Do the serious riders look down on riders with e-bikes?

[Birru]

I don’t take cycling too seriously, but I can’t imagine ever looking down on technology that gives someone the freedom to ride with their kids and get out and enjoy this wonderful hobby. Have fun!

[Steve O]

I’m not sure what a “serious” cyclist is (although one might claim Bob James is one serious cyclist!).
I think on this forum we are much more likely to look down on people based on their asshat behavior than on their machine. Ride with awareness and courtesy and no one will care about your bike.

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[dbb]

There was a great thread recently where most of the issues got addressed. Bottom line, welcome to the cycling community and work to play nice with others!

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?11748-Are-E-bikes-legal-in-DC-VA-MD

[Judd]

@dhs1963 158666 wrote:

I do not want a bike with a throttle — that is a motorcycle.

No one is going to look down on you as long as the above statement is true. The only e-bikes that tend to raise everyone’s cackles are those ridden by people that go zooming down the trails at 20-25 mph making close passes.

I think it’s awesome that your motivation is to ride with your daughter. Hope to see you out on the trails or at a coffee club.

[dhs1963]

@Judd 158671 wrote:

No one is going to look down on you as long as the above statement is true. The only e-bikes that tend to raise everyone’s cackles are those ridden by people that go zooming down the trails at 20-25 mph making close passes.

I think it’s awesome that your motivation is to ride with your daughter. Hope to see you out on the trails or at a coffee club.

Thank you. These replies are helpful. I was worried of being shunned. My other reason for wanting to ride is I need to get in better shape…I currently have a collection of 4 cardiac stents. I am in my mid 50’s, and because of genetics, I have to worry about stressing my heart.

By the way, If you have been at the coffee shop right off the WO & D in Vienna (Caffe Amouri), you may have seen me….

[Birru]

@dhs1963 158673 wrote:

By the way, If you have been at the coffee shop right off the WO & D in Vienna (Caffe Amouri), you may have seen me….

Nice! There’s a Thursday coffee club that meets there at about 7:15a.

[streetsmarts]

@Judd 158671 wrote:

No one is going to look down on you as long as the above statement is true. The only e-bikes that tend to raise everyone’s cackles are those ridden by people that go zooming down the trails at 20-25 mph making close passes.

I think it’s awesome that your motivation is to ride with your daughter. Hope to see you out on the trails or at a coffee club.

I agree with all the folks above . Welcome to the community! Glad you want to get out and ride again and also that your daughter wants to.

Also I would add that The only *bikes* (e-bike or not) that tend to raise everyone’s cackles are those ridden by people that go zooming down the trails at 20-25 mph making close passes.

The trails are for walkers, runners, cyclists and little kids.

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[anomad]

I love bikes… electric bikes, motor bikes, and most of all pedal bikes. True motorcycles are meant for the road, obviously. But ebikes are more than welcome on the around normal pedal bikes if the rider is considerate and plays well with others. I met two Canadian tourists last summer on eBikes, they weren’t young. We exchanged pleasantries, chatted a bit, and they politely zoomed off into a headwind I was burying myself to maintain 15mph against. Wonderful people, I hope I see them again this summer.

[accordioneur]

@dhs1963 158673 wrote:

… and because of genetics, I have to worry about stressing my heart.

Good to hear from a fellow member of the bad genes club. I’m a fairly fit 50-something currently recovering from heart surgery. I intend to be back on the bike as soon as I can, whether it’s pedal-powered, electric-assisted, under sail, or whatever. I think it’s great that you’re determined to bike with your daughter and I’ll join the previous posters in offering encouragement!

During my current daily walking regime I’ve been buzzed by any number of cyclists, few of whom call their passes. Over time I’ve seen both well-behaved electric-assisted cyclists and the the folks who go way too fast. Be courteous and considerate and all will be well.

[Sunyata]

As someone who considers herself a serious(ly fun) cyclist, welcome back to the community! It sounds like you are a conscientious person who cares about how you treat others, and really that is all that matters. Ride your bike safely and politely, get back in shape, enjoy time with your daughter, and come to a coffee club or happy hour and introduce yourself to the group.

[Birru]

@Sunyata 158687 wrote:

As someone who considers herself a serious(ly fun) cyclist, welcome back to the community! It sounds like you are a conscientious person who cares about how you treat others, and really that is all that matters. Ride your bike safely and politely, get back in shape, enjoy time with your daughter, and come to a coffee club or happy hour and introduce yourself to the group.

Just a word of warning that if you join the group… you can never leave!

[DanB]

@accordioneur 158686 wrote:

I intend to be back on the bike as soon as I can, whether it’s pedal-powered, electric-assisted, under sail, or whatever.

Just add an electric fan, and you could have all three!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]14611[/ATTACH]

[Steve O]

@dhs1963 158673 wrote:

Thank you. These replies are helpful. I was worried of being shunned..

Evidently we’re not good at that. We’ve been trying to shun Judd for months, and he keeps showing up anyway.

:p

[Steve O]

@Birru 158674 wrote:

Nice! There’s a Thursday coffee club that meets there at about 7:15a.

All the coffee clubs are on the FS Official-ish calendar, which you can find on the FS home page.
Also, other rides, social gatherings and bicycling events of interest may be found, like happy hours and Midnight Saddles rides.

[streetsmarts]

@Steve O 158706 wrote:

All the coffee clubs are on the FS Official-ish calendar, which you can find on the FS home page.
Also, other rides, social gatherings and bicycling events of interest may be found, like happy hours and Midnight Saddles rides.

Ok now explain FS to this new person. In 2 sentences or less.

My take: ride like the wind in winter

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