A minor gripe..

Okay, I'm sort of new around here, an usually just a lurker, but I gotta speak up.

I got a pinch flat yesterday on my way home from work at Milwaukee & Chicago. No biggie, pulled off the street and got out my "crash kit" with tools and a spare tube, and got to work. But in the 20 minutes I spent putzing around, I saw at least 2 dozen other riders fly by, and not a single person stopped to ask if I needed help. I mean, really? What happened to this community of cyclists that's supposed to exist? I don't say anything to the other riders that I see cutting in front of cars/pedestrians and blowing red lights, but this really takes the cake.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn C. on September 23, 2011 at 12:55pm

"No biggie[!]"

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on September 23, 2011 at 12:56pm

I feel ya Brian . . .

Unfortunately that "community" doesn't seem to happen automatically-- it needs to be fed.

There are a variety of organized and not-so-organized efforts to do so, but for better or worse the number of cyclists is growing much much faster than efforts to foster community can keep up with.

I wonder if we need to come up with something like a special pledge for people to sign on to, maybe along the lines of . . . . well, I was thinking of referencing the boy scout oath, but upon scrutiny I think there's got to be a better model out there . . .

http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsoath.asp

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Permalink Reply by Active Transportation Alliance on September 23, 2011 at 1:12pm

I personally love to stop and help or ask if people need help (e.g. air, tools, patchkit). Because I'm a transpo (getting around) geek. I know some other people who do too, wish more would.

Ethan Spotts, Active Trans

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Permalink Reply by Tiberculosis on September 23, 2011 at 1:14pm

I think that's more of a problem with folks in Chicago in general. People have their blinders on going about their own business. Something I noticed since moving here 5 years ago. Ain't just the cyclists, we do like to think we're special though.

On the other hand, you said no biggie, had a crash kit, in all appearances you probably "looked" fine. If you were in distress, it may have been a different story.

Welcome and lurk no more.

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Permalink Reply by pjc jr on September 23, 2011 at 1:52pm

I usally shout out asking the rider if they are OK. But if I saw that someone had already a spread of repair tools or flat kit out, I kinda would assume that person had it well in hand. And by me asking, could come off as insulting, like they don't know what they are doing. Though I will especially go out of my if its late at night or if the person broke down in area that they should have someone stay with them.

Its just possible that you were only seeing commuters who may have not had a clue on how to repair a flat. I am always shocked that with in all the clubs and teams that I train with, how many riders do not know how to fix a flat, let alone make an adjustment on their bikes. Consider yourself above the norm that your only options were not bus, cab, or walk home.

Happy riding and please let this not bother you from wanting to help others!

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Permalink Reply by Ash L. on September 23, 2011 at 1:55pm

I didn't realize I was supposed to be stopping. If I see a a rider that obviously knows the drill, already has his/her wheel off, etc than I assume they've got it covered. Changing a tire isn't really a two man job so I don't know how much another person would be of assistance unless you're just looking for moral support. I have stopped once when a teenager had her pants all stuck in her chain because she was still standing in the bike lane and looking like she was about to collapse in grief. I suppose what most of us do is take a quick observation of the situation and help if we are able.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn C. on September 23, 2011 at 2:05pm

I'm glad that you had your "crash kit" and that you were prepared. The situation was a "no biggie" because you were able to continue your commute without a continuance of problems resulting from the flat.

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Permalink Reply by Ron Y on September 23, 2011 at 2:38pm

I like to ask "Do you have everything you need?" when I see a person in your situation. You never know, the person may have a tube but it might be the first time they ever changed a flat and is in need of some assistance. (the gesture also creates more of a sense of bicycle community)

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on September 23, 2011 at 2:38pm

I agree with PJ and others here - it was a combination of you probably being more prepared and able to perform the repair yourself; and people's self centerdness, and just being 'in the zone'.

What I have found is that many folks will help *if/when asked*, however; they are not the type to offer help with being summoned.

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Permalink Reply by sten on September 23, 2011 at 3:18pm

I recently had the exact opposite experience - got a flat on the LFT just south of McCormick, got out my kit, and set to work. I didn't need any help, but after the first few offers, I started counting the people who asked if I needed help. In the time it took me to swap my tube, I'd had 25 offers for help from strangers. So, maybe it was harder to see you, or maybe it was just the difference in neighbourhood, but that experience made me really proud to be part of the Chicago biking community. And, I always ask if folks need help :)