What it means to be a "cyclist"
This hits the nail rght on the head. Some argue that you're a "cyclist" if you ride a bicycle, but IMO, the word can have a highly negative connotation in North America as well as, according to this video, in the UK.
"The sad truth is that lebelling people as 'cyclists' dehumanizes them and puts them in an out-group that some people believes justifies literal violence against them." "I totally understand how people become the stereotypical 'angry cyclist' as I was starting to become one myself. Because you're constantly judged unfairly, put in a position of having to justify the actions of others, and have to put up with literal physical harm just because of the stereotypes of your group." For this and other reasons, I try not to call myself a cyclist. I just ride a bicycle. |
I’m a cyclist full stop
|
Doesn't matter whether you, personally, identify as a cyclist or not. When you're out on your bike, those who feel antagonism toward cyclists (as well as those who don't) see you as a cyclist.
|
Originally Posted by Trakhak
(Post 22898581)
Doesn't matter whether you, personally, identify as a cyclist or not. When you're out on your bike, those who feel antagonism toward cyclists (as well as those who don't) see you as a cyclist.
The term "cyclist" has another connotation, which is that you ride a bile as a sport and/or for recreation/fitness. That may also contribute the negativity against people on bike in North America. |
Originally Posted by daihard
(Post 22898584)
The term "cyclist" has another connotation, which is that you ride a bile as a sport and/or for recreation/fitness. That may also contribute the negativity against people on bike in North America.
|
Originally Posted by shelbyfv
(Post 22898592)
Why would it?:foo:
|
Originally Posted by shelbyfv
(Post 22898592)
Why would it?:foo:
|
To me, it's more than just the technical/literal application of the word to any person who is riding a bicycle. IMO, identifying as a "cyclist" relates to one's passion for cycling. A co-worker and his family recently spent a day on rented bicycles roaming around a city where they were vacationing. The bicycles they were riding were no more to them than a method of transportation. Yes, they were cycling on that day, but none of them were what I would consider to be a "cyclist". Conversely, a good friend of mine spent a week in France with an organized bike tour group, riding parts of Tour de France stages. He arranged to rent a high-end road bike (similar to his own) while he was there, and brought all of his own typical riding accessories from home - clothing, shoes, helmet, gloves, computer, etc. I would consider him a "cyclist".
I play guitar and bass, and have put time, effort, and (less importantly) money into my craft to improve my playing. I would consider myself a "cyclist" much in the same way I consider myself a "musician". |
Originally Posted by Eric F
(Post 22898626)
To me, it's more than just the technical/literal application of the word to any person who is riding a bicycle. IMO, identifying as a "cyclist" relates to one's passion for cycling. A co-worker and his family recently spent a day on rented bicycles roaming around a city where they were vacationing. The bicycles they were riding were no more to them than a method of transportation. Yes, they were cycling on that day, but none of them were what I would consider to be a "cyclist". Conversely, a good friend of mine spent a week in France with an organized bike tour group, riding parts of Tour de France stages. He arranged to rent a high-end road bike (similar to his own) while he was there, and brought all of his own typical riding accessories from home - clothing, shoes, helmet, gloves, computer, etc. I would consider him a "cyclist".
I play guitar and bass, and have put time, effort, and (less importantly) money into my craft to improve my playing. I would consider myself a "cyclist" much in the same way I consider myself a "musician". |
Awesome! I can put myself into an "out-group", and claim to be at the risk of violence. I will now join the conversation of perpetual victimhood with my sister-in-law!
|
I'm a cyclist, ergo...
I'm oppressed! Come see the violence inherent in the system! |
Originally Posted by daihard
(Post 22898639)
You've put it very well. I believe your definition is well aligned with mine as people who ride recreationally tend to be passionate about cycling. (Why would they ride at all, otherwise?)
|
It's more like What it means to be a "semanticist".
|
Originally Posted by daihard
(Post 22898563)
This hits the nail rght on the head. Some argue that you're a "cyclist" if you ride a bicycle, but IMO, the word can have a highly negative connotation in North America as well as, according to this video, in the UK.
