I agree with the norm.
Being newly single after 5 years , and back in the "game" , I am still blown away at what a simple "hi" can get started. I have started talking , and eventually went out with chicks that I would otherwise think were
WAY outta my league , all by saying something like "hey, how are ya today" , or some other BS line like that.

What's the worst that could happen, she acts like a #$%* towards you ?
Then u just walk away , but atleast you put forth some kinda effort...
And seeing a chick on a bike is a super easy situation to get a conversation going..
" We should go for a ride sometime in the near future..."
" If you ever need any help working on that thing let me know..."
etc....