Bicycle Commuting and Clothes
Today was the first day of school for kids, so I actually had to appear presentable (even though I had no classes in the computer lab today).
I can still dress fairly casually, so I didn’t worry too much about clothing for cycling. I also don’t bike too far to work — a little over two miles. I simply changed my shirt when I got to work (my back gets sweaty).
Madewithyarn points out correctly, however, that for many people clothing is a barrier to bicycle commuting. They may have a longer commute (thereby getting more sweaty), or they might have to dress more formally for the office. She suggests that employers should provide shower facilities to encourage bicycle commuting.
I have another suggestion: Is it possible that we could change our standards of dress? I mean, really, why do we need to wear business attire? Yes, I know, it’s all about impressing other people and fitting in. But what if we as a society decided to value what we do over what we look like?
We might have to wait a while for that. Meanwhile, check out this robotic bike parking facility in Tokyo!
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September 2nd, 2008
My main issues are distance, climate, and work attire. All three go hand in hand– riding a bike in 100-degree-plus weather for 12+ miles in professional attire that can’t be folded and stuffed in a backpack to change into later is a big problem. And, let me bring vanity into the mix and say that I can’t come to work with sweaty, unstyled helmet hair. Makeup I could do at work, but the hair part is actually a tough one. I work with professionals on most days and have to be very put-together. (Though it might be a possibility on those rare “casual days.”)
I’ve been thinking about getting a bike and a trailer for my 4 yr old for a while. While Tucson isn’t the optimal place for biking, it will cool off soon and I thought it might be fun to go on some of the all-too-few bike paths.
My bike was stolen a couple years ago. Grr.