Ethnicity and cycling
#1
Thread Starter
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From: Toronto, Ontario
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Ethnicity and cycling
Everytime I ride my bike, either to work or just leisure, or whenever I am outside, I observe how many other cyclists there are like me. While noticing them, I've noticed something else, based on race and ethnicity. For some unknown reason, most cyclists I see (at least in Toronto where I live) are white. If I see a person of asian or african descent cycling, for some reason it is a rare occurence while I see people who are white on their bikes all the time. Do you notice this as well in your area? And what do you think is the reason for mostly white people riding bikes? It is something that kind of confuses me.
#2
Velocommuter Commando
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Houston, Texas
Bikes: '88 Specialized Sirrus, '89 Alpine Monitor Pass, two '70 Raligh Twenties, '07 Schwinn Town & Country Trike, '07 Specialized Sirrus Hybrid
Everytime I ride my bike, either to work or just leisure, or whenever I am outside, I observe how many other cyclists there are like me. While noticing them, I've noticed something else, based on race and ethnicity. For some unknown reason, most cyclists I see (at least in Toronto where I live) are white. If I see a person of asian or african descent cycling, for some reason it is a rare occurence while I see people who are white on their bikes all the time. Do you notice this as well in your area? And what do you think is the reason for mostly white people riding bikes? It is something that kind of confuses me.
#3
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From: Long Beach,CA
Bikes: Kona Ute, Nishiki 4130, Trek 7000, K2 Mach 1.0, Novara Randonee, Schwinn Loop, K2 Zed 1.0, Schwinn Cream, Torker Boardwalk
https://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/02/10/61-bicycles/
Check this out. Maybe you answers can be found?
Check this out. Maybe you answers can be found?
#6
.
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I've heard Canada contains many white people. I've also heard quite a number of these white people are able to ride bicycles. This is all hearsay, of course.
#7
cab horn

Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Everytime I ride my bike, either to work or just leisure, or whenever I am outside, I observe how many other cyclists there are like me. While noticing them, I've noticed something else, based on race and ethnicity. For some unknown reason, most cyclists I see (at least in Toronto where I live) are white. If I see a person of asian or african descent cycling, for some reason it is a rare occurence while I see people who are white on their bikes all the time. Do you notice this as well in your area? And what do you think is the reason for mostly white people riding bikes? It is something that kind of confuses me.
Let's take a gander at 2006 demographics. Although i'm not sure whether to disagree with you or not (i'm asian), I usually see maybe a dozen asian cyclists on the donut out of a 100. And like maybe the one token black dude.
#8
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I see a variety of enthicities depending on Where I am at the time, roughly corresponding to neighborhood demographics as you'd expect.
I will note however, that all the superheros are white (except for the one token black superhero), and all the guys on 'mart bikes with shopping bags hanging from the handlebars are hispanic, and the beach cruisers and fixies are mostly ridden by white-ish college studens.
I will note however, that all the superheros are white (except for the one token black superhero), and all the guys on 'mart bikes with shopping bags hanging from the handlebars are hispanic, and the beach cruisers and fixies are mostly ridden by white-ish college studens.
#9
Around here, non-whites are under-represented in the roadie crowd, but they are out there. When you get into the non-roadie people, cyclists tend to be of the same ethnicity as the neighborhoods they're riding in.
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#10
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: London
If I see a person of asian or african descent cycling, for some reason it is a rare occurence while I see people who are white on their bikes all the time. Do you notice this as well in your area? And what do you think is the reason for mostly white people riding bikes? It is something that kind of confuses me.
i wonder why
#11
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From: Reno, NV
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In Reno a very mixed bag. I have met bikers of every color and race including a local Sikh cyclist. Everything from Lycra clad roadies to the anglo bum bicyclist who tried to cadge 50 cents from me while I was loading up my shopping panniers at the food store earlier today.
If the bike is totally the wrong size and the seat height is 6" or more too low it will usually be a hispanic riding. FG and SS riders will be college age to 30s anglos typically. Roadies mainly anglo saxons in a wide age range. Commuters a mixed bag.
