i attempt to go beyond this understanding from non cyclists. i have had friends say they want to ride but are afraid to. I say i will ride with you they are surprised. If I ride with a slower rider and we are riding together, I will ride my motobecane with fenders and a rack at whatever speed the person I am riding with wants. I will ride it fast with my friend who says he tired and wants to take it easy but then cranks it. I will ride my road bike on charity rides with the weekend warriors and especially this year since I have some good mileage so I will ride fast because the motor is more important to a point than the bike.
I say hi to people when I pass them either on the street, at bus stops, or on group rides.
i think that it is being friendly is key. I think that if the person is on a bike then we have something in common.