bmthom.gis

We don't all feel like that. Also from Lexington, SC and would never hesitate to offer assistance, even if all I can do is make a phone call for someone. I probably won't give someone my CO2, but I will let them use my pump (carrying both is not a bad idea)

frankenmike 

I almost always yell something like "you good?" when passing a cyclist who is having a mechanical. Once in a great while, my spidey sense tells me "not this one, it will be like stepping in poop."

CliffordK

When I see someone walking a bike, I usually do a quick assessment. Air in both tires, chain intact, and use that to determine my actions.

WhyFi

Why do I get the feeling that you have a "Make America Great Again" hat sitting on the desk in front of you?

PepeM

Looks like the 'Spring Classics' are starting in BF. Shouldn't be too long until we're discussing waving.

big chainring 

I always ask if they need assistance except;
If they are inked or pirerced.
Are wearing a mirror.
Wearing expensive shoes.
Wearing white shorts
Have a frame pannier.
Wearing headphones
Wearing black socks
Have leather bar tape
If their bike is to matchy/matchy
Have tires that are anything but black
Hi-viz shoes
Hi-vis glasses
American flag jersey
Jersey is unzipped
Have fewer spokes in their wheels than me

redcon1

LOL! Thanks, I needed a laugh today!

Jasper Storm

Whether or not I offer help is determined by too many factors to waste my time listing, but I guess I offer 70% of the time.

The only time I can recall having someone taking me up on it was an obviously experienced cyclist who had brought only one co2 and a spare tube. He bungled his one chance at a fix, and was stranded w/o cell coverage (Mount Rainier NP.)

It was obvious he chose to "travel light" and was aching to get a Strava PR on a well-known climb, and it bit him in the ass.

I ended up giving him my spare tube (I was at the end of my ride) and a 16g co2. That's $10 out of my pocket. Of course, he didn't have any cash on him (he told me, I didn't ask for it). He seemed pretty oblivious, I would have felt like crap if I imposed like that on someone. Now, in a similar circumstance, I'll just offer a Rema patch and some glue, unless they bust out a twenty, then I'll even fix it for them.

Ratzinger

The older generation has been bemoaning the demise of the younger generation for thousands of years. Then those young people grow up and claim that the new younger generation has lost its way. It's tired old pattern that has way more to do with how our perspective changes when we get older than actual changes in morality from generation to generation.

Wanderer

You sure posted this in the correct sub forum!

hatrack71

Right, I can see where you'd have that feeling. But I haven't been able to get behind any of the candidates whole heartedly.

hsuehhwa

I wouldn't bother to ask if the rider is on a busy cycling path and appears to know what he/she is doing.

I would always ask or stop, if the rider appears to be clueless or it happens on a rural area, particularly where cellular phone reception is limited.

TimothyH

I almost always ask someone who is stopped if they are OK.

You okay?
You guys iite?

Do unto others... Really don't care what others think of me for doing it.

I don't even care if the person appreciates it or not. The good Samaritan didn't expect a reward.

hollywoodeskimo

I had a flat not long ago and the very first cyclist to come along stopped. There was nothing much he could do because the whole tire was shot. He offered to let me use his cell phone to get some help. I had mine with me, so I didn't need it. Even though he couldn't help me, I appreciate the fact that he stopped.

Not long ago I riding along a dirt road used by four wheel drive folks that tear up these dirt roads and create huge mud holes. I find that appalling. Still, when I found one of these guys with their jeep hopelessly stuck in the mud, I stopped to offer help. When people break down, you offer help. That's the way it should work.

SnowCYYCling

I would stop, but I carry zero tools/spares on my commutes and wouldn't be able to help even if I do stop. Also it helps if you just stand up and look like you need help. I do not want people to bother me when I'm focused on getting a tube in.

bikecrate

Who knew the issue of tire changing help covers religious denominations and generational bashing.

Anyways...I have stopped to help cyclist in distress (i.e. someone crashed).

Usually do not offer help for someone with a flat tire. I expect in a big city they have the means or can summon the means to fix it.

I would consider offering help in a more deserted situation, but I haven't had that come up yet.

texaspandj

This would be the perfect time for a newbie to say "Hi I'm new here."

hsuehhwa

I live in South California. My question is, on any weekend on a >60 mi ride on a popular route (PCH, river paths..), you know you'll likely ride by ~10 cyclists doing repairs on the roadside (could be worse after a rainfall event due to the debris on the bike lane),will you still ask each one of them or you'll do it more wisely?

On my weekday after-work shorter ride, I almost always ask.

Hypno Toad

edit - removed quoted text and off-topic dialog. I do not want this thread to go down that rabbit hole.

To the OP point, I've on both sides of this issue. Earlier this week, I was headed out on a ride and passed a rider stopped on a quiet route. I asked if he needed help, but couldn't hear his response since he had his glove in his mouth. He was smiling and I read that as he's OK, but a mile later, it dawned on me that the smile might have been "thanks for the help, I need it". But I kept riding. I'm a jerk.

Other rides, I have helped countless stranded riders, including repairs, offer a ride home, and a couple times offering a phone since I could do anything else to help. I am an advocate for biking, and I will do many things to keep people's perception of 'cyclists' as positive.

To the other side of this issue, I had a group ride come at me, the wrong way in a one-way under construction. I was forced far right into debris, and got a pinch-flat. I was planning a short ride and didn't bring my saddle bag with tube and levers. I walked the 3 miles home along a very popular bike route and was really disappointed with the very small number of riders that offered help. The truth is, since I was close to home, I turned down the offers, so it wasn't a big deal.

I do not blame this issue on Facebook, cell phones, etc. This is more of an issue of being selfish. This can be seen in all post WW2 generations, boomers through gen Y. This ego-eccentric behavior has more to do with being an American than it does with technology or age. This is just my opinion and I'm certain I will get much hate... sigh.

BillyD

Really? You guys are going to start arguing religion? Really?

Hypno Toad

no

VCSL2015

There is no way in Hell I would expect a cyclist on my route would stop to help me. First off they dont think I need help. Second they have somewhere to go. If your going to ride a bike be responsible and learn how to fix your own bike. Have a plan B and C.

I would also say I totally would help someone though if they asked for help =) Or would ask someone if they need help. But im a little quirky.

PepeM

You can also ask for help if you need it.

silversx80

I think my point of view has been misinterpreted. I will always stop and offer help to a fellow cyclist, even if I'm driving. My point is that having the expectation that others will help you is an entitlement attitude. Nonetheless, if I'm passing a stranded cyclist, entitlement attitude or not, I will offer help.

It's analogous to my time in the military, when I'd be on a college campus in uniform and the proverbial 18-year-old bleeding heart would try and go off on me. "I do not agree with what you are saying, but will defend your right to say it with my life... if necessary."


The OP is raising a stink that nobody offered to help. That stink was used as a red herring for a diatribe against smart phones and social media... which have no place in his initial beef. It's commendable that he offers to help other cyclists, but it also appears he feels entitled and deserving of help, which says to me that there is a lack of gratitude for those that do help because it's what they're "supposed" to do.

modelmartin

I can't tell if this is written in sarcasm font. If it was'nt I would have to say you were and still are.