7 Positive Responses to Non-Cyclist Complaints and Questions

Written by:

Jim Rutberg

CTS Pro Endurance Coach

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-shirt, 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.

“I walk on the multi-use path near my house and you guys go way too fast! The bikes scare the daylights out of me.”

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, including the taxes paid by the elderly and by parents on behalf of children.

“It’s just so dangerous. My brother’s coworker’s cousin got killed last year, and he had kids.”

Any death is a tragedy. However, life’s a dangerous game and no one gets out alive, so you choose the risks you’re willing to take. Every activity has risks, but I’d argue being sedentary is more dangerous than anything. I choose cycling 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!