Cyclists’ greetings are a part of the two-wheeled life; just as “Hello” and “Good morning”, perhaps with a cup of coffee, are part and parcel of civilian life.

We certainly don’t want to be greeted by a sign like this one when we’re out for a ride! What’ve they got against cycling, anyway? But there are other greetings amongst us riders.

Celebrate cycling? We do that every time we ride, don’t we? Although I must admit that I don’t feel in a celebratory mood on a cold, windy, wet day. Not while I’m out on the bike, anyway. When I finally get home; and can get warm and dry; then I can feel good about having gone for a ride despite the nasty conditions.

If we cyclists stopped; dismounted; and went into back-slapping embraces every time we saw each other, we wouldn’t get much riding done, would we? I think we can tone it down a little, right?

A brief hi, or nod, or wave, goes a long way. I typically do a “finger wave”, without actually taking a hand off the bars. I see other riders doing the same thing.

That is, when it’s a question of  a rider approaching from the opposite direction. When I’m overtaking another cyclist, it’s typically all business; the on-your-left thing.

Unlike “Seasons’ Greetings”, cyclists’ greetings don’t have a “season”. That’s especially true for those of us who can ride year round. So give a finger wave. Holler Good Morning! Cyclists’ greetings are always good!