Different experiences near Bath.

[bode]

I have just returned from a 23-mile out-and-back trip along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. I thought I deserved some easy riding after yesterday.

I know that a few Bathonians frequent this forum, so they will probably know what I mean when I say that yesterday I went from Bath via Wooley towards Cold Ashton and back via St. Catherine's Valley. I think you go up something like 600 feet in about 5 miles; but it's not just a straight climb: no sooner have you reached a summit than you switchback down about halfway and then start climbing again. I was knackered, electric asssistance notwithstanding!

Anyway, back to today. A nice easy ride, as I said, and the route much used by cyclists and walkers. But what a dour lot! I always greet people I encounter, but of the many dozens I spoke to today, I think only about five responded; in fact most went out ot their way to avoid eye contact. This is not my usual experience when on the road. After about the 50th rebuff, I had to restrain myself from a follow-up greeting: "Well, **** off, then!"
I don't understand why, if you are out for an excursion on foot or bike, you would studiously ignore a friendly "Good morning" from someone who doesn't look too much like a psychopath.

Having got that off my chest, could I recommend, to anyone who has not yet used the route, the station cafe at Bitton on the Railway Path (a good cup of coffee and nice cake, whereas at Warmley Station on the way outwards I had the weakest Nescafe I have ever drunk).

 

[helHH]

looking forward to it

Thanks for the recommendation, that sounds great. What nice weather you had for your ride, too... As a new Bristolian I've been wanting to cycle on that path for ages. Sounds like the perfect first ride for a new bike, and I promise I'll say hi to everyone!
Of course, Murphy's law dictates that we'll have non-stop rain from the minute I finally get the bike... (I'm still making up my mind and grateful for input, btw, see my folding bike thread - Sorry for the hijack )

 

[bode]

...the minute I finally get the bike... (I'm still making up my mind and grateful for input, btw, see my folding bike thread - Sorry for the hijack )

You might possibly want to consider also the Green Edge Blackstar 2; the Electric Transport Shop and others sell it. I've had mine exactly a year now and find that suits my needs (which sound similar to yours) perfectly. Very good backup from the importers, too (The Blackstar 2 Folding Electric Bike - The ultimate in electric bikes).
See my review: http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/electric-bike-reviews/3139-green-edge-blackstar-2-review.html

By the way, I only saw one other e-biker on the Railway Path today, a gent on a Powabyke Shopper, and he ignored my greeting too!

 

[Alex728]

Anyway, back to today. A nice easy ride, as I said, and the route much used by cyclists and walkers. But what a dour lot! I always greet people I encounter, but of the many dozens I spoke to today, I think only about five responded; in fact most went out ot their way to avoid eye contact. This is not my usual experience when on the road. After about the 50th rebuff, I had to restrain myself from a follow-up greeting: "Well, **** off, then!"
I don't understand why, if you are out for an excursion on foot or bike, you would studiously ignore a friendly "Good morning" from someone who doesn't look too much like a psychopath.

psychopaths don't have a standard appearance nor look like something out of a horror movie in all seriousness if you ride in the same area most of the time and this is recent then some event may have changed peoples attitudes.

That said I even looked on the Police and local news websites for crime reports but can find nothing - maybe its just that most other people are feeling down because of job losses, money problems and someone on a expensive bike may just come across as too happy and make them feel worse, or its even envy that you are going a lot faster and happier...

In the East its still fairly friendly we tend to wave rather than say hello as there is more space for cyclists so people often go faster but even then its mostly older folk (age 50 upwards) who are more prepared to interact with strangers.

 

[bode]

This was the first time on that route. I do most of my mileage in rural Hertfordshire, where most cyclists (and walkers) do seem to acknowledge one another.

I know that psychopaths don't have a standard appearance (my daughter is a psychiatrist). It was a joke. Maybe I should have said, "I don't understand why, if you are out for an excursion on foot or bike, you would studiously ignore a friendly "Good morning" from an older person who doesn't look too intimidating."

 

[Alex728]

I know that psychopaths don't have a standard appearance (my daughter is a psychiatrist). It was a joke. Maybe I should have said, "I don't understand why, if you are out for an excursion on foot or bike, you would studiously ignore a friendly "Good morning" from an older person who doesn't look too intimidating."

fair enough. I am younger, not white and though I am not a big guy (about the same height and build as flecc) I can understand (though its a shame its come to this) why in the present climate if some folks are angry and may even feel "intimidated" by my presence if I say hello to them - trying to befriend a stranger is a very common precursor to an attempt at fraud or robbery amongst younger folk or I might just represent someone who may be "taking their jobs and riding around on a flash bike". So in some cases I keep my mouth shut and just ride fast, although I usually wave at most passers by (and a fat rat I saw running in the gutter, as I had seen people here saluting magpies and thought "why not wave at the rats, as they also tend to get a bad press )

I think regions do have different attitudes. In Reading (not that far away) and London (where I spent a lot of time) it was rare for strangers to interact in such a fashion. I then moved from there to Suffolk, and the first time was I was so taken aback by strangers waving and saying hello that I actually dismounted and checked my bike's wheels, brakes and drivetrain and the local traffic signs, as I though these folks were trying to warn me of some approaching danger!

