jules21 wrote:il padrone wrote:Which group do the Aussie commuters seem to resemble most? Is this really the way to build mass cycle use for transport? Methinks not.
what do you mean by "this"? the lycra-clad commuters? if so, i don't understand how they're holding back cycle commuting, unless they are somehow discouraging others who wouldn't want to dress in lycra. if you're concerned that "ordinary" riders are underrepresented as commuters, then by my thinking, they're letting the side down, not the carbon brigade. forgive me if that's not your point, but i've heard it before from others and it defies logic.
Not just what they wear, but also the need to go fast.
Hence the need for a shower afterwards.
Hence the need for end of trip facitlties.
I cycle relaxed and slowly, no need for a shower..(wil be different on the way home....)
I use a commuter bike,one that is functional, and not too flash/expensive, so no need for bike storage.
altough it would be appreciated, its not needed, A good lock wil do fine.
Or bike insurance that wil cover theft.
A lot of australian cycling commuters pay a lot of attention to the bike, has to be fast.
the clothing, has to be fast, so that the commute can be fast...
But not enough think, I ride, to get to work.
fast is not needed, but it seems to be soo important for so many cyclists.
And this is clearly what the pictures off IP show, the current image is so that fast is alomst a 'requirement' for todays commuting.
It comes across , that if you want to be part of todays commute, you wil 'need' all the gear.
fancy bike, and clothing, so you can go fast.
This is far from promoting commuting as a viable option for everyone.
For a commute you should only need 1 thing.
A bike.
Unfortunatly , we need 2 things, a bike plus helmet.
the helmet is not promoting cycling as something that suits everyone.
It only suits those that are willing to exept wearing a helmet.
And if people have to wear a helmet, well ... why not wear the rest...
And if we wear the whole outfit, well... why not 'use it' .
if we have to wear a helmet, wich is assosiated with danger and speed, its not strange that our cycling behaviour does change ...
I believe this effect of the helmet is a big cause of how we commute today.
and cant say im happy with that.
I would be happy if we could go back to the basics, the bike.
Just that, the bike.