If the bike is totally the wrong size and the seat height is 6" or more too low it will usually be a hispanic riding. FG and SS riders will be college age to 30s anglos typically. Roadies mainly anglo saxons in a wide age range. Commuters a mixed bag.
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#12
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When riding in the city of Detroit I am likely to see African-American cyclists. I belong to a local club in which the majority of the members are African-American women. However, when going on organized tours I am usually one of two African American people on the tour. The exception was during the Underground railroad tour with Adventure Cycling.
Gas, .69 cents the price of a can of beans.
Gas, .69 cents the price of a can of beans.
#13
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From: Waterloo, ONT
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
I'm just North of you in an Asian ghetto.
Surprisingly the only Asians I see on bikes are commuting.
If it's a mom/dad/both riding with their kids, it's both Asian and Caucasian. I really like seeing parents spending time with their kids.
If it's one of those people decked out in uniform riding on the speedster bike, it's mostly white people. I have seen one Asian person hauling ass on a bike before... definitely looked like he was doing it for the workout (younger, in shape man). I've also seen a couple of Negroid riders. A couple of really in-shape guys. They looked a little strange riding around in bright blue jerseys in a very Asian community.
Other than that, it tends to be older white men and women (50/50).
Another thing I notice is that the people on road bikes tend to be 30+ and the people on mountain bikes tend to be under 18.
I happen to be one of the rare types who rides both and is 18.
Surprisingly the only Asians I see on bikes are commuting.
If it's a mom/dad/both riding with their kids, it's both Asian and Caucasian. I really like seeing parents spending time with their kids.
If it's one of those people decked out in uniform riding on the speedster bike, it's mostly white people. I have seen one Asian person hauling ass on a bike before... definitely looked like he was doing it for the workout (younger, in shape man). I've also seen a couple of Negroid riders. A couple of really in-shape guys. They looked a little strange riding around in bright blue jerseys in a very Asian community.
Other than that, it tends to be older white men and women (50/50).
Another thing I notice is that the people on road bikes tend to be 30+ and the people on mountain bikes tend to be under 18.
I happen to be one of the rare types who rides both and is 18.
#14
cab horn

Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
#15
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From: North Jersey
Bikes: Fuji Nevada 3.0
errrrrrrrr
I'm just North of you in an Asian ghetto.
Surprisingly the only Asians I see on bikes are commuting.
If it's a mom/dad/both riding with their kids, it's both Asian and Caucasian. I really like seeing parents spending time with their kids.
If it's one of those people decked out in uniform riding on the speedster bike, it's mostly white people. I have seen one Asian person hauling ass on a bike before... definitely looked like he was doing it for the workout (younger, in shape man). I've also seen a couple of Negroid riders. A couple of really in-shape guys. They looked a little strange riding around in bright blue jerseys in a very Asian community.
Other than that, it tends to be older white men and women (50/50).
Another thing I notice is that the people on road bikes tend to be 30+ and the people on mountain bikes tend to be under 18.
I happen to be one of the rare types who rides both and is 18.
Surprisingly the only Asians I see on bikes are commuting.
If it's a mom/dad/both riding with their kids, it's both Asian and Caucasian. I really like seeing parents spending time with their kids.
If it's one of those people decked out in uniform riding on the speedster bike, it's mostly white people. I have seen one Asian person hauling ass on a bike before... definitely looked like he was doing it for the workout (younger, in shape man). I've also seen a couple of Negroid riders. A couple of really in-shape guys. They looked a little strange riding around in bright blue jerseys in a very Asian community.
Other than that, it tends to be older white men and women (50/50).
Another thing I notice is that the people on road bikes tend to be 30+ and the people on mountain bikes tend to be under 18.
I happen to be one of the rare types who rides both and is 18.
