Obvious jokes directed to cyclists

[jack]

Last month I posted a rant/essay about how to make predictable jokes, how to use them as social grease, and how to make them obnoxiously pushy. This morning, I was wheeling my bike, and someone helpfully called out "you know, you're supposed to ride it, not push it". I actually stopped to ask if he genuinely thought I hadn't noticed that.

I mean, I get that if it's incongruous, you want to point it out. If you see someone carrying a donkey, you very probably are unable to help yourself saying "it's supposed to be the other way round", even if you know intellectually that there is probably a reason they're doing that.

But seriously, have you never seen someone pushing a bike before? I mean:

* I had just put my mobile away. Cycling while talking on a phone is contra-indicated, but pushing is ok
* I was at an awkward junction, where it might make sense to cross on foot rather than go all the way round Mitcham's corner
* I was two feet away from some bike racks
* I have previously pushed my bike for at least a little way if it's had a puncture, or even if I just feel tired.

I admit I don't see someone pushing a bike _that_ often. But surely it can't be a surprise?