Commuting - Fringe dwellers

Just curious how other bicycle commuters are viewed by their coworkers, family and other daily acquaintances.

Who accepts you?

Who understands your love for bike commuting?

Who thinks you're strange?

What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?

Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?

On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?

How do motorists treat you?

-i don't think anyone thinks i'm weird for commuting on a bicycle. they think i'm weird for a plethora of other reasons though...
-i've been told by a co-worker that she admires me for commuting by bike all through the winter. i said: "and i admire you for commuting by train all winter". i guess i don't see that much of a difference. i mean, it's cold and snowy for everyone, right?
-one other lady down the hall commutes by bike in the summer time.
-unfortunately, my commute is rather short (3 miles) and through downtown philly, which just isn't all that conducive to getting to know other bikers. so i don't really know anyone. often after work i'll take the long way home (read: completely out of the way just so i can ride for a while) which sometimes goes through the park and i'll meet people there. it's nice to talk to people while riding.
-motorists by and large treat me well. a very few are vicious, a few are kind and respectful, and a few are oblivious. i fear the later the most.

everyone seems to accept and understand my commuting. i guess the figure it suits me.
One person understands my love of commuting. my neighbor who commutes about 32 miles a day.
the comments i get are usually weather related. Did you ride today? it's so cold, windy etc. Or, I saw a wreck on the way in and looked to see if it was you. this is genuine concern and kind of nice.
i'm the only regular commuter in my office.
i don't know any other commuters on my route by name. there is a guy that has a commute opposite mine every day. we pass each other twice a day and give a nod or wave.
I think i get treated better by most drivers than if i was driving a car. it's just that rude or ignorant driver that bothers me every once in a while.

good topic LBM.

CD

Just curious how other bicycle commuters are viewed by their coworkers, family and other daily acquaintances.

Who accepts you?

Who understands your love for bike commuting?

Who thinks you're strange?

What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?

Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?

On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?

How do motorists treat you?


I am in graduate school and it seems to be a pretty good environment for commuting on a bike. People think I am strange, but it is not because I commute by bike. I am the only person in my lab that commutes by bike, but there are several other people in the complex that do it. I have not spoken with anyone that understands my love of commuting, though most people accept it (me).

There is only one other guy that commutes the same route I commute, I tried to talk to him once, but he blew me off. He has been ruder than most of the cars I meet on the road. I think he is just very competitive. I passed him one day, and gave him an on your left and a kind greeting on my way by. He didn't respond, but about five minutes later he passed me again standing on his pedals mahing pretty hard. I didn't see him sit down again all the way into town (5 miles). Who knows he may have been training, but he has never said hello to me on the bike, even though I have met him off the bike (not very nice in that setting either).

The motorists up here are O.K. For the most part they give me a wide berth. I have more problems when I am on my training rides than my commute. I have had run ins with the stereotypical pickup truck driver yelling obscenities (this happened twice), and once a driver tried to knock me over with his car in the downtown area :( (hanover, NH). He wasn't so aggressive when I knocked on his window at the light ;) . However all of this happened on my training rides, not my commute. Overall it is a pretty great place to ride.

Great post by the way.

At first, my family thought I was nuts. Now they have come to accept it (I lean a little to the weird side of life anyway :D ) But one of the major objections I get is that I want to sell our second car because I don't see the need for it. A large number of people are taken a-back when they find out that you do not believe a car is a necessity of life. I find that attitude nutz!

I think all the coworkers that know me understand why I bike and how I enjoy it. Most people probably assume correctly that I must like it if I do it in winter. As far as others go, there is one other year round commuter where I work and a few more who are fair weather commuters.. We all share a love of bicycling and a love of commuting or bicycle touring. I think commuters and tourers share a lot in common, in enjoying the hours on a bike, through all kinds of weather and all years.

Some of them think we're strange, but I am strange, and proud of it!

As far as others, I don't see any other bike commuters regularly, I'll see some cyclists (not commuters) in the summer time sometimes, I see more dog walkers regularly and the homeless than other commuters on a regular basis.

