Utility vs. Sport
Because I bike everywhere and that is odd to many people, I get a lot of odd questions.
Explaining the difference between utility cyclist and sport cyclist has gotten old. So I’ve just started playing dumb and asking them if they do this when they drive:
Just for the fun of making them explain the difference between a utility motorist and a race car driver.
For my regular commute (11 miles each way) I use my electric bicycle (a pedelec that adds some assistance as you pedal). This has the great advantage that I can CHOOSE the level of effort I put in. So I can ensure I go fast enoough to keep warm but not so fast that I perspire. I can therefore ride in my work clothes and do not need a shower when I get to work. Also if there is a hill or a headwind this doesn’t matter as I just use a little more electric assistance to keep my level of effort to the desired level. This really is the future of cycling/urban bike riding.
I cover the 11 miles in 40-45 mins (whereas if I drive it can be anything from 30 mins to 55 mins). Cycling is also MUCH more enjoyable.
I also commute once a week in London (4 miles each way) and I use the Barclays (Boris bikes). To avoid perspiring, I have to adjust my speed depending on the weather (so its more fun in the winter when you can cycle faster without perspiring). In warm weather I cycle more slowly and enjoy people watching as I go!
As someone who’s never worn cycling specific clothing since I got back into it in 2008, this is the way I see it: it should be worn depending on the distance, speed and terrain, for safety, practicality and comfort. For example, occasionally I do a 20-25 mile round trip to Fleet in Hampshire; on the way back at least it gets a bit uncomfortable on the backside so I’ve bought some cheap cycling shorts. For my regular 5-7 mile or less pootle (which makes up the majority of my 10,000 miles covered in that time, yes, I have a computer on the bike), it’s my everyday street clothes.
The perception in the UK (and in the US by the sounds of it) is that cycling is still seen as something you have to gear up for simply by default. In my experience this is by BOTH cyclists (who don’t seem to get it) and non-cyclists. I think this is one barrier to cycling becoming more popular.
A lot of these work for the person who likes to walk/run places. I love walking everywhere. Stores, etc…and bring my son in the stroller with me and always have my shopping bags in the storage area under the stroller. Love your drawings! I am a fellow cartoonist…a just for fun a mommy and son cartoon.
Interesting. I like this discussion. So I am a weekend _cyclist_ and on weekdays I ride a bike. Yes, I like this.