who gives a sh*t?

I really, pointedly could not give a shit about 'creating new cyclists'. I know, as a person who works at a bike shop, that I ought to, and I am often told how important it is. In fact, I feel that most of cycling activism and advocacy are centered around 'creating new cyclists'. How much money (precious little that most advocacy groups have) goes towards creating infrastructure to make 'new cyclists' comfortable out on the road? Bike lanes are expensive, and most seasoned cyclists will tell you that they are dangerous, often creating more of a risk than if the cyclist just stayed in the lane (like the law usually allows). How many free commuter classes, bike to work days, light giveaways, fix a flat classes and bike friendly routes can we throw money at? How about we all just hug each other and tell each other 'its gonna be awight. We won't let those nasty ol' cars get you'. We can follow up with a group circle jerk while everybody gets to spout off about their carbon footprint and how many miles they have to commute everyday. (5 miles! Wow, in the rain!)

A couple days ago a representive from a major bike company came into the store and started talking to me about the importance of creating new cyclists, obviously believing us to be of one mind since I work in the industry. I nodded and politely agreed because, quite frankly, we aren't allowed any other opinion. It makes sense fiscally if you work in the industry. More cyclists means more money. Newbie cyclists are often the largest consumers, as they drop large portions on not only the bike, but all the accesories they need, or think they need. Many new cyclists buy anything and everything they can get their hands on because, quite frankly, they just don't know better. (yes ma'am, I am sure you really need to buy the new cycling computer/special cycling socks/helmet/front and rear lights/u-lock/reflective band for your ankles/cycling specific gloves/summer jersey/winter jersey/short chamois/long chamois/chamois butter/small brimmed cap/rack/panniers/upgraded saddle/pedal system/basket/cycling specific rain coat) So yes, I'll agree with you Representive-from-a-large-bike-company, because new cyclists more often than not are the ones paying my paycheck, but lets call a spade a spade here; the interest in creating new cyclists is not one that comes out of the goodness of our hearts.

Many new cyclists have 'freshman in college syndrome'. Like many freshman, they are eager and excited to be a part of it all. They want to participate, to feel like they are a member of a team, to speak up and join in. They have moved beyond anonymous bumfuck and have bought themselves into the club. Some join slowly and more quietly, others get really loud and obnoxious and want to show off their glitz and glam. They are 'in'. But like freshman, as cyclists pass the years they tend to quiet down, buckle down and ride. When they have laid out miles on the road, quiet miles no longer bragged about, they realize what it really means to be 'in', to not have to talk loudly about it, because their worn in, well ridden bikes, patched up cycling clothes and confidence now show it (the ability to patch a flat in 2.5 minutes flat doesn't hurt either).

Now I realize that I am an unabashed bike snob, but I was once a newbie myself, a newbie cast afloat to make my way on the pavement alone. No hand holding allowed, I sweated and fell over and got drenched and got pushed off the road by aggresive cars all by myself, and you know what? I'm a stronger cyclist for it. Cycling is sink or swim. If you are a cyclist, you will make it. Every incident will drive you to push a little harder, hold your lane a little more, ride one more cold day, push it one more mile. If you aren't, well then, I'll buy your bike for cheap off craigslist and good riddance.