What is the biggest misconception people tend to have about unicycling or the unicycle culture? How does this affect you?
I’m really hoping to show the reality of the sport with this documentary. Been working on my questions and ideas and was hoping to get some insight on the way unicycling is perceived. That you so much.
Also
If you interested you can join the facebook group and stay updated on the project.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Calgary-AB/Film-The-Lobster/37157885133
The biggest misconception that the non-unicyclist population has is that unicycling is purely a circus activity.
The biggest misconception that the unicyclist population tries to promulgate is that unicycling is in no way circus related.
I hate being assosiated with clowns and the circus, but it comes with the package, so you have to live with it. That is by far the biggest missconception about unicycling. We just have to show that we’re not I suppose, and videos do that perfectly!
Well, you can get the most definitive answers by asking non-[uni]riders lol! As to how any “misconceptions people tend to have about unicycling”, etc “affects” me, it doesn’t. But I do look forward to getting comments! 
There will probably always be a segment of society that still equates unicycling with clowns and the circus, but fortunately, that stereotype is fading thanks to youtube and media in general, and the growing popularity of MUni, trials and street as a serious sport, not just a fad or passtime.
The biggest misconception is that it’s okay to start unicycle-related threads in Just Conversation, when Rec.Sport.Unicycling is right next door.
This affects everyone’s ability to consider Rec.Sport.Unicycling as their definitive source for all things unicycle-related. It also affects my ability to enjoy Just Conversation when someone insists on Unicycle Conversation.
Seriously, this thread should go in that forum. Your thread will get more traffic, and likely a better response.
Based on comments I’ve heard lately while out riding on my own, some common misconceptions seem to be that:
How do they affect me? They make me happy. I just wave and smile. 
Another major misconception that people have which you can see just by looking at the comments on any popular youtube unicycling video is that they think you must be constantly crushing your testicles. I mean come on people, would we really be doing it if that were true?
So far nobody posted my biggest one:
People think unicycle riding is impossible. At least for them.
Beyond that, whoever said you should be asking non-unicyclists was right. Ask lots of people who have nothing to do with unicycling. Make sure to cover lots of ages and demographics.
Nerds
The uneducated community thinks we all are nerds.
Now some of my associates look like they could ask Mommy to dress them because they look like crap. Please, dress like a pro bicyclist. Use proper shirts and shorts that hug the skin and maybe we will all get laid. 
Unfortunately then there are people like me making videos to the contrary and perpetuating the myth. Ah well. Being called a clown or circus isn’t such a bad thing.
I was called “Queer Bait” the other day while riding my coker. Good thing you weren’t around or you might have been lured out into traffic!
Thanks
Sorry. I’m new to the forum, didn’t understand the format. Thank you for the heads up I’ll have sure to post new questions on the other page.
That is great guys. I was really worried about what was important to focus on with the ride. That is really helping me gain some perspective.
Do you guys thing it’s better to correct these misconceptions by dealing with them specifically or by just showing the reality and hoping people get it??
I just ride. I don’t care what people say to me. I ride cause i enjoy it. If I wanted to make money doing it, yes, I would then join a circus or go busking somewhere.
For those who are too stupid or lazy to realize unicycling isn’t for the circus, well…I have no time for those idiots. I’d much rather continue on riding past them to enjoy my ride, rather than get all upset on a “where’s your other wheel?” comment. But if they really are trying to be an ass, I hop off and offer them a go. Usually ends up with them walking off, me with the satisfaction of a Whammy! right in their face!!
Number 1 is new to me.
3a. I was physically pushed off by someone in a passing car once. I didn’t get the number, so I didn’t get a chance to torch the car.
4. It’s OK to take a unicyclist’s photo without asking, because they are performing for you, and not cycling home from work.
Yes, but for dangerous stuff, I show them my middle digit.
To be fair, I get a positive response from almost all non-riders.
Al
Al, bit of a threadjack, but in the United States is there any expectation of privacy when you’re out in public? That is, disregarding issues of politeness, personal space, respect, etc, is it ever illegal to photograph someone?
If it is not, I would argue that it is, in fact, OK to photography unicyclists whether or not they are performing for you.
I don’t think its illegal to take anyone’s picture. Its what you do with it afterwards is where the law can get ya. If you use it for a publication (magazine, website, book, flyer, etc…), you have to get the model to sign a release form. If its for your own use (showing the family, friends, some odd bloke) then no, the model doesn’t have to sign a release form.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had my photo taken. Some were really obvious, like driving ahead of me, pulling over, and standing in my path with a camera. Some, not so much…but I do notice. Like the lady with the mobile phone under her arm as I was passing. Really?!? Does that sleekness really help you? I’ve thought of making a tee shirt to ride around in. It will have 4 simple letters on it…FAH-Q…sound it out.
Some one could inform all those Ebay sellers that a penny farthing is NOT a unicycle.
Other mis-conceptions;
Unicyclists are not hung like horses.
sorry…it’s only just a few of us.
One misconception that I have seen, is that Unicycling is more dangerous that riding a bike. I have had many people say to me, “I would break my neck, if I tried that”.