Simple greetings. 

Simple gestures. 

Easy acknowledgements. 

Having manners. 

In my ‘neck of the woods,’ it is ‘Bonjour,’ or ‘Salut.’ 

Friends, strangers, it does not matter. 

I like to say ‘Bonjour’ and ‘Salut’ when I ride. 

I don’t really need to say more than that. 

I don’t really want to say more than that. 

Just acknowledge we are doing the same thing on this nice day. 

Outside. 

Waiting for a light. 

On a bike. 

They look over, and I nod, ‘Salut.’ 

Just a greeting. 

I have a little rule I follow. 

If I am riding and I pass someone, I do not say a thing. 

If I am riding and someone passes me, I say ‘Bonjour’ or ‘Salut.’ 

I think you can figure out why. 

It is nice to have your own private rules. 

Your own private etiquette. 

I think the whole idea of cycling is to have a great ride, and a great feeling when you return home. 

I place equal emphasis on both. 

Returning home with nothing but good feelings. 

…And tired. 

A lingering good feeling that takes me into the evening. 

It is not hard. 

You just put into place your own private etiquette. 

A few nods here and there. 

A few ‘Salut’s’ and ‘Bonjour’s’ here and there. 

A peace sign to the car that stopped on the street to let you cross. 

Slowing down to pass a woman pushing a carriage. 

Waiting in turn at a light. 

Stopping to ask the guy or girl who has a flat if they need a hand. 

It is all so easy to do. 

After a while, it becomes second nature. 

Almost instinctive. 

I am sure there are more to come. 

Evolution. 

It all adds up for me. 

I always have the nicest nights. 

Peaceful. 

I only want to return home ‘better.’ 

‘My own private etiquette.’ 

Insert holding a door open emoji here. 

‘There is another way to ride.’