Originally Posted by
wolfchild
Too many cyclists are fishing for complements...I highly doubt that most non-cyclists are impressed with people who ride bikes to work, most non-cyclists are just neutral and don't really care, to them it's just another guy or girl on a bike, nothing special.
While most non-cyclists are neutral, I don't think that "too many cyclists are fishing for compliments." After all, cycle commuting could be considered a pretty dorky activity...funny clothes, funny shoes, arriving at work sweaty...The respect and impression has to be earned after an extended period showing the determination, and when it is, it can be lasting and beneficial.
Probably a more universal response, even to the disinterested is "bemusement." I am often asked, even by people I don't really know,
'Did you ride your bike today.", as breezily as,
"Nice day, huh?."
And then if you are fishing for compliments, there is always the possibility of an unintended opposite reaction:
Originally Posted by
Jim from Boston
…Also, as a personal observation in my moderately large organization, it's more often the women who are impressed while the men are disdainful. My harshest critics though have been women, concerned for my safety, and their own concern about hitting me or any other cyclist.