Jay

Who accepts you?
Hmm, I guess everyone. Nobody has sent me hate mail!

Who understands your love for bike commuting?
My wife does. She even keeps talking about doing it herself. I even bought her some panniers for Christmas. (still unused)

Who thinks you're strange?
Everyone! It has nothing to do with the bike, however.

What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?
Nobody really says anything.

Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?
I am the only year-round bike commuter. One of our department directors is a fair weather commuter. He has a short 3 mile commute and does not wear cycling clothes or any other bike specific stuff. I on the otherhad wear bike clothes.

On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?
Nope. I just started seeing this guy on my ride to work regular now. I guess he is a more of a fair weather type like the guy at work. He is on his way into downtown as I am on my way out.

How do motorists treat you?

Pretty good.

Well, everyone is pretty accepting of my commuting. Dan is very positive about it, except when he feels the weather is really bad, ice or fog, then he expresses some anxiety about it. My kids are just glad I waited until they were out of high-school so they weren't embarassed. My boss is a former cyclist, and actually said he would encourage my commuting when I first suggested it. He did have some anxiety about night & winter riding, but got over it when he saw my lights. My co-workers get a kick out of it. New hires ask if I always ride my bike and get told "yup, rain, snow, sleet, winter, summer, all the time. She always rides." The clients often ask if that was me they saw, or if I let them in in the a.m. in bike clothes they always ask how far. Most people seem to think it is kind of neat. Most drivers have been pretty considerate. Some have actually leaned out the window, clapped & yelled "Bravo!" as I made a left turn onto a steep hill on a 0F/-18C morning with wind blowing the snow into poor visibility. I don't see too many cyclists on my rides. One fellow who rides to the train station. I stopped him one night to give him one of my spare lights, he didn't have any. One other who is training, after 4 years he does sometimes answer my "good morning". I see another fellow training occasionally, he usually waves. We've talked at traffic lights, but I don't know his name (other than blue Colnago).I wonder if he thinks of me as Terry commuter.

Just curious how other bicycle commuters are viewed by their coworkers, family and other daily acquaintances.

Who accepts you?

Basically everyone. I don't really give them any choice in the matter. I'm going to do it regardless.



Who understands your love for bike commuting?

Pretty much nobody. Very few of the people I ride with on a regular basis have ever done it for any length of time. Seems people "understand" it when I tell them of the cost savings I make, but that's about the only thing.



Who thinks you're strange?

There aren't many who actually say so, but then, I don't have mental telepathy.



What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?

Apart from the "You're strange" comments (which aren't many), I don't get a lot of comments. In saying that, my boss once described it as "good". I guess he's the only one I need to impress. :D



Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?

I'm the only person here. In my last job there was another guy who took it up right at the end. The main difference is that I like the rain.



On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?

Not anymore, Karen changed jobs.



How do motorists treat you?

About the only thing I notice is the crap treatment, which seems more common here than other places I've been.

I would say most of my colleagues are supportive. When we were riding in below freezing weather, a few jokingly reminded us that "cars have heaters". We few year around commuters really appreciate the fact that the boss allows us to bring our bikes inside the building. I lean mine against the wall outside my cubicle. Bringing it inside encourages me to clean it on a regular basis. We also have a shower & small locker room. There are also a few runners in the office who use the lockers & shower. A coworker got me back into cycling. He commutes more than twice the distance I do and has a long, steep hill on the home end of his commute. He belongs to the local randonneuring club & can log 200 miles some weekends. Last Summer he rode Paris Brest Paris. I proslytize a bit, last year a friend gave me 3 bikes, his & hers Schwinn Suburbans & a ladies model Schwinn 3 speed. I passed the Suburbans on to my boss & gave the 3 speed to a female officer who works nearby. They don't commute but they do ride them for recreation. Don

Just curious how other bicycle commuters are viewed by their coworkers, family and other daily acquaintances.

Who accepts you?

Who understands your love for bike commuting?

Who thinks you're strange?

What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?

Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?

On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?

