Are you a cyclist?
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 490
Bikes: 2022 Priority Coast, 2022 Priority Current
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 175 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times
in
99 Posts
Are you a cyclist?
What do you think? Are you a cyclist? Do you encounter these situations as an enthusiast? I found this video very insightful and wanted to share it with you. Enjoy!
#2
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
I couldn't be bothered watching 12 minutes of video.
Of course he is a "cyclist". Everyone on a bicycle (or trike, or unicycle) is a frigging cyclist. That's like saying people in cars or on motorcycles aren't "motorists".
There are "enthusiast cyclists", just as there are "enthusiast motorists" (and boaters/sailors, whatever).
Trying to redefine words so one can put a wedge in in the usage of a word is boring as hell. It reminds me of most management/leadership books. Utterly primitive.
Of course he is a "cyclist". Everyone on a bicycle (or trike, or unicycle) is a frigging cyclist. That's like saying people in cars or on motorcycles aren't "motorists".
There are "enthusiast cyclists", just as there are "enthusiast motorists" (and boaters/sailors, whatever).
Trying to redefine words so one can put a wedge in in the usage of a word is boring as hell. It reminds me of most management/leadership books. Utterly primitive.
Last edited by CargoDane; 11-21-20 at 09:15 AM.
Likes For CargoDane:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,973
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1364 Post(s)
Liked 1,677 Times
in
827 Posts
alloo The video articulates certain ideas and positions I identify with...but it was a bit verbose and slow for my taste (I make TV commercials). I do give the creator props for creating and maintaining a high image quality, mostly through the use of professional stock video sources.
I have biked to work for 28 years for fitness, and like the narrator, people will assume I'm a member of some arbitrary cycling group they concocted in their mind that is anti-car and uber-liberal politically. I, too have had people complain to me about the poor behavior of other cyclists as if we all know each other and are members of a secret organization with a specific agenda.
Unlike the video's creator the phenomenon of being stereotyped is nothing new to me since I am jewish ("Why do you all...?") and my wife and family are black ("Why don't y'all...?").
But I encounter plenty of other people who are impressed by what they perceive as self-discipline (it's really just habit and some tricks to keep me riding daily), and what they perceive as "toughness" in the snow and cold (It's just experience and good planning).
Overall, I enjoyed the video...thanks for sharing!
I have biked to work for 28 years for fitness, and like the narrator, people will assume I'm a member of some arbitrary cycling group they concocted in their mind that is anti-car and uber-liberal politically. I, too have had people complain to me about the poor behavior of other cyclists as if we all know each other and are members of a secret organization with a specific agenda.
Unlike the video's creator the phenomenon of being stereotyped is nothing new to me since I am jewish ("Why do you all...?") and my wife and family are black ("Why don't y'all...?").
But I encounter plenty of other people who are impressed by what they perceive as self-discipline (it's really just habit and some tricks to keep me riding daily), and what they perceive as "toughness" in the snow and cold (It's just experience and good planning).
Overall, I enjoyed the video...thanks for sharing!
Likes For BobbyG:
#4
cyclotourist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: calgary, canada
Posts: 1,470
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 443 Post(s)
Liked 205 Times
in
130 Posts
As others have pointed out, its a well produced video. He probably could have cut the time in half and made the same points.
He is over thinking the situation. We do tend to pigeon hole people, based on some criteria, that is not consistent across society, but hey that is part of being human.
I remember remarking to a friend that a well known celebrity was a cyclist, by his own admission. My friend said, "But does he train?"
He is over thinking the situation. We do tend to pigeon hole people, based on some criteria, that is not consistent across society, but hey that is part of being human.
I remember remarking to a friend that a well known celebrity was a cyclist, by his own admission. My friend said, "But does he train?"
Likes For skookum:
#5
Senior Member
Of course he is a "cyclist". Everyone on a bicycle (or trike, or unicycle) is a frigging cyclist. That's like saying people in cars or on motorcycles aren't "motorists".
There are "enthusiast cyclists", just as there are "enthusiast motorists" (and boaters/sailors, whatever).
I'd post the link but it would take awhile to find it.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,878
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6963 Post(s)
Liked 10,963 Times
in
4,688 Posts
Since I'd rather ride than watch a twelve minute video, I suppose I am a cyclist.
Likes For Koyote:
#7
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
The subject of what makes a person a cyclist has been beaten to death, then resurrected and beaten to death again, then resurrected again and beaten to death all over again..............
