I think I get what the OP is saying. When I commute to work, I have to come to stop at a crosswalk just outside my office building. Frequently while waiting for the light I run into folks I know walking into the building who aren't aware that I commute to work. Just yesterday someone told me how "admirable" it is that I bike to work. I just said, "Thanks for thinking that, but I'm actually really selfish - I do it for me."