Give up Lycra and my Helmet; not Bloody Likely
Thu, May 10, 2007 A British online magazine called City Cycling appears to be aimed at people commuting to work in large cities. It is encouraging that there are enough people doing this to show interest and support for such a website.
However, a recent article suggests that cyclists should abandon lycra and helmets. The author of this piece seems to think that cyclists dressed in such a style are seen as “not human” or are from another “tribe,” and consequently unworthy of attention.”
The idea is, dressed in street clothes, i.e. jeans and tee shirt or a suit and tie, other road users will see us as human beings just like them. As a result they will be a little more tolerant towards us. Somehow, I don’t think so.
If I ride down the middle of a traffic lane, take the lane so to speak, because I am attempting to turn left; the person behind me, delayed for a few seconds is not going to be any less pissed off if I look like I just stepped off the cover of GQ.
As for the idea that the driver doesn’t see me as human? He knows I’m human, otherwise he would run me down like a squirrel. I would like to think it is human decency that prevents him from doing so, but more than likely it is not wanting to deal with the consequences, that is the biggest deterrent.
In a few cases, I think it is the fact that they could run me down, but are not allowed to in a civilized society that makes them so mad. They will sit behind a farm tractor doing ten miles per hour for as long as it takes, and deal with it, but God forbid they should have to slow to fifteen or twenty miles per hour for a few seconds behind a cyclist.
When I go riding I put on my team jersey, not because I want to be seen as belonging to some other tribe; I just want to be seen, period. I choose a team jersey for its bright colors, not because I support that particular team.
The other reason I choose a genuine team jersey is the quality of the product. It is designed to give the wearer maximum comfort under extreme racing conditions. So I know during my modest exertions I can concentrate on riding my bike without being focused on how uncomfortable my clothes make me feel.
Designed to keep the wind off if it is a little chilly, or to keep me dry and comfortable if I am sweating like the proverbial pig. I can throw it in a cold wash when I’m through riding, and it is practically dry after the spin cycle.
Another quote from the article, “Normal people don't wear polystyrene hats.” Bicycle helmets don’t give total protection, and no one should be lulled into a false sense of security by wearing one.
I was wearing a helmet when I hit an SUV last December and still came away with a hairline skull fracture. But I was glad I had a little Styrofoam between my head and the very solid side of that vehicle, and I am sure without it I could have been injured more.
You don’t have to wear lycra and a helmet to enjoy cycling, and I am not advocating that everyone should dress thus. It is a sport that can give pleasure at any level. I just happen to be an ex-racing cyclist and still enjoy a road bike.
I cannot ride unless I am going balls out, as fast as I can. It is what I have done all my life; I try to maintain a level of fitness so I can continue to do so. I cannot ride in this fashion in a suit, or in blue jeans feeling like my nuts are in a tourniquet.
In spite of my earlier comments, when I’m on the road I try not to adopt an “us and them” attitude; it serves no useful purpose. Traffic is not going to get any lighter, so I must deal with it. However, I am going to exercise my right to ride on the public highway.
I try to be considerate and courteous at all times; if someone slows down and is cautious when passing, I will often give them a little thank you wave. My way of saying thank you for not passing at fifty miles an hour, missing me by inches.
Most road users don’t mind sharing the road with a cyclist if they are predictable and give clear signals of their intentions. They dislike cyclists who weave in an out of traffic for example.
If I wear lycra and a helmet at least I look like I know what I am doing. If I wear street clothes; I could be someone who just decided to “go green” the previous week, or someone who has just got their third DUI ticket.
Reader Comments (18)
Certainly, we all know someone who is otherwise intellegent, but cannot be convinced to wear a helmet. More power to 'em. Plus, there is the "overprotective parent" thing - you're basically telling a newcomer to the sport that they are engaging in dangerous activity and need appropriate safety gear.
But, I made my peace with helmets while racing mtb's in about 1984 - airborne for a long time, I had the concious thought if I got through the impending crash OK, I'd go get one. I did and I did.
You can't make the helmet decision for other folks, but to tell 'em not to is downright dingy.
As you stated, the lack of consequences is a real problem. In our area, drivers are given hours of community service after negligently killing a cyclist. It's all about "perceived" power and the cyclist is always at a disadvantage, especially when cycling is not part of street design.
However, in dense traffic, cyclists are envied because of their versatility to ride in the "fast lane" instead of the fat lane. This gets the motorized nuts even nuttier.
Cycling enthisiasts should be inclusive to all those who want to ride whether they be in your "oh-so-sexy" lycra Dave or me occassionally in my business suit (although I prefer the lycra and high speed too!).
I too wave at motorists when I receive even the smallest gesture of consideration. However, I recognize the obvious and omipresent conflict between motorized vehicles and cyclists and pedestrians. That conflict, when properly addressed, may eventually lead to complete streets and a safer environment for all road users.
Meanwhile, we must deal with what we have and try to share without creating unnecessary ill will and conflicts. Stay safe... we need you out there!
Jack
Well said. I commute in downtown San Francisco five days a week, it bothers me most cyclists have the us vs them attitude. Most of them have the simple rules that says “Everyone follows the law, except me” I personally support police gives out tickets for cyclists who break the traffic laws, we cannot have anyone using the road “above the law”.
And helmets? Yes, my head worth more than $50.00 to $100.00.
Ron
I feel compelled to talk with them about what they are doing. So I tell them about what could happen to them, etc. - stuff they already know - and they probably hear "Blah, blah, blah."
When I'm done, I can tell they weren't really listening because one of them asks me immediately why I'm wearing "tights". And I happen to say the only thing that might help me retain some respect. "Because they make me go faster."
