Why So Many Drivers See Cyclists as Less Than Human
How dehumanization fuels aggression and danger towards people who ride bikes—and why changing minds could save lives.
People who cycle for transport or sport have long faced hostility on the road, but recent research reveals a disturbing root: dehumanization. An influential study from Australian researchers found that more than half of drivers—both those who ride and those who don’t—see people on bikes as less than fully human. Armed with this insight, experts warn that these attitudes fuel acts of deliberate aggression, putting cyclists at risk and souring relations between motorists and those who choose pedal power.
Understanding Dehumanization on the Road
Dehumanization refers to the psychological process of viewing others as less than human. This concept, long studied with respect to racial and ethnic groups, has now been found to extend to people who ride bikes. When drivers think of cyclists not as people but as obstacles, insects, or machines, their empathy drops and the risk of harmful behavior rises.
In the Australian study, researchers measured dehumanization using two evocative image scales:
- An “evolution of man” chart, ranging from ape to modern human.
- A similar chart using a cockroach evolving to human form, referencing the slurs drivers often use to describe cyclists.
Respondents indicated how “human” they felt an average cyclist was. The results were strikingly low, especially among people who do not cycle themselves.
Key Findings: How Drivers View Cyclists
The results of the study, published in the journal Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, provide a troubling snapshot:
- Over 55% of non-cyclists rated cyclists as not fully human.
- 30% of cyclists also saw other cyclists as less than entirely human.
- On emotional and descriptive trait scales, about 31% rated cyclists as “less than human,” while 41% did so on image-based evolution scales.
- Even people who regularly ride bikes are not immune; when asked about the “average cyclist,” many imagined a stereotyped image rather than someone like them.
The consequences go beyond perception. Researchers found that lower ratings of cyclists’ humanity correlated strongly with reports of aggressive actions taken on the road.
Table: Aggressive Behaviors and Dehumanization Among Drivers
| Act of Aggression | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Deliberately blocked a cyclist with vehicle | 17% |
| Drove very close to a cyclist on purpose | 11% |
| Deliberately cut off a cyclist | 9% |
The Psychology Behind Dehumanizing Cyclists
Why do so many drivers fail to see cyclists as fellow humans? The researchers suggest several overlapping reasons:
- Stereotyping: The “average” cyclist is often imagined as a fit, aggressive, lycra-clad male, different from the everyday person behind the wheel or riding to work.
- Group dynamics: When another group is perceived as an “out-group” or minority—especially one seen as violating norms—their humanity may be subconsciously downgraded.
- Language: Terms like “cyclists” carry baggage, conjuring images of rule-breakers, annoyances, or even pests.
- Physical separation: Helmets, gear, and bike lanes can literally and figuratively separate those on bikes from the rest of society.
- Perceived inconvenience: Drivers often blame cyclists when slowed down, prompting irritation and a lack of empathy.
What others are reading
The Consequences: Aggression, Resentment, and Danger
Dehumanization does not merely foster unpleasant thoughts—it has palpable, dangerous outcomes on the road. According to the study:
- Respondents who rated cyclists as less than 90% human were almost twice as likely to admit to aggressive behaviors towards them.
- Such aggression ranges from blocking to cutting off, to even advocating or joking about violence — as seen in notorious media comments about “shooting” cyclists.
The study links this behavior to a feedback loop: cyclists who sense hostility may adopt more defensive or aggressive cycling habits, which drivers then interpret as “typical cyclist” behavior, reinforcing negative stereotypes. This cycle lays the groundwork for even more dehumanization and aggression.
Not Just Drivers: Cyclists Also Dehumanize
One unexpected result was that even cyclists sometimes dehumanize other cyclists. The reason may lie in the survey’s wording—participants were asked about “the average cyclist,” which in Australia evokes the image of a particular group (e.g., middle-aged men in racing gear). Other cyclists, who might view themselves differently and have distinct riding habits, may also distance themselves from this “out-group” stereotype.
Experts argue thatto reduce conflict, it’s crucial to think of all riders as people who ride bikes—not just as a monolithic group labeled ‘cyclists.’
