I love the various cycle chic sites. They are so good for bike culture. Women tend not to look at some “urban warrier” spandex and lycra-clad helmet-wearing female cyclist and say “I want to be like that.” Particularily if the cyclist is racing away with sweat pouring off her. Not cool. But if they see someone who looks like themselves, or the way they want to look, that’s a different story.
Imagine a woman out on her bike, looking fashionable, effortlessly gliding along on her chic bike going to work. Or with an adorable little dog in the front basket. Others can say “I want to be like that – it looks so easy.”
I’d just love to create a bike culture for women who want the social aspect but a slower, more casual type of cycling.
I personally am more of Lisa’s mind — pedal pushers and polo shirts. Florida is pretty casual, I’d be surprised to see much chic here (especially in summer). But the idea is the same — normal cloths, comfortable bikes, explore downtown… have brunch!
Some men like the idea of slow casual riding too, beginning cyclists in general actually, and sometimes experienced cyclists who enjoy relaxed riding with their less experienced significant others and friends. But I get conflicted about how compatible or not this type of riding is with the promotion of vehicular cycling. It seems most novices either hug the curb when they are riding by themselves, or get in a group and don’t pay attention because the group is protecting them, a la Critical Mass even without the testoterone. Is there a middle ground?
I have this idea that one could promote these types of rides and still get a little road education in on the sly, maybe with a short talk at the beginning of the ride but also, and maybe more importantly, while riding as the need arises. And you could pass out your Bicycling Street Smarts booklets to the participants.
I’m hoping to do some themed urban rides up here in Maine this summer and try this out. Tips?
I love the cute bikes with the baskets and the women in their little outfits…I don’t think I could ever wear a dress while biking…I am sure I would get it stuck on something and then I would be stuck on my bike in my underwear… not cute.
I also LOVE the spandex and the road bikes. I think there is a place for both.
In Orlando, however, I do not think I ever ride my bike and not sweat… maybe in the winter, but in the summer… I can’t be outside without sweating… so looking pretty on a bike does not seem as enjoyable. I’ll try it out, though.
John – I was pondering the idea of perhaps doing a rolling dinner. Have a different course at a different location. I saw where there were about 4-5 members of a group that organized a ride like this.
Depending on the level of experience of the riders, a good 5-6 mile ride can be had if properly planned and can be done at a casual, easy pace. I think ten minutes was allotted for each “course” before heading to the next.
A very social and interactive bike ride with a theme and destination(s).
I rode Charleston last October. Very crowded but VC principles made for a very enjoyable and smooth ride. Lots of history and culture in the downtown area.
That’s a good idea, Rodney. In August we hope to be working with a local university agricultural extension to organize a bike riding component of a “Backyard Locavore” tour to visit different community-support farms and other food growers.
Other than the cyclists pedaling through stop signs (urban cycling videos almost always cut just as cyclists reach the stop bar… unless they’re intentional scofflaws), I love it.
But I hear there’s a four generation waiting list to join.
Pedal pushers, polo shirts and sandals I can do.
Dresses, heels and matching bag…don’t think so!
Still, it’s good to see girls just wanting to have fun.
I love the various cycle chic sites. They are so good for bike culture. Women tend not to look at some “urban warrier” spandex and lycra-clad helmet-wearing female cyclist and say “I want to be like that.” Particularily if the cyclist is racing away with sweat pouring off her. Not cool. But if they see someone who looks like themselves, or the way they want to look, that’s a different story.
Imagine a woman out on her bike, looking fashionable, effortlessly gliding along on her chic bike going to work. Or with an adorable little dog in the front basket. Others can say “I want to be like that – it looks so easy.”
Look at:
http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/
Many women do look at female club cyclists and say “I want to be like that.” We fill up our 4 week pace line training program with them every winter.
Look at:
http://luvbobbies.com/
I’d just love to create a bike culture for women who want the social aspect but a slower, more casual type of cycling.
I personally am more of Lisa’s mind — pedal pushers and polo shirts. Florida is pretty casual, I’d be surprised to see much chic here (especially in summer). But the idea is the same — normal cloths, comfortable bikes, explore downtown… have brunch!
But alas, the women are silent…
Can men comment?
Some men like the idea of slow casual riding too, beginning cyclists in general actually, and sometimes experienced cyclists who enjoy relaxed riding with their less experienced significant others and friends. But I get conflicted about how compatible or not this type of riding is with the promotion of vehicular cycling. It seems most novices either hug the curb when they are riding by themselves, or get in a group and don’t pay attention because the group is protecting them, a la Critical Mass even without the testoterone. Is there a middle ground?
I have this idea that one could promote these types of rides and still get a little road education in on the sly, maybe with a short talk at the beginning of the ride but also, and maybe more importantly, while riding as the need arises. And you could pass out your Bicycling Street Smarts booklets to the participants.
I’m hoping to do some themed urban rides up here in Maine this summer and try this out. Tips?
I love the cute bikes with the baskets and the women in their little outfits…I don’t think I could ever wear a dress while biking…I am sure I would get it stuck on something and then I would be stuck on my bike in my underwear… not cute.
I also LOVE the spandex and the road bikes. I think there is a place for both.
In Orlando, however, I do not think I ever ride my bike and not sweat… maybe in the winter, but in the summer… I can’t be outside without sweating… so looking pretty on a bike does not seem as enjoyable. I’ll try it out, though.
John – I was pondering the idea of perhaps doing a rolling dinner. Have a different course at a different location. I saw where there were about 4-5 members of a group that organized a ride like this.
Depending on the level of experience of the riders, a good 5-6 mile ride can be had if properly planned and can be done at a casual, easy pace. I think ten minutes was allotted for each “course” before heading to the next.
A very social and interactive bike ride with a theme and destination(s).
I rode Charleston last October. Very crowded but VC principles made for a very enjoyable and smooth ride. Lots of history and culture in the downtown area.
That’s a good idea, Rodney. In August we hope to be working with a local university agricultural extension to organize a bike riding component of a “Backyard Locavore” tour to visit different community-support farms and other food growers.
For October, I was looking at this: http://www.wickedwalkingtours.com/
Other than the cyclists pedaling through stop signs (urban cycling videos almost always cut just as cyclists reach the stop bar… unless they’re intentional scofflaws), I love it.
But I hear there’s a four generation waiting list to join.