The motorists think that cyclists are a rare and odd breed.  Look around and you’ll notice bike sign everywhere.  Notice how many cars have bike racks.  What about bumper stickers?  Those USAT (triathlon) stickers are cyclists.  The 26.2 stickers probably aren’t cyclists but the 70 and 140 stickers are.  How about “Share the Road” plates?  Sometimes the car itself doesn’t reveal the cyclist but as the sun catches the tinted windows just right, you see the pampered steed riding inside the air conditioned cabin with it’s master.

Watch the buses.  There are more and more bikes on buses, sometimes two on one bus.  When you pass a transit center, notice the bike rack.  Pay attention to how many people you pass riding bikes during your commute.  You’ll be surprised.

As a regular commuter, I’m always pleasantly surprised to see tire tracks that aren’t mine left somewhere.  Particularly when it’s through a puddle which means that the tracks are recent.  Damn, now I have to pick up the pace and catch them.

When I’m talking with strangers or standing around people in line somewhere, it’s interesting to notice the tan lines from helmets or gloves.  Unfortunately, that’s also a sign that they should use more sunscreen but let’s face it some people just look great with a tan.

We’re out there but sometimes hard to spot.  Not all cyclists are three-headed aliens, sometimes it’s that nice-looking person standing right next to you.  You just have to look for the bike sign.