart no-name brand. Respect that there is a bike for every budget, a reason to ride, and a reason to buy.
When it’s being walked. Respect the bike that takes a walk up a hill, or when it needs a break.
When it has more tech than a Ferrari. Respect the technology warrior with a cockpit that rivals the space shuttle.
When it looks like Barbie’s dream car. Respect the hot pink, cherry red, and femme looks that are so fine and sexy.
When it’s a basket case. Wicker, wood, metal, and baskets get the groceries home with no gas and no hassle.
When tires are fatter than a quarter pounder with cheese. Respect the fatties that are so fun and so versatile.
When the tires are skinnier than an Oreo Thin. Respecting those who challenge that resistance is futile and can outrun the Borg.
When it has an engine. Respect the e-bike that opens and expands cycling to so many people.
When it looks like Pee Wee’s bike. Respect the Schwinn Western Flyer wanna-be’s with straight handlebars and handlebar streamers that just want to have fun.
When it’s a tall bike and a short person. Respect that no one bike fits all people. Some people make it work out of necessity or don’t care.
When a baby or dog is on board. Respect the bike trailer hauling precious living cargo. Remember no one was left behind at their home.
When cargo is on board. Respect the bike messengers and freight haulers whose cargo box moves goods gas-free.
When it is laden with one’s worldly belongings. Respect the bike tourists who explore the world and get away from everyday life by packing it all on board.
When it’s matchy, matchy. Respect the fashionistas whose colors are echoed on their rider’s kit. Even more impressive when it’s in tandem!
When it’s a flashback machine. Respect the classics ridden by a guy or gal in 501 cut-offs, a t-shirt, and no helmet. The 70s is calling and lives on!
My How We Roll leader training instructor commented “If you ride a bike, you are a cyclist”. How We Roll trains people to be comfortable with and knowledgeable about riding a bike for transportation. Her comment guides me when I see a person on a bike.
An Australian survey found that over 70% of people who ride bikes occasionally do not self-identify as cyclists; for others, the term “cyclist” has negative connotations. That’s right, 30% of the people you encounter on a bike don’t think they are a cyclist.
Hopefully, you found the twenty respects amusing and not offending. My point is that people ride bikes for many reasons, just not for a social ride. Their bike, style of cycling, and type of bike vary. Respect the bike and the cyclist for being on a bike.
If you ride a bike, you are a cyclist.
Tom on the Trails