Even young teenage girls I had never seen before would wave and smile at me (a compliment when you are actually in your thirties)

The aftermath of the various murders in Ipswich in December 2006 (one gang-related shooting in a nightclub, and the six prostitutes) and an upsurge in random urban violence did change many peoples interactions permanently (particularly young ladies talking to strangers and vice versa..) but even so its still fairly friendly in East Anglia...

 

[bode]

On the other hand, maybe there are just so many users of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path that they can't be bothered to talk to others...

 

[Alex728]

On the other hand, maybe there are just so many users of the Bristol and Bath Railway Path that they can't be bothered to talk to others...

I used to go to Bristol for raves etc when I lived in Reading and I would say the area is as busy and crowded as SE England so not surprised people have less time to talk to others. The faster moving areas of Suffolk and Essex are getting that way too, its the price of progress IMO...

 

[Phil the drill]

Some of you guys are going to hate me for saying this, but Bristol is the only city I've live in (and I've lived in quite a few over the years) that I have truly disliked - largely on account of the locals. Sorry but I've said it now. Of course, some were fine, but over all the feeling was one overwhelming disdain for others.
Go on then let fly with the hammers....

 

[bode]

That explains it, then...
People in Bath are rather friendly, so all the people on the Railway Path must have come from the other end.

 

[Tiberius]

I used to go to Bristol for raves etc

Depot, Trinity....

There's a farmer just to the south who puts on a good party each June.

Nick

 

[musicbooks]

I have just returned from a 23-mile out-and-back trip along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path. I thought I deserved some easy riding after yesterday.

I know that a few Bathonians frequent this forum, so they will probably know what I mean when I say that yesterday I went from Bath via Wooley towards Cold Ashton and back via St. Catherine's Valley. I think you go up something like 600 feet in about 5 miles; but it's not just a straight climb: no sooner have you reached a summit than you switchback down about halfway and then start climbing again. I was knackered, electric asssistance notwithstanding!

Anyway, back to today. A nice easy ride, as I said, and the route much used by cyclists and walkers. But what a dour lot! I always greet people I encounter, but of the many dozens I spoke to today, I think only about five responded; in fact most went out ot their way to avoid eye contact. This is not my usual experience when on the road. After about the 50th rebuff, I had to restrain myself from a follow-up greeting: "Well, **** off, then!"
I don't understand why, if you are out for an excursion on foot or bike, you would studiously ignore a friendly "Good morning" from someone who doesn't look too much like a psychopath.

Having got that off my chest, could I recommend, to anyone who has not yet used the route, the station cafe at Bitton on the Railway Path (a good cup of coffee and nice cake, whereas at Warmley Station on the way outwards I had the weakest Nescafe I have ever drunk).

Hi Bode,
I've cycled this route and it is hard work.. The cafe at Bitton is great though.. so all the calories you have burnt off during the ride, you can happliy pile on again, eating wonderful all day breakfasts and brilliant chocolate cakes.

Another great ride.. and a lot easier, is joining the river path at the end of the old rail path at Bath, then onto the canal through Bathampton and on through the claverton valley to Bradford on Avon and beyond. I went out that way last week and it was stunningly beautiful. I managed 18 miles out in 40 mins.

You are spot on too about unfriendliness. But you know what Jane Austen said about Bath.. "The graveyard of ambitition" .. I would add " and manners too" lots of snooty public school educated people with chips on their shoulders about most things.. ( with the level of priviledge in Bath, I have never understood why people are so bitter and rude, it would seem money can't buy everything )

When I first moved down from Glasgow, I couldn't believe how cold and unfriendly people were.. If you started a conversation at a bus stop, ( a common practice in Scotland) people would practically ring up the police on their mobiles, move their children to the other end of the shelter, or completely ignore you. The problem is a lot of residents are not Bathonians, they have often moved from London or Home Counties and this has an impact on general behaviour. They don't seem to have clue about community and lack pretty basic social skills.. ( in my view). Actually, I have found that "real" Bathonians, those from Somerset or Bristol are generally speaking very friendly, communicative, direct, funny, respectful and very community minded.

After a while you get used to it and either become like them or take the p*ss. I generally prefer the second option
bw
musicbooks

 

[flecc]

The problem is a lot of residents are not Bathonians, they have often moved from London or Home Counties and this has an impact on general behaviour. They don't seem to have clue about community and lack pretty basic social skills.. ( in my view).

