Originally Posted by njkayaker

I suspect that "pro" cyclists are more likely to ask stopped cyclists if they need help if thee stopped cyclist also looks "pro". By "pro" I mean looking like they have some experience. That is, a "pro" cyclist might ask a tourer (who might not look like a "pro") if they need help.

There's some expectation that a "pro" cyclist is prepared to fix basic issues (like flats) themselves. Which means they typically won't need help. If the stopped "pro" cyclist says that they do need help, the problem is likely serious (a flat isn't serious). It's more likely that they are farther from there start too.

Very few casual cyclists are 25 miles from home. Most of them are likely a short walk from where they started (which would make just walking back a better option to deal with issues).

In a place with lots of cyclists (or people), there may be an expectation that other people have been asked and the problem is unfixable. In that case, stopping and helping is pointless.

If there's already a crowd, there is even more reason not to stop.

How many people are required to stop?

If there are lots of cyclists/people around to help, I'm not likely to want to be the 10th person to ask "do you need help?"