When I think of the word "Cyclist" the vision of someone on a road bike, with a jersey, or full kit, helmet, and all the toys. Going along hammer and tongs (either alone or in a pace line) racing from point A, back to point A. Training to be the best and fastest they can be, whether for just personal goals, or race goals comes to mind.

When I think of the words "Bike Riders" I envision people on more upright bicycles, of all types,and normal street cloths, helmet or not. Riding along down the road, or the MUP headed for their favorite coffee shop, or restaurant, or store, just out enjoying the nice weather for some stress relief, fun, and exercise.

They're both good... it's just my personal bias of the terms.

Myself, I'm a half century old, half blind, half crippled half wit... that loves his Mixte/touring/utility/crusier bike. I don't own any "Cycling" specific clothing unless you count a helmet, and gloves, and I usually just go out riding on nice days, and headed someplace I want to go, because I want something there... The exercise is just a bi-product of the fun. So, I would class myself as a "Bike Rider", or as they would say in the Road Forum... A Fred.