The motorcycle community has its own unique lingo and terminology that is often unfamiliar to non-bikers. One of the most common terms used to refer to non-bikers is “cagers”. This is a play on the word “cage” which refers to the closed bodywork and safety features of a typical four-wheeled automobile. By contrast, motorcycles are open vehicles that allow the rider to feel closer to the road and the elements. Calling non-bikers “cagers” is meant to highlight this key difference in the riding experience between bikes and cars.
Some other common nicknames bikers have for non-bikers include:
Common Nicknames Bikers Use for Non-Bikers
| Citizens | Refers to non-bikers as ordinary citizens who don’t understand biker culture |
| Squids | Derogatory term for sportbike riders who don’t wear proper safety gear |
| Wannabes | Non-bikers who dress or act like bikers but don’t actually ride |
| Phonies | Similar to wannabes – poseurs pretending to be bikers |
| Cages | Slang for cars, implying non-bikers are trapped in cages |
These nicknames reflect the insider status of being a motorcyclist and the camaraderie that comes with being part of bike culture. The exclusivity helps create a sense of belonging and pride. By giving special names to non-riders, bikers further differentiate themselves as a distinct group.
Where Does the Term “Cagers” Come From?
There are a few origin theories for why non-bikers are referred to as “cagers” in the motorcycle community. Here are some of the most common explanations:
Cars are Protective Cages
The most straightforward theory is that cars are essentially protective cages that isolate the occupants from their surroundings. Windows, roof panels, pillars, and bodywork enclose the driver and passengers. This contrasts sharply with the exposed feeling of riding a motorcycle. Calling car drivers “cagers” pokes fun at the disconnect between the direct motorcycling experience versus being in a cocooned car interior.
Cars Confine the Driver’s Views
Similar to the protective cage notion, some believe the “cagers” term derives from the confined views afforded by cars. Large blindspots caused by roof pillars, small windows, and rearview mirrors limit visibility and awareness for car drivers. On a bike, the rider has unobstructed 360-degree views. The panoramic perspective allows bikers to see hazards and react much more quickly. Reduced visibility makes car drivers more oblivious or “caged in”.
Cars Are Mobile Cages
Riding a motorcycle is associated with freedom – the open road, wind in your hair, etc. Driving a car is seen as a more restrictive experience, being trapped in a box on wheels. Cars are cages that lock the occupants inside, while bikes represent pure freedom and liberation.
Car Passengers Are Caged In the Backseat
For motorcyclists, it’s not just the driver who is “caged” inside a car. Passengers seated in the back are even more removed from the driving experience and totally reliant on the driver. In contrast, all riders on a motorcycle are fully exposed to the road and environment. The “caged in the backseat” analogy emphasizes the passivity of being carted around in a car versus being actively engaged on a bike.
Cars Offer Protection Like a Cage in a Circus Motorcycle Act
Some trace the “cagers” term back to 1920s circus acts where motorcyclists would drive inside a large cage sphere. The metal cage provided protection for the audience while the bikers performed daring tricks and feats. Comparing modern car drivers to the protected circus attendees highlights the reduced risks of driving a car versus riding a motorcycle.
Variations and Alternative Terms
While “cagers” is the most common label bikers use for non-riders, there are many regional variations and slang alternatives. Some other phrases include:
Alternative Nicknames for Non-Bikers
| Four wheelers | Referring to cars/trucks having four wheels |
| Tin tops | Alluding to the metal car roof over drivers’ heads |
| Gaijin | Japanese slang for outsiders/non-members |
| Rubberburners | Mocking cars for only burning rubber, not feeling the road |
| Cage drivers | Emphasizing that cars confine the driver in a cage |
These terms all play on the same core contrast between the enveloped experience of driving a car versus the exposed sensation of riding a motorcycle. The variety of slang nicknames reflects the widespread culture of categorizing non-bikers across different regions and riding communities worldwide.
Is the Term Offensive to Non-Riders?
While meant as casual slang, is the “cagers” label considered offensive or derogatory by non-bikers? Reactions are somewhat mixed:
Non-Bikers’ Attitudes Towards “Cagers”
| Indifferent | Most non-riders are unaware or don’t care about biker terminology |
| Amused | Some non-bikers find the term funny or interesting |
| Patronized | Drivers who dislike motorcyclists may feel insulted or condescended |
| Superiority | Car drivers may feel bikes are more dangerous/foolish |
In general, non-riders are unlikely to be deeply offended, since the term is not meant to be derogatory. It mainly serves as motorcyclist shorthand to distinguish riders from non-riders. However, in certain contexts, cagers could come across as patronizing or dismissive for drivers who have an anti-bike bias.
