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.
PERFECT.
Hilarious! I do think some people are taking bikeyface’s criticism the wrong way. She isn’t criticizing real women out and about in real life dresses and skirts, but the very very sexist marketing that is effectively showing porn star like ladies in bike ads etc.. I find it very offensive that media would even think to go this route in something as basic and egalitarian as cycling. Women who bike regularly usually develop an appropriate wardrobe, know which skirts are best for biking in, and remember to bring a sweater. I have always worn my regular clothes for biking, and it most definitely involves dresses, skirts, dress coats, pretty shoes etc..
And those women who do ride in heels and skirts/dresses, I am sure you know that some skirts are better than others, and heels can be dangerous. You also know that when you get going, it becomes very windy, you can get cold, so sometimes wearing that summer dress without a sweater or hoodie is a mistake merely because you will be freezing. It has to be a very hot day to get away without getting the chills. So, it becomes a matter of comfort to wear layers and pants. It’s been a long warm summer so I wore as many dresses and skirts as possible and even though the weather changed I still tried. Recently, I went out in a skirt that hiked up way too much while biking. It’s a wool skirt, short, but warm. It was fine sitting and standing so went out. I was quite conscious of it. Had I worn leggings I would have relaxed, but I wasn’t and I was getting stared at nonstop by the mens! I’ve been biking for fun and transport for years and when I was younger in my late teens and twenties I got alot of attention on my bike. Most unwanted, and very rude comments that no man on a bike would ever have to endure.
To me the media encouragement of getting dolled up in heels and biking actually is a hindrance to women because it does effect the ride. Biking in heels is okay for short distances at a slowish pace, but not practical for longer riding. If you are having to slow down to yank down the skirt every five minutes or if you lose control and have to stop suddenly in heels it can be very painful! I can’t even walk in heels, and they are bad around for your body. I have tried over the years and can bike in certain wedgey heels quite fine and will ride in them if I know I will be biking more than walking or going to a party, dinner etc..
oh and the whole tucked in sock thing….pant straps!!
Real women, real cyclist, heels. Paris, 2012
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4335932118887&set=a.3727134499327.2144232.1304861440&type=3&theater
COPENHAGENCYCLECHIC.com – advocating bike wear, i.e. heels, skirts, business clothes, etc. Beautiful and stylish girls (as well as men) on beautiful and stylish bicycles. A riveting read.
I am addicted to your blog. Saddly, commuting via bike in Baltimore made me feel like I was alone in the world other than a few hipsters. Thank you.