Jerry Hinnefeld
Henry Scott
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Jeff Nixa
memooney
Adam Bee
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Paul Taylor
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Phil G-E
petercolan
Jim Moffitt
Judy Lee
2wheelpeddler
dickkuehl
Stylish Cycling Manifesto
Posted by Adam Bee on August 7, 2008
I can’t find where I first read it, but to paraphrase someone wise: “The way to change the world is to have more fun than they do, and make sure they know it!”
As cyclists, we’re essentially rolling billboards for cycling. Everything we do on a bike is noticed and noted. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the messages we send while riding. This is especially true in a small city like South Bend–since folks don’t see as many cyclists, each one makes a bigger impression and represents a greater proportion of all cyclists any given observer will see.
Thus I pose this query: Are we each doing what we can to represent the best of cycling? Are we effective advertisements for bikes? We’re usually having more fun, but do drivers know it?
In this line of thinking, I propose an introductory framework for what I’ll call (for lack of a better term) “Stylish Cycling,” the practice of lookin’ good on the bike. First, I’ll pose some overarching philosophies and theories of Stylish Cycling, then some specific practical implementations of those theories.
Theory of Stylish Cycling
1. Look like you’re having fun, even if you’re not.
2. Treat drivers and pedestrians with poise and respect, even if you’re not getting it in return. Yelling and “saluting in the Chicago way” don’t
3. Other adjectives that describe how you want to look: smooth, fast, useful, effortless, breezy, cool, assured, purposeful, fun, etc.
4. Make sure it’s obvious that you’re riding because you want to, not because you have to. Do whatever it takes to avoid looking like you’ve accumulated a few too many DUIs or can’t afford gas. We want people to envision themselves riding, and that means suggesting that they adopt your motives for riding.
Practice of Stylish Cycling
1. Smile! Even if you’re cranky and someone almost killed you, pretend you’re in on a huge joke that nobody else knows yet. You look better when you’re smiling, and it makes you feel better too!
2. If you’re wearing lycra, hide it. This is the basis of urban messenger/fixed-gear style that’s now sweeping cities across North America. Unless you’re in a paceline on a racing bike, or on a multi-day tour, there’s not many excuses for wearing “spandex” in public. In fact, I’d bet almost every experienced cyclist long ago promised themselves that although they like bikes they’d never go so far as to wear those shorts…
3. Follow the rules of the road. It’s not a legal issue, it’s a respect issue. If you must break the laws, make sure nobody’s looking or else do it in a way that onlookers wouldn’t begrudge you your indiscretions.
4. Learn to pedal without swaying your upper body. The Europeans call it “souplesse”, the art of pedaling in smooth, effortless circles. If your shoulders are rocking, you’re probably doing it wrong. Shift down!
5. Invest in a nice helmet, and make sure it fits correctly. This isn’t a safety issue, it’s a style issue. If you get hit, it’ll definitely help your case that you had one on. It tells people you’re a serious and intentional rider, not that your car’s in the shop. I suggest the Giro Atmos or the Lazer Genesis (my personal favorite), but if it looks good then it is good.
6. Try to avoid conspicuous sweating. If you must sweat, wear clothes that don’t change color when sweaty.
7. If you’ve got panniers, carry them around whether you need to or not. Fill em with grocery bags. This may not work for every look, but it definitely sends the signal that bikes aren’t (only) toys.
8. Wear sunglasses, and wear them over the straps of your helmet. If it’s not sunny, just put clear lenses in them. You’d look awful funny if you get hit in the eye by a cicada without eyewear, and helmets just look better with sunglasses.
9. If you must repair your bike while on a ride, do it on a side street. You don’t want an endless parade of folks thinking “Jeez I’m glad I don’t have to ride my bike!”
If this all seems a little too self-aware, it is. Unless you’re one of those hip urban posengers neck-deep in fixed-gear bike culture, you’re probably not riding your bike for the style points. Really, it takes a special kind of weirdness to leave one’s car for a bike.
But if we have any desire at all to see more normal folks on bikes, we need to recognize our own roles as rolling advertising for the velorution. We are each more effective marketing than any billboard or public service announcement, and we need to start riding as such. Not only will we be safer and better riders as a result, but also feel cooler while doing it!
Nate Barnett said
Adam, this is a very good post. At times I believe that we can forget that our actions as cyclist are being watched by many of the pedestrians and drivers around us. As a cyclist I try to encourage everyone that I know to take up the activity. For most adults the act of cycling was lost the first day that we received our drivers license and it’s a shame that such a healthy and enjoyable activity has become less popular until the recent rise in fuel cost. So the next time that someone pulls out in front of me or am struggling to climb a steep hill, I will keep your post in mind. The only thing I’m curious about is do I have to replace my raggedy tennis shoes, because they fit great?
Adam Bee said
Yeah, it’s all just my personal opinions, just to get folks thinking. The main thing is to just spend a second thinking about how we look on the bike, especially in regards to riding respectfully.
In my opinion, tennis shoes are good b/c they show that just anybody can hop on and go, and that you intend to do something useful at your destination. They work better if they go with the rest of your style–better-looking on a cruiser than a race bike, for sure. I should have made “consistency of style” one of the Theory points.
One thing I’d like to see more often is folks commuting in suits. How powerful an image would that be?
Henry Scott said
I also really enjoyed reading this, Adam. It was amusing, but at the same time there’s a real element of truth to what you say. And, as you mention, riding stylishly may just make it even more enjoyable for us as well. I wonder if my wife will let me buy more hipster gear if I present it to her as cycling advocacy?
Any tips on how to make my helmet mirror (which I love) look less dorky?
Adam Bee said
Oh yeah, helmet mirrors are such a massive comfort/safety/style tradeoff. So ugly yet so useful!
How about on-lens mirrors, which stick to the inside of your sunglasses?
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/MR308M01-Cycle+Aware+View+Point+Mirror.aspx
Then you get most of the functionality of a mirror with none of the dorkiness!
Dave said
Having a Dutch-style commuter bike with full panniers (non-removable), I know this subject intimately. Having an upright posture, waving to people, and generally looking around makes a world of difference on a morning/evening commute, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m no speed demon, but I still average 10-12 over 8 miles (including downtown South Bend)
Fenders, enclosed chain, and a rack are all important as well…
Danny Graber said
Adam … what a wonderful thought process. I agree whole heartedly. And the thing about Spandex (as Philyss Diller used to say, she’d wear them except it made her face bulge out) is true, too. I’ve often sensed that when I walk into a restaurant wearing Spandex that other people in the restaurant got more embarrassed than I did so I try not to put them through that.
Keep pushing your ideas. They are right on. One only gains respect by showing respect.
wanderingsage said
i do hold concern with the apperence sections…
only due to the crime rate in this town…(i also cary a beat stick mounted on my bike)
i had read an article somewhere about ways to ugly up your bike (chicago bike group i belive) as a way to detur theft
i have found the same also works for physical appereance…
im dreaded and bearded and the majority of the lower class/ poor in the area treet me as a peer while it is the upper class (and alos alot of city drivers weather it be buss or city workers) who “hassel” me the most on the road (ie hey jerk get on the sidewalk)
just an other perspective