29 ways to win friends while cycling

This week, Country Life magazine posted its list of the 39 steps to being the perfect gentleman and it got us thinking whether such rules of etiquette and politeness could be applied to cycling.

Cycling etiquette is a much debated topic, with 'the rules' sometimes taking precedence over 'the polite thing to do'.

So, to take a leaf out of Country Life's book, here are Cycling Weekly's 29 ways of winning friends on your rides, but unlike their list there's less tweed and more lycra...

The modern-day cyclist: 

1. Waves/nods/says hello to fellow riders on the road

2. Doesn't jump red lights

3. Wears a cycling cap with style both on and off the bike

4. Says thanks to patient drivers

5. Always knows where they are

6. Knows when to give 'kudos'

7. Is as happy to pootle as they are to smash it

8. Has a bike for all occasions

9. Always orders cake

10. Never cycles too fast for their companions

11. Can fix a slipped chain in seconds

12. Demonstrates that a club run is not a race, nor a competition

13. Offers spare inner tubes

14. Feels at ease on all terrains

15. Is always on time for a ride

16. Points out hazards to fellow riders

17. Never questions another rider's set up

18. Doesn't sneer at an inferior rider

19. Can change a puncture with minimal fuss

20. Doesn't always buy expensive kit

21. Knows how to wash a bike properly

22. Offers mechanical assistance

23. Never precedes a ride with a swim

24. Never follows a ride with a run

25. Lets someone sit on their wheel all day

26. Knows a great café stop, no matter where you’re riding

27. Memorises the route, so others don’t have to

28. Knows not to half-wheel

29. Would never accept a squeaky chain

Any we've missed? Let us know in the comments below.