Quote Originally Posted by lph View Post
And we can't expect people to just "become cyclists" and adopt cyclist culture as we see it overnight......The best we can do as a cycling community is send the message that yes, cycling for transport is for everybody, and no, you don't have to look like a spandex-wearing superhero, BUT you have to remember that you are in traffic and behave responsibly.

Just because someone doesn't wear "cycling" attire (as most here are considering cycling attire - jerseys, close fitting shorts with chamois in them, shoes with cleats in them....) doesn't mean they aren't cyclists and aren't part of the cycling culture. There is a whole "hipster" group of people who ride, and even cycling specific clothing that doesn't look "racey" or tight. I find it narrow minded to think that people have to adopt cycling culture as many here see it - not just overnight, but ever.

I totally agree with the second part that cycling IS for everyone and you DONT have to wear spandex but everyone should behave responsibly.
(side note, totally not picking on you IPH, your post was perfect for both sides of the arguement! )

I ride a lot for many different purposes - I ride for health and exercise, I race, I ride FOR work (group ride leader), I ride for pleasure with friends, I ride TO work and run errands. I dress differently based on what I'm doing. Just like I wouldn't jog or do aerobics in jeans, or snowboard in sweat pants, if I'm working out or racing, I'm wearing cycling specific attire appropriate for what I'm doing (bike shorts and jerseys, and proper foot wear with cleats). I'd certainly look funny wearing a sundress in a cyclocross race - that's for the men to do!

If I'm using my bike for transportation, to the movies, to run errands, go to coffee with friends, to go to work, I'm not dressed that way - I have a serious fashion obsession (addiction if you ask DH), and as I sit here in my Banana Republic slacks and Anthropologie sweater, I see absolutely nothing wrong with looking totally cute and fabulous while riding my super cute bike with it's wicker panniers. I have ridden in a skirt (and I think those skirt garters someone posted a while ago are a MUST!), though I'm a clutz, so I don't ride in heels, but I do bring them with me to change into once I'm at my destination. There are "hipster" websites where you can get cycling specific pants/knickers that are cute and work appropriate, yet are seamed appropriately so as not to cause problems while riding, and are made of wool and wrinkle resistant material so they don't stink and look nice once you're off your bike.

When it comes to helmets, to each their own. If people dont want to wear them, that's their perogative - just like with motorcycles. The sidewalk riding is a huge pet peeve of mine, and while the article makes those that are riding the bikes sound like a bunch of jerks who give ALL cyclists bad names with their horrible traffic habits, what they wear has absolutely nothing to do with that. My helmet may protect my head if I hit it in a fall, but a short sleeved jersey and shorts don't offer me any more protection in a fall than anything else I might wear while riding. In fact, I wear the least amount clothes when I'm most likely to get injured - coming out of or going into transition in a triathlon.

Just be responsible when you ride, no matter what you're riding or wearing. And if you look good doing it, all the better.