Down With 'Avid Cyclists'
03-29-10, 10:30 AM
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03-29-10, 10:55 AM
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Trying to normalize cycling as something any and all of us citizens can do is difficult, due to the colorful, vocal few.
Personally I fit all the categories from time to time... colorful club cyclist, fred, even poor looking "damaged" cyclist, and more... all depending on which bike and what I happen to be wearing at the moment. I really am an avid cyclist, but I defy definition. (and I am amazed at the reactions that I as a "person on a bike" get depending on the public role I happen to fit at any moment.)
Being a truly avid cyclist, I also see the advantages for encouraging cycling by nearly any and all cycling facilities... especially in our very very motorist centric society.
03-29-10, 11:07 AM
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Maybe I'm just tired, but this thread seems like one strawman argument after another, trying to support or negate the original stereotype-based perspective.
03-29-10, 11:56 AM
#30
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I think it's useful to examine why a person would choose to ride a bike if they do not find cycling itself inherently enjoyable enough to become and "avid" cyclist.
If cycling is faster than walking and a car is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If cycling is faster than driving a car because parking (or some other required resource) is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If it's a beautiful day and being inside a car is unappealing, they might ride a bike.
I think it's easy for cycling to look "normal" under conditions such as these. It's outside of such conditions that cyclists tend to fall into the two groups of "avid" and "involuntary."
Some would suggest taking steps to make motoring far less convenient and far more expensive, to tilt everyman's transportation choices in favor of cycling. But this is not a mainstream political view, and is probably harder for many "normal" people to accept than for them to understand and respect that some people just like riding bikes.
If cycling is faster than walking and a car is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If cycling is faster than driving a car because parking (or some other required resource) is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If it's a beautiful day and being inside a car is unappealing, they might ride a bike.
I think it's easy for cycling to look "normal" under conditions such as these. It's outside of such conditions that cyclists tend to fall into the two groups of "avid" and "involuntary."
Some would suggest taking steps to make motoring far less convenient and far more expensive, to tilt everyman's transportation choices in favor of cycling. But this is not a mainstream political view, and is probably harder for many "normal" people to accept than for them to understand and respect that some people just like riding bikes.
03-29-10, 12:19 PM
#31
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.....Some would suggest taking steps to make motoring far less convenient and far more expensive, to tilt everyman's transportation choices in favor of cycling. But this is not a mainstream political view, and is probably harder for many "normal" people to accept than for them to understand and respect that some people just like riding bikes.
What do seem to be necessary components? Thoughtful urban land use and consideration of bike traffic in the transportation mix. with the majority of americans and canadians living in suburban or urbanized settings, more thoughtful consideration of how bikes transect the urban grid is a necessary component in building road ridership without adding too much 'avid' to the mix.
sure, bikes and cars mix just fine on 50mph speedways.....
Originally Posted by highroller
in places where cycling is inconvenient (especially compared to motoring) and avid cyclists are the majority of people who cycle, the problem isn't the avid cyclists.
The avidness of the cyclist has very little to do with making a road amenable to bicycling~
a problem with the american road network, overall, is the typical conditions require a certain amount of 'avid' that blocks and restricts greater populist participation in bicycling.
if there's only avid cyclists cycling, there's a problem with the transportation infrastructure, not a problem with the cyclists or the public.
Last edited by Bekologist; 03-29-10 at 12:30 PM.
03-29-10, 02:46 PM
#32
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Notice that Bek is saying the same thing that I am, yet presents his post as if he is in disagreement. Odd.
Like I said, land use planning that places typical trip endpoints closer together is essential to encouraging cycling by those who are not "avid" cyclists, or "enthusiasts." I spent 6 years on my city planning and zoning board trying to promote this before I term-limited out.
I have also spent a lot of effort trying to improve local street connectivity to provide pleasant street connections between adjacent complementary land uses like homes and shops. Bek writes about the "urban grid" but in many suburban areas there is nothing remotely similar to a well connected grid; the few through roads connecting dissimilar land use types may be 50mph arterials which we all agree are undesirable to most casual cyclists.
I've also written in the past that well-designed paths with minimal at-grade street crossings (such as rail trails and paths alongside water features) attract casual cyclists and are good things to provide where practical. I ride such paths often while avoiding poorly designed "sidepath" type facilities.
