Recruiting Your Friends

[Arlingtonrider]

Funny that this thread came up now. One of my neighborhood women friends admitted to “bicycling envy” a short time ago, and just this week two of my work colleagues, separately, were asking me lots of questions about bike commuting. I haven’t tried to convert anyone, but they all seem to want a way to find more time to get exercise and they see how much I’m enjoying it. I’m happy to share what I know and how much fun it is, and to tell people about the resources and classes available through WABA and BikeArlington.

[dasgeh]

@krazygl00 45073 wrote:

It’s ok to dawdle along on a cheap hybrid if you aren’t into cycling, but at least have something you pursue like no one else pursues.

WHOA! Elite much? I’ve very into cycling/bike riding/what have you, and I’m not much interested in your style of riding (I do triathlons, but slowly). I think it’s great that you’re into it, just don’t judge me for enjoying the bike in ways that you don’t. I even understand if you don’t want to dawdle with people who are just learning or who are not as fast as you or not interested in being so. But the disdain you have for them isn’t helping the effort to get more people on bikes.

As for your wife, send her my way* — I’d be happy to show her that cycling slowly can be AWESOME and that riding your bike more to do everyday things can make them AWESOME too. Maybe she’ll even get into it and want to ride like you do. Maybe not. But it looks like your way isn’t getting her on a bike more.

*Seriously. I need newbie women cyclists for my Roll Model network.

[ShawnoftheDread]

I’m closing in on 1500 miles for the year, mostly on my cheap hybrid. For what it’s worth.

[consularrider]

@ShawnoftheDread 45096 wrote:

I’m closing in on 1500 miles for the year, mostly on my cheap hybrid. For what it’s worth.

My 2200 miles in 2013 are split about 50/50 between my two cheap hybrids and the road bike.

Back on topic, I am frequently asked about bikes and commuting at work, much less so in other places. In general people say how much they would like to start commuting by bike, but so far only one or two have carried through with it. I help lead rides with a casual bike group in part to encourage new riders.

[acc]

I’ve gotten some miles on the Sparkle Bike, chase hills on my mountain bike, and go on social rides on my road bike with Liz.

In reading through the posts I notice there are many communities of riding styles. Some people like the safety and reassurance of riding with a group. Some prefer to ride alone. Some prefer to ride with a single gender. Some form a social group around riding. In this area there are any number of groups available to get people started on bikes. But what cannot be lost in this discussion is basic safety instruction.

I think it’s unwise to take novices out into the streets without a Confident City Cyling class in their back pocket. It’s not safe for them and it’s not safe for their preceptor.

[krazygl00]

@dasgeh 45091 wrote:

@krazygl00 45073 wrote:

It’s ok to dawdle along on a cheap hybrid if you aren’t into cycling, but at least have something you pursue like no one else pursues.

WHOA! Elite much? I’ve very into cycling/bike riding/what have you, and I’m not much interested in your style of riding (I do triathlons, but slowly). I think it’s great that you’re into it, just don’t judge me for enjoying the bike in ways that you don’t.

I think you’re misinterpreting my use of the word “dawdle”. To me it is not “to ride slowly”; it is “to waste time” or “do something idly”. Spending two hours getting ready, driving to the spot where you’re going to start, bringing a bunch of crap you don’t need, stopping repeatedly for no good reason, then calling it a day after 45 minutes…THAT’S dawdling. To me it has nothing to do with your average speed. Sometimes I ride slowly. Sometimes I ride fast. And my “fast” may be others’ “slow”. So in that sense, you probably are interested in my style of riding.

Actually if it makes you feel better I do regret saying “cheap hybrid” in that statement, because there is nothing at all wrong with them. I said it unthinkingly, not intending to criticize. I think you’re reading my post far too seriously. I never said anyone has to have an expensive bike or a certain type of bike to be a “true cyclist”, but I think it is fair to say that those who become more enthusiastic about any given pursuit will tend to have nicer gear for said pursuit. It’s not a requirement…just an observation. For many, myself included, it is as much about the love of the machine as it is of the activity. Serious runners tend to have nice shoes. Serious pool players tend to have nice cue sticks. If you love skeet shooting, it’s highly unlikely you’re out there with a 1978 pump action Sears twelve gauge. But if that’s what you want to shoot with then I’m not gonna stop you, and if you’re really good well then hey that’s great.

I even understand if you don’t want to dawdle with people who are just learning or who are not as fast as you or not interested in being so. But the disdain you have for them isn’t helping the effort to get more people on bikes.

I think that was my point…I’ve stopped trying to get more people on bikes. Not everyone believes cycling will save the world. Some people merely want to improve as much as they can the infrastructure, the opportunities and the awareness, and share knowledge and experiences. If more people wind up riding, wonderful.

As for disdain, these people are still my friends. I didn’t stop talking to them. I didn’t yell at them or shoot them or anything. I generously allowed them to keep breathing the same air that I do. And never once have I ever criticized them for not riding like I do. This is about me deciding not to be miserable trying to get people to do things they’re really not interested in. Except for my kids. There will be rivers of tears if necessary to turn them into ELITE riders.

