Real Women
Having worked in advertising a bit, I was intrigued by the ongoing debate about the representation of gender in bicycle advertising. At first, I was inclined to be offended too. But then, as I was watching the cyclists in my neighborhood, I realized something: the media really has us women figured out!
For example, I saw this very cute woman with a bike downtown:
Specialized did some solid market research because I actually stumbled on a couple of Bike Nurses offering cycling men a hand!
Of course, the lady cyclists out on the town were very stylish.
But, of course, it’s not all about the clothes.
Which sure makes laundry and getting ready in the morning so much easier.
Love it!! Nice illustration of the debate.
Think from your previous posts it is quite clear that you cycle in whatever works for you at the time. I personally take the images as illustration of how the media can portray women in cycling and what that message says – rather than a stab at anyone who cycles in heels to work. For me, I’ll stick to my road shoes and change into heels at work.
@ladyfleur – love the tandem video.
I am still offended. If men were dressed provocatively on a bike or car, it would look ridiculous. To me when a woman is presented this way it is demeaning to my sex – like they are being used as an object to attract men. Most or all bike shop owners are men, and men still ride more bikes than women, so I assume that is the targeted market – not women.
Men dressing provocatively riding bikes? Reminds me of the Spandex crowd… As a female in bike shop I have to deal with a few pleasant but mostly not so pleasant examples of tight clothing.
As Elly in her presentation I am not happy of the male gaze in bike advertising, but I also ride in heels and skirts when I like without feeling demeaned… it’s my choice.
What it boils down to is that we as women need to make the Bike industry realize that women are viable market – so dear sisters, stop balking on spending $600.00 on your transportation when you don’t think twice spending $300.00 on a pair of shoes (and yes, this is written with a wink in my eye!)
Case in point: Great cause……. but…. errrr…. maybe there are cleats on those heels?? http://www.lisacarpenterblog.com/?p=5303
What corner is the women in Pane 4 on, I have been looking for a new place to bike, and you know, like i ride a bike…
there’s also sexy men on bikes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmhiWaOgLUA
which also appeals to the male audience.