But after these efforts are taken, and the convenience of cycling has been maximized, the volume of cycling will still not be as high as some bicycle advocates want. Only where motoring becomes less convenient and affordable than in the average US suburb do cycling mode shares really climb. This is why we see peak utility cycling in the US around universities - parking is scarce and/or inconvenient, motor traffic speeds are slow, and automobile ownership is less affordable to students than to other people.
I neither oppose nor promote efforts to make motoring less convenient and affordable as a cycling advocacy policy (although I do support a number of specific constraints on motoring where such may be required to protect safety, security, community values, etc.). However, I do note that most people who are not avid cyclists are not anti-car and do not support efforts to make cycling less convenient or affordable. Therefore, it seems unlikely that anti-car planning and engineering efforts will be acceptable to non-avid cyclists and thus not politically viable.
Like I said, land use planning that places typical trip endpoints closer together is essential to encouraging cycling by those who are not "avid" cyclists, or "enthusiasts." I spent 6 years on my city planning and zoning board trying to promote this before I term-limited out.
I have also spent a lot of effort trying to improve local street connectivity to provide pleasant street connections between adjacent complementary land uses like homes and shops. Bek writes about the "urban grid" but in many suburban areas there is nothing remotely similar to a well connected grid; the few through roads connecting dissimilar land use types may be 50mph arterials which we all agree are undesirable to most casual cyclists.
I've also written in the past that well-designed paths with minimal at-grade street crossings (such as rail trails and paths alongside water features) attract casual cyclists and are good things to provide where practical. I ride such paths often while avoiding poorly designed "sidepath" type facilities.
But after these efforts are taken, and the convenience of cycling has been maximized, the volume of cycling will still not be as high as some bicycle advocates want. Only where motoring becomes less convenient and affordable than in the average US suburb do cycling mode shares really climb. This is why we see peak utility cycling in the US around universities - parking is scarce and/or inconvenient, motor traffic speeds are slow, and automobile ownership is less affordable to students than to other people.
I neither oppose nor promote efforts to make motoring less convenient and affordable as a cycling advocacy policy (although I do support a number of specific constraints on motoring where such may be required to protect safety, security, community values, etc.). However, I do note that most people who are not avid cyclists are not anti-car and do not support efforts to make cycling less convenient or affordable. Therefore, it seems unlikely that anti-car planning and engineering efforts will be acceptable to non-avid cyclists and thus not politically viable.
03-29-10, 02:49 PM
#33
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I think it's useful to examine why a person would choose to ride a bike if they do not find cycling itself inherently enjoyable enough to become and "avid" cyclist.
If cycling is faster than walking and a car is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If cycling is faster than driving a car because parking (or some other required resource) is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If it's a beautiful day and being inside a car is unappealing, they might ride a bike.
I think it's easy for cycling to look "normal" under conditions such as these. It's outside of such conditions that cyclists tend to fall into the two groups of "avid" and "involuntary."
Some would suggest taking steps to make motoring far less convenient and far more expensive, to tilt everyman's transportation choices in favor of cycling. But this is not a mainstream political view, and is probably harder for many "normal" people to accept than for them to understand and respect that some people just like riding bikes.
If cycling is faster than walking and a car is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If cycling is faster than driving a car because parking (or some other required resource) is unavailable, they might ride a bike.
If it's a beautiful day and being inside a car is unappealing, they might ride a bike.
I think it's easy for cycling to look "normal" under conditions such as these. It's outside of such conditions that cyclists tend to fall into the two groups of "avid" and "involuntary."
Some would suggest taking steps to make motoring far less convenient and far more expensive, to tilt everyman's transportation choices in favor of cycling. But this is not a mainstream political view, and is probably harder for many "normal" people to accept than for them to understand and respect that some people just like riding bikes.
And frankly what it really comes down to is this... I just want to put cycling on the same foot as motoring... (odd metaphor there).
I don't want to make motoring "less convenient," but I do think we need to quit acting as if motoring is ALL we should do. That lack of transportation diversity will and has hit us where it hurts time and time again... and yet as a society, we tend to focus on the private individual motor vehicle for any and all transportation needs.
