The way you look and they way you are treated
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: I've had enough.
Posts: 898
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The way you look and they way you are treated
Helmet Head and N C might find this interesting, I sure did.
It has happened to me in the past, but today it was quite noticeable.
Usually when I ride to work (at 3:30PM) I am dressed in high-vis clothing, not cycling specific granted, just bright and visable and technical (meaning moisture/temperature control), helmet, gloves, clear glasses, backpack... you know, the commuter getup.
Motorists seam to respect me as another vehicle. I ride the roads, signal, stop at lights and signs, etc. No honks (well, not usually), no engine gunning, no harassing moves by motorists, it is quite pleasing.
Today on my ride to work I was wearing blue jeans and a jacket. My head got cold because I did not have my wind cover for the helmet so I stopped, pulled the beanie out of my pocket (didn't have my backpack today), and tried to put it on under the helmet, too tight, so I strapped the helmet to the handlebars and kept riding.
I swear, by the time I got to work I felt like I was just an annoyance to motorists. People honking, passing too closely, strange looks at stop lights/signs. It was just plain uncomfortable to be treated like that.
I just shrugged it off, clocked in, and went to work.
Now looking back, this has happened before in the summer, especially if I am in shorts, T-shirt, and no helmet.
So, do I get more respect as a commuter when I look the part and not just look like another guy on a bike?
Any thoughts?
It has happened to me in the past, but today it was quite noticeable.
Usually when I ride to work (at 3:30PM) I am dressed in high-vis clothing, not cycling specific granted, just bright and visable and technical (meaning moisture/temperature control), helmet, gloves, clear glasses, backpack... you know, the commuter getup.
Motorists seam to respect me as another vehicle. I ride the roads, signal, stop at lights and signs, etc. No honks (well, not usually), no engine gunning, no harassing moves by motorists, it is quite pleasing.
Today on my ride to work I was wearing blue jeans and a jacket. My head got cold because I did not have my wind cover for the helmet so I stopped, pulled the beanie out of my pocket (didn't have my backpack today), and tried to put it on under the helmet, too tight, so I strapped the helmet to the handlebars and kept riding.
I swear, by the time I got to work I felt like I was just an annoyance to motorists. People honking, passing too closely, strange looks at stop lights/signs. It was just plain uncomfortable to be treated like that.
I just shrugged it off, clocked in, and went to work.
Now looking back, this has happened before in the summer, especially if I am in shorts, T-shirt, and no helmet.
So, do I get more respect as a commuter when I look the part and not just look like another guy on a bike?
Any thoughts?
#3
Senior Member
I only get respected when I wear my clown outfit...aka lycra jersey and shorts.
Otherwise I get cig butts and beer bottles thrown at me and clipped with mirris when i wear sweats.
Otherwise I get cig butts and beer bottles thrown at me and clipped with mirris when i wear sweats.
__________________
Comedian Bill Hicks once said, "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski, and you never see an unhappy person riding a jet ski."
Comedian Bill Hicks once said, "Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a jet ski, and you never see an unhappy person riding a jet ski."
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by CrosseyedCrickt
So, do I get more respect as a commuter when I look the part and not just look like another guy on a bike?
Any thoughts?
Any thoughts?
#6
Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 48
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Whenever I ride my old beat-up mountain bike with a skateboarding type helmet or when i used to ride without one, I would never get yells, honks or weird looks.
After I got my road bike and started wearing a rode style helmet, I've had people yelling and screaming at me alot.
Mostly stupid stuff, nothing like telling me to get on a sidewalk.
I was actually surprised at this, because I've never encounterd it until now and I thought most people in my city were cool with bikers...
After I got my road bike and started wearing a rode style helmet, I've had people yelling and screaming at me alot.
Mostly stupid stuff, nothing like telling me to get on a sidewalk.
I was actually surprised at this, because I've never encounterd it until now and I thought most people in my city were cool with bikers...
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Davis CA
Posts: 3,959
Bikes: Surly Cross-Check, '85 Giant road bike (unrecogizable fixed-gear conversion
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by CrosseyedCrickt
I swear, by the time I got to work I felt like I was just an annoyance to motorists. People honking, passing too closely, strange looks at stop lights/signs. It was just plain uncomfortable to be treated like that.
I just shrugged it off, clocked in, and went to work.
I just shrugged it off, clocked in, and went to work.
#8
Banned.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 13,075
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by MrCjolsen
Perhaps when you dress differently, you ride differently as well. I know I do. Not intentional, just a different attitude.