Likes For wolfchild:
#8
Hear myself getting fat
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Inland Northwest
Posts: 754
Bikes: Sir Velo A Sparrow
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 335 Post(s)
Liked 265 Times
in
134 Posts
I'm short on time, so I'll have to watch the video some other time. But I agree with the above quoted post. Keep in mind however that there are some members here who will insist that unless one has a wardrobe full of lycra, races competitively, has a strict training regimen, owns multiple task-specific bikes (or some combination of the above), one isn't really a "cyclist". In other words, they'll be quick to tell us the average commuter on a bike isn't a real "cyclist".
I'd post the link but it would take awhile to find it.
I'd post the link but it would take awhile to find it.
“wardrobe full of lycra, races competitively, has a strict training regimen, owns multiple task-specific bikes (or some combination of the above), one isn't really a "cyclist". In other words, they'll be quick to tell us the average commuter on a bike isn't a real "cyclist"
#9
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,215
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2581 Post(s)
Liked 5,637 Times
in
2,921 Posts
Certainly can relate to the end of the video where people who know you ride unload all their animosity of ill behaved riders since they know I ride a bike. Have also been threatened by idiots in cars purposely passing to close because I must be one of those types.
My identity is certainly not wrapped up in one sport or occupation, but it’s interesting how others like to typecast.
The sad sad thing is the lack of acknowledgement that our hobby is actually doing something positive for ourselves and the environment rather than taking four-wheelers, dirt bikes and ATVs out to pollute and grind the planet.
Now back to the video bashing already in progress (or is it regress?)
My identity is certainly not wrapped up in one sport or occupation, but it’s interesting how others like to typecast.
The sad sad thing is the lack of acknowledgement that our hobby is actually doing something positive for ourselves and the environment rather than taking four-wheelers, dirt bikes and ATVs out to pollute and grind the planet.
Now back to the video bashing already in progress (or is it regress?)
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Likes For rsbob:
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,806
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1944 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
I could only manage 5 minutes of the whining and then moved it forward a couple of times. The truth is, unlike the narrator, a person really has to be involved in riding, to endure that video. Non-cyclists would have shut it off after a minute or two.
As far as how people react, I think it all depends on where you live. In communities where there are a lot of active people, and people riding, it is not a big deal. No one I know ever thinks twice about it, or complains. I do consider my self lucky to live in good year round weather and have nearly every road with bikes lanes.
I understand how it would be more hostile is an urban environment or and older community that has no means to expand roadways to accommodate cyclists without doing so at the expense of drivers.
John
As far as how people react, I think it all depends on where you live. In communities where there are a lot of active people, and people riding, it is not a big deal. No one I know ever thinks twice about it, or complains. I do consider my self lucky to live in good year round weather and have nearly every road with bikes lanes.
I understand how it would be more hostile is an urban environment or and older community that has no means to expand roadways to accommodate cyclists without doing so at the expense of drivers.
John
#11
Senior Member
I was in Toronto when crackhead Bob was mayor. He was funny.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,595
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 608 Post(s)
Liked 352 Times
in
225 Posts
I will watch the video later but I don't bunch everyone who rides two wheels as cyclists. Some are just bike riders. I am a cyclist and identify as much. My wife does not consider herself as a cyclist but someone who just rides a bicycle occasionally.
At the same time I am not a motorist, I am someone who drives a car and hates every single moment of it.
At the same time I am not a motorist, I am someone who drives a car and hates every single moment of it.
Likes For blakcloud:
#13
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
If you ride a motorcycle, you're a motorcycle rider, if you drive a car, you're a driver. Drive any motorised wheeled vehicle, and you are a motorist. Ride a bicycle (or tricycle or whatever) and you are a cyclist.
If you do it all, you are all of it. It's an umbrella term.
If you hit someone not in or on a vehicle, you're hitting a pedestrian, regardless of whether that person stands still, jogs, sprint, doing yoga, or whatever.
Sometimes I'm a pedestrian, sometimes I am a passenger in or on some vehicle (wheeled or not), sometimes I'm a rower, sometimes I'm a cyclist, sometimes I'm a motorcyclist (one subset of "motorist") and sometimes I'm a car driver (another subset of "motorist").
Cyclist is an umbrella term, so, yes, I sometimes "identify" as such (when I'm on my bikes, mostly). However, there are many subsets of "cyclists", so whether one is commuting, another grocery getting, mountain biking, gravel riding, touring, bike packing, road biking, endurance riding, and a plethora of other subsets, you are still a cyclist. Doing one, more, or all of the different subsets doesn't mean you're not a cyclist.
Look at the laws everwhere. If you're riding a bike (not a moped or motorcycle), you're a cyclist. It is just a word meaning you're on a bicycle (or tricycle or unicycle or whatever).
