So I'm not cycling in ordinary street clothes/chic

[shootingstar]

Someone commented about my stance that I don't wear streetwear when I bike. I just like to keep my street clothes in good shape and last for a long time.

He thought I worried too much, since his wife the fashionista didn't wear cycling gear and never worries. Did I have skirt guards, full fenders, did I ride an upright bike (I always did for past 18 yrs.). His comment is here:
http://thirdwavecyclingblog.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/losing-my-cycling-identity-in-the-world%e2%80%99s-cycling-nirvana-copenhagen/

What led to his remark, arose from international response to the video promoting Velo-city conference 2012 in Vancouver, which was criticized by some bloggers as being inaccurate, too many people in cycling gear, etc. All that gear gives cycling an impression it's a dangerous sport/activity. Who ever said it was safe with our stretched out, car dominant communities?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvBJGBxvuW0 It made the rounds on the Internet.

Frankly I wore T-shirts and walking shorts during the lst 10 years of returning cycling. Non-conformist and uncool. And now in jersey, cycling jacket, I'm a cycling geek-alien, giving the wrong impression of cycling as expensive sport, etc., etc.

I just want to be comfortable, healthy from cycling and anything to motivate me to keep on cycling. I'm actually kind of tired and feel: why-do-we-need-to-be-like-the-Europeans in terms of cycling attire /culture. I am tired of hearing about the anti-helmet arguments especially from Europe which influencing more and more cyclists here in big North American cities.

[tulip]

I want to be visible and safe and comfortable. I've never been fashion-conscious in any aspect of my life, so why would I start with bikes? As for helmets, I've cracked my head good once already; a second time would not be pretty. I'll wear my helmet and keep my brain intact, thankyouverymuch.

Really, though, people should wear what they want and not fuss over what other people wear.

[Tri Girl]

Really, though, people should wear what they want and not fuss over what other people wear.

Agreed!!

I have found in our city (which is not very cycling friendly) that when I wear street clothes cars seem nicer to me. I don't know why. Maybe they think: the poor girl can't afford gas now that prices are too high??? When I gear up- they tend to buzz me more and not be as considerate. I've been biking in my street clothes lately- and although cyclists don't take me as seriously- cars do- and that's what matters most to me! :D
But it honestly doesn't matter to me what anyone else is wearing. I couldn't care less. As long as you're comfy and you're riding- it doesn't matter. ;)

[zoom-zoom]

Really, though, people should wear what they want and not fuss over what other people wear.

Yep.

[smilingcat]

Wear what you want and be safe.

If you wore a skirt, I hope you are not riding a bike with regular top tube. And better make sure your skirt does not get sucked into the wheels.

I've had desires in the past to ride a crummy looking bike, with streamers on the handle bar ends, a pink basket on the drop handle bars and few other acrutments to say I'm a Wilma then blow the snobby posers who think they are uber cool cause they wore the "same" kit as the pro teams.

I wear gloves cause my hands feel better during and after the ride.
I wear a jersey cause the back pockets are in the "right" place to carry things.
I wear a cycling pants cause my tush feels better during and after the ride.
I wear a cycling shoes with cleats because its easier to ride.
When its hot outside, I wear a skull cap and roll up the edges so as to wick away the sweat and keep it out of my eyes.
I wear sunglasses, cause I don't like wind and debris blowing into my eyes. Though I admit, I like cool looking sunglasses.
Lastly, I wear a helmet. AND IF YOU NEED A REASON THEN YOU SHOULD BE WALKING.

Fashionistas are enslaved to the Madison Ave. marketing hype!

[Eden]

I think the commenter has a view that is unrealistic for many areas. My commute isn't super long at 6 miles each way, but it is long enough that on the terrain that it covers and in the weather we experience you'd be unlikely to find me ever doing it on a dutch bike in my work clothes.... Honestly for under 2 miles (the 3K his wife rides) I tend to walk places...

[PamNY]

I truly can't fathom paying attention to what anybody wears on a bike. Except for a helmet, of course, but even that is their problem, not mine.

And I agree with Eden -- is it even worth biking 2 miles? I'd use my Xootr for that.

[Pax]

I want to be visible and safe and comfortable. I've never been fashion-conscious in any aspect of my life, so why would I start with bikes? As for helmets, I've cracked my head good once already; a second time would not be pretty. I'll wear my helmet and keep my brain intact, thankyouverymuch.

