7 Positive Responses to Non-Cyclist Complaints and Questions
Updated On
December 1, 2025
No matter what else I have accomplished in my life, I am invariably introduced to new people as A Cyclist. And once that aspect of my identity is revealed, the questions and assumptions begin. We all have cycling-naïve people in our lives and encounter people who either don’t understand why we ride or use the occasion of meeting a cyclist as an opportunity to unload all their complaints about every cyclist they’ve ever seen. Being a cyclist doesn’t mean it’s your responsibility to defend the whole cycling community, but here are some positive responses to common non-cyclist complaints and questions.
“Why don’t you use the bike lanes we pay for with our tax dollars?”
We gladly use bike lanes when they make sense and go places we want to go. Sometimes it’s safer to ride on lower-traffic roads without bike lanes compared to high-traffic, high-speed roads with frequent intersections or curbside parking spaces. Bike lanes sometimes end unexpectedly or you’re encountering us on sections of road between areas with bike lanes. Some cities are getting better about using cycling heatmaps to align infrastructure with routes cyclists already use, but it’s a slow process.
“I don’t understand why you’re all dressed like you’re about to enter the Tour de France.”
People can ride bicycles around town or to the coffee shop in jeans and t-shirts, but for longer and more strenuous rides, the clothing you’re referring to is more comfortable, keeps us warm/dry/cool depending on the weather, and yes, it’s faster because it doesn’t flap in the wind as much. If I were to ride 8, 10, or 15 hours per week without cycling-specific clothing, I’d have rashes and sores all over my body from the moisture and pressure and chafing.
“If you want to be respected on the road, why don’t you follow traffic laws like everyone else? I always see cyclists running stop signs and riding out in the middle of the lane.”
In a growing number of states, cyclists can legally treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. In those places, like Colorado and Idaho, we must slow down for stop signs and give right of way to cars that arrive at the stop sign before us, but if the intersection is otherwise clear, a cyclist can legally roll through the stop sign. Conserving momentum makes a difference when you’re the engine!
As for riding in the lane, we’re supposed to ride as far to the right as we can safely, and that’s open for interpretation. Sometimes there are potholes, wet leaves, gravel, glass, or debris on the far right side of the road. Other times the road may be so narrow that I know there isn’t enough space for you to safely pass me, so I’ll ride farther out into the lane to discourage you from trying until I know there’s enough space for you to come by. Trust me, I’d rather you pass me than sit behind me, so I’ll give you room as soon as I can.
“I almost hit a cyclist this week. He came out of nowhere. You guys need to wear brighter clothing!”
Both cyclists and drivers can do more to “see” each other better. High-viz clothing and blinking headlights and taillights are useful, but they don’t help if a driver is looking at a phone or the giant infotainment system on their dashboard. There are some new technologies being developed, like Spoke, that may help cars communicate directly with cycling equipment for better early-detection. In the meantime, we have cycling lights and computers with rear-facing radar (Wahoo Trackr Radar, Lezyne Radar React System) that can at least warn us when you’re approaching from behind.
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We try to use bells to notify walkers and runners we’re coming past, and give you a wide berth, but consider that the speed difference feels similar to what we experience when you pass us in your car. That’s why those 3-foot laws or “Safe Passing Laws” matter to us on the road.
“If I have to pay for registration, insurance, and road taxes [as a driver], cyclists should have to do the same.”
I pay for car insurance, auto registration, and all the same taxes you pay. Most cyclists do, because we have cars and houses and jobs and buy gasoline, food, clothing, etc. But bicycles cause virtually zero wear and tear on infrastructure. If you want to pay based on the damage your vehicle causes, cars and trucks are subsidized by a lot of non-drivers and by taxes we all pay for lots of things that have nothing to do with driving or roads.
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“It’s just so dangerous. My brother’s coworker’s cousin got killed last year, and he had kids.”
Any death is a tragedy and the risks to cyclists are concerning. Nevertheless, I still choose to ride my bike outside but I take steps to reduce my risks, like riding indoors sometimes, riding on gravel roads and mountain bike trails part of the time, using bike paths when I can, and trying to avoid the busiest roads at the busiest times of day.
What works for you? What did I miss?
This is certainly not a comprehensive list of the questions and/or complaints cyclists hear at parties, family gatherings, or around the water cooler at work. What are your experiences, and how have you responded in constructive, educational, or positive ways? Contribute in the comments section!
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About the Author
Jim Rutberg
CTS Pro Endurance Coach
Jim Rutberg is a seasoned coach and endurance athlete with over two decades of experience, having co-authored ten influential books on training and nutrition, including “The Time-Crunched Cyclist”, "Training Essentials for Ultrarunning", and "Ride Inside." His unique blend of academic knowledge, elite racing experience, and hands-on coaching at CTS positions him as a leading expert in endurance sports, dedicated to helping athletes reach their highest potential while balancing family life and personal passion for cycling.