Honestly, there are so many things we could all spend our time doing, that I don't understand arguing over semantics. I'd rather ride my bike. BB |
Here in North America / Canada , the way the non-cycling public perceives you when you're riding a bike all depends on if you're wearing a kit or not.
|
Originally Posted by Eric F
(Post 22898660)
However, there are people who see their bike as just a tool for transportation. Looking at bike-users around the world, I would guess that more people see bikes that way than they see them as part of a passionate hobby.
|
Originally Posted by bbbean
(Post 22898668)
I could not disagree more. You ride a bicycle, you are a cyclist. In my experience, the word itself is fairly neutral. While I know a handful of opinionated people who dislike cyclists, they also dislike anyone who does anything they don't like or understand.
Honestly, there are so many things we could all spend our time doing, that I don't understand arguing over semantics. I'd rather ride my bike. BB That said, I would agree that non-cycling people tend to lump anyone on a bike in the "cyclist" group. Of course, this is based on the ignorant belief that all bike riders share the same level of affliction. ;) |
Originally Posted by wolfchild
(Post 22898683)
Some bike commuters and transportation cyclists are also very passionate bike enthusiasts, that's the main reason why they bike commute is because they have passion for bikes and cycling.
|
I don't get a lot of negative feedback about being a cyclist. Or about being a guy who rides a bicycle. Not sure the terms used make much difference in anyone's reaction.
|
IMO…in spite of what this headline says…these dirtbags are not cyclists.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/video-cap...broad-daylight Dan |
Originally Posted by Eric F
(Post 22898686)
That right there is why you fit into my definition of a "cyclist". Cycling is something you would rather be doing than (likely, I'm guessing) a lot of other things. Meanwhile, to my co-worker that I used in my previous example, riding a bike probably wouldn't even occur to him as something he would rather be doing, despite the fact that he has ridden on multiple occasions before.
That said, I would agree that non-cycling people tend to lump anyone on a bike in the "cyclist" group. Of course, this is based on the ignorant belief that all bike riders share the same level of affliction. ;) I don't want to come off as anti-semantic, but this sort of bickering just divides people who would otherwise share an interest in using a fairly common machine. |
Didn't this topic already happen like a few weeks ago? Do whatever call yourself whatever just know that we all as human beings could be better all over the board.
|
Originally Posted by bbbean
(Post 22898710)
The indigent folks who can't afford a car and ride down my road picking up cans are also cyclists. The guy who got his 3rd DUI and rides a bike to work is a cyclist. Grandma and Grandpa riding rental bikes at the beach are cyclists. Pee Wee Herman is a cyclist, as is the wicked with of the West and Mr Bean (no relation).
I don't want to come off as anti-semantic, but this sort of bickering just divides people who would otherwise share an interest in using a fairly common machine. Pee Wee was a "cyclist" (my definition). His passion for his bike was quite evident. :) |
Originally Posted by bbbean
(Post 22898710)
The indigent folks who can't afford a car and ride down my road picking up cans are also cyclists. The guy who got his 3rd DUI and rides a bike to work is a cyclist. Grandma and Grandpa riding rental bikes at the beach are cyclists. Pee Wee Herman is a cyclist, as is the wicked with of the West and Mr Bean (no relation).
I don't want to come off as anti-semantic, but this sort of bickering just divides people who would otherwise share an interest in using a fairly common machine. |
Originally Posted by bbbean
(Post 22898710)
I don't want to come off as anti-semantic, but this sort of bickering just divides people who would otherwise share an interest in using a fairly common machine.
Originally Posted by jon c.
(Post 22898734)
I'm not sure there is sufficient commonality or cohesion among this diverse set of humans that it constitutes a group capable of being divided.
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:07 PM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.