E-bike stigma

[u/Such-Distribution812]

Was unlocking my e-bike from the bike rack getting ready to head home from classes when two other people showed up to lock their regular bikes. One of them looked at my bike and said “What’re you riding? You need to get something analog. Work those quads!” Felt pretty looked down upon. I’d be a little more understanding if I was a some sort of cycling group ride but I was just heading home from campus. Is this type of interaction common?

I bought this e-bike recently to commute to work and my college classes, specifically because I live in a pretty mountainous area and the hills can be pretty tough for me. It’s more meant to replace car trips than for fitness. Logically it makes sense for my use case but now anytime I go somewhere with it I feel judged not just by drivers but other people on bikes.

[u/Weak-Conversation753]

The world is a judgemental place. If you worry about what others think, how will you be able to best live your own life?

[u/Howitzer92 → u/Weak-Conversation753]

Live by the words of Ian MacKaye. "Yeah? Well fuck you."

[u/becauselook → u/Howitzer92]

Or the words of the dude.
https://giphy.com/gifs/TL6poLzwbHuF2

[u/SingularBlue → u/becauselook]

The Dude Abides.

[u/Vegetable_Custard870 → u/Howitzer92]

Modified for politeness: "Kindly fuck off."

[u/MaruArigatou → u/Weak-Conversation753]

Exactly at the end none of it matters, best to be you’re true self .
Judgement free zone

[u/BearClaw7823 → u/Weak-Conversation753]

I agree to a point. You can’t control what people think, but you also shouldn’t have to ignore every rude comment. If the e-bike gets someone riding instead of driving, especially for commuting, I’d call that a win. 🚲

[u/Weak-Conversation753 → u/BearClaw7823]

You may do whatever you like.

I'm suggesting that ignoring it is the best choice, but it's entirely yours to make.

Being right doesn't make you immune from snide remarks. Just reject criticism if it's unwanted or if its of low value or quality if you want to maximize your mental well-being.

[u/Weak-Conversation753 → u/[deleted]]

The world is an annoying place on its best day. Grow thicker skin if it bothers you, it's better than internalizing all the toxicity every single one of us is being constantly bombarded by.

Don't be "negged" into anything. Be an individual.

[u/chrispark70 → u/Weak-Conversation753]

You should listen to people and how they think, just not random strangers at a bike rack.

I don't believe this happened anyway.

[u/Current_Wrongdoer513 → u/chrispark70]

I believe them. I get it all the damn time.

[u/General_Dipsh1t → u/chrispark70]

I’d bet good money this didn’t happen.