#9
Banned.
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bannation, forever.
Posts: 2,887
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I do not think you scientific stats to back this up crosseyed. I think you are your own proof as to how you are percieved by motorists & therefore treated by them. As to why, well that is not something I will even attempt to offer an answer on.
I have seen this in my community. When ever I ride I always "look the part" as others have put it. I never wear jeans or a t-shirt, etc. I have my moisture wicking material clothing on, helmet, gloves, etc. So I have not experienced what you have. I make it a point to "look the part", mainly for my own comfort. It very unpleasent for me to ride in anything cotton, especially jeans. But others I have seen who do wear jeans, t-shirt & no helmet get treated in the manner you expressed crosseyed.
I have seen this in my community. When ever I ride I always "look the part" as others have put it. I never wear jeans or a t-shirt, etc. I have my moisture wicking material clothing on, helmet, gloves, etc. So I have not experienced what you have. I make it a point to "look the part", mainly for my own comfort. It very unpleasent for me to ride in anything cotton, especially jeans. But others I have seen who do wear jeans, t-shirt & no helmet get treated in the manner you expressed crosseyed.
#10
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: I've had enough.
Posts: 898
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I honestly don't think my attitude or riding style differed in any manner. In fact, I recallmaking all the same moves I do while riding in my commuter gear, signals: check, predictability: check, lane positioning: check... yeah, it was all the same.
I wonder, back when I drove, before I became car free, did I do the same thing to people on bicycles? Makes me wonder now...
I wonder, back when I drove, before I became car free, did I do the same thing to people on bicycles? Makes me wonder now...
#11
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,971
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,534 Times
in
1,044 Posts
Originally Posted by N_C
I have seen this in my community. When ever I ride I always "look the part" as others have put it.
#12
Been Around Awhile
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Burlington Iowa
Posts: 29,971
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Liked 1,534 Times
in
1,044 Posts
Originally Posted by Helmet Head
I think your perceived attitude is what ultimately determines how you're treated out there, and there are many factors that going into determining how your attitude is perceived, but I suspect your behavior is the most signficant factor.
#13
Senior Member
In my experience, it has nothing to do with how you look* and everything to do with how you ride. I get treated no differently riding in jeans and a t-shirt than I do riding in full roadie gear.
*If you consider towing a trailer to be a difference in how you look, then there is an exception to my statement above. I have found repeatedly that I am treated with more patience by motorists than normal when towing my flatbed trailer. I think the increase in size of the cyclist/trailer combo makes them fully realize that there's nothing I can do to get out of their way so they don't expect anything.
*If you consider towing a trailer to be a difference in how you look, then there is an exception to my statement above. I have found repeatedly that I am treated with more patience by motorists than normal when towing my flatbed trailer. I think the increase in size of the cyclist/trailer combo makes them fully realize that there's nothing I can do to get out of their way so they don't expect anything.
#14
-=Barry=-
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Baltimore, MD +/- ~100 miles
Posts: 4,077
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I’m curious if your work is downtown where there are a lot of bike messengers? My tentative theory is that you looked like a bike messenger but were not riding like one so you were failing to meet expectations of threading through traffic as if you do not take up any space.
#15
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by joejack951
In my experience, it has nothing to do with how you look* and everything to do with how you ride. I get treated no differently riding in jeans and a t-shirt than I do riding in full roadie gear.
I am curious about 'look the part". Look the part of what? I'm not a cyclist, but I play one on TV?
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I ride in everything from the lycra \ jersey outfit to baggy shorts \ ratty t-shirt.
I get the same amount of respect each time. The only time motorists are more cautious is when I am towing the trailer irregardless of contents. I hauled it to pick up my son on Wed and was quite amused with how motorists reacted when they thought I had a kid in it. When they determined I did not have cargo their reactions changed.
For me it is how you ride not how you look.
I get the same amount of respect each time. The only time motorists are more cautious is when I am towing the trailer irregardless of contents. I hauled it to pick up my son on Wed and was quite amused with how motorists reacted when they thought I had a kid in it. When they determined I did not have cargo their reactions changed.
For me it is how you ride not how you look.
#17
Senior Member
I've been harassed both when wearing and not wearing lycra.In fact I think the worst I have ever been harassed was in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I was wearing nylon wind pants and a sweat shirt. Cycling to board a train. Some punks about 18 started chasing me, making inuendos about my sexuality. Bikes can outrun punks on foot. Got to the station before they could catch me.
So, no I don't think not wearing lycra changes cyclists dislike by many a redneck.
