Lycra is Killing Urban Cