A Simple Wave Is A Big Gesture To A Fellow Rider

Since moving to California in May I have become increasingly annoyed with cyclists.

When I ride, I always wave, nod my head or speak to other cyclists. I am equally friendly to old guys on recumbents, couples on tandems, hard-core roadies, downhillers all decked out in body amor, BMXers and moms with their kids in tow. If you're on a bike, you are my friend.

But in Southern California, no amount of waving or head nodding seems to get anyone's attention. The cyclists here in Orange County apparently have too much on their minds.

I don't expect much from the triathletes. They are too focused on their training to notice anything besides their heart rate monitor alarm.

But the roadies and the cross-country dudes, with whom I once felt a tight bond; I expect more from them. I know ego and testosterone can cloud their judgement, but come on, we're part of the same shrinking community. We need to reach out to each other and project a positive image.

I ride really nice bikes. I have the newest Giro helmet and the most current jerseys. Although I'm heavier than I should be, I still have good form on the bike. Besides, from across a four-lane road who can tell that my body fat percentage is well into the double digits?

I'm still one of them, yet they chose to ignore me. If cyclists don't wave back to me, then who do they acknowledge? What is their attitude like toward noncyclists and automobilists?

As cyclists, we are a minority on the road. If we want to build and strengthen our community we should start by being friendly to each other. Who would want to work with us to help make cycling a viable form of transportation or a more highly regarded sport if we are routinely rude to each other?

Waving is a very small gesture of goodwill, courtesy and, in the case of cyclists, acknowledgement that we share a passion for something important.

Encourage your customers to be friendly on the road, and do the same yourself. It's easy to lift your hand and recognize a fellow bike geek.