Oh, the people you’ll meet - while on a bike in the city!
You love urban biking for so many reasons – the rush of the wind, the feeling of freedom as you ride, and the interesting sights. But you get an additional, unexpected bonus out of it: you meet some really interesting people along the way.
1- Tourists
You’re bound to meet tourists when you bike in cities, especially popular cities. You can usually spot them because they’re walking slower than others and actually look around at the sights once in a while. The great thing about tourists is that they come from all over the place – so you’re bound to meet some people with interesting stories to tell.
2- Helpful guy
You were almost hit by a truck that was driving as if there’s no bike lane. There’s always that one Helpful Guy who is willing to lend a hand – he checks if you’re okay, he offers to watch your bike (and not take it) as you go in a store bathroom to collect yourself. The same kind of Helpful Guy will give you directions if you need them, or let you use his phone after yours dies.
3- Bike thieves
Chances are you probably won’t know you’re meeting them until it’s too late. Bike thieves come in many shapes and sizes, so be careful not to stereotype. And if you see a bike thief taking someone else’s bike while you’re passing by – if you can’t stop them, snap a photo on your cell phone camera. This could help the bike’s owner, and the police, find the person later on.
4- Couch surfers
Couch surfing is the cool new way to check out cities – it’s like having a host family as a foreign exchange student, except a lot more random. Through your biking circles and communities like WarmShowers, you’re bound to meet someone who is using a stranger’s couch (or floor, or backyard tent) as their current home. These kinds of people are the right combination of adventurous and wild, so take advantage and ask them everything you can.
5- Drivers that hate bikes
Some people in cars don’t seem to realize that pedestrians and cyclists have the right-of-way most of the time, or they just don’t care. These are the same kind of people that honk when cars in front of them stop so people can cross the street. Avoid them at all costs.
6- Really unhelpful locals
You ask them for directions – nope! Maybe they don’t even glance at you as they shove past. Thanks for nothing!
7- Other urban cyclists
Probably the most fun – you meet other cyclists who are in it for the ride, and aren’t just commuting five minutes to work. You can stop and share tips, ask them about their sweet gear, and trade favorite bike routes. Red lights are a great place to strike up 20 second convos!
8- Commuting bikers
Commuters on bikes are cool too – they still love biking, but also just need to get work or school or wherever they’re going. You can be a resource to them if you notice they’re taking the slowest path from their apartment to their college. They can probably be a resource too – chances are, they live in this city.
9- People that bike as their job
Delivery people, bike messengers, pedicab operators - these people probably know the city’s bike routes better than anyone, just like a taxi driver knows the roads. If it’s physically possible to get them to stop and talk to you for a moment, ask them for some tips. If it’s not – try to stay out of their way.
10- Hipsters
Hipsters are all over – some cities, more than others. You can spot them at the local coffee shop blogging as if it’s their job. Oh wait…it probably is. Three cheers for coffee shop bloggers!
11- Environmentalists
They’ll be so happy you’re biking instead of driving. If they’re hardcore, they might stop you and ask you to sign a petition.
12- Street corner artists
You’re bound to find a ton in any urban area – often busking or singing. Social experiments have found that people didn’t even take notice when a famous musician performed in NYC subways, so make sure to pay attention. Whoever you’re listening to could be the next big star – or could already be famous.
13- College students
Urban areas are filled with college and graduate students who are here for the next couple of years – or more, if they love it and decide to stay. College students have so much more to offer than just the classes they’re taking. Many travel from out of city, state, or country to be in your little neck of the woods. They may be Snapchatting while FaceTiming while texting while drinking while laughing while suntanning while reading Nietzsche. But they are interesting people to talk to, if you have the time to listen.