Really, though, people should wear what they want and not fuss over what other people wear.

There it is.

For me, I wear my work clothes and tennies, and once in a blue moon a helmet. Work is 2 miles away down a series of side streets.

[KnottedYet]

I truly can't fathom paying attention to what anybody wears on a bike. Except for a helmet, of course, but even that is their problem, not mine.

And I agree with Eden -- is it even worth biking 2 miles? I'd use my Xootr for that.

Love my Xootr!

And really, stop worrying about what you wear and arguing with strangers about it on the internet. There are more important things in life. http://xkcd.com/386/

[Trek420]

2 miles or so each way to the train?

I wear purple gloves for comfort and because they look cool.
I wear a jersey and change into a shirt at work or vice versa ...
I wear a dorky neon yellow vest for safety....
Or maybe one of my other bright cycling vests ....
With contrasting arm skins just to be even more visible.
I wear a cycling pants or maybe capris or maybe jeans .... depends on mood
I wear a cycling shoes with cleats or Keens maybe Chaco's.
I wear cycling socks because that's mostly what I have ....
When its hot outside I wear corkies or whatever they're called so my glasses don't slide off my nose.
When it's cold I might have my wool beanie.
I wear a helmet because I like my brains and where they are.

I wear what's comfortable, visible, and fun and don't worry about it too much.

[shootingstar]

Like you Trek and many others probably, even when I wear cycling gear, I'm not matching colours, sleekness at all:

Whatever is clean, is my motto. :o

I wear slightly baggy dark green windpants for rainy/cold weather, whatever cycling jacket is right temperature-wise. One of the jackets has an acrylic black paint stain which I've given up scrubbing away. I got my hands dirty from art class. But why throw away the jacket? Still serviceable after 8 yrs. I do make my clothing last, both cycling and non-cycling stuff. :D

My cycling shoes are narrow mountain bike like shoes...I just choose a style that's not too wide so I can toe-clip in (yea, I'm still that geeky!!). I ride an upright hybrid bike (no one can ever accuse of me not being ordinary cyclist)..

I wear red framed plastic cycling glasses. Other times I've had bright blue or silver. I love wearing flashy glass frames that don't match with anything. It's just FUN to wear them.

There have been times my jersey is sticking out past length of my vests or jackets. Oh well, that's the price of being short/petite.

I actually consider wearing cycling gear, an opportunity to be wearing stuff way flashier and more fun (like some designs and colours of jerseys), that I would never wear indoors colour-wise. I know that I can wear bright, neon colours well outdoor against my natural colouring. So strangely, I actually do feel more "chic" than dull me indoors.

[lph]

Obviously, wear whatever you want in your everyday cycling. (hey, clean is more than I aim for)

But there is credit to the idea that "too much" cycling gear alienates some people. If you're trying to sell cycling as a common form of transport to a non-cyclist, it helps if you can show that all the doodads aren't necessary and you don't have to embrace Lycra as a fashion choice. All most people would need to comfortably cycle a fair distance is a pair of comfy pants without lumpy seams in the crotch, and a helmet. Short distances just a helmet. So for promotional purposes - yeah, I'd make an effort to show that we don't all look like aliens, some of us even look like the normal people next door :rolleyes:

Heh - I just remembered something I once read about confrontations between cyclists and I think it was hikers in the woods (who complain here about mtbikers zipping by and scaring them): if someone yells at you or is mad: stop, take a deep breath, and take off your helmet and goggles. It's a lot harder to argue with a normal friendly face...

[Crankin]

I have also noticed the "friendlier" phenomena when I am riding in my commuter/city type riding clothes on my Jamis. They are all actual cycling clothes, but look more like regular stuff, i.e., skorts, capris that are urban looking, and shirts that have wicking material or lycra/sweatshirts, etc. The friendliness also extends to other roadies, as I think that my Jamis Coda is unique looking enough that riders look at my bike to figure out what it is.
I always get smiles when I ride up to local stores.

[OakLeaf]

Honestly for under 2 miles (the 3K his wife rides) I tend to walk places...

I can carry a whole lot more stuff on the bike more comfortably (and more safely for the stuff) than I can on my feet. And the difference between a 35 minute walk vs. a 10 minute bike ride is significant, especially if I'm carrying perishables. Really, 3/4 mile is about my limit of walking for transport, if I have the option to bike.

I wear street clothes on the commuter. But if it's going to be longer or sweatier, I make sure it's something I can wash easily and that doesn't reek when I arrive.

