The times I've heard that, often as not, it's just someone's way of being friendly. By riding a bike to work, you stand out, and in a way some people who have the desire to take responsibility for themselves, but not the ambition or courage, admire your effort and want to be your buddy. The way to tell these ones from the rest is to ask if they have a bike. If they answer, "Yes, I should ride it more", or "I've been thinking about it", or in some way hint at a concern for their own fitness, the hook is set. All it takes is an occasional polite inquiry or reminder to get that person started.


Or maybe they're just lonely. Caveat emptor.