Cheers,
Gene from Tacoma
I wear street clothes often enough. Not sure if I've noticed a difference. Some folks are respectful, some not. The scarey ones are the ones who don't even know I'm there. At least the aggressive ones and the respectful ones are aware of their surroundings.
-Mike
I do understand the humanising aspect of dress - over here the general derogatory term for a cyclist is 'lycra lout' - but also that it goes further and as people have said giving a wave of thanks, or a thumbs up, is more than humanising, it's a true connection and a simple show of mutual respect.
As for helmets, pro-choice anti-compulsion is the name of the game as far as I'm concerned. I wear one on the trails on the MTB; but go without when commuting in the summer. One of those things which can be debated long and hard and still have entrenched positions at the end of it all.
Anyway, thanks for reading, I hope we can remain as provocative in the future! ;)
.anth
On the other hand, when a group of seven of us were rolling through Tolono and went by the ball field, I heard a wolf whistle and thought, "I'm the only woman in this group. It's been a while..." and then came the call, "Spaanndex!!!" and I knew it wasn't *me* being whistled at :) The very next day, I went by the same place with a group of all women... no whistle, but the same call-out: "SPANDEX!!!!"
And.. give face to the car? Our culture does, I believe, recognize the car as an extension of our personality, even if it's as a shell we encase ourselves in.
RE: anth. I think it's madness not to wear a helmet when commuting but when trail riding. Trees are hard and I've been close enough to those on single track to be thankful I wear a helmet; they also don't jump out at road junctions because "they didn't see you".
What a bunch of nonsense in that article. A helmet and jersey are part of your kit, which includes your bike. Everyone knows that the better your kit is, the more you will be respected by others. Appropriate kit is extremely important as it allows people to see you, recognize which team you are on, which products your team endorses, and gauge to some degree what kind of rider you are. Yes, people who walk on their feet or drive in cars may wear pretty much whatever they damn well please, but you are (probably) a cyclist. If you don't identify with yourself as a cyclist, you are merely a person who occasionally gets about on a bicycle. As for other 'tribes' mentioned in the article, the messenger 'tribe' also has a kit, and it is just as important as the cyclists kit. Enough messengers get killed by taxis, public transit vehicles and otherwise careless drivers each year in my city for them to embrace constant helmet wearing. In fact, many messengers only take off their helmets at beer time, and some remain helmeted even then, as they will no doubt be riding somewhere else after beer time is over.
Regular everyday clothing was not made for cycling. To suggest that it will make vehicle piloting imbeciles more inclined to give you a wink and a nod rather than a horn and the bird is a reckless display of ignorance. From what experience does the author draw this conclusion? Commuting in the Welsh countryside?
I recommend the following kit for cyclists in my neighborhood:
Riding in a Northerly direction for more than 2 miles: full racing kit
Riding in a Southerly direction, any distance: 'urban velo kit', including concealed and open carry weapons:
A 3.5' boron manganese steel chain
Fixed blade, double edged knife
optional .45 ACP automatic pistol
I used to be a road racer in Europe, way back in the 1970s. Back then we wore wool jerseys, cycling pants and leather helmets. It took me decades to rediscover my love to bicycles and bicycling again. Today I own several most interesting bikes, any of which would not look out of place on a bicycle magazine.
What I enjoy most about bicycling these days, and a lot of it is on any of my single speeds or even my 1940s and 1950s rod brake bikes, is that I can be normal, enjoy the landscape, the fresh air, nature, and working out, hearing my own heart pumping. If I had to dress up like a circus clown, wearing lycra and a helmet, I wouldn't even do it. I believe that more 'normal' people would enjoy bicycling, if there wasn't this underlying perception that they have to get a 'racing bike' with super small tires and dress up like puppets. Sad, indeed.
I commute daily, use the bike for ALL journeys less than 15 miles each way, ride a 20 mile loop whenever I get the chance and tour for a week or two a couple of times a year. I don't race, trial or belong to any clubs. This is healthy cheap transport for me and I AM NOT A HIPPY. I would not be seen dead wearing lycra. You dayglo spandex wearing racers aren't the only people that use bikes. And yes I do have a mountain bike. Plus a tourer, plus an old 3-speed pub bike, plus a commuter. Nothing with drop bars though.
It's just so bad some people think that way. When bike my way to the office I wear my usual Lycra and helmet. Why? Because if I don't I will end up to sweaty when I arrive. The thing I do is to bring my work clothes ahead of time and change into them. Besides who cares what I look like as long as I save money and enjoy having free exercise?
My opinion only of course. However I've recently been riding in losser more casual looking cloths that are still comfortable on the bicycle and look (excuse the expression please) more like normal wear. In "my" experiance on the road since the switch off I have noticed and without explanation mind you that I am given more room, patiance, and zero honking. Less guned motors etc as people pass. I don't care what reason you choose to attribute it to.. I think it's more of a view tjhat I'm out as tranportation not "playing or exercise" which is just a much bs as humainzation I guess.
As for helmets, I wear one .. and I don't. Please feel free to do as you wish there as well. Just rembmer .. what I do in that regard is none of your business...thank you very much.
have a great day
Kelly
Wow that's different, isn't it? Very catchy. Tweeted it.
I also like to pay recognition to considerate motorists — of whom there are a few even in Sendai — the recognized capital city of nasty driving in Japan. Fortunately, for all who live in this culture, bowing is a cultural icon of politeness and respect. One can easily bow on a bicycle — without taking one's hands off the bars! Each time I show respect for good motoring behaviour, I believe it is a tiny contribution to better relations on the road. Of course, it is also incumbant on me to behave well.