[tangentgirl]

I'm such a nerd I think all this bike gear is stylish. It just happens to protect my hands, head, bum, etc. and keep me comfortable. I'm lucky to participate in a sport where I have such neat clothing options.

I do feel a little self-conscious that I'm the only bike commuter at my job who wears bike shorts etc to ride in. But everyone else's ride is like 3-5 miles, and mine is 14, so whatever. If I was only riding 3 miles, I'd rock the jeans too - not because I don't like my bike shorts, but because it would be more convenient.

I'm not sure what to say about people being intimidated by spandex. Sounds mental to me.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm not sure what to say about people being intimidated by spandex. Sounds mental to me.

I've seen a lot of runners who run in tights mock cyclists who wear tights/spandex...this I don't get. My bottoms of choice are spandex for both pursuits.

Yeah, I think they're mental, too. ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Really, though, people should wear what they want and not fuss over what other people wear.

Right. But add to that: and not fuss about what other people think about what anyone wears.


Why waste time either debating or defending what you choose to wear? Better to go for a ride instead! ;)

[Trek420]

Just about the only thing I don't like about this sport is the subtle/not so subtle classism that exists. I don't think we deal with it well or at all. For cycling to take off in this hemisphere and the culture to change from one of drive through to bike to it has to be done.

Steps off soap box and just observes:

Take my home (please! Newly remodeled and less than 2 miles from rapid transit on an easy flat bike route). My home, let's call it "point A" is in a quirky mix of diverse working class and middle class homes, business and industrial (seems to be import/medical/what little manufacturing is left/and small tech start ups) with some farm markets/indy coffee shops, bakeries and stores and Bay/wetlands parks enticingly nearby.

Point B is where I catch BART train to work.

When I ride from point A to B going the opposite way from B to A are roadies on their weekend warrior machines. Some in lycra some in jeans depending I suppose on a combination of how far they ride and/or complex feelings/opinions/blogs they read about what one should wear riding. ;)

If I'm on my road bike in lycra I get the standard casual nod, minimal eyebrow raise etc from them.

Same route, bike and outfit I find my neighbors subtly hostile or sort of a "what are you doing here?" look or (and this is preferable) I've had some literally sprint the length of the train platform to see the bike (she's a beaut! :D). Either way I sense I'm seen as "the other".

Same route, commuter MTB, street clothes I'm seen as "one of them" but largely ignored by the roadies.

Same route, commuter MTB, and some lycra ... neighbors generally friendly and roadies may wave or nod.

It's interesting to observe but really can't we all ride what we want in what we want and support all riders?

[PamNY]

These threads always make me decide that I'm never setting foot out of New York City. I cannot imagine all this reacting/noticing reactions/smiling/not smiling/raising eyebrows and then you have a conversation about it?

I would fall down laughing and nobody would be my friend.

I guess someone would notice my clothing if it were...on fire maybe? Otherwise, no.

I did once ride my Xootr on a suburban rail trail used mainly by cyclists. That raised some eyebrows, but it also led to some very interesting conversations with people who actually stopped and looked at the scooter.

[Velocivixen]

I wear street clothes sometimes. I just bought the Fox Townie shorts in green plaid (DH said they resemble golf shorts), a technical fabric tee shirt, MTB shoes (no cleats), gloves and helmet, and a cycle specific black jacket if it's cool. In Portland we run the range of riders and cycling attire. It really doesn't matter to me.

[OakLeaf]

Oh, yeah, the classism. :rolleyes:

I was by myself on the roadie a week or so ago, when I passed a guy in street clothes, beach cruiser type bike, going the other direction. I gave him the little drop-bar wave and nod. I probably mouthed "G'morning;" I rarely vocalize that kind of acknowledgment, just because I figure they'd never hear anyway, and if they did, I'd be hollering loud enough to wake the dead.

Just as I passed him, he shouted out at me, "Good morning," in a really snotty voice, meaning to say that I hadn't acknowledged him and that it was because I was a snob.

He'd taken one look at the way I was dressed, and was so wrapped up in his perception that I wasn't going to acknowledge him, that he didn't even notice that I had.

(I shouted back over my shoulder, "I said 'Good Morning,'" in that voice loud enough to wake the dead. :rolleyes:)

[Trek420]

Was it on a Wednesday? ;) :p

http://www.sfbike.org/?waveweds

[Miranda]

Every piece of my cycling gear I put on has a purpose and "does something for me".

