A Field Guide to the New York City Bicyclist
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 10. 9.08
You know cycling has become mainstream when the New York Times has not one but two photo essays in the Style section- one on bikes as the latest fashion accessory: "As bike lanes multiply around the city, cycling grows ever more popular and subcultures of riders coalesce around a style and a sensibility. A look at the two-wheeled traffic." ::New York Times
More usefully, they then show a collection of fashion accessories for the fashion accessory: a review of classy panniers and shopping bags.
Novara 'Round Town
Stephen Krcmar writes:
With high gas prices and a struggling economy, interest in cycling as a way to get around is attracting a new audience. "Until recently, bike commuting was for the super-dedicated bike person, but that whole notion has been thrown out the window in the last year," says Tim Blumenthal, executive director at Bikes Belong, a nationwide cycling advocacy group. "Now, all kinds of people are riding bikes."
And products that have been introduced in the last two years have made it easier for even casual pedalers to leave their cars parked and still be able to haul gear and groceries, or take work home without resorting to a sweat-producing backpack or messenger bag. ::New York Times
Need a fashion accessory?
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It is easy to be cynical about feel good, style section pieces about bike commuting, but ultimately I am really happy to see that kind of mainstream exposure. When I started bike commuting nearly twenty years ago, it was viewed as a fringe activity at best, even by some of my cycling friends.
I know that some cyclists still scoff at articles like these, but we should all be glad to see them. If a style section article inspires one person to try riding to work, it is a good thing in my book.
Fashion accessory number one that the photo lacks: WEAR A HELMET. I unfortunately have to drive around NYC for work and sometimes I get in close calls with bikers... and I am one of the sober drivers! Please be careful! Who cares about how stylish your new bikers bag is when you and your groceries are laid out on the street.
That being said, I wish they would make some more fashionable looking helmets already! My helmet looks like it rode straight out of the 90's.
note that no one is wearing a helmet in the photos.
so unfortunate.
and, as a Brooklynite, when is this city actually going to move the bike lanes b/w the sidewalk and packed cars and out of the way of cars - Copenhagen style?!?
The article is fine, and I'm all for encouraging more bicycle use, but the lead photo clearly shows someone who isn't exactly a role-model for bicycling. No helmet. Terrible shoes for riding. That thin dress would look mighty sexy flapping in the breeze, but wouldn't do much to keep the rider warm or preserve her modesty. And she's riding into oncoming traffic.