Changing the Narrative: From ‘Cyclists’ to ‘People on Bikes’
Researchers and advocates are calling for a change in language and perception. The prevailing view is that targeting the label ‘cyclist’ often enables dehumanization, whereas seeing someone as a “person on a bike” supports their humanity and individual identity.
Suggestions to address and dismantle this bias include:
- Personalizing cyclists: Encourage stories and media that show the human side of people who bike—parents, workers, children, seniors.
- Inclusive language: Shift from talking about “cyclists” to “people who ride bikes.”
- Community integration: Design street policies and infrastructure that promote safety, cooperation, and empathy among all users, reducing the sense of ‘us vs. them.’
- Education: Teaching about the risks and realities cyclists face can foster understanding and respect among the driving public.
These measures aim to counter the negative cycle of dehumanization and aggression, promoting a more harmonious and safe road experience for everyone.
Dehumanization Is Not Unique to Cyclists
This phenomenon is not exclusive to people who ride bikes. The study draws a parallel between dehumanization of cyclists and similar attitudes once reserved for racial, ethnic, or religious minorities. When any group is seen as not fully human, social norms against aggression break down, making bullying, road rage, and violence easier to justify.
Recognizing this broader context should sharpen the call for action. As road users, the collective goal should be empathy, safety, and inclusivity.
How to Re-humanize the Roads
Building mutual respect and safety on our streets is possible. The following strategies can help humanize people who ride bikes:
- Positive representations: Media and advertising campaigns should picture a diverse array of people biking—families, seniors, kids, professionals.
- Shared community activities: Car-free days, bike-to-work events, and community rides break down stereotypes and increase face-to-face interactions.
- Storytelling: Sharing real stories of people who cycle can foster empathy and challenge caricatures.
- Policy changes: Laws that protect vulnerable road users and emphasize “person-first” terminology can help shift attitudes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is dehumanization and why is it dangerous for cyclists?
Dehumanization is a psychological process where people see others as less than fully human. Research shows this makes it easier to act aggressively towards those groups, as normal social and moral inhibitions are lessened. For cyclists, it means greater risk of deliberate, harmful actions from both drivers and other riders.
How widespread is this problem among drivers?
Studies indicate that over half of non-cyclists and a significant portion of cyclists themselves rate people who ride bikes as less than fully human, and many admit to acts of road aggression influenced by these beliefs.
How does language affect driver attitudes towards cyclists?
Referring to cyclists collectively can enable stereotypes and make it easier to distance or dehumanize them. Shifting language to “people on bikes” personalizes them, reinforcing their human identity and encouraging empathy.
What can cities do to address this issue?
Cities can promote educational campaigns, adopt policies that protect vulnerable road users, encourage community events bringing together drivers and cyclists, and support media campaigns that remind the public that cyclists are people first.
Does dehumanization of cyclists exist in other countries?
While the referenced studies are based in Australia, similar attitudes have been observed globally. Societal context, infrastructure, and community attitudes all play a role, but challenging dehumanization is recognized as a universal need wherever drivers and cyclists share roads.
Conclusion: Seeing People, Not Just Cyclists
Understanding the psychology that leads some drivers—and even other cyclists—to see people who ride bikes as less than human is a vital step to creating safer, more respectful streets. By changing language, challenging stereotypes, and emphasizing our shared humanity, we can close the empathy gap and reduce aggression on the road for everyone.
References
- https://cosmosmagazine.com/people/drivers-dont-regard-cyclists-as-human/
- https://www.bicycling.com/news/a26977798/dehumanization-of-cyclists-boosts-aggressive-drivers/
- https://www.vice.com/en/article/drivers-think-bikers-are-less-than-human-survey-says/
- https://usa.streetsblog.org/2019/03/28/study-aggressive-driving-is-linked-to-seeing-cyclists-as-less-than-human
- https://www.edriving.com/three60/half-of-car-drivers-say-cyclists-are-not-human-enough/
- https://cycling.today/over-half-of-drivers-think-cyclists-are-less-than-human-says-new-study/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
