The DUI notion probably happens. I don't care. I do it, because I'm broke. I'm glad that happened, because I probably would've never gotten into riding. If I'm receiving good income, I will continue riding. No one thinks I'm poor. I am. For some reason, everyone, at least the ones that have talked to me concerning cost, think my $500 bike cost thousands of dollars... whatever. I'm not wearing lycra nor sporting high-end components.

Perhaps some of you just so happen to look like a bum. I just don't look like one. I don't know what you people look like, or what you're doing to make people think that you're bums. Fat people are often poor, so if you're a huge pig tootling on the bike, maybe that's it. Sometimes I wonder what the chicks are thinking of me. Maybe I should strike conversations with them at the lights. How else am I going to find out?

DUI is just one of, but it seems to be the most prevalent assumption people have. It really boils down to the idea that non-cyclists look upon transportation cycling as a hardship. They have to find a reason to excuse this strange behavior. A DUI is a handy excuse, the others follow; exercise, environment, economics, etc. etc. You either are a spandex hamster out socializing, suffering some hardship, or making a sacrifice. The non cycling public sees no other motivation for riding a bike. Fun is a word never spoken in these conversations.

Marc

I think it has a lot to do with outward appereance. If you are wearing spandex and riding a racing bike most people think of you as some rich guy on a recreational training ride. But if you are wearing "non cycling" clothes and riding a commuter bike then everybody thinks of you as some DUI or poor guy who can't afford to drive a car. Adults who ride bikes for transportation= social stigma, sad but true.

Wow, I think this *really* depends on where you live. Around here (Seattle Eastside area in particular), if someone sees you on a bike during rush hour they assume you're commuting by choice, and if you're really spandexed out on a nice bike they assume you're on a training ride. Of course, they assume you're doing it to save the environment most likely. Show up to work on a bike and you mostly hear people say they wish they were in good enough shape to do the same.

My answer would have been "No, I just don't want to get fat."

I bike to work because I have big balls.

Ha! My boss' boss asked him if I was I was "in the country legally" because he told her that I didn't have a license. He laughed nervously because both he and I are latino. ;)

I frequently tell people it's a fat-mitigation option for me. I've lost plenty of fat and put on muscle due to bike commuting, but I don't want to change my diet. =)

You can get a DUI in California on a bike, also. It's a $250 penalty (plus all your county and city fees) may only be a misdemeanor.

I know a guy in Georgia that got 4 DUIs on a riding lawn mower. But that's another thread and probably a different forum. HAHaHAhhaa

+1, except I own a Norrona softshell jacket. No one ever says "DUI?" to me, but I am sure they think it if I tell them I don't have a driver's license (never have).

Hmm, maybe it's time for some "Yes, I have a license, thank you very much!" stickers. ;)