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Do you wave/nod/say hi to other cyclists?

The reason I ask is lately there seem to be a lot of miserable people out riding bikes.

I give a nod and say hi as I see other riders but a lot of the time it gets ignored and sometimes I even get a confused look back.

I don't really understand it as I'm generally in a good mood and happy when I'm out on my bike.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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41 comments

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Shades | 4 years ago
1 like

Most of the time; tends to be done between 'roadies' though.  Was on my MTB once and I got nothing (from the 'roadies')! 

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EddyBerckx | 4 years ago
2 likes

I say hello to pretty much everyone including times when I'm full out sprinting or "on the rivet" for a length of time.

Barely 50% acknowledge it but why should I care? It's nice when they do, else maybe they saw me too late/are in a world of their own/are suffering etc etc or just maybe they are miserable.

Don't take the knockbacks personally, but feel happy when they return a greeting if you want!

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hawkinspeter | 4 years ago
4 likes

I either raise a hand from the handlebar in a sort of half wave or give a head nod. I don't bother doing it in the city centre if it's busy, but if it's quiet then I acknowledge.

I save 'hi' for when passing a cyclist going the same direction as me. It's very important that the 'hi' sounds really relaxed and not as though you're out of breath.

Lately I've also been smiling at pedestrians waiting or crossing the road - that way they know that you've seen them and that you're not planning on running them over.

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Dnnnnnn replied to hawkinspeter | 4 years ago
2 likes

hawkinspeter wrote:

It's very important that the 'hi' sounds really relaxed and not as though you're out of breath.

Because of course you aren't!

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Stratman | 4 years ago
5 likes

Dr Hutch has given us a handy guide

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/videos/watch/dr-hutchs-guide-waving

I tent to follow the nod and finger raise (I'm quite old)

 

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Welsh boy | 4 years ago
6 likes

I acknowledge all other cyclists unless I am in a difficult position such as negotiating traffic in a built up area. As someone used to say on another site I used to use, if you see someone without a smile give them one of yours. 

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Dnnnnnn replied to Welsh boy | 4 years ago
2 likes

Welsh boy wrote:

if you see someone without a smile give them one of yours.

Like it.

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Welsh boy replied to Dnnnnnn | 4 years ago
0 likes

It's a great little phrase isn't it, I just wish I could take credit for thinking it up.

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John Smith | 4 years ago
2 likes

Depends.

When out cycling on road I will give a nod or wave to any cyclists I see. If I see anyone who isn't a "cyclist", but a person on a bike, or indeed walking, it depends on what reaction I think I will get, from saying hello to familys out on a ride, through to saying nothing to groups of kids or adults who are out pottering around, although I will acknolage them if they do me. I used to but it is met with confusion or being ignored. 

When out off road on my mountain bike its often a hello, if not stopping for a quick chat about the trail, any interesting routes, where they are headding etc.

When riding within Oxford I obviously don't, as it would be every 10 seconds and a bit odd.

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Compact Corned Beef | 4 years ago
0 likes

I nod to just about everyone when I'm out for a leisure/training ride. No nodding on my commutes (not that I've been commuting recently...) though.

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fukawitribe | 4 years ago
7 likes

I do generally, and to others - drivers, pedestrians and motorcyclists if i'm near or interacting with them. If they acknowledge, fine - and plenty do - but it's my choice to nod or raise a hand, and not their responsibility to respond. Wouldn't sweat it, plenty of reasons why something doesn't come back, not worth judging or second guessing.

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