Bottom line, don't make it less convenient, but quit kowtowing to ONLY the motor vehicle. If there is free parking downtown for cars, there should be free parking for bikes. If there is covered parking for cars, there should be covered parking for bikes. Is there a car wash, where then is the body wash? (showers) If the road is designed like a raceway with high speeds and large radius turns, where is the bike expressway...
In this country we need transportation diversity to match our people diversity. This country is a melting pot of people, but you "HAVE" to drive.
03-29-10, 02:51 PM
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lose the neon vest, the helmet and the expensive, uncomfortable, temperamental, featherweight bicycle and maybe people will start to 'get it'. the whole idea that you need anything besides a properly equipped comfortable upright bicycle with the basics like lights, fenders and a basket - and not a fancy kit, brain bucket and an unobtanium racing machine - is where the fail begins
now if you're actually RACING bicycles, I can maybe see the advantages of the specialized/odd clothing... but for most people, you just don't need it.
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"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
Last edited by rando; 03-29-10 at 03:14 PM.
Originally Posted by bragi 
03-29-10, 03:55 PM
#36
Senior Member
I don't want to make motoring "less convenient," but I do think we need to quit acting as if motoring is ALL we should do. That lack of transportation diversity will and has hit us where it hurts time and time again... and yet as a society, we tend to focus on the private individual motor vehicle for any and all transportation needs.
Bottom line, don't make it less convenient, but quit kowtowing to ONLY the motor vehicle.
Bottom line, don't make it less convenient, but quit kowtowing to ONLY the motor vehicle.
I found the engineering problems for cycling to be more subtle than the pedestrian facility challenges. Land use and route efficiency were important, as well as better passing facilities on arterials, alternate routes, bike parking, signal detection, and so forth. But many of the local disincentives to cycling transportation were culturally based, such as harassment from motorists and lifestyle choices. To keep my message politically viable, I have to walk a fine line between protecting choice in transportation and recognizing the popularity of motoring. Disparage motoring and the anti-bicyclist harassment increases; talk about preserving fair choices and the politicians will talk to you.
03-29-10, 04:08 PM
#38
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My frustration over abysmal conditions for pedestrians in NC (lack of sidewalks on very busy roads, lack of any crossing accommodations at intersections or elsewhere, extremely inconvenient street topology, physical barriers to direct walking routes between adjacent buildings, etc.) is the passion that put me on our city's P&Z board. It's long been my opinion that a great deal could be done to facilitate better non-motorized transportation without being anti-car.
I found the engineering problems for cycling to be more subtle than the pedestrian facility challenges. Land use and route efficiency were important, as well as better passing facilities on arterials, alternate routes, bike parking, signal detection, and so forth. But many of the local disincentives to cycling transportation were culturally based, such as harassment from motorists and lifestyle choices. To keep my message politically viable, I have to walk a fine line between protecting choice in transportation and recognizing the popularity of motoring. Disparage motoring and the anti-bicyclist harassment increases; talk about preserving fair choices and the politicians will talk to you.
I found the engineering problems for cycling to be more subtle than the pedestrian facility challenges. Land use and route efficiency were important, as well as better passing facilities on arterials, alternate routes, bike parking, signal detection, and so forth. But many of the local disincentives to cycling transportation were culturally based, such as harassment from motorists and lifestyle choices. To keep my message politically viable, I have to walk a fine line between protecting choice in transportation and recognizing the popularity of motoring. Disparage motoring and the anti-bicyclist harassment increases; talk about preserving fair choices and the politicians will talk to you.
It IS all about "transportation diversity."
03-29-10, 04:58 PM
#39
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I agree....all the odd clothing and equipment is seen as a barrier to entry-- another excuse not to get on the bike.... when actually all a bike is is transportation that you can use to get to work and carry small loads. and you should be able to do that in regular street clothes.
now if you're actually RACING bicycles, I can maybe see the advantages of the specialized/odd clothing... but for most people, you just don't need it.
now if you're actually RACING bicycles, I can maybe see the advantages of the specialized/odd clothing... but for most people, you just don't need it.
