Missionaries of the Gods of Velo...

[Matadon]

How many people have you "converted" to cycling, either as a recreational activity (casual cyclist) or as a serious method of transportation (commuter, etc.)?

[Chris L]

Ummm... none yet :eek: I was very close to convincing an English friend of mine (who now lives over here) last year, but then that f*cking Australian summer had to come didn't it? After that I pretty much had no hope *sigh*

[HardBall]

Though I wouldn't use the term "converted" I ride with one regularly that starting riding at my prompting. Had another join us this past Sunday. I loaned him a bike, helmet and water bottle. Let him lead the ride and followed his lead (except when he biffed before we got on the trail). Hoping he becomes a regular too!

[LittleBigMan]

Wow, that is great, guys! :D

Most people I know (except you) still think:

1) Bikes are for recreation only.
2) Street riding is impossible, except for the cycling elite.
3) Cars will always be the only truly convenient way to get there.
4) I am going through a phase.
5) I will give up cycling once I realize the above facts.

What they don't realize is:

1) Car driving is not a sustainable activity worldwide to the extent it is used in the USA, even if non-polluting fuels are used.
2) I would rather die a slow death... ;)

[John E]

The fear-of-traffic factor is the most commonly-stated objection to cycling. Some people genuinely believe this; for others, it is a marvelous excuse which draws plenty of understanding sympathy from their peers. At a recent parent-teacher night, a 60-something member of the school board, seeing my Lars Anderson Bicycle Swap Meet T-shirt, started telling me about her recent bicycle ride with her husband, along Austria's Danube River Class I bike path. She also acted concerned when I told her that I am a regular on-road transportation and recreational cyclist. I took the opportunity to quote the comparable-to-motoring risk statistics for lawful vehicular adult bicyclists and to advocate increasing everyone's safety by imposing stricter accountability and improved education for motorists.

[LittleBigMan]

Originally posted by John E
The fear-of-traffic factor is the most commonly-stated objection to cycling.
Somehow, once a car-driver hits freeway traffic, "fear of traffic" ceases to be a deterrent. Insanity.

[RonH]

I haven't converted anyone yet. But two neighbors keep talking about joining me on my weekend outings. One even asked me to tune up his Sears brand heavy klunker.
After I returned it to him he promptly hung it in his garage and told me his back was hurting too much to ride. Since then he has always had an excuse.

My manager keeps talking about commuting to work. My commute is 14+ miles one way. His would be 4 miles. He says he is still afraid to get out on the roads "in traffic". And he complains weekly that his stomach is getting a little bigger. But he admires me for riding to work. I think he is slightly enbarrassed too because I am 18 years older than he is. :eek:

[Matadon]

Originally posted by RonH
I haven't converted anyone yet. But two neighbors keep talking about joining me on my weekend outings. One even asked me to tune up his Sears brand heavy klunker.

After I returned it to him he promptly hung it in his garage and told me his back was hurting too much to ride. Since then he has always had an excuse.



My manager keeps talking about commuting to work. My commute is 14+ miles one way. His would be 4 miles. He says he is still afraid to get out on the roads "in traffic". And he complains weekly that his stomach is getting a little bigger. But he admires me for riding to work. I think he is slightly enbarrassed too because I am 18 years older than he is. :eek:

Sounds like someone needs a clue-by-four upside the head; have you let him ride one of your bikes around the neighborhood? Many people really don't know about all the advancements in cycling (like aluminum, ti, and CroMo frames, suspensions, the comforts of lycra and coolmax, etc), and still think that everyone runs around on 75lb mountain bikes make of cast-iron with wooden wheels while wearing woolen overcoats, top-hats, and clogs.

I let a few of my friends take my bike (the Spec. Crossroads) around the block, and they were really impressed with the construction -- and couldn't believe it was only a $400 bike. Some people just don't know. :D

[HardBall]

Originally posted by Matadon
...clue-by-four...
My co-workers looked at me like I was an idiot (again) when I laughed out loud. I've never heard this but I love it, do you mind if I steal, er...I mean use it?

Can't wait to give my 15 year-old-son that look and say "Boy, do you want a clue-by-four upside your head" while trying to keep a straight face. We're going to have a good laugh with this one!!!

If I can work up the nerve and have a place to quickly hide I might even try it out on the wife.

Of course, you know that I wouldn't use one on my son unless he really needed it. ;-)


Thanks

[Matadon]

Originally posted by HardBall

My co-workers looked at me like I was an idiot (again) when I laughed out loud. I've never heard this but I love it, do you mind if I steal, er...I mean use it?

Can't wait to give my 15 year-old-son that look and say "Boy, do you want a clue-by-four upside your head" while trying to keep a straight face. We're going to have a good laugh with this one!!!

If I can work up the nerve and have a place to quickly hide I might even try it out on the wife.

Of course, you know that really I wouldn't use one on my son unless he really needed it. ;-)


Thanks

It's not my term, it's stolen from the monks which reside in the Scary Devil Monastery; but I don't think they'll mind a bit. :D

[stewartp]

I haven't converted anyone, but I was a convert.

