Comments on: The Cycle Chic Debate

By: Dottie

Dottie — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:10:40 +0000

I agree with you. I am a feminist and have always been annoyed by the faction of feminists who try to make women feel bad for wearing dresses, make-up, heels, etc. I won’t deny the social forces and implications behind looking “feminine,” but I have fun dressing up and have fun riding my bike, so it is natural that I would do both at the same time.

Thanks for the link and the kind words. I’m always happy to see that our blog is getting out there and contributing to the dialogue while also (hopefully) encouraging more women to ride bikes – regardless of whether they want to do so in a skirt or in pants.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:27:41 +0000

Hi Poppy! I can definitely see that. I’m honestly surprised that cycle chic has apparently caught on pretty well in San Francisco, a city famous for its hills! (But, apparently their roads are better cared for as far as cyclists go…) Here in Austin, it’s relatively flat and there’s cycle lanes almost everywhere (and where there’s not, it’s legal to ride on the sidewalk, I believe), so it’s a little more feasible.

I definitely think everyone should wear a helmet, unless they’re in an environment like Copenhagen where cycling is so normal that drivers know how to act around cyclists without endangering them. I might feel comfortable just riding a block or two without a helmet, but if I was riding around downtown Austin there’s no way you’d see me without one!

By: Poppy

Poppy — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 08:13:21 +0000

I live in a city built on a volcanic field, so we have a LOT of hills. I have tried riding in heels and nice clothes a few times, but it is ridiculously impractical and also dangerous – I get very sweaty going up and down hills, and I need shoes with a good grip so my feet don’t slide off the pedals. Cycle lanes are also bus lanes, and the bus drivers in my city are notorious for “not noticing” cyclists, so I would be an idiot not to wear a helmet – it is also illegal not to. That is why I find the idea of cycle chic a bit silly, purely because in my experience it is impossible. If I lived in a cycle-friendly city though (without hills and with cyclist-friendly lanes) I am sure I would feel totally different! I don’t agree that it is anti-feminist to celebrate cycle chic, only that it is to expect that all women look good while cycling.
.-= Poppy´s last blog ..Blargh Yergh Argh =-.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:03:01 +0000

@GG – A powder pink bike sounds great!

@JP – I love Bust too! They’ve always got something great in the latest issue

@Fabulous Finds Gal – isn’t it great? I guess it’s from a Vogue a few years ago. I just received a bike as a gift and I’ll be practicing in flats first (been years since I rode!) but you can bet I’ll try riding in heels

By: Fabulous Finds Gal

Fabulous Finds Gal — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:02:17 +0000

Oh...I love that picture! I have an antique bike that's a work in process too. And, not much getting done. I might have to get down to business with it and throw some heels on when I ride. Great post! .-= Fabulous Finds Gal´s last blog ..Geometry of Mind Editorial for Pastaiga Magazine by Photographer Nils Vilnis =-.

By: Jaime

Jaime — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:19:00 +0000

Some people are just never happy, and they’ve always got to complain about something. Ugh.

I love the idea, and congrats on the Bust post! One of my favorite magazines!

Love,
JP
.-= Jaime´s last blog ..Denim Deal of the Day =-.

By: GG

GG — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:29:47 +0000

I rode a bike for the first time in years this summer, and it was so much fun! I’m with you on wanting a vintage bike – my ideal one would be powder pink, with a basket on the front!
.-= GG´s last blog ..What to Wear in the Rain =-.