Waving
#27
waving
So to this recurrent popcorn subject, I have previously posted my unwavering opinion:
I think BF should require a grace period between waving threads. This last one isn't even dead yet. Some cyclists and arrogance Maybe they can be merged?
I wave, I like waving. I notice the frequency I get waved at initially is dependent upon my bike and attire....
I only don’t wave if circumstances dictate I need to keep my hands on the bar and my mind focused on safe navigation.
I only don’t wave if circumstances dictate I need to keep my hands on the bar and my mind focused on safe navigation.
"Wave rate"
. ..Personally, I do wave, except where there are loads of cyclists, such as my early morning commute in downtown Boston. I’m not put off by a lack of response either.I do have a seemingly unique greeting besides, or in addition to a wave. I yell a hearty “YO.”It’s an easy syllable to shout, and IMO expresses a crusty comeraderie, yet does not expect a reply. Maybe you could try that.
A couple years ago on the Wall Street Journal morning news program on the radio was a feature segment about runners and cyclists greeting each other. The most significant reason to do so, as I recall was that both participants in such an encounter face the same dangers on the roads and MUPs.
. ..Personally, I do wave, except where there are loads of cyclists, such as my early morning commute in downtown Boston. I’m not put off by a lack of response either.I do have a seemingly unique greeting besides, or in addition to a wave. I yell a hearty “YO.”It’s an easy syllable to shout, and IMO expresses a crusty comeraderie, yet does not expect a reply. Maybe you could try that.
A couple years ago on the Wall Street Journal morning news program on the radio was a feature segment about runners and cyclists greeting each other. The most significant reason to do so, as I recall was that both participants in such an encounter face the same dangers on the roads and MUPs.
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-26-20 at 08:32 AM.
#28
Tragically Ignorant

Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 15,593
Likes: 9,108
From: New England
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
I try not to wave at other cyclists when there's drivers and pedestrians around because that will tip the non-bicyclists off to our secret plot for world domination.
#29
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 334
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey R260, 2005 Diamondback 29er, 2003 Trek 2300
I saw a kid riding a Big Wheel this morning. He had a Stages power meter installed, and must have been putting out at least 25W or so. Is that kid riding at an elite level?
I waved at him just in case. Kid just ignored me. Jerk.
I waved at him just in case. Kid just ignored me. Jerk.
#30
Facts just confuse people




Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 19,328
Likes: 7,052
From: Mississippi
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
I always try to make a sign to acknowledge their presence. Not usually a wave, but a slight lift of my hand or just lift of my fingers from the hood or bars on the passing side. Sometimes just a nod of the head or something else just so they know I see them and many do something similar that lets me know they see me.
However if it's a time of many other things getting dicey, then I'll skip the pleasantries in favor of maintaining full control of my situation.
I find that many here do acknowledge, whether walker, jogger, runner, or cyclists. Sometimes others don't acknowledge, but I think that is because they are more worried about their safety and think that responding opens up a way for a possible attacker to pounce on them. They usually go by with eyes and heads turned the other way, which seems the wrong thing to do if they truly are worried about being attacked.
p.s. Jim, you are really overdoing the nested quotes thing. Just make a response and be done with it. I actually have no idea where you stand on anything because of your over use of them so I just don't read your posts.
However if it's a time of many other things getting dicey, then I'll skip the pleasantries in favor of maintaining full control of my situation.
I find that many here do acknowledge, whether walker, jogger, runner, or cyclists. Sometimes others don't acknowledge, but I think that is because they are more worried about their safety and think that responding opens up a way for a possible attacker to pounce on them. They usually go by with eyes and heads turned the other way, which seems the wrong thing to do if they truly are worried about being attacked.
p.s. Jim, you are really overdoing the nested quotes thing. Just make a response and be done with it. I actually have no idea where you stand on anything because of your over use of them so I just don't read your posts.
Last edited by Iride01; 05-26-20 at 11:04 AM.
#31
Pointy Helmet Tribe
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 629
From: Offthebackistan
Bikes: R5, Allez Sprint, Shiv
I think BF should require a grace period between waving threads. This last one isn't even dead yet. Some cyclists and arrogance
Maybe they can be merged?
Maybe they can be merged?Two ENTIRELY different things.
#32
Senior Member


Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 334
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey R260, 2005 Diamondback 29er, 2003 Trek 2300
SPOILER ALERT: this thread was posted with obvious sarcasm, as sort of an homage to the other waving threads. Perhaps the OP was too subtle for his own good.
#33
Me duelen las nalgas

Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
I holler "How YOU doin'?" Like Joey Tribbiani, with a little smirk and wink. IOW, like a d0uch3canoe.
Well, maybe more like "How you DOIN'?" Slightly less ... canoe-ey.
No, seriously, I do. Can't help it. I was raised in New York. It just pops out like a zit before prom. I'm lucky I have any female friends left. But they all know it's just a reflex, not flirting.
Well, maybe more like "How you DOIN'?" Slightly less ... canoe-ey.
No, seriously, I do. Can't help it. I was raised in New York. It just pops out like a zit before prom. I'm lucky I have any female friends left. But they all know it's just a reflex, not flirting.
#34
Senior Member

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 969
Likes: 519
From: Richfield, WI
Bikes: Trek Domane SL7 Disc, Cannondale F29
I've always been a big waver, I wave to all bikers, doesn't matter if you are pulling a trailer of kids or if you are looking like a hardcore roadie I wave. However, recently I've seen two different bikers riding cities bikes with flat bars, and AERO clip on bars attached, to me that's a step to far. I can't wave at such a person.
#37
Earlier on this thread:
The most you'll ever get from me is a nod.
. . .Personally, I do wave, except where there are loads of cyclists, such as my early morning commute in downtown Boston. I’m not put off by a lack of response either.
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 193
Likes: 148
From: Memphis 10
Bikes: 2021 Canyon Endurace SL8, 2019 Cannondale Topstone Sora, 2002 Giant Yukon
As someone who used to ride motorcycles where darn near everyone waves, I was shocked to find that the same gesture wasn't as common with cyclist, in general it looks like the more expensive the bike the less likely to wave. It bugged me a bit at first but now I just wave and keep going.
#39
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 193
Likes: 148
From: Memphis 10
Bikes: 2021 Canyon Endurace SL8, 2019 Cannondale Topstone Sora, 2002 Giant Yukon
#42
As someone who used to ride motorcycles where darn near everyone waves, I was shocked to find that the same gesture wasn't as common with cyclist, in general it looks like the more expensive the bike the less likely to wave. It bugged me a bit at first but now I just wave and keep going.
#44
Pointy Helmet Tribe
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 629
From: Offthebackistan
Bikes: R5, Allez Sprint, Shiv
So on today's ride - brutal headwinds (at one point, I was doing 200W to hold 21kph / 13mph). It was mostly an easy ride so i am tooling along in low Z2 at speeds that were embarrassing, given the headwinds. Look ahead, and there is a roadie who is going even slower (I think he was wearing tennis shoes).
Feeling the judgemental gaze of all of Bikeforums on me emanating from the 5G towers, I was debating on what to do. Given that this would have been an awkwardly long pass - enough for us to actually exchange sentences - I was trying to figure out a way to manage this in a manner that would unite everyone here in the 41 at my poised and adroit handling of the situation.
Suddenly, the effer looked back and saw me. We made eye contact. Reflexively, i lifted a hand up and waved - and also added a "hey". As i passed him, he looked expectantly at me, as if he was going to say something or was waiting for me to say something. Too much, too soon, hombre. I didnt make any further eye contact, repressed a sudden urge to hit him with my frame pump (mainly because I dont have a frame pump) and kept going.
I feel as though i have fallen from my perch atop Olympus.
Feeling the judgemental gaze of all of Bikeforums on me emanating from the 5G towers, I was debating on what to do. Given that this would have been an awkwardly long pass - enough for us to actually exchange sentences - I was trying to figure out a way to manage this in a manner that would unite everyone here in the 41 at my poised and adroit handling of the situation.
Suddenly, the effer looked back and saw me. We made eye contact. Reflexively, i lifted a hand up and waved - and also added a "hey". As i passed him, he looked expectantly at me, as if he was going to say something or was waiting for me to say something. Too much, too soon, hombre. I didnt make any further eye contact, repressed a sudden urge to hit him with my frame pump (mainly because I dont have a frame pump) and kept going.
I feel as though i have fallen from my perch atop Olympus.
Last edited by guadzilla; 05-28-20 at 12:35 AM.
#48
Custom User Title
Joined: May 2013
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From: SE MN
Bikes: Fuji Roubaix Pro & Quintana Roo Kilo




