Why do cyclists have to wear all that lycra?

[shootingstar]

Wearing cycling clothing, but nothing like a team kit and road bike whipping down, might have a lot more people responsive. But I don't necessarily dress for impressions. I just focus on comfort, budget and safety.

Honest, I personally have less respect for cyclists who don't have bike lights, wear black jackets, black everything and black helmet. And they hope drivers will see them at night? I've almost crashed into such cyclists.

For last 3 Canadian cities I have lived right near heavily used MUPs. Yes, I'm sure the residents get tired cyclists...and yes, many charity bike rides, runs....use these same routes..near where I've lived.

I get used to it...and also on weekends I make sure I start cycling from home before those big rides, runs/marathons start.

Yes, that is the "price" of living close by...but honest, it doesn't happen every day. We have to keep it all in perspective.

[aponi]

I wear THE most obnoxious colors when I run because I'm heading out the door early in the morning when its still dark. It was fun during the summer to actually get to wear other stuff, but alas I'm back to neon and carrying a light especially since school started this week so the buses are out and of course parents driving like maniacs to get the little darlings to school. I've seen a few ninja runners out there and it astonishes me that more of them haven't been hit. I have black tights for the winter too but I wear them with a bright yellow jacket.

Back in the winter I had a guy out getting his paper ask me where I got my jacket. His wife was doing a couch to 5k and he said he never realized how dark it was out there until she started running.

I guess people don't think about these things.