This chap I worked with used to cycle in every day (still does - we no longer work at the same place). I always thought he was a health freak. He's about 10 years older than me - so he's pushing 50, but in really great shape, I was a slob.

We drifted into different jobs, I took up running, then we found ourselves working together, and living the same side of town, so I started riding in with him. He gave me advice - got me using cleated pedals etc. He got me riding long distance audax events.

I owe him heaps

Stew

[willic]

Hi all!

At my place of work , over the years I have managed at different times to persuade no fewer than 8 fellow workers into bike commuting

Half of those even purchased bikes , at my persuation and promptings.

Unfortuately. all but 2 of them caught the cycling bug.

The others fell by the wayside with the usual excuses , my bum is hurting to much. its raining so iv`e come in the car, I was having to get out of bed 30 minutes earlier, etc

But at least I have the satisfaction of knowing one of the guys I introduced is now into cycling big time (even more than myself).

Willi`c

[Greg]

I sieze every opportunity to gently preach the virtues of cycling, yet, alas, have no lambs in the fold.

Mabey the "clue by four" approach might help.

I have friends with bikes in their garages and great single track or prestine bike path within an eigth of a mile from their door.

The truth often falls on deaf ears and fat butts.

[Matadon]

Originally posted by Greg
I sieze every opportunity to gently preach the virtues of cycling, yet, alas, have no lambs in the fold.



Mabey the "clue by four" approach might help.



I have friends with bikes in their garages and great single track or prestine bike path within an eigth of a mile from their door.



The truth often falls on deaf ears and fat butts.

How true. Many of my friends have commented how much better I look (I'm smiling more, and despite my ravenous appetite, I've lost ten pounds and an inch off of my waistline), and then chide me (tough love) for being a geek on a bike. Sheesh.

[timstredwick]

Mentor, mentor, mentor especially if you have fellow work mates that even express a slight interest in commuting to work. Offer to ride with them, fix up there bike so that it fits them (another reason why people dont ride, they are not comfortable) but above all lead by example.
We have locally just run a BikeTrain or otherwise called a BikeBus. It is a scheduled timetabled route for prospective cycle commuters to join providing the moral and physical security that novive rides need. All the while the leaders or 'drivers' can give a running commentary on how to handle the traffic and avoid hazards. For more info visit www.cyclingsouth.org or http://galifrey.triode.net.au/bikebus/index.shtml
Go For It
Tim.

[John E]

Ah -- the Bike Train, from the country that brought the world the Road Train. Actually, I think it's an interesting concept and, when properly run, a sort of rush hour Effective Cycling course. I will suggest operating a few Bike Trains during our next Bike-to-Work Day.

[D*Alex]

I thought the whole point of riding to work was the flexibility that the bike offers. Riding in a group, on a set route, at a set time, (with chaperones, yet) seems rather antithetical to the reasons why I ride. It seems almost Japanese-is that where the idea came from?
At least with a large club ride, there are always a few people who wish to run the same fast pace that I do, but I don't see very many bike commuters here who are up to a pace like that. I'm also assuming that the group stays stuck in traffic, if there is a jam. On the other hand, I will pass stopped cars, go down side streets (occasionally the wrong direction), and will, when safe, take to the sidewalk.
Unless you are a "nervous Norviss" rider, what is the advantage? Other than being a make-work project, that is.

[velocipedio]

Originally posted by Matadon
How many people have you "converted" to cycling, either as a recreational activity (casual cyclist) or as a serious method of transportation (commuter, etc.)?
My buddy Peter [a physician] told me that he plans to invest in a bike when he gets back to town this spring. My friend Mark has been waffling, but I think he'll come around next spring.

More fresh meat for the peloton!

[cyclezealot]

Even though I have a ways to go with weight control, biking has done wonders for my weight and colesterol. I have dropped like 35 pounds. We love to eat out way too much. Guess, just careless about what we eat. Still am.
So I constantly proclaim the virtues of cycling, by telling of my pant size and when they ask, what is your diet- I say none just cycling. Love to eat.
I have convinced one work-mate to purchase a bike and he fails to use it. So no convert there. Those who think cycling is a phase annoy me. There are states like Texas that try to restrict cycling. We need be vigilant. Laws in my state protect the rights of cyclists. Don't think for a minute, it need be so.
Those who think I am going through a phase soon witness my determination to cycle for life. Should the rights of cyclists be seriously trampled upon- I would favor the kinds of actions that Critical Mass engage in up in the Bay area.
Oh yes, when some think cycling is dangerous- I like to remind them of the dangers on the freeways. Some commutes, I look out into traffic and think and hope the bike lane might be a buffer to the wacky drivers, I see out there?

[chewa]

I've got a few into it, but to be honest, most people get a bike in summer, use it for a week or so then leave it in the garage. I'm not sure if it's because they tend to buy cheaper new (mountain) bikes which can be heavy and No fun to ride.
I always suggest buying a good second hand bike first as it will generally be better built with better components than a new one at same price.