Day 75 - A Cyclist's Rant

Often times, when I tell people that I ride my bike, I get an immediate negative reaction. Sometimes people will just reply with "I hate cyclists," which surprises me, since it's usually said right after I say that I'm a cyclist.

I used to just ignore the comment, or reply with something empathetic like, "yeah, a lot of cyclists are assholes." Although recently, I've gotten tired of it. The last few times this was said to me, I politely reminded the other person that I just said that I'm a cyclist.

The other person usually comes back with something like, "Well, if you follow the rules, I don't hate you." Or "I don't hate you. I just hate cyclists."

It's frustrating that people don't think blanket statements like that would bother me.

The comparison that immediately comes to mind is race. Although I know that would be an ignorant comparison. The last thing people want to read about is a young, white, tech worker comparing some minor strife they have with racial prejudice.

I realized that it's actually much more like telling a lawyer that you hate lawyers. You have a choice in your mode of transport as you do in your career. When someone decides to practice law, or to ride a bike, there is nothing wrong with that decision. In fact, both decisions could be great ones. Riding your bike reduces traffic, helps the environment, and helps the rider get fresh air and exercise. To be a lawyer, you have to be smart and driven and you could use your degree for various good causes.

The choice in and of itself isn't bad, as long as you obey the law and ride/practice with a conscience. Although because other people who have made the same choices in the past have done bad things, you're lumped into that negative category.

So please, if anyone is reading this, when someone says that they are a cyclist, or a lawyer, or a politician, or a motorcyclist, don't say "Motorcycles are so loud and annoying!" Or "All politicians are terrible!" Remember, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.