Don't Be THAT Cyclist!

"Those Guys" are unaware that they are those guys

In one of London’s many high streets, there was some old people crossing the road from church on a Sunday morning, they had completely taken over the road and although I had right away, it was nice to stop and say good morning to them and ask them how they were and have a little chat and then carry on, you feel a lot better, they feel a lot better (and safer) and the world becomes a better place in a second

Very good reminders about the host and guest relationship. As a guest you are also an ambassador of your group.

Excellent point about pedestrians being above cyclists on the Road Use Totem Pole

Fantastic reminders to be a good humans!

One of the most annoying line in the world for me, is Customers are always right, Uhm, just because you’re paying for the service does not mean that you can trample over people. 😤

Courtesy and friendliness is an effortless superpower, on and off the bike. It's so easy and immediately rewarding to acknowledge others with a simple head nod, a little wave, a smile, or a sincere 'thank you'. When you're in the flow of things people almost always pick up the vibe and reciprocate. I'm kinda surprised more cyclists don't get that.

I think following traffic laws is huggeeeeee. I find it sad when on my way to work every car stops when I'm coming to an intersection cause they're anticipating i run the red or run the stop sign. Gotta set the example.

Not too preachy at all. I see a definite need for a lot of cyclists to brush up on their etiquette. I especially see groups of cyclists believing that they are their own special event and that everything should revolve around them.

Well done. Will be riding in Europe soon, so thanks for the advice. But, frankly almost all of your tips also apply to riding locally in one's own hometown as well as when traveling abroad. When training new bicyclists to be safe commuters i always say "Smile and wave. It don't cost nothing."

Here in southern Germany, biking is well regarded in towns, but there is beef between hikers and mountain bikers. I try to be a slow, friendly, considerate biker whenever I encounter walkers. Once, a little girl pointed at me and said to her dad: "Look, that mountain biker isn't crazy like all the others!" It was one of my proudest moments on a bike. We can do a lot in our everyday encounters with other users of the paths to ensure that bikers are welcomed.

Its not preachy. I think most of the things are natural behavior. I think it is the kind of how you go around if you are spending the best weeks of a year and if you are not a superficial, egoistic self-centered, narcissistic cyclist. The aspect of feeding the locals sounds strange but its completely logical. Nothing here in Europe is more disturbing like all those one day tourists falling in like a swarm of insects but worse and leaving the focused places wasted behind, no matter if they come by Cruise ship, hopping flights to make a tour around Europe or if they travel around in Vans, eating and cooking their own stuff. You should travel around Europe by bike. Maybe your experience is a little bit dark from the US, because in many countries you are welcome as cyclist, at least its my experience as friendly and interested cyclist, because nothing is nicer to have a good time wherever you stay.

Good collection of tips, and not at all preachy. Thank you. One subject not talked about is clothing. Riding around as a MAMIL (Middle-Aged Men In Lycra), or the female equivalent, especially in rural areas, typically doesn't set well. You're touring, not riding a criterium. I wear cycling shorts or bibs, but I wear comfortable shorts on top of them. A lightweight wool shirt with a presentable button-down on top goes a long way. Shoes are another sore spot with some people. I'm sure shop owners cringe at cyclists walking around with the Look cleats or similar types, clattering and digging into the flooring material. If you want to clip in, I do, use SPD pedals and shoes. You don't damage the floors of places you visit; you can walk in them like a normal human. As you pointed out, wave, smile, and say hello. It also makes you feel good inside. 👋

Having done a fair bit of cycling through lightly-populated flyover America, I find waving works very well. Hardly anyone will not wave back, especially if they weren't expecting it. I wave at everyone - people in small towns, kids, farmers on tractors, and ESPECIALLY motorists who move over to pass more safely! With a friendly wave, they're more likely to treat the next cyclist the same way. Wave on!

slowing down is a huge one

Just common sense but needed to be said. It usually helps to wave, say Hi and smile.

Great tips. That’s awesome you guys worked on Oregon Scenic bikeways. Living in Bend, we appreciate the work you two did.

You hammered out all the important stuff, per usual. Keep this amazing content up and thank you!!!!

Good advice and reminders!

Good advice, well said.