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Do People Stare at You When You Ride?

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Old 08-05-15, 02:30 PM
  #1  
sam_cyclist
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Do People Stare at You When You Ride?

I have to admit, I really enjoy the attention.

When I ride my road bike, I am fully kitted out. Neon jersey, windblox, wide oversized sunglasses, fancy shmancy looking clothing, helmet with flashlight atop at night, and a very eye catching bike.

My "hybrid" is very eye catching, too.

People constantly stare at me as I pass by. They will look right into my eyes, wide eyed and just stare as I pass. Some will literally stop and stare, slack jawed.

---

At stop lights, people ask me how much my bike cost and tell me how great it looks.

---

I admit, I stare at riders as they pass by as well when I go for walks. It seems so much faster and funner than walking!

Do people stare when you ride? What do you attribute this to?
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Old 08-05-15, 02:44 PM
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...huge package?
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Old 08-05-15, 02:47 PM
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PepeM
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But do they wave?
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Old 08-05-15, 02:50 PM
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Yes, I've grown accustomed to the pointing and laughter as well.
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Old 08-05-15, 03:00 PM
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nope, but again, I am not very pretty.
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Old 08-05-15, 03:02 PM
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World naked bike riding day ,, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Naked_Bike_Ride
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Old 08-05-15, 03:03 PM
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Originally Posted by sam_cyclist
I have to admit, I really enjoy the attention.

When I ride my road bike, I am fully kitted out. Neon jersey, windblox, wide oversized sunglasses, fancy shmancy looking clothing, helmet with flashlight atop at night, and a very eye catching bike.

My "hybrid" is very eye catching, too.

People constantly stare at me as I pass by. They will look right into my eyes, wide eyed and just stare as I pass. Some will literally stop and stare, slack jawed.

---

At stop lights, people ask me how much my bike cost and tell me how great it looks.

---

I admit, I stare at riders as they pass by as well when I go for walks. It seems so much faster and funner than walking!

Do people stare when you ride? What do you attribute this to?
Waiting for a Pic.
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Old 08-05-15, 03:58 PM
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They're staring at you because your bike still has the dork disc and is cross chained all the time.
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Old 08-05-15, 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Doctor Morbius
They're staring at you because your bike still has the dork disc and is cross chained all the time.
Ah, poor girl. Need a hug?
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Old 08-05-15, 05:04 PM
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Old 08-05-15, 07:17 PM
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Newbies often think everyone is looking at them.

What they don't realise is that everyone is so engrossed in their own lives (and often their smartphones), that no one sees anyone anymore.

Cyclists, in particular, wear a cloaking device. We are invisible. This does, of course, pose problems when we, in our invisible state, are located right where a vehicle wants to go.
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Old 08-05-15, 07:18 PM
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Doctor Morbius
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Originally Posted by sam_cyclist
Ah, poor girl. Need a hug?
Yes, because nobody stares at me when I ride.
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Old 08-05-15, 08:29 PM
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I don't dress like a comic book superhero or dress like some flamboyant clown... I make sure to wear clothes which allow me to blend in with the crowd and not stand out, why make yourself a target ??, why dress in some provocative costume to attract unwanted attention ??
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Old 08-05-15, 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Machka
Newbies often think everyone is looking at them.

What they don't realise is that everyone is so engrossed in their own lives (and often their smartphones), that no one sees anyone anymore.

Cyclists, in particular, wear a cloaking device. We are invisible. This does, of course, pose problems when we, in our invisible state, are located right where a vehicle wants to go.
This is so true. We all are self conscious starting out and somewhat embarrassed, and we think everyone is staring. In reality no one cares or notices.

Fast forward a few years and I'm riding along when a car stopped. The driver just said he didn't see me. My thought was I did something wrong but after we talked, he was shocked he didn't see a cyclist and said he worried himself tgat he might hit one. I was dressed in bright colors in the mid day
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Old 08-05-15, 08:49 PM
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Originally Posted by wolfchild
I don't dress like a comic book superhero or dress like some flamboyant clown... I make sure to wear clothes which allow me to blend in with the crowd and not stand out, why make yourself a target ??, why dress in some provocative costume to attract unwanted attention ??
To make yourself stand out do you font get hit by a vehicle. Cycling clothes are also functional and make the tide more enjoyable and comfortable if you are going longer distances.
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Old 08-05-15, 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by wolfchild
I don't dress like a comic book superhero or dress like some flamboyant clown... I make sure to wear clothes which allow me to blend in with the crowd and not stand out, why make yourself a target ??, why dress in some provocative costume to attract unwanted attention ??
My bikes AND me are bright as freaking possible in color. The more I stand out, the better. My blood belongs in my body, not on the road. I'm naturally an introvert, but also love vivid color, so I get over the everbody sees me bit.
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Old 08-05-15, 10:17 PM
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Nah! I'm so fast I'm gone before they have a chance to look up.



Well, fairy tales like that should start out "Once upon a time. . . ."
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Old 08-06-15, 05:33 AM
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I'm only hoping that drivers see me with enough time to avoid smacking me off the road or worse. Bike riders are nearly as common as joggers or walkers, but not as common as drivers. No, I suppose few people take notice of me. That's fine. I just want the driver who would become my killer to see me beforehand and steer clear...
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Old 08-06-15, 08:55 AM
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Ditch the Flo Pink bike and the tassels on the handlebars! I don't have that issue, I'm always going too fast for them to stare.
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Old 08-06-15, 08:59 AM
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The only I notice if someone sees me is when I try to make eye contact if approaching an intersection. I doubt anyone is staring...unless they also ride.
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Old 08-06-15, 09:17 AM
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I'm pretty much invisible, be it on my commuter wearing civilian clothes or on the "race" bikes wearing full battle gear - cars never see me. If I want to be seen, especially at night, I turn the strobe on. In fact, on city streets, at night, cars get out of the way when I come behind them with the strobe at full blast.

One of these days I'll have to ride naked to see if I'm truly invisible.
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Old 08-06-15, 10:32 AM
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People try to stare at me, but most folks can't move their necks that fast without getting whiplash.

Sorry, I'm not paying your chiropractic bill.
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Old 08-06-15, 10:34 AM
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I think you would be surprised to know how little attention is paid by people you ride past. Get over yourself.
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Old 08-06-15, 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by StanSeven
To make yourself stand out do you font get hit by a vehicle. Cycling clothes are also functional and make the tide more enjoyable and comfortable if you are going longer distances.
Ding ding ding!! And we have a definitive winner.
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Old 08-06-15, 10:38 AM
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the invisibility is part of why cars drive over cyclists as if they were not there.
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