Not Asking for It
The other day I was biking to work when this happened:
I wouldn’t think anything of it if it happened once. But I’ve noticed my attire seems to prompt certain responses in other road users.
How do I know it’s not just an off day? Because I have the ability to change clothes.
Some days I’m this cyclist:
And later that same evening I might be this cyclist:
I’m called out on my appearance daily as I go about my business on public streets without the cover of a car.
Even “ordinary” attire has drawbacks.
It’s no surprise that most days I find myself dressing to get the reaction I want when I bike. Or at least the most benign reaction.
But no matter what I’m wearing it’s still just me: complex, multi-dimensional, and in awesome shape.
Really you have changed. It used to be that one helmet only and everywhere. Different outfits with different helmets, or even without a helmet? That’s new.
Very true. Where I live in the fens, I’ve evolved into wearing mainly smart casual with raincoat and fedora because they have to treat me as a middle class middle aged woman rather than some oik who can’t afford a car. Some might see me as some ditsey lady but, like you say “put your phone down and read my hand signal”. I have a massive Dutch bike with a wooden box with flowers on the front, I’m sure having a large front end (as well as a large back end) helps to prevent close passes.
Im cyclist but I also drive. When I drive, I treat all cyclist the same. passing at safe distance and speed. regardless of what they wear, gender and age. I do like looking at beautiful women on bikes. i think they are hot! lol!
Is there anything positive you can say or is it always complaining about drivers and other bikers (or everything in general).
– from a biker.
If I use a very bright flashing tail and head light it seems to help keep motorist away, not all. Also they hate my race kit and my fixie attire equally. What works beast to keep away aggressive motorist, is wearing a GoPro on your helmet and reaching for the play button as soon as they pull up next to you and open their pie hole; )