And yes, Avid cyclists die, so do sidewalk cyclists, and you know who experiences quite a few deaths, motorists. But no one ever writes in a daily driver's obit that they were an Avid Motorist.
If you want to argue for increased bicycle infrastructure and education I'm all for that. I agree with Bek that it is because of such investments that more people ride in hilly/rainy Seattle and less in sunny/flat Los Angeles. But just because I choose to ride a nice bike with a little Lycra without such infrastructure investments shouldn't be an excuse why someone else can't get off their bottoms and do the exact same thing in a manner that suits them.
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03-29-10, 05:53 PM
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Maybe I said it wrong. I just think that the more cyclists people see in regular clothes, doing regular stuff, the more it might dawn on them that they, too, can do this. the racing gear and helmets look wierd to most people, leading people to think riding a bike is a wierd activity and not for them... but that's just my opinion, and that and a couple bucks will get you a cup of coffee!
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"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
03-29-10, 05:59 PM
#41
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I just don't get how it's anyone's business what I, or any other cyclist wears, whether they're racing or not. I ride because I want to ride and any of the many benefits are ancillary. I certainly don't ride to encourage or discourage any form of transportation and I don't recall signing anything to that effect 30 years ago when I straddled my first Huffy. I personally call BS if someone doesn't want to ride and they it's because someone else rides a nice bike or wears funny clothes it's a pretty lame excuse. The truth is that someone people just don't want to ride and they don't want to come out and say that it's hard, or they really don't feel like it.
And yes, Avid cyclists die, so do sidewalk cyclists, and you know who experiences quite a few deaths, motorists. But no one ever writes in a daily driver's obit that they were an Avid Motorist.
If you want to argue for increased bicycle infrastructure and education I'm all for that. I agree with Bek that it is because of such investments that more people ride in hilly/rainy Seattle and less in sunny/flat Los Angeles. But just because I choose to ride a nice bike with a little Lycra without such infrastructure investments shouldn't be an excuse why someone else can't get off their bottoms and do the exact same thing in a manner that suits them.
And yes, Avid cyclists die, so do sidewalk cyclists, and you know who experiences quite a few deaths, motorists. But no one ever writes in a daily driver's obit that they were an Avid Motorist.
If you want to argue for increased bicycle infrastructure and education I'm all for that. I agree with Bek that it is because of such investments that more people ride in hilly/rainy Seattle and less in sunny/flat Los Angeles. But just because I choose to ride a nice bike with a little Lycra without such infrastructure investments shouldn't be an excuse why someone else can't get off their bottoms and do the exact same thing in a manner that suits them.
03-29-10, 06:08 PM
#42
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What a silly shell game. It isn't original either... "avid cyclists" are used as straw men by so many nouveau advocacy groups it's just a cliche - and skin deep at that.
Let us examine the downfall of the fair-weather utility cyclist, truly avid cyclists will always be around. The way I see it, when somebody white-washes the avid cyclist as the source of our troubles they are simply talking about a symptom not curing the disease.
Surely the avid cyclist did not kill cycling culture, but this is what such articles assume. They lambaste the only people out there riding their f'n bikes on the road in some uber-motorized towns and cities.
Next we'll be shouting down with the "poor" in the hopes of curing poverty.
Let us examine the downfall of the fair-weather utility cyclist, truly avid cyclists will always be around. The way I see it, when somebody white-washes the avid cyclist as the source of our troubles they are simply talking about a symptom not curing the disease.
Surely the avid cyclist did not kill cycling culture, but this is what such articles assume. They lambaste the only people out there riding their f'n bikes on the road in some uber-motorized towns and cities.
Next we'll be shouting down with the "poor" in the hopes of curing poverty.
Last edited by electrik; 03-29-10 at 07:08 PM. Reason: sp
03-29-10, 06:11 PM
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Bicycle, do you need to be stopped?
Do you WANT to be stopped?
THEN STOP THYSELF!
whew, that was amazing. anyone got a smoke?
Do you WANT to be stopped?
THEN STOP THYSELF!
whew, that was amazing. anyone got a smoke?
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"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
03-29-10, 06:15 PM
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What a silly shell game. It isn't original either... "avid cyclists" are used as straw men by so many nouveau advocacy groups it's just a cliche - and skin deep at that.
