Rob Derry: What is a cyclist?

We often hear various parts of the media refer to “cyclists” as some sort of homogenous group. But what is a cyclist?

I thought a good way to divide us all up is by looking at the various types of cycling magazines. You have a core of magazines that cover racing, both amateur and professional and these often stray in to reviews of the latest racing gear so that club riders can get that professional feel. Then there are mountain bike magazines for people who don’t like to ride on roads. Downhill mountain biking, as perfected by the Atherton family, is not really my thing. It seems to me that it’s just falling down a large hill attached to a bike in the hope that you get to the bottom in one piece.

Until recently there was a magazine that catered for Urban Cyclists. Having a flick through this one day, I didn’t ever recall meeting anyone that fitted in to the bracket of Urban Cyclist. There are also magazines that cover cycle touring or a bit of everything.

That’s the great thing about the fabulous invention that is the bicycle – it is so versatile in its many forms which can be ridden virtually anywhere on the planet. You can’t say that about too many other forms of transport, other than walking.

However, I think that most “cyclists” are simply people on bikes. You know, normal people like you and me who have just chosen for a particular journey to take their bike. Whether that be to work, to the shops, to the pub or to their friend’s house.

So having divided us all up to prove that there is no such thing as “a cyclist” I’ve gone and lumped us all back together as simply “people.” And you know what, I’m happy with that definition.

Happy Christmas and we hope Santa brings you all the bikes and cycling gear you ask for! fb/Swindon-Cycle-Campaign