Whoa, steady! I live in a London borough and spend much time in several boroughs and also in the Home Counties of Kent and Surrey and strangers are for the most part very friendly. I do as lot of walking as well as cycling and regularly swap smiles and greetings with both complete strangers and others I've seen on occasions but don't know. The only exceptions are just a few of the teenagers who appear hostile but who are probably just showing some insecurity.

If ever you are around my area, contact me and I'll give you a demonstration of the friendliness of the local strangers.
.

 

[musicbooks]

Whoa, steady! I live in a London borough and spend much time in several boroughs and also in the Home Counties of Kent and Surrey and strangers are for the most part very friendly. I do as lot of walking as well as cycling and regularly swap smiles and greetings with both complete strangers and others I've seen on occasions but don't know. The only exceptions are just a few of the teenagers who appear hostile but who are probably just showing some insecurity.

If ever you are around my area, contact me and I'll give you a demonstration of the friendliness of the local strangers.
.

gross generalisations.. apologies Flecc.. (thought you might take umbridge )
It's probably the people that leave that I am referring to..clearly driven out of London for their unfriendliness

bw
musicbooks

 

[flecc]

Oh dear, now you are are on dodgier ground.

Alex728 is an emigre from around here, and he's the friendliest of chaps, and there's a few others who've departed our London/Home Counties area too.

That said, I do know that some of the most objectionable of our erstwhile residents moved to more provincial settings for disreputable motives. Please don't send them back and if possible, accept the remaining few we have in due course.
.

 

[bode]

As the originator of this discussion, I should say that I too moved from London originally (admittedly 34 years ago), and have nearly always lived in the South-East, and as I said, I always greet people I encounter (when biking or country walking, not everywhere I go, you understand!), and usually get reponses, so wouldn't agree necessarily that it's a regional thing.

As a part-time Bathonian, I agree with this:

Actually, I have found that "real" Bathonians, those from Somerset or Bristol are generally speaking very friendly, communicative, direct, funny, respectful and very community minded.

As I said:

People in Bath are rather friendly...

Another great ride.. and a lot easier, is joining the river path at the end of the old rail path at Bath, then onto the canal through Bathampton and on through the claverton valley to Bradford on Avon and beyond. I went out that way last week and it was stunningly beautiful. I managed 18 miles out in 40 mins.

I did do a bit of that route today, actually, but the weather was not too good, so I saved it for another time.

 

[Alex728]

I think its a mixture of age and regional customs, age making a lot of difference.

Most middle aged/older folk who do stuff like walking, cycling etc are friendly to strangers - they have usually reached the age they have mellowed out a bit so the risk of conflict is much lessened and anyway and if they are angry grumpy old men aren't going to be out walking or cycling, they are usually in their motor cars fuming away in some traffic jam, moaning to themselves about taxes/cost of fuel etc .

With younger folk its a bit different, as flecc says there is insecurity but with good reason. I help run a youth music/lifestyle forum and we get similar discussions on whether some regions are "friendlier" than others.

A lot of the teen/20 something lads from London and the SE who are otherwise decent friendly chaps had at least one stranger of their own age group try and "befriend" them before attempting to mug them, and this sort of negative experience does affect people permanently with regard to dealing with strangers. It was in fact cited as a reason as to why "Londoners keep themselves to themselves".

 

[Barnowl]

A lot of the teen/20 something lads from London and the SE who are otherwise decent friendly chaps had at least one stranger of their own age group try and "befriend" them before attempting to mug them, and this sort of negative experience does affect people permanently with regard to dealing with strangers. It was in fact cited as a reason as to why "Londoners keep themselves to themselves".

So to be clear. A reason why Londoners most likely keep themselves to themselves is there's a lot of muggers about who try to some friendly banter before forcefully nicking your stuff.
Now this is exactly the sort of odd behaviour that really puts me off London.

 

[Alex728]

So to be clear. A reason why Londoners most likely keep themselves to themselves is there's a lot of muggers about who try to some friendly banter before forcefully nicking your stuff.

Not just London, this sort of thing happens in Reading, Bristol and many other cities and even some rural areas.

Ironically in "friendly" East Anglia robberies are a bit rarer, but if someone hates you for whatever reason they are much more likely to verbally or physically threaten you there and then!

 

[flecc]

So to be clear. A reason why Londoners most likely keep themselves to themselves is there's a lot of muggers about who try to some friendly banter before forcefully nicking your stuff.
Now this is exactly the sort of odd behaviour that really puts me off London.

I was born in the centre (Soho) and have spent the great majority of my life in various London Boroughs, but have also lived in Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Glasgow and Paris. If London really was like that I'd have cleared out a very long time ago, but it's not and I haven't.

Youth street culture is a different issue which as Alex says is common to all parts and has always had it's dark side.
.