I don't care if you're doing efforts – all cyclists should wave to each other on their rides
Solidarity between cyclists is one of the nicest things about being on two wheels. Why do some people eschew it?
This article is part of a series called ‘A love letter to…’, where Cycling Weekly writers pour praise on their favourite cycling items (or, people) and share the personal connection they have with them. In this case, it is a break-up letter to fellow riders who don't return a friendly wave. The below content is unfiltered, authentic and has not been paid for.
Imagine, for a moment, you're on a country lane, on a lone cycle on a warm spring afternoon. In the distance, as you squint, a cyclist is pedalling towards you. As they near, you raise your hand in a salute, and they do the same back. That's it, just a moment.
There is something pure about two cyclists greeting each other as they go past. It's an acknowledgement that despite everything else, you share something, being on two wheels, in this place, at this time.
It's a little greeting, just a little nod or a wave to recognise that you exist, but it never fails to charm me. It's as if you're in an exclusive club, the collective of mad people out on your bike on whatever day it is. It crosses generations, gender, types of rider, and it always makes me smile.
It feels like an unofficial rule that you should do it, unless you really can't. All it takes is a brief smile, a nod, or a lifting of a hand from the handlebar. It's just good to realise that you are not alone in your vulnerability, that you're part of something bigger. As people in cars drive past each other anonymously, it's a reminder that cyclists are different.
However, not everyone waves back. This is obviously because cyclists aren't automatically nice as a group; there are idiots who cycle, just as there are lots of idiots who don't cycle too, but it's never fun. It punctures the ideal that cyclists are special, that there is something better about us just because we use our bikes. Sadly, there is not.
On a clear day, when I can see a rider coming from miles away, I like to try and work out what kind of person is coming towards me. It's a fun game to play, to bet on whether it will be someone friendly or not.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
There are signs to indicate it will be a non-waver. It is invariably a man, normally on an expensive bike in expensive gear. Maybe they're mid 'effort' on whatever country lane you find yourself on, but this is hardly an excuse, just give a slight nod or raise your eyebrows. Often, it'll be a whole group of men, studiously annoying their peer on the other side of the road.
It would be extreme to read too much of this, to suggest that this is all to do with the rampant individualism that is present in our society, but it isn't unrelated. Cycling is such a fun collective thing, and even when we head out alone on our bikes, it is nice to acknowledge others taking part in the same activity.
I have had enough of people not waving back. It's such a small thing, but it takes no effort at all, and is just small act of kindness in a sometimes cruel world. Sure, this is hyperbolic, but just wave, nod, or smile. I'll appreciate it, anyway.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Adam is Cycling Weekly’s news editor – his greatest love is road racing but as long as he is cycling, he's happy. Before joining CW in 2021 he spent two years writing for Procycling. He's usually out and about on the roads of Bristol and its surrounds.
Before cycling took over his professional life, he covered ecclesiastical matters at the world’s largest Anglican newspaper and politics at Business Insider. Don't ask how that is related to riding bikes.
-
The comfiest cycling shoes I’ve ever worn are over 50% off this Cyber Monday
The Fizik Vento Infinito Knit Carbon 2 shoes currently have almost £200 off at Sigma Sports
By Adam Becket Published
-
Cyber Monday essential discounts - best winter gloves to combat the cold and wet
Tech Editor Simon Fellows shares his picks from Rapha, Castelli, Gorewear, Pearl Izumi and more. Ideal for Christmas gifting
By Simon Fellows Published
-
Why the humble cycling buff is my favourite piece of winter kit
Go wild, it's snood season
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Most cyclists dread ramp tests - but I can't get enough
There's real pleasure in self-inflicted virtual riding pain
By Tom Davidson Published
-
I'm a fair weather cyclist - and I'm not ashamed
I may have less grinta, but at least I've always got a grin when I ride
By Tom Davidson Published
-
I ditched my cycling computer - now I listen to the birds sing when I ride
My reasons for riding have shifted and I don't care to pore over the data anymore
By Joe Baker Published
-
I've packed away my Zwift trainer - it's farewell until winter
We'll meet again, indoor cycling, but summer is for the outdoors
By Tom Davidson Published
-
I lost the joy in cycling - here's why I broke up with my coach
For my sake, and my dogs', I decided to call time on coached training
By Adam Jones Published
-
Don't waste your money on expensive cases - here's why I keep my phone in a sandwich bag when cycling
Forget designer pouches, my trusty sandwich bag provides the safest of homes from downpours
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
I love wearing pro team kit - even if it is against 'the rules'
There’s a Facebook page to mock those who wear it, but I love pro kit
By Adam Jones Published