Let’s get this out of the way first – I’m a long-time waver.
If I see you out on the road on your bike, I will acknowledge you. It doesn’t matter to me what bike you’re riding or what you’re wearing. If you’re out riding, I’m going to either wave or say hello. I’ll even say hello if I overtake you, or (more likely) if you overtake me. For me, a wave or a hello is an act of solidarity – we’re out there in the trenches together fighting the same good fight for two-wheeled freedom and the joy it brings us.
Let’s get one thing out of the way – it’s not going to be a two-handed crazy wave. It just might be a one finger country type salute, or a nod of the head and a meeting of glances, but there will be acknowledgement.
I used to wave a lot less – before cycling became super popular, I knew most of the people I would see out riding- we were a small community and to not wave would be rude. Now thankfully, there are heaps more people out riding their bikes but I still wave and say hello.
It doesn’t matter to me if you wave back, although if you do that’s awesome. I’m just out there, riding, waving and sharing the love – welcoming you into the band of cycling brothers and sisters. It’s not about you, it’s about me. I just want us all, cyclists, to feel that we are in this together. We’re out there, riding our bikes and looking out for each other and having fun (#Rule 1).
So if you see me out there – give me a wave. Or not, you do you.
Waving – what do you think? Let me know in the comments below.