So, no I don't think not wearing lycra changes cyclists dislike by many a redneck.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 959
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I don't often change my outfit (I dress for comfort and saftey). But I have noticed a big change in motorists response when I have a large load of groceries on the rear rack, backpack, and panniers. It seems that when it is obvious I'm hauling things and not just riding that I get more respect.
Which is strange because I ride alot slower with 50+ pounds of groceries, hardware, or books on me and the bike.
Maybe if you look crazy enough people give you more room.
---
A question I have thought of often, does a jersey with a large US flag, or a large cross make a difference? I typically wear non-cycling athletic shirts (cheapo Target stuff) usually in white, but have thought of getting a nice patriotic shirt. Any experience?
Which is strange because I ride alot slower with 50+ pounds of groceries, hardware, or books on me and the bike.
Maybe if you look crazy enough people give you more room.
---
A question I have thought of often, does a jersey with a large US flag, or a large cross make a difference? I typically wear non-cycling athletic shirts (cheapo Target stuff) usually in white, but have thought of getting a nice patriotic shirt. Any experience?
#19
Senior Member
Yeah bikemath. I bought A California Republic jersey with a large US flag on the sleeves. In Nevada, that jersey got me yelled at. I thought the flag worked in all 50 states.
#20
totally louche
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: A land that time forgot
Posts: 18,023
Bikes: the ever shifting stable loaded with comfortable road bikes and city and winter bikes
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
9 Posts
i get treated 'better' when i run a slow mo triangle off the back of my bike, dangling off a hanging out sideways off the left side of my bike. better being only determinable by passing clearance. I also get treated 'better' when i run a daylight visible rear blinkie.
I also think my 'trucker girl' mudflaps garner me a little more solidarity with the drivers along country rambles into logging truck land.
i thought it was your lane position that got you all the respect, now its attitude and perceptions of me by the drivers as well? you mean most don't already think i'm crazy, untouchable and a member of the DWI school becuase i'm riding a bicycle?
Oh, that's right, i forgot. for some, its all smiles, waves, and grey poupon in their cycling fantasies.
I also think my 'trucker girl' mudflaps garner me a little more solidarity with the drivers along country rambles into logging truck land.
i thought it was your lane position that got you all the respect, now its attitude and perceptions of me by the drivers as well? you mean most don't already think i'm crazy, untouchable and a member of the DWI school becuase i'm riding a bicycle?
Oh, that's right, i forgot. for some, its all smiles, waves, and grey poupon in their cycling fantasies.
#22
Dominatrikes
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Still in Santa Barbara
Posts: 4,920
Bikes: Catrike Pocket, Lightning Thunderbold recumbent, Trek 3000 MTB.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Of course how you look makes a difference. Dress for success.
It may differ among us what passes for "respectable" clothing for a cyclist in our various towns and cities. But obviously if you look like a bum or thug you might get treated like one more often than if you don't.
Why not do an experiment and try riding to work with a button-down shirt and tie, slacks and dress shoes and see how you are treated.
It may differ among us what passes for "respectable" clothing for a cyclist in our various towns and cities. But obviously if you look like a bum or thug you might get treated like one more often than if you don't.
Why not do an experiment and try riding to work with a button-down shirt and tie, slacks and dress shoes and see how you are treated.
#23
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Originally Posted by sbhikes
Of course how you look makes a difference. Dress for success.
It may differ among us what passes for "respectable" clothing for a cyclist in our various towns and cities. But obviously if you look like a bum or thug you might get treated like one more often than if you don't.
Why not do an experiment and try riding to work with a button-down shirt and tie, slacks and dress shoes and see how you are treated.
It may differ among us what passes for "respectable" clothing for a cyclist in our various towns and cities. But obviously if you look like a bum or thug you might get treated like one more often than if you don't.
Why not do an experiment and try riding to work with a button-down shirt and tie, slacks and dress shoes and see how you are treated.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#24
Sumanitu taka owaci
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,945
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
When I switched to a recumbent, people started giving me a much wider berth and passed more cautiously than usual.
When I think of the first time I approached a recumbent from behind (on my bicycle,) I remember how much it looked like the back of a wheelchair.
When I think of the first time I approached a recumbent from behind (on my bicycle,) I remember how much it looked like the back of a wheelchair.
__________________
No worries
No worries
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,274
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by chipcom
Funny, most folks give a bum or a thug a wider berth than a prissy boy in a suit and tie, at least around these parts. Which one would you tend to avoid, rather than harass, Diane?