As for your wife, send her my way* — I’d be happy to show her that cycling slowly can be AWESOME and that riding your bike more to do everyday things can make them AWESOME too. Maybe she’ll even get into it and want to ride like you do. Maybe not. But it looks like your way isn’t getting her on a bike more.

That’s a bit presumptuous of you. When I can get her out doing it, she loves riding…even with me, the ELITE jerk. I’m not a taskmaster. I don’t berate her for not keeping up a breakneck pace. Her reasons for not riding more are her own. Actually, we ride at a pretty casual pace but we still have a great time. These days it’s while pulling a trailer full of kids.

@consularrider 45105 wrote:

My 2200 miles in 2013 are split about 50/50 between my two cheap hybrids and the road bike.

This sounds a bit like something Yogi Berra would have said

[Rod Smith]

@ShawnoftheDread 45096 wrote:

I’m closing in on 1500 miles for the year, mostly on my cheap hybrid. For what it’s worth.

@consularrider 45105 wrote:

My 2200 miles in 2013 are split about 50/50 between my two cheap hybrids and the road bike…

ELITE hybrid riders! I can’t say my work horse was cheap. I paid over $300 for it!

[Rod Smith]

To keep on topic, I haven’t recruited any riders that I know of. I like to imagine some of the motorists who see me might be inspired to give it a try. Many will comment on the trailer and ask where they can get one.

Limited success even with my own extended family. I don’t have children of my own but I taught one of my nephews and my niece to ride. The other nephew is in college and cannot ride a bicycle! The niece will ride with me in Middlesex Fells when I visit once a year but otherwise never rides, would rather walk to high school than ride a bike…

[lordofthemark]

I guess at this point I am more a recruitee. I had a coworker who commuted to downtown DC from maryland, did bike racing and similar, and was always talking about biking. He just retired, but has promised to come for bike to work day to see me actually commute in (even though it will almost certainly be a transit to bike commute for me). He gave me advice on various things as I started out.

I will talk to others if asked, but don’t feel knowledgeable enough to do real outreach.

[eminva]

Well, extending acc’s religion metaphor, I recently became a League Cycling Instructor, so I guess I’m not just an evangelist, I’m full on televangelist with the big hair and excessive makeup. That said, I take a low key approach outside of class. I do get questions and try to answer them. Other than that, I often try to encourage recreational cyclists to give commuting or utility cycling a try. I never raise it with someone who has no obvious interest or attachment to cycling.

A note to all of you trying to raise the younguns’ right — best wishes. My 12-year-old is starting to show some interest, but that may be process of elimination — he is getting burned out on swimming at the moment. Also, the exact moment your kid displays enough stamina and speed to be a good riding partner for you, spending quality time with mom or dad will be the last thing in the world that he or she is interested in.

Liz

[Greenbelt]

This is just a hunch, but I think lots of people are hesitant to get started cycling on their own. I think shops and clubs should try to set up more beginner rides (flat, 10-12 miles max) for people just starting. I think these slower rides are actually pretty fun to lead on spring/summer weekends, since I’m worn out from commuting all week anyway, and don’t need anything hard. Can be extremely rewarding to see the smiles on somebody who really wasn’t sure they could do it!

[ShawnoftheDread]

@eminva 45182 wrote:

Well, extending acc’s religion metaphor, I recently became a League Cycling Instructor, so I guess I’m not just an evangelist, I’m full on televangelist with the big hair and excessive makeup. That said, I take a low key approach outside of class. I do get questions and try to answer them. Other than that, I often try to encourage recreational cyclists to give commuting or utility cycling a try. I never raise it with someone who has no obvious interest or attachment to cycling.

Liz

Nah, you sound more like a Sunday school teacher.

[Rod Smith]

@Greenbelt 45185 wrote:

This is just a hunch, but I think lots of people are hesitant to get started cycling on their own. I think shops and clubs should try to set up more beginner rides (flat, 10-12 miles max) for people just starting. I think these slower rides are actually pretty fun to lead on spring/summer weekends, since I’m worn out from commuting all week anyway, and don’t need anything hard. Can be extremely rewarding to see the smiles on somebody who really wasn’t sure they could do it!

I thought of you when I was reading this thread. You have played a role in my development as a cyclist beyond just a guy who uses a bike at work. I’m sure there are many others whose cycling world you have expanded. Thanks.

[oldbikechick]

I would never encourage anyone else to bike – there are too many people on the trail already!

Just kidding…(kind of)

I have had a lot of people show interest in commuting and ask questions, and some who start, but then stop. I think it really comes down to how easy it is for people for them to start and stick with it. I’m lucky to have a good set up – don’t have to drop off my kids anywhere in the morning (which is a big bike commuting killer for working parents), have great facilities at work and bike path almost the whole way. If it is not that easy, then it takes an extra level of dedication that many folks may not have if they are not lifelong cyclists. And it could also be very daunting to people who are not very comfortable on a bike. Really aggressive behavior by other cyclists on the trail does not help those timid folks and can be an obstacle. Those who mentioned bringing their kids up biking, I think that really is important (lifelong cyclists in the making!).

[jnva]

I’ve recruited one person at work, and I always try to point out to people that say I’m crazy for riding in the winter that its more crazy to be stuck in traffic and then have to pay $15 to park. Some people don’t realize that bikes park for free.

[Author]

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