I have crashed at different times in my life both with gear, and without. The with gear crashes had a better outcome than the withouts.

Once, my non-cycling casual bike riding gf took me on a trip to Chicago to ride bikes as part of her birthday wishes to do list. She's a fashion city chick, and I'm more of a Plain Jane Mayberry Girl. I know she was dieing at my bike geekness. The worst was: "omg you are not going to wear your helmet are you?!":eek::mad:

Me... "ummm, well, let's see, I really prefer my brain remain in tack, let's also refer back to my split bloody bike helment from a cash WITH it on even, in which I was still in a freakin head fog for a while... yea... no helment, no socializing bike trip for me, SORRY!":rolleyes:

Our subdivision loop in only 7/10mi around just to spin with the kids. I will not ride even that without my helment. No way.

[KnottedYet]

OMG! The angst! The ANGST!!!!

If I wear lycra, am I only allowed to wave at folks in lycra?

What if I wear wool? Who can I wave at then?

WAIT! I'm hugely f**kin' fat right now, and can't wear ANY of my old stuff! How will people know I'm a serious rider as I struggle along in my knit fat-lady pants? Who do I wave at now? Only fat chicks?

How will we survive?!?! How can we handle the stress!?!?! Oh, the social anxiety!!! And WHAT WILL COMPLETE STRANGERS THINK OF US? Oh, noes, they may judge us *wrong* and the world will end! That bitter stab to the heart that crushes our psyche! I'm lost, what if they only waved TWO fingers instead of THREE!?!?!? I'll have to stop riding completely from the emotional devastation! I can't afford psychotherapy AND 700c Vittoria tires!


:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:


I don't give a rip what any of you wear, and I won't wave at any of you. Guarantee nobody else knows you from Adam and doesn't give a dang what you wear, either. (they're too busy riding)

[JennK13]

@ knotted - from one hugely fat girl right now to another...LOVE IT!

I love clothes - PERIOD. No matter the when or where. But I really don't care what anyone else is wearing while they ride. I do find cars are nicer to me if I'm in street clothes on my commuter with my wicker baskets, but I haven't noticed a difference from cyclists here in the Denver area. The only time I've ever gotten comments is when riding in an organized ride in what I call "self supported" on my commuter from other "hard core" roadies. Little do they know I actually get paid to ride a bike! I do race, and I do just ride for the hell of it, and I wear what I want, when I want depending on how I feel and I don't care what anyone else thinks. Yes, I've ridden 50+ miles sporting flat pedals with a rear rack and a (gasp!) BASKET! And I looked cute, too :)
I'm not afraid to get dirty and spandex doesn't intimidate me - neither do 4 inch heels. Wear what you want - wave if you feel like, and don't take offense if people don't wave back.

[goldfinch]

I have heard plenty of non-riders make fun of lycra clad riders. Both to their faces and behind their backs. Somehow the bike wear is misunderstood as pretentious or posing rather than useful for ordinary people.

[ultraviolet]

I honestly never knew people cared so much about how others dress when on a bike. Bizarre.

I wore a padded lycra skort, a wool top, a nylon wind vest, argyle knee socks and Keen sandals on my aluminum road bike with flat pedals today. Who knows what people were thinking about me... :rolleyes:

[Miranda]

I have heard plenty of non-riders make fun of lycra clad riders. Both to their faces and behind their backs. Somehow the bike wear is misunderstood as pretentious or posing rather than useful for ordinary people.

Right on, man...

On that same trip I posted about my gf being apaulled I was going to *gasp* wear my helmet... I also wore my tights!

What do tights "do for me" well, let's see: 1) they don't get caught in the cranks like boot cut jeans I usually wear, 2) keep me warm without bulk, 3) provide compression and muscle support for less fatigue, 4) don't get caught on the saddle nose shifting positions, and 5) if they're black provide camaflouge to crotch sweat, and if I randomly decide to p*ss myself riding in the cold wind (have a couple near 10# kids and this becomes crystal clear)... oh yea... and 6) black is stylish because it's slimming!:cool:

Yea... the fat feeling, ugh...

I'm riding the fat girl pace line these days too... somehow I got the song "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen stuck in my head... "...get on your bikes and ride"... lol... omg.

