Two years ago, I got rid of my car and began using my bicycle as my primary transportation. At the time, my central California city was not quite cycle friendly. Although the weather is mild and topography flat, there was no room for bikes on the streets. Cars and their drivers are mostly of the SUV/pickup truck variety operated by people who are not used to sharing roads. I was often the only cyclist for miles.
This spring, the scene started to change. We have an enlightened mayor and transportation department that is re-purposing the streets for every type of vehicle and pedestrian. I see other cyclists every day. And I don't mean lycra-d racers riding in packs.
I don't dislike long-distance riding for sport. That’s how I got interested in two-wheeled transport as an adult and it's a wonderful way to get fit. But, like many sports, it took a lot of time, special clothes, and a hardcore fitness mindset. I had to ride every day and I just got bored with logging miles.
I retired the carbon fiber bike and picked up what the Dutch call a “sit up and beg” bike. After I pimped it out with a few baskets, fenders and lights, I had a chic new mode of transport. One that was a lot less expensive than a car, did not require special clothes (except for some sweet hats and high heels), and took me almost anywhere in town with style. I still get plenty of exercise, just not the sweaty kind. It’s more of a glow-y energy.
I think of my bicycle as I do a car: it does not define the type of person I am, it’s just a means of transportation. Be creative with your ride and you will rediscover the joy of the wind in your hair and the freedom of going anywhere at any time.
- I choose to cycle chic and, at every opportunity, I will choose Style over Speed.
- I embrace my responsibility to contribute visually to a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape.
- I am aware that my mere presence in said urban landscape will inspire others without me being labeled as a 'bicycle activist'.
- I will ride with grace, elegance and dignity.
- I will choose a bicycle that reflects my personality and style.
- I will, however, regard my bicycle as transport and as a mere supplement to my own personal style. Allowing my bike to upstage me is unacceptable.
- I will endeavour to ensure that the total value of my clothes always exceeds that of my bicycle.
- I will accessorize in accordance with the standards of a bicycle culture and acquire, where possible, a chain guard, kickstand, skirt guard, fenders, bell and basket.
- I will respect the traffic laws.
- I will refrain from wearing and owning any form of 'cycle wear'. The only exception being a bicycle helmet - if I choose to exercise my freedom of personal choice and wear one.
- I embrace my responsibility to contribute visually to a more aesthetically pleasing urban landscape.
- I am aware that my mere presence in said urban landscape will inspire others without me being labeled as a 'bicycle activist'.
- I will ride with grace, elegance and dignity.
- I will choose a bicycle that reflects my personality and style.
- I will, however, regard my bicycle as transport and as a mere supplement to my own personal style. Allowing my bike to upstage me is unacceptable.
- I will endeavour to ensure that the total value of my clothes always exceeds that of my bicycle.
- I will accessorize in accordance with the standards of a bicycle culture and acquire, where possible, a chain guard, kickstand, skirt guard, fenders, bell and basket.
- I will respect the traffic laws.
- I will refrain from wearing and owning any form of 'cycle wear'. The only exception being a bicycle helmet - if I choose to exercise my freedom of personal choice and wear one.
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