TCI Friday – Ebike etiquette

Let me preface all this by saying out loud that I have nothing against ebikes nor those individuals who ride them, and I’m pretty confident in saying there will be one or two in my garage in the not-too-distant future.

I understand there are hard core pedal-loving cyclists out there who consider themselves old school in this ebike world, although I doubt they think too much about that each month when they pay their cable TV bill by dropping a check in the US Postal Service mailbox.

In some circles, there is an Us vs. Them mentality, which, again, I’m not advocating.

No, I just have a couple of suggestions for those ebike riders who are kinda new to the cycling scene.

I’m pretty sure few, if any, bought their ebike for the sole purpose of sticking it to the cycling man, that is, folks like me who have been riding our bikes for what feels like forever. So, I do believe that there are some innocent items that need to be addressed here for the simple sake of helping us all get along someday.

This, of course, all came to a head after a few weeks of constant interaction with ebikers on trails and bike paths throughout the Pacific Northwest this summer, and noting a number of common habits that, when I’m gasping for oxygen, I find somewhat disturbing.

Here goes (tongue planted firmly in cheek for those who have a tendency to take everything literally), my simple suggestions how to help us all come together in this new, brave world:

• Please, for the Love of God, just keep pedaling. Always. Never stop. I know you can whiz past me at 20 mph without moving your legs, but it’s kinda like running backwards on the jogging track. At least make it look like you’re putting some effort into. OK?
• I realize you probably have a water bottle on your bike because the person at the bike shop said you should always keep hydrated, and I know that you really have no need to drink from it. So how about using it to pour it on your face, or your hair, or drench your jersey so it looks like you’re giving some effort there. Oh, I know some of you are riding to work and don’t want to look like that when you walk into the office, but really, just imagine how you’ll look to your co-workers! ¿Quién es más macho?
• When you’re climbing a hill of any grade, is it asking too much for you to get your butt out of the saddle at some point? Especially when you’re passing someone on the way up. Just sayin’.
• Finally, most importantly, please, quit smiling like you’re taking the family Christmas photo. No one wants to see anyone that happy out on a bike ride. Oh, I don’t mind a clever I-have-the-world-by-the-short-hairs grin that reeks of sarcasm because, of course, that’s where I live. Just don’t look like you’re posing for the perfect selfie every time you pass someone.

This week’s question: Do you have any suggestions for ebike riders?