[hebe]

I did read the original comment on ShootingStar's blog and found it a bit bizarre. Really, it's no big deal to him, or anyone else, what she wears to ride in. If I was commuting every day I'd probably have a bit more separation between cycling and working clothes, especially during the colder weather. The important thing surely is that people are cycling, not what they are wearing? Other than dark clothes at night with no lights, obviously. No-one ever really cares what drivers wear, or pedestrians (other than children needing hi-vis something when walking in the dark). I do wonder sometimes if non-cyclists see a lycra'd and helmetted rider as the equivalent of seeing a car driver in full racing gear and helmet, and think that's what everyone needs to wear when cycling.

Other than safety and comfort wear (anything with a chamois, gloves, helmet, shoes for off-road) I try to make sure that cycling stuff can be worn off the bike too and that normal clothes can be worn on the bike. If I'm wearing a helmet (most of the time) I can put it with whatever outfit I want, ditto gloves.

I think it was Miranda earlier in the thread who referred to
my non-cycling casual bike riding gf I suspect that I fall into that category too - I'm unlikely to ever log a lot of miles, I hate riding in the rain, no journey is too short for me to ride with a 3-year old etc. I think it's quite understandable that those who are riding shorter distances have less dedicated cycling wear. Longer distances are more comfortable with more comfortable clothes.. For my 9 miles a day with a trailer doing the nursery run I'd be quite happy with 5 padded liners to wear under normal clothes, and some tights and merino for the colder weather (easy to put jeans or a short skirt over tights).

[OakLeaf]

It offends some people when others even wear a helmet. Seriously, I have had a grocery store cashier launch into me about my helmet, when I was otherwise dressed in completely non-bike clothes (and if she saw my bike at all, which is doubtful, it would've been my inexpensive, upright-seated commuter).

Just the other day DH and I (again dressed entirely in street clothes, but wearing helmets) were trundling down the MUP on an errand. We rarely exceed 10 mph on that path, and we normally slow down to 5-6 to go around pedestrians. A couple in their late 60s or early 70s were coming out of an intersecting unpaved path, without looking either way on the MUP. We dinged our bells multiple times, honked our horn, slowed down below walking pace, maybe 3 mph, totally with no acknowledgment from the couple, who continued to move slowly into the center of the lane. We finally rode into the dirt in the far side of the MUP to pass them. "Nice bells," said the woman as we rode past. "I just didn't want to run you over!" I hollered over my shoulder. "Oh yeah, you're SERIOUS cyclists," sneered the woman. :confused:

It doesn't matter how short the ride, I don't go out without my helmet. I don't really understand why it threatens people so much, but I'm not about to stop wearing it.

[Crankin]

+1, Oak.
It's rare to see a cyclist without a helmet around where I live, except, when you see a parent riding along with a child. The kid always has a helmet, but not the parent. I really don't get that. You make the kid wear a helmet because it's the law and you don't want him/her to get a head injury. But, it's OK for you to get TBI?
The closer to the city you get, the more helmet-less riders you see. Sometimes, when I walk out of the university building, to the subway (one block), I see about 25 helmet-less riders go by, to about 5 with helmets. Not just students, either.
About 16 years ago I was toodling along down the road by our rented cottage in Dennisport, Cape Cod. My kids were riding behind me, about maybe 9 and 11 at the time. I so clearly remember 2 older women, from NY, walked by us and commented that, "those helmets must be a new thing required in Massachusetts. We don't do that."

[JennK13]

"Nice bells," said the woman as we rode past. "I just didn't want to run you over!" I hollered over my shoulder. "Oh yeah, you're SERIOUS cyclists," sneered the woman. :confused:


Some people are just jerks and have no regard for anyone but themselves. Why would it matter if you're a "serious" cyclist or a casual rider? Why can't they just share the dang trail?

A couple weeks ago I was leading a group ride down a heavily biked MUP - bikes outnumber peds 3:1. It was the weekend the volunteers were out cleaning the trail which I totally respect and appreciate. We slow to go through the area in which they were working as people were all over. Then I see 3 boys, ages 3-5 sitting ON the trail. The trail isn't that wide, and it's painted with a line down the middle for two-way traffic just like a street it. There is grass on either side of it, and a gravel walking path on one side. But the little kids were sitting in the middle of the trail. The people saw us, no one said anything to the boys or even tried to move them. As we got closer I said "Bikes coming" loudly to be heard, but not yelling at them. Didn't matter - they gave us dirty looks and left their kids in the road.

This trail is used by commuters, casual cyclists, group rides and hardcore racers training. The kids might have well have been playing in the street!