#17
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Berkeley
Bikes: 2010 Tarmac SL, 2013 Fairdale Weekender, 2013 Fairdale Coaster, 1995 Specialized M2 Pro, 1972 Schwinn Heavy Duty, 2014 Surley Long Haul Trucker
It's regional then. In the bay area... it's every walk of life along with every race. It's a beautiful thing, really.
The only thing I can conclude is that whitey LOVES recumbents. The ratio on those is 100% white.
The only thing I can conclude is that whitey LOVES recumbents. The ratio on those is 100% white.
#19
Lanky Lass
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Take a deep breath, and ask--What would Sheldon do?
Bikes: Nishiki Nut! International, Pro, Olympic 12, Sport mixte, and others too numerous to mention.
I'm just North of you in an Asian ghetto.
Surprisingly the only Asians I see on bikes are commuting.
If it's a mom/dad/both riding with their kids, it's both Asian and Caucasian. I really like seeing parents spending time with their kids.
If it's one of those people decked out in uniform riding on the speedster bike, it's mostly white people. I have seen one Asian person hauling ass on a bike before... definitely looked like he was doing it for the workout (younger, in shape man). I've also seen a couple of Negroid riders. A couple of really in-shape guys. They looked a little strange riding around in bright blue jerseys in a very Asian community.
Other than that, it tends to be older white men and women (50/50).
Another thing I notice is that the people on road bikes tend to be 30+ and the people on mountain bikes tend to be under 18.
I happen to be one of the rare types who rides both and is 18.
Surprisingly the only Asians I see on bikes are commuting.
If it's a mom/dad/both riding with their kids, it's both Asian and Caucasian. I really like seeing parents spending time with their kids.
If it's one of those people decked out in uniform riding on the speedster bike, it's mostly white people. I have seen one Asian person hauling ass on a bike before... definitely looked like he was doing it for the workout (younger, in shape man). I've also seen a couple of Negroid riders. A couple of really in-shape guys. They looked a little strange riding around in bright blue jerseys in a very Asian community.
Other than that, it tends to be older white men and women (50/50).
Another thing I notice is that the people on road bikes tend to be 30+ and the people on mountain bikes tend to be under 18.
I happen to be one of the rare types who rides both and is 18.
East Hill
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#20
Lanky Lass
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From: Take a deep breath, and ask--What would Sheldon do?
Bikes: Nishiki Nut! International, Pro, Olympic 12, Sport mixte, and others too numerous to mention.
Being polite doesn't hurt you, and may help the other members in forming a more flattering view of you
.East Hill
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TRY EMPATHY & HAVE LOVE IN YOUR HEART, PERHAPS I'LL SEE YOU ON THE ROAD...
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#22
Cathedral City, CA
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cathedral City, CA
Bikes: 2016 RITCHEY BreakAway (full Chorus 11), 2005 Ritchey BreakAway (full Chorus 11, STOLEN), 2001 Gary Fisher Tassajara mountain bike (sold), 2004 Giant TRC 2 road bike (sold)
#23
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From: Waterloo, ONT
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
oh my honest mistake. I thought that was the "technical" term that fits along with Asian and Caucasian. So... what's the (current) singular word used to describe a person of African descent?
I double checked in the dictionary. Didn't say it had any negative connotation... so is it that it's just outdated?
I double checked in the dictionary. Didn't say it had any negative connotation... so is it that it's just outdated?
#24
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From: Waterloo, ONT
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
I wikipedia-ed it. Is "Congoid" supposed to be the current substitute?
The problem with the term "Negroid" is that it classifies a race by color of skin rather than from original location. If you say that's the reason why the term shouldn't be used... "Asian" shouldn't be used either at it groups people from many regions into one big category.
I try to refrain from saying "white," "black," "brown," "yellow."
What word would you have me use?
The problem with the term "Negroid" is that it classifies a race by color of skin rather than from original location. If you say that's the reason why the term shouldn't be used... "Asian" shouldn't be used either at it groups people from many regions into one big category.
I try to refrain from saying "white," "black," "brown," "yellow."
What word would you have me use?