Is There Biker Slang for Other Groups?
Beyond labeling car drivers, bikers also have slang terms for other groups including:
Biker Nicknames for Pedestrians, Police, etc
| Meat Popsicles | Pedestrians walking along roadways |
| Organ donors | Helmetless riders lacking proper safety gear |
| Pavement Princesses | Sportbike riders obsessed with image over riding |
| John Law | Slang for police officers |
| ASA | American Sedan Association – slang for slow elderly drivers |
These terms represent broader motorcyclist cultural attitudes towards outsiders they encounter on the road who behave unpredictably or recklessly around bikes. The spread of rider slang reflects the shared experiences and hazards motorcyclists face from other road users.
Does Rider Slang Help Build Camaraderie?
For many bikers, using insider terminology serves an important social purpose within the motorcycling community:
Benefits of Biker Slang and Lingo
| Group identity | Shared language bonds riders together |
| Newbie identification | Spot novices who don’t know the slang terms |
| Amusement | Humorous way to tell stories/relieve stress |
| Safety alerts | Warnings about road hazards communicated faster |
| Feeling of inclusion | Reinforces sense of belonging to biker culture |
The specialized jargon gives riders a vocabulary for quickly sharing experiences and hazards. It also provides amusement during road trips and club meetups. For new riders, learning the lingo is a way to fit into the biker community and culture.
Does the “Us versus Them” Culture Contribute to Conflict?
While biker slang can build internal cohesion, it also contributes to an “us versus them” dynamic that may foster antagonism between riders and other groups:
Potential Drawbacks of Biker vs. Cager Mentality
| Dehumanizing | Labels non-bikers rather than seeing them as individuals |
| Prejudiced | Fosters negative assumptions and distrust about cagers |
| False dichotomy | Many motorists also ride bikes – not strict groups |
| Justifies aggression | Mindset of bikers vs enemies can lead to confrontations |
| Invalidates car experience | Dismisses merits of driving for mobility/practicality |
The “cagers” mentality overly simplifies a complex dynamic between motorcyclists and motorists who often share the road. Pushing the narrative of bikers versus cagers can prime riders to interpret benign interactions as confrontations or provocations.
Is There a Generational Divide Around “Cagers”?
Like many cultural attitudes, use of the “cagers” term differs across age demographics in the motorcycling community:
Generational Differences in Using “Cagers”
| Older riders | More likely to say “motorists” or “four wheelers” |
| Middle-aged riders | Grew up with term “cagers” in biker culture |
| Younger riders | View “cager” as overly hostile/outdated slang |
| Non-riding generations | Largely unaware of “cagers” biker terminology |
While ubiquitous in past decades, “cagers” is seen as increasingly outdated by younger riders seeking to improve biker-driver relations. An aging terminology divide reflects shifting attitudes.
Will “Cagers” Remain Part of Motorcycle Culture?
Looking ahead, what is the future of the “cagers” nickname as motorcycle demographics and attitudes evolve?
Declining Use of “Cagers” Term
| Safety focus | Reducing bike injuries/fatalities requires rider-driver cooperation |
| Younger riders | New generations reject antagonistic rhetoric |
| Women riders | Fastest growing group – less interested in old lingo/rivalries |
| Shifting culture | Bikes becoming more mainstream amid eco concerns |
| Distraction dangers | Phones/texting impair all drivers – not just “cagers” |
With riding cultures and attitudes changing, lingo like “cagers” has far less currency and utility for new generations of bikers focused on safety and inclusion.
Reasons “Cagers” May Persist
| Group identity | Distinguishing insiders from outsiders remains powerful draw |
| Safety philosophy | Helps maintain constant vigilance around cars |
| Venting frustration | Ranting about “cagers” still seen as harmless outlet |
| Club traditions | Old-school riders keep phrases alive |
| Intergroup dynamics | Some level of rider-driver divide seems inevitable |
Aspects of human social dynamics suggest a total elimination of in-group and out-group terminology is unlikely. Some differentiation seems bound to persist.
Conclusion
The term “cagers” grew out of motorcycle culture to highlight the contrast in experience between riding a bike versus driving a car. While mostly intended as harmless slang, use of insider lingo can foster unhelpful “us versus them” attitudes between riders and drivers who must safely share the road. Looking ahead, generational shifts in riding communities point towards declining use of the “cagers” label in favor of more constructive rider-driver engagement and cooperation. But the desire to signal membership by categorizing outsiders may mean a toned-down version of the terminology persists into the future. The path forward will involve maintaining community belonging while emphasizing respect, inclusion and safety as paramount values.