Are cyclist seen as unprofessional to most people?

Im in commercial insurance sales  (yeah, I know, evil sales person...Boo Hiss).

So, I occasionally do in-person cold calls to businesses.  

Instead of driving/CTA, I want to start cycling.  

My issue is that in the back of my mind I always wonder if people will judge me for being a cyclist.  

Do people view cyclist as losers that are unprofessional and unsuccessful?

Or does this belong in the category or "You shouldnt care what those types of people think"?

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Permalink Reply by TonyP on July 5, 2017 at 8:59am

Do people think it's professional for you to show up on a cold call all sweaty and disheveled? Or will they allow you a shower before getting down to business?

Permalink Reply by Jason on July 5, 2017 at 9:07am

A sweaty salesperson isnt sexy?

Im talking short distances on days that arent hot (like today).

No sweat involved. 

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 5, 2017 at 9:33am

Hehehe. I love working with The Chainlink because it's a given that I am going to ride over to where ever I am going 95% of the time. :-) I don't really end up sweaty because I don't push too hard to a pace on those meetings but I think bike shops and bike businesses would be cool with it. 

Permalink Reply by Marcelo Marcos on July 5, 2017 at 10:16am

I work in finance consulting, and I've worked private banking before so I know a little bit about the cold calling. I also graduated from my MBA two years ago in North Carolina. I'm born and raised in Mexico and I've spent my whole life in Mexico except for the last 3 years and a couple of summers and semesters in the state (Including a volunteer fire fighter sting in Austin, summer corporate finance in L.A., banking internship in Miami, and banking internship in NY.

So, I've done pretty professional work throughout my life (corporate finance, banking in wall street, and volunteer fire fighting).

I've also raced National Downhill races in two states in the U.S. and in Mexico. I've done Mountain Bike Marathon races of 50 miles and 5,000 feet in elevation. I've done bike camping trips and pretty serious mileage all in my trusted mini-downhill bike. I also used to compete in Mixed Martial arts when I was younger.

So far, I've come to the following conclusions:

- When a commuter/roadie sees me in my mountain bike, they think I'm an loser/idiot. Because who rides a mountain bike in the city. Probably a newby who has no idea about anything in life.

- When a co-worker sees me riding, they think I just ride recreationally and probably wear lycra and spandex. Maybe I do the occasional dirt path they might think. They might also think its probably a phase.

- When a driver sees me riding they think I'm an idiot loser who is wrong in the head. Because who in their right mind rides instead of driving a car like normal people.

- And finally, when someone sees my youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/ilmakeyoufamous), they think I probably don't have a job and I just slack off all day. 

Some friends of mine still don't know I have a professional finance career and some co-workers have no idea I ride or do anything fun. And I do think that's the way it should be. We should all be comfortable taking on those roles and learning to be humble. After all, those we think are losers are probably average folks like us too. Hopefully one day we can shatter those stereotypes by being a good version of ourselves in every one of those roles. 

Permalink Reply by Jason on July 5, 2017 at 12:01pm

hmmm...this actually made me think of a few things.  

Now that I think about, I do have people in my life that only know me as a "professional", or a "laid back cyclist".  

Its super funny when someone only knows me from work starts complaining about cyclist to me.  

I guess I should try to be neutral as possible during working hours.  

Some people do have really strong opinions about cyclist...its not worth my time trying to combat that while working.

Permalink Reply by Marcelo Marcos on July 5, 2017 at 3:52pm

haha been there as well. At least this whole thing has made me think twice about boxing people into categories or stereotypes. 

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 5, 2017 at 4:27pm

I have had this on my mind all day so I had to pull the trigger... photo credits will follow

Marcelo, this one's for you:

Photos: MTB by Marcelo Marcos, "Cars Only" by John L., PeeWee by Ross

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on July 6, 2017 at 2:58am

Well said.

Permalink Reply by Jasmin on July 6, 2017 at 5:14am

<3 <3 <3 Marcelo!

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 5, 2017 at 3:57pm
If you're insecure about how people view you professionally because they are aware that you are a cyclist and you feel it affects you financially, then perhaps you should only cycle for recreational purposes. If cyclists with this attitude continue to allow the perpetuation of this 'second-class citizens' image then for sure nothing will ever change.
Permalink Reply by Caiken on July 6, 2017 at 3:28am

this seems like a very harsh and non-encouraging response, bro!

people can cycle however they want, at whatever level they want, and try the best they can, and feel their own feelings! good lord, there's enough barriers to entry AS IS, why on earth would be want to shame people for asking thoughtful questions? if all cyclists have your attitude, I am certainly not interested in being a part of your club anymore. it must be nice to be the king of the pond.

alas I forgot my card displaying me as some sort of SERIOUS cyclist, but I vote that people who have these feelings can stay in the community. /s

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on July 6, 2017 at 5:20am

With cyclists continually being treated as 'second-class citizens' in our society the point of my response was that if we do not confront and challenge this image by conveying that we are professional and decent citizens deserving respect like those driving vehicles, then nothing will change. Where is the harshness in that?!

Cyclists should not tolerate being judged as less equal than any other person in their profession, and it should constantly be our mission to prove these naysayers wrong everday.

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