[KnottedYet]

I did read the original comment on ShootingStar's blog and found it a bit bizarre. Really, it's no big deal to him, or anyone else, what she wears to ride in.

Rev. Forrest Church on anxiety and insecurity:

"We can get so tangled up in our emotional underwear that it is hardly possible to walk into a room without feeling vulnerable. Cringing from the imagined judgement of others -who are fretting more over their own emotional wedgies than anyone else's- we succumb instead to the merciless critic within."

In other words, don't get your panties in a wad over what you think someone else thinks, just ride your bike.

(and please, please, please don't anyone start the "underwear or no?" debate now... again... it's a metaphor here, ok?)

ETA: I'm with Hebe, I just thought the guy was being nice and trying to help SS solve her problems she described on her current bike.

[moderncyclista]

OMG! The angst! The ANGST!!!!

If I wear lycra, am I only allowed to wave at folks in lycra?

What if I wear wool? Who can I wave at then?

WAIT! I'm hugely f**kin' fat right now, and can't wear ANY of my old stuff! How will people know I'm a serious rider as I struggle along in my knit fat-lady pants? Who do I wave at now? Only fat chicks?

How will we survive?!?! How can we handle the stress!?!?! Oh, the social anxiety!!! And WHAT WILL COMPLETE STRANGERS THINK OF US? Oh, noes, they may judge us *wrong* and the world will end! That bitter stab to the heart that crushes our psyche! I'm lost, what if they only waved TWO fingers instead of THREE!?!?!? I'll have to stop riding completely from the emotional devastation! I can't afford psychotherapy AND 700c Vittoria tires!


:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:


I don't give a rip what any of you wear, and I won't wave at any of you. Guarantee nobody else knows you from Adam and doesn't give a dang what you wear, either. (they're too busy riding)

LMAO!!! Truth. Preach sister!!! :D

[Susan]

I don't think that the guy wanted to offend you. Of course it's none of his business what you want to wear on your bike.

I think it's maybe just a slightly different point of view if you use your bike for everyday transportation, all errands, trips to the city and so on. I don't like to go to a cafè or a restaurant in my cycling clothes. If I was to wear cycling clothes every time I use a bike I would never wear any normal clothes at all.
While I use cycling clothes and a helmet when doing cycling as a sport, I don't use any cycling-specific gear when I use my bike for transportation or driving into the city. I think a lot of people here do so (and I think it has nothing to do with being a "fashionista").
Still I don't care if anybody wants to wear something else.

I too notice that some people seem to be frightened or offended by more "professional" cycling gear, I get far more negative comments when in my cycling clothes. A lot of people seem to think that wearing cycling gear means that you go fast and act as if you were about to run them over even when you go really slow or even stop as they pass you - strange.

[Kiwi Stoker]

In New Zealand there's a huge group of people who believe "people are not using bicycles for communting or errands because they have to wear a helmet".

:eek:

And even when people point out that other reasons are more likely (have to collect children after work, weather, too hilly, work doesn't support cycling, takes too long, not fit enough, no bike paths) they don't listen and keep on harping on about "if only the helmet law was taken away how many more people would cycle".

[KnottedYet]

they don't listen and keep on harping on about "if only the helmet law was taken away how many more people would cycle".

"If only the helmet law was taken away, how many more people would..."
...have crushed upper orbital bones?
...sport amazing scarred and twisted eyebrows?
...be mistaken for men because of their deformed faces?

Oh, yeah, I'm all over that. C'mon, I want more people to suffer like me!!!

Been there, done that, wearing a helmet now. :cool:

[westtexas]

"If only the helmet law was taken away, how many more people would..."
...have crushed upper orbital bones?
...sport amazing scarred and twisted eyebrows?
...be mistaken for men because of their deformed faces?

Oh, yeah, I'm all over that. C'mon, I want more people to suffer like me!!!

Been there, done that, wearing a helmet now. :cool:

It actually worries me a lot when I see cyclists in my town without helmets on. This area is extremely unfriendly to bikes of any kind; drivers intentionally try to clip you to scare you.

No helmets and riding against traffic are the two things that bother me the most. I could care less what they are wearing or what kind of bike they ride. But to those people I want to shout at them or shake some sense into them. At the very least I feel my apparel (usually bike shorts and a bright colored tshirt or tank top) makes me visible and my helmet keeps me safe(r).