Let us examine the downfall of the fair-weather utility cyclist, truly avid cyclists will always be around. The way I see it, when somebody white-washes the avid cyclist as the source of our troubles they are simply talking about a symptom not curing the disease.
Surly the avid cyclist did not kill cycling culture, but this is what such articles assume. They lambaste the only people out there riding their f'n bikes on the road in some uber-motorized towns and cities.
Next we'll be shouting down with the "poor" in the hopes of curing poverty.
Let us examine the downfall of the fair-weather utility cyclist, truly avid cyclists will always be around. The way I see it, when somebody white-washes the avid cyclist as the source of our troubles they are simply talking about a symptom not curing the disease.
Surly the avid cyclist did not kill cycling culture, but this is what such articles assume. They lambaste the only people out there riding their f'n bikes on the road in some uber-motorized towns and cities.
Next we'll be shouting down with the "poor" in the hopes of curing poverty.
SOMEBODY GET A ROPE...AND WEAR YOUR HELMET, IT'S SLIPPERY IN THEM THAR TREES!
__________________
"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
03-29-10, 06:42 PM
#45
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IMHO
There are 3 types of cyclists:
Avid: meaning people like use who like, love and ride bikes.....regardless of clothes. The guy who commutes in khakis and polo shirt on his english 3 speed like bike, because he likes bikes, like to commute, to sees the benefit overall, etc (me) is just as avid a biker as the guy who puts on the cycle clothes, and goes out on training rides on the weekend (me again)
Occaisonal The people who have bikes and get them out once or twice a year to ride, mostly on weekends and only for fun.
Necessity: People who have to ride because that is there only option for whatever reason (finances, no drivers license (teenagers fit here also, not just people who have lost licenses) ......while there is some crossover (like when I didn't have a car when I first moved to California many years ago) generally this bunch drops bikes once they can.
To get more people riding there are many things that will make a difference, but what really needs to be done is to add some necessity to the occaisonal to get more bikes out.... some of whom will become avid, and others just people who use bikes. And this happens as countrys develop also....
The only thing that will really force this is a comination financial pressures and personal benefit timewise...higher gas prices, no free parking at work, commute take less than time than driving, etc
More infrstrucure will not hurt, and will move some occaisonal bikers to avid, but overall it is only part of what is needed.
(soap box time: Blaming Lycra clad cyclists, or those who choose to wear a helmet (or those who chose to not wear a helmet), or people who choose to be seen is totally counter productive. the cycling community is not homogenous and thankfully never will be.... off the soap box)
There are 3 types of cyclists:
Avid: meaning people like use who like, love and ride bikes.....regardless of clothes. The guy who commutes in khakis and polo shirt on his english 3 speed like bike, because he likes bikes, like to commute, to sees the benefit overall, etc (me) is just as avid a biker as the guy who puts on the cycle clothes, and goes out on training rides on the weekend (me again)
Occaisonal The people who have bikes and get them out once or twice a year to ride, mostly on weekends and only for fun.
Necessity: People who have to ride because that is there only option for whatever reason (finances, no drivers license (teenagers fit here also, not just people who have lost licenses) ......while there is some crossover (like when I didn't have a car when I first moved to California many years ago) generally this bunch drops bikes once they can.
To get more people riding there are many things that will make a difference, but what really needs to be done is to add some necessity to the occaisonal to get more bikes out.... some of whom will become avid, and others just people who use bikes. And this happens as countrys develop also....
The only thing that will really force this is a comination financial pressures and personal benefit timewise...higher gas prices, no free parking at work, commute take less than time than driving, etc
More infrstrucure will not hurt, and will move some occaisonal bikers to avid, but overall it is only part of what is needed.
(soap box time: Blaming Lycra clad cyclists, or those who choose to wear a helmet (or those who chose to not wear a helmet), or people who choose to be seen is totally counter productive. the cycling community is not homogenous and thankfully never will be.... off the soap box)
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03-29-10, 07:03 PM
#47
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Also, my bike isn't expensive. My house is expensive. I piss almost my bike's retail cost away in taxes every year due to owning a home. That's not counting mortgage interest which would buy me a nice used car every year (my house is still the best investment of my money that I've ever made though).
