Do You Have Insufferable Cyclist Syndrome?

So, you’re a proud cyclist, cheerfully riding your bicycle just about anywhere it can go and boasting to friends, family and colleagues about how much money and carbon emissions you’re saving. Yet, you’ve begun to notice that their eyes glaze over the moment bicycles become the subject of conversation. It’s official: you’ve got insufferable cyclist syndrome.

Don’t worry. Lighter Footstep is here to help. They’ve put together a simple guide for living with this common syndrome, so you don’t end up alienating the people closest to you.

The best bicycle evangelism is a healthy, productive you. There’s no need to insufferably hector a co-worker about what their SUV commute is doing to the environment. They know. Evangelize by example: folks around the office are going to notice your energy, great attitude — and shrinking midsection. You’ll be asked your secret soon enough.

No bike is pretty enough to block a hallway or access to office workspace. For cyclists, this is hard to accept. Beautiful as our rides might be, if you’re bringing them indoors, they need to be out of the way. Your co-workers won’t appreciate brushing against agreasy chain, and the fire marshall will probably take a dim view of  blocked exits and passageways.

Be punctual. One of the great things about riding your bike to work is that the commute time is actually more predicable than driving a car. You’re far less likely to be effected by traffic jams and slowdowns. But there are some things that take time, too: securing the bike, cooling down, and changing clothes for work. Leave early enough to accommodate all these things. Inconveniencing you co-workers by letting bike time cut into work time will quickly make you – and cycling – unpopular.

Check out the rest at Lighter Footstep.

Link [Lighter Footstep]
Photo credit: Flickr user Hizir

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