Comments 13
Sounds like cyclists have similar experiences in the US as we do here in the UK. While on holiday in California recently, I did see several signs informing drivers to give cyclists space. Some even mentioned a cycle taking up the whole lane. We don’t have that type of signage over here. Our highway code now recommends a passing clearance of 1.5m, about 5 feet, but 90% of drivers seem to be unaware.
When cycling in a group we try to limit the group to 6-8 and ride two-abreast, in this way we force drivers to treat us like a car. This is recommended in our highway code, but again many drivers don’t like this as they can’t squeeze past on our narrow roads.
Be aware, be polite, get a camera and report dangerous drivers. Our police take the reports seriously and tend to educate offenders rather than prosecute unless actual harm has taken place.
Something I always try to do is give a thumbs up or friendly wave to motorists who are courteous as I believe that goes a long way. Plus, I use common sense and ride defensively with an awareness (paranoia?) that all motorists are trying to hit me. LOL! However, as far as multi-use trails go, I will take my chances on the road.
When drivers tell me that roads were created for cars, I inform them that the Good Roads Movement made the first push for better roads beginning in May 1880 with the forming of the League of American Wheelmen. Bicyclists started the push for better roads, not car drivers.
Here in South Carolina, we have the nation’s highest rate of drunk drivers. We’re number three in distracted drivers. I imagine there is some overlap between the two groups so it’s drunk drivers on their phones. (And don’t get me started on permit-less concealed carry).
I’ve given up riding outdoors anywhere but my limited-access local neighborhood and indoors.
I believe I’ve lived this long, 73, because of a life of cycling; I’d hate for cycling to end my life.
When questioned like that, about cyclists who’re jerks, I’m always tempted to reply, “Yeah, well there are as*hole drivers, too,” but I refrain. 🙂
I’m not sure what the value is of it, but I when folks complain about cyclists I usually mention that in other countries, most of them in fact, these kinds of bad interactions aren’t nearly as common. The difference, I believe, is that people (and especially drivers) are raised to believe that cyclists of all types are a standard part of life, rather than an oddity. The result is better coexistence.
I will add that helmet use is quite sparse in many countries’ urban areas where cyclists are far more prevalent. I suppose all those 100s of 1000s of cyclists could just be stupid, but I’ll wager it’s really that they’re far less likely to be hit by a car ‘cause drivers are both more aware, more familiar with sharing the road, and more congenial towards cyclists.
Hello Skip I’d say most of mainland Europe and a few of the islands like Mallorca understand cycling. This is because until fairly recently most kids had a bike, so did their parents and grandparents. Professional cyclists still have a hero following and because most folks in Europe have owned a bike, they just “get it”. Here in the UK sadly we are becoming more intolerant of folks with different interests and have by the sound of it similar experiences as you guys.
I meet people who don’t have a clue why at age 71, I clock up more annual miles on my bike than I do in my car. They seem to think it’s dangerous and unpleasant. IMO he only reason it could be dangerous is because of an idiot in charge of a motor vehicle and we seem to tolerate that behavior.
Here’s another one I often get: “when you all ride in a group, why do you ride 4 to 5 cyclists wide? Would it kill you to ride single file? You’re taking up the entire lane!”. My response generally is a shrug and a “I try not to, but cycling can be a social sport and we occasionally like to talk to each other”
I’ve been a bicyclist for around 68 years and work hard to ride safely and be seen. The be seen is the most important part. I see so many walkers and bicyclists wearing all black and what color is 95% of e-bikes – black- a color that is not very visible.
I wear highly visible yellows, oranges and reds. My bike has blinking front and rear lights. I have highly reflective tape on my helmet and bike. My bike is a gold color. We as bicyclists have to take responsibility to be seen. No blacks or other dark colors and yet look in your typical bike catalog and what do you see?
I am almost 82 and have been riding for 40 years and my experience leads me to believe that some motorists are just unfriendly. However, the vast majority of people are not. You just take your chances when on the road and be careful as you can. The suggestions are good ones! Thanks.
I avoid riding on Friday evenings, especially around 5 pm. Drivers are in more of a hurry to get home, start their weekend, etc. and they will kill anyone or anything that gets in their way. I think you can actually feel their extra frantic self induced stress.
Agree. As a past medic I would add that later in the day more people are or have been drinking/smoking, tired, distracted by a job event, rushing to pick up kids, etc. When possible I always try to ride mornings after 0900 and before 3 PM. I follow this on weekends as well. I am retired so that helps but agree with high vis clothing and lights. Some people will respect you more for trying to be visible to them, they don’t want to hit you either or being scared because they almost hit you because you were wearing black and no lights.
I don’t ride in late afternoons or evenings due to the shear volume of drivers who stop for cocktails before heading out again.
I wear som many lights, both forward and rear facing that folks call me a moving Christmas tree….I want to be seen.
I bike to bring down the cost of your health insurance.
Last I tell folks questioning me to know if I get killed biking I died with a smile in my face.