And I think Ed Hardy t-shirts and D&G sunglasses are silly. Do you think that I think anyone who wears those items really cares about my opinion? I'm not nearly that conceited to believe that. Why do you feel the need to keep spouting your opinion about other people's cycling gear?
03-29-10, 07:26 PM
#48
Hills hurt.. Couches kill
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Seriously, what is wrong with people? I ride my bike because I want to. I dress funny and ride my 'uncomfortable' bike because I want to. I don't ride the kind of bike these people want me to nor do I do it because they want me too. I have never once used my bike for anything other than recreation. I never intend to. I drive my car to go get things, take them back to my home and consume them.
I, in these peoples minds, am the problem. Why can't they ride their bikes the way they want too and I'll ride mine the way I want too? What is the problem? I truly think some of these people would like nothing better than seeing everyone in the world wearing gray pajamas and grinding away on old rusty cruisers.. compliance is mandatory.
I, in these peoples minds, am the problem. Why can't they ride their bikes the way they want too and I'll ride mine the way I want too? What is the problem? I truly think some of these people would like nothing better than seeing everyone in the world wearing gray pajamas and grinding away on old rusty cruisers.. compliance is mandatory.
03-29-10, 07:37 PM
#49
Senior Member
I try to ride in casual clothes for some bike trips, partly to save time changing clothes and to blend in at my destinations, but also to advertise practical, casual cycling. For most of these rides, I'm either running an errand to the store a mile away, or I'm pulling my 6 yo son on the Burley Kazoo on the way to Dairy Queen. I'm hoping that some people who see me think: "Hey, I could do that! What a nice day for it!"
When I ride in casual clothes, I don't exert myself as much, but I still try to set a good example by operating according to my normal vehicular, defensive bicycle driving style. I also ride my lovingly-maintained 1983 Trek 500 road bike, since I find it to be less effort than the MTB, and because I've equipped it for utility cycling.
Sometimes, while riding in casual clothes, I'll see a lycra-clad roadie and wish I could communicate to him or her that I'm an avid roadie too, but all I can do is wave. Some of the roadies over 40 will recognize my vintage Trek and show some curiosity towards it, and that is satisfying enough.
When I ride in casual clothes, I don't exert myself as much, but I still try to set a good example by operating according to my normal vehicular, defensive bicycle driving style. I also ride my lovingly-maintained 1983 Trek 500 road bike, since I find it to be less effort than the MTB, and because I've equipped it for utility cycling.
Sometimes, while riding in casual clothes, I'll see a lycra-clad roadie and wish I could communicate to him or her that I'm an avid roadie too, but all I can do is wave. Some of the roadies over 40 will recognize my vintage Trek and show some curiosity towards it, and that is satisfying enough.
03-29-10, 07:47 PM
#50
Tawp Dawg
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '06 Surly Pugsley, '14 Surly Straggler, '88 Kuwahara Xtracycle, '10 Motobecane Outcast 29er, '?? Surly Cross Check (wife's), '00 Trek 4500 (wife's), '12 Windsor Oxford 3-speed (dogs')
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The writer of the article in the OP is assuming that the media and society tag all cyclists as avid. A quick google news search for the term "avid cyclist" turns up 101 hits, or 132 if you allow the terms to appear separately (+cyclist +avid). Searching for the term cyclist while excluding the word avid (+cyclist -avid) lands 3,120 hits.
At work about four of us commute by bike through the winter, and maybe half of us bike to work in the summer. I don't think that I have ever heard any of my co-workers use the term avid cyclist. I think the only time I ever hear the phrase is by people using it to describe themselves. If someone is ardent, devoted, or passionate about cycling, what's the harm in describing them as avid? What term should be used instead that will allow them to show their devotion, but not marginalize cycling (like the word avid allegedly does)?
At work about four of us commute by bike through the winter, and maybe half of us bike to work in the summer. I don't think that I have ever heard any of my co-workers use the term avid cyclist. I think the only time I ever hear the phrase is by people using it to describe themselves. If someone is ardent, devoted, or passionate about cycling, what's the harm in describing them as avid? What term should be used instead that will allow them to show their devotion, but not marginalize cycling (like the word avid allegedly does)?