How do motorists treat you?

Do we have to answere this in 100 words or less? Does spelling count? When is it due by? If I write 150 words, do I get extra credit?

Just curious how other bicycle commuters are viewed by their coworkers, family and other daily acquaintances.

Who accepts you?

Everybody worth knowing.


Who understands your love for bike commuting?

My wife and my co-workers, and those friends of ours who've made the mistake of asking me how I do it (they adopt this certain glazed expression when they realize they're in for a detailed explanation).


Who thinks you're strange?

Those motorists behind me, who witness my attempts to direct traffic.


What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?

Mostly positive, friends who shake their heads and say "That's awesome! Wish I could do that!". Then I begin to explain and their faces begin to go slack and there go the eyes...


Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?

I'm one of five people who commute via bicycle semi-regularly. I'm the only one who does it correctly. I'm also the only one who declares "Aahh, what a great way to start the day!". I win for form and enthusiasm. :D


On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?

Nope.


How do motorists treat you?

With an amazing show of respect for my share of the road, judging by some of the tales I've read here.

Everyone, noboby, everybody,get off the road jerk, no, no, like trash!

I think pretty much everyone accepts it now. I'm not the first one at my office to do it, but there are only a handful of us and I think I'm the only one to do it year-round.

There are times, especially during the summer when we work really late, sometimes past midnight. I get the "you're not going to ride your bike at night, are you?"

Sometimes waiting for the elevator down to the showers people will ask me (as I'm standing there in lycra shorts and a helmet in my hand) "did you ride your bike to work?" Uhhh, no. I wear this on the bus.

One of the supervising attorneys in my office had his life saved by bike commuting. He was hit by a car on the way home from work and when he went to the hospital they discovered the cancer that would have killed him if it had continued undetected.

Don't really know any of the other commuters since I really change up my route.

For the most part, motorists are pretty good. It's the bad apples that ruin it for all of us.

-Who accepts you?
They all do. They have to - they're stuck with me for now.

-Who understands your love for bike commuting?
Generally all of 'em, and more than a few are highly envious.

-Who thinks you're strange?
If anyone does, they don't matter. Anyway, I carry the flag for "us".

-What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?
All respect and admiration, from clients and colleagues. Actually very few anymore; they sort of take it for granted. Well, except my Mom:"Now, if you EVER need my car, just let me know, you know I don't need it except when I get my hair done or go to church, just let me know..."

-Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?
Yes. But my professional world is a bit small.

-On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?
As I live in a highly car-centric area and keep irregular hours, I don't see many others.

-How do motorists treat you?
Mostly very well. I guess whatever image I project indicates serious business, and I operate with respect. And on a beautiful day, going downhill at 30-35mph, I gotta think there's a bit of envy.

Who accepts me? Very few people do. Friends don't understand why i don't walk(they call me lazy for riding a bike), family doesn't understand why i don't just drive. Many people i run into don't get it. Its a sad state of affairs in Bowling Green ohio. I have been run off the road by assh0le drivers, had stuff thrown at me and the like. Not too good here.

My fiance's only jealousy is the fact that my bike commute is much longer than hers.

There is only 4 of us at work. One takes the bus everyday and the rest of us go between bikes and cars. I started a log to track the team and their commuting (no individual results, just group) By keeping track we motivate eachother to ride our bikes more frequently. In fact if one of us drives, we have to have an excuse at the ready.

The highlight of my commute is crossing the Golden Gate Bridge everyday, where I often see the same riders passing me each day.

My family doesn't understand why I bike commute but they do appreciate the fact that I look and feel younger than I did 10 years ago.

Who accepts you?
EVERYBODY loves Raymond!

Who understands your love for bike commuting?
I don't think anyone but a bike commuter can really understand that.

Who thinks you're strange?
Probably everybody.

What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?
Just the usual questions you would think people should have figured out after 3 years.
"Did you ride your bike today?"
"You rode in this rain/cold/wind/etc.?"
Then there are the ones I like to hear:
"Have you lost weight?"
"You're looking good!"

Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?
One cleaning person commutes. We are good buddies.
Two other people park a mile or two away on the street and ride in to save the $7+/day parking in town.
They all wear their work clothes, no helmet, and ride discount store mountain bikes though one did get a Trek comfort bike for Christmas.
I wear cycling clothes, helmet, etc., and ride road-type bikes or fixed gear though my main commuters are closer to cyclocross bikes with lights, racks and 28-35mm tires.

On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?
Yes! One guy I had seen a few times. Now I look forward to seeing him.
I occasionally see the same roadies on the way to morning group rides. I chat with them when I see them.

How do motorists treat you?
In general not as badly as we like to complain about. Most are pretty courteous and give me plenty of space. Of course there are the occasional stupid, oblivious, or mean.

Since I work in the city planning office now, everyone is really excited to have another bicycle commuter in the office.

Good Question, LittleBigMan:
My daily commute is about 12 km each way, and is the highlight of my day. I can either take the short route, through 7 villages and a bit of traffic, or over the mountain and through the woods, which is 17 km.
Acceptance is not an issue here in Switzerland. I've said this in a previous post, that Europe has reached a certain maturity towards cycling, and that North America is sadly lagging behind.
I read lots of posts on this website about rednecks, pick-ups, dogs and general *******s on the road. I went back to Canada last summer with my family and took my bike. I had my fill of rednecks, pick-ups, dogs and general *******s, in the 3 weeks I was back home!
Couldn't wait to get back here to Switzerland, where cyclists enjoy a measure of respect and admiration.
The thing about being a cyclist in Europe, is that you are not on the fringe. You don't have to explain Jack **** to anybody. We just don't have these kinds of "commuting discussions" here. You just get on your bike and take the pain. Motorists know their place.
You'd have to drag me kicking & screaming to move back to Canada.

The thing about being a cyclist in Europe, is that you are not on the fringe. You don't have to explain Jack **** to anybody. We just don't have these kinds of "commuting discussions" here. You just get on your bike and take the pain. Motorists know their place.
You'd have to drag me kicking & screaming to move back to Canada.

Since I've already asked this question about Germany with a plan to move to Europe in a few years time, I'll ask it about Switzerland -- How's the job market for accountants over there?

Who accepts you?
EVERYBODY loves Raymond!

<snip>
you got it baby!

*giggles*

>>>Just curious how other bicycle commuters are viewed by their coworkers, family and other daily acquaintances.

>>>Who accepts you?

em... well... who knows... i sure don't... i mean i don't know who accepts me.. not that i don't accept myself. cause i do! so there's one. and i guess i could count my love, so two. and also my cycles... so 4 that i know of. anyone else care to accept me the way i am? go for it dude/tte.

>>>Who understands your love for bike commuting?

my darlings who understand me are: my boyfriend scattamah, whom i love dearly. my darling tourer "francis the talking mule", who does all the workload for my family. my travelin' trike "sheila", she's an aussie...

>>>Who thinks you're strange?

every person i've ever met. and i'm not strange, i'm eccentric... ok ok i'm a nut, but if we're going to get specific here i'm a cashew!

>>>What comments, good, bad or indifferent, do you get about it and from whom?

what comments? someones talking about me? who, i'll kick their tail!

(always wondered why them football players huddled up in that circle, they talking about me hu!)

>>>Are you the only person at work who commutes by bike? If not, what similarities do you share with other bike commuters? What differences?

work from home. doesn't apply.

>>>On the road, do you know any other bike commuters by name, other than those you work with?

em... no but that would be very nice if i did. only one i know by name is the darling i ride w/ when we're together. *sniff* I MISS YOU SCATTAMAH!

>>>How do motorists treat you?

i assume they are all out to kill me. they may not in fact be out to kill me but that makes no difference to me.

however i have had a few point and laugh while they go by me, but i figure if they are laughing then they know i'm there... (i have an excessive amount of lights and reflective gear... looking into ground effects too! those little light up sticks that you apply to the tubing... i degress here...)

cheers
kat