Most people don’t know this, but there is a certain camaraderie among riders of big motorbikes. Not the smaller 50cc phut phuts (which big bikers regard as souped-up sewing machines). Not even the more sporty 250 – 400cc sports bikes (road kill in waiting). No, to get the respect of the bigger bikers you will need to be riding something in excess of about 600cc or weighing in at over 200 kg. Respect is shown by an almost imperceptible nod of the head or, if s/he doesn’t need it to depress the clutch, raising the left hand a fraction and extending the index finger in salute (right hand is always on the throttle). Most pedestrians and car drivers miss this small gesture as bikers whiz past each other, while riders of small bikes offer it, but to their eternal irritation, seldom receive an acknowledgement in return.

And the link with dogs or indeed Strathbungo? Since we recently got a wee puppy (a lovely, but infinitely curious, Lab-Collie cross) from the Dogs Trust and have been walking him on Queen’s Park, I have been finding that there is a similar camaraderie among dog owners. Unlike biker camaraderie, the dog owning camaraderie is not in the least bit sizest. Great Danes (and their owners) will greet Chihuahuas (and their owners) in the same way as two labs (and owners) might greet each other. Age, sex, ethnicity or class are no barriers to two complete strangers greeting one another in Queen’s Park and exchanging pleasantries and dog small talk before passing on their way sure in the knowledge that they will bump into one another soon enough – whether by the pond, the flagpole or the rose garden.

Walking our dog on Queen’s Park has opened up social interactions with Strathbungo neighbours that non dog owners are simply unaware of – until now. So if you want to get to know your neighbours better, visit the Dogs Trust and get yourself a mutt!

Oh, and if you want a nod from a fellow biker, get yourself a bigger bike!