There is nothing wrong about the term, it is not perjorative other than what some people want it to be when it suits them (context!). The only problem with it, as with all umbrella terms, is that it quickly becomes pretty vague and useless the moment you try to differentiate between different subsets.
Oh, and you ARE a motorist when you drive a car. It doesn't matter if you like driving it. You are still a motorist.
If you do it all, you are all of it. It's an umbrella term.
If you hit someone not in or on a vehicle, you're hitting a pedestrian, regardless of whether that person stands still, jogs, sprint, doing yoga, or whatever.
Sometimes I'm a pedestrian, sometimes I am a passenger in or on some vehicle (wheeled or not), sometimes I'm a rower, sometimes I'm a cyclist, sometimes I'm a motorcyclist (one subset of "motorist") and sometimes I'm a car driver (another subset of "motorist").
Cyclist is an umbrella term, so, yes, I sometimes "identify" as such (when I'm on my bikes, mostly). However, there are many subsets of "cyclists", so whether one is commuting, another grocery getting, mountain biking, gravel riding, touring, bike packing, road biking, endurance riding, and a plethora of other subsets, you are still a cyclist. Doing one, more, or all of the different subsets doesn't mean you're not a cyclist.
Look at the laws everwhere. If you're riding a bike (not a moped or motorcycle), you're a cyclist. It is just a word meaning you're on a bicycle (or tricycle or unicycle or whatever).
There is nothing wrong about the term, it is not perjorative other than what some people want it to be when it suits them (context!). The only problem with it, as with all umbrella terms, is that it quickly becomes pretty vague and useless the moment you try to differentiate between different subsets.
Oh, and you ARE a motorist when you drive a car. It doesn't matter if you like driving it. You are still a motorist.
#14
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,538
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3672 Post(s)
Liked 5,427 Times
in
2,757 Posts
I've seen much more tiresome, whiny inverse snobbery on BF than actual snobbery.
Likes For shelbyfv:
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,373
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2482 Post(s)
Liked 2,953 Times
in
1,678 Posts
And, as CargoDane says, if you ride a bike, you're a cyclist, period.
Likes For Trakhak:
Likes For Reynolds:
#17
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,215
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2581 Post(s)
Liked 5,637 Times
in
2,921 Posts
I’m a psycholist
acknowledgement is the first step to recovery.
acknowledgement is the first step to recovery.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,237
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18413 Post(s)
Liked 15,536 Times
in
7,328 Posts
#19
Silver Comet Fred
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: NW Metro Atl.
Posts: 12,065
Bikes: 1
Mentioned: 145 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8834 Post(s)
Liked 2,979 Times
in
1,734 Posts
#20
Clark W. Griswold
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,516
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4353 Post(s)
Liked 3,992 Times
in
2,664 Posts
Likes For veganbikes:
#21
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
#22
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
Nah, those people aren't "serious cyclists". They're "serious trainers" who need "serious equipment" to show themselves and their fellow exercisers how "serious" they train. And nothing can get in the way of their interval training or oxygen uptake, or whatever it is they care about
Likes For CargoDane:
#24
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,215
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2581 Post(s)
Liked 5,637 Times
in
2,921 Posts
If you ask the majority of hard-core mtn bikers if they are ‘cyclists’ they would probably ask what you are smoking. Their idea of cyclists are pavement and gravel riders, where their domain is harrowing drops, fording creeks, jumping logs and rocks, climbing to yield fast technical descents. I do both road and mtn and they are completely different disciplines.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Likes For rsbob:
#25
Not a newbie to cycling
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 911
Bikes: Omnium Cargo Ti with Rohloff, Bullitt Milk Plus, Dahon Smooth Hound
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 323 Times
in
199 Posts
If you ask the majority of hard-core mtn bikers if they are ‘cyclists’ they would probably ask what you are smoking. Their idea of cyclists are pavement and gravel riders, where their domain is harrowing drops, fording creeks, jumping logs and rocks, climbing to yield fast technical descents. I do both road and mtn and they are completely different disciplines.
Just because they think "cyclist" means a particular type of road cycling doesn't mean that they aren't cyclists. They are on bikes = Bicycles = Bicyclists = cyclists. If they were on three wheels they'd be "tricyclists" = cyclists.
You don't even have to look further than this very site: All types of cycles (uni-, bi-, tri-) here and all types of cyclists, including mountain bikers, road bikers, trike people, At least one cargo tosser (me), commuters, gravel bikers, indoor trainers, and what have you.