[PamNY]

In New Zealand there's a huge group of people who believe "people are not using bicycles for communting or errands because they have to wear a helmet".

That view exists in the US as well:

http://lobv.org/2006/08/15-reasons-to-oppose-the-helmet-law/

[OakLeaf]

Wow, I'd heard that a lot w/r/t motorcycle helmets, but never about bicycles before. I wish I knew who's even driving that myth...

[shootingstar]

lph: So for promotional purposes - yeah, I'd make an effort to show that we don't all look like aliens, some of us even look like the normal people next door

The only thing I would do is to wear a skort or walking shorts to attend a social function with people who themselves will dress casual nice or just casual but aren't cyclists. I don't go out of my way too much if it's too much effort for me to hunt around in my wardrobe beyond 5 min.

More about this Oak, on anti-helmet for cycling....'cause this interesting times..

For now, on our blog, I posted this for the owner (which is dearie):

http://thirdwavecyclingblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/dialogue-on-clothing-and-helmets-as-a-barrier-to-cycling/

Note: He is a conference director for Velo-city 2012 cycling conference in Vancouver.

[oz rider]

For now, on our blog, I posted this for the owner (which is dearie):

http://thirdwavecyclingblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/dialogue-on-clothing-and-helmets-as-a-barrier-to-cycling/
The guy doing his masters might want to have a look at this recent research (http://www.bv.com.au/general/bikes-and-riding/92843/) (link at bottom of page, 7MB). It wasn't summarised very usefully imho, but it does bring together in one place some of the psych research (among other things). IIRC (don't have time to review right now), it made no difference to the focus groups whether cyclists were in Lycra or civvies; we are an out-group, with all the issues that flow from that. I hope he gets some useful research done on the subject; we really should be way past personal hypotheses and anecdotes by now.

[JennK13]

The guy doing his masters might want to have a look at this recent research (http://www.bv.com.au/general/bikes-and-riding/92843/) (link at bottom of page, 7MB).

Interesting article....this topic and the new one solely about helmets are engaging some really great discussions. I'm stuck on a topic for an english paper and I think one of these may lead to something....please continue the friendly and challenging dialogues! ;)

[Kitsune06]

"If only the helmet law was taken away, how many more people would..."
...have crushed upper orbital bones?
...sport amazing scarred and twisted eyebrows?
...be mistaken for men because of their deformed faces?

Oh, yeah, I'm all over that. C'mon, I want more people to suffer like me!!!

Been there, done that, wearing a helmet now. :cool:

Knot, I'm callin' BS on this, you're gorgeous.
(glances around for Trek)
I mean that in the most innocuous, happilymarriedwoman way possible. :D ;) :D

[Trek420]

Sure you do :p She is gorgeous :D And brilliant, did I mention that? Brilliant, I tell ya.

[jelee1311]

Wow I've never cared what other people think about what I wear.I try not to judge other people (if wearing the complete HTC Columbia kit makes you go faster more power to ya).though I do have a coworker who is a new rider& got the shoes Lance wears because they are so light he will go up hills better to which I said just shut up and ride. I like helmets cuz I like my brain and they have saved DH life at least 3 times.

[KnottedYet]

"Knot, I'm callin' BS on this, you're gorgeous."

Make-up is my friend.

The first time someone at a make-up counter taught me how to fix my eye, I nearly cried. It was so amazing to see it be "normal!"

Over the years the bone has smoothed out a bit. It used to be much more prominent than the other eye. The nerve damage has eased off, too. It used to make me nauseous to touch it, and parts were numb and some of the muscles in the brow were paralyzed.

Yeah, I laid it on thick about my face. It's not really that bad anymore. But, LFMF.

Helmets all the time, every time (even on my Xootr). I don't want to do that again.

[Geonz]

I, too, sense that people are "nicer" when I'm not in spandex, but usually that's when I'm riding my big ol' Xtracycle with the Flash Flag sticking out the side, too. I was in full Safety Regalia including a vest when I went by where Xtreme HOme Makeover was happening with a whole block cordoned off... but I'd have had to go down a nasty busy street to go around it... but the guy guarding the site let me right by and I realized I looked all kinds of "official."
Another time I was in my rain gear and a child referred to me as a police officer to his mom.

I never had any sense that I should worry about what people thought of me based on what I wore -- so I had to learn that stuff in some work and social settings, but I don't worry about it when it doesn't matter. It's more satisfying to demonstrate my riderly prowess in casual clothing anyway :P