One more "why women don't cycle" article

[Biciclista]

I've spoken to women whose agenda was "my hair" and "sweaty" they couldn't bear the thought of going to work on a bicycle because it would mess them up. And I live in Seattle! I know NY is a lot more fashion-conscious place.

[PamNY]

I go all kinds of places when I'm cycling. It would never cross my mind to worry about sweat or less-than-perfect hair in a store.

An experience like Crankin describes -- someone exhibiting fright because of sweat? -- is close to incomprehensible to me.

New York is not at all like people think. Maybe in some environments -- very conservative business or very high-end boutiques -- entering the building in cycling attire might be an issue, but in general it wouldn't be. If anybody reacted, it would be a tourist.

If I cycled to business appointments hair would be problem. It would be hard to make sweaty hair look professional. This is less of an issue for men because their hair is usually shorter. I also think the planning of clothing and hygiene supplies that Crankin mentioned would be an issue.

Another point about NYC: subway stations are a steam bath during a heat wave. Except for helmet hair, you would arrive at your destination less sweaty if you traveled by bike. And remember -- you WALK to the subway station, so more sweat.

[Crankin]

You are right; short hair made commuting a non-issue for me. I got to work, re-wet my hair, put some product in it and it was back to normal. If I stop on a ride to do something, I can just dump some water from my water bottle on my head and make myself look presentable.
I may be getting a client in a nearby town. When I jokingly said to my boss that I could ride there, she told me to go for it. But, I would have to be able to go right home afterwards, or see another client nearby. Probably would wear my Zoic knickers or shorts, not spandex, but I would do it.
And those women who didn't like seeing my sweaty self in the store? I see people like that all of the time. I don't like to generalize, but it seems they are always driving a white Escalade.

[salsabike]

New York is not at all like people think. Maybe in some environments -- very conservative business or very high-end boutiques -- entering the building in cycling attire might be an issue, but in general it wouldn't be. If anybody reacted, it would be a tourist.

Exactly.

[Antaresia]

I know what it's like because I WAS one of those girls, when I was a teenager. I hated what the helmet did to my hair, and didn't want to ride anywhere because of it

It's funny how it isn't even a big deal, or maybe I just loosened up as I got older. A bandanna is a fine solution; an ponytail as a last resort. I still don't leave the house without a little makeup, I will actually bring my eyelash curler to work if it's raining hard enough (I hate droopy eyelashes). I am a fussy fussy lady who has managed it because biking really is that awesome.

I've gotten some of my girl friends excited about biking, I've gotten two into bike shops, and 3 asking where I got my bike. I'm just so frigging excited and it's contagious. Probably helps that I'm not the most athletic girl in the world, and if I can do it anyone surely can.