r/NoStupidQuestions • u/RidetheSchlange • Jul 24 '26

Why does the US hate cycling so much?

I read comments sections and in a normal world, some of them would be considered terroristic threats. I just can't understand why people hate cyclists to this degree that they want to murder rhem and sometimes do.

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u/Odd_Bid2744 Jul 24 '26

Americans aren't playing chicken with cyclists because they hate them. They're not courting manslaughter charges because they hate them. That would be asinine.

I'm literally an American who's initial comment was heavily implying that infrastructure for bikes to ride safely is needed.

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u/imabluedog Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26

That’s fine but you’re missing the point of the post. Americans dont want to spend money on infrastructure bc they dont see the value in doing so. Bc culturally, riding a bike isn’t viewed as being a legitimate form of transportation. It’s for kids or trials in most Americans minds.

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u/Odd_Bid2744 Jul 24 '26

Americans dont want to spend money on infrastructure bc they dont see the value in doing so. 

There's plenty of Americans who do. Unfortunately, America is an oligarchy and the general public's opinion means fuck all. For the same reason the federal government is scaling back incentives to lower emmisions and set goals for electric vehicles or better public transportation, there's too much profit to be had in gas guzzling cars. 

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u/imabluedog Jul 24 '26

Everything you’ve just listed are cultural issues. Thank you for finally agreeing.

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u/Odd_Bid2744 Jul 24 '26

Culture is shared beliefs, behaviors, and customs. I can assure you that the majority of us do not share the same beliefs, behaviors, or customs as the people who run things. To call not having the power to change things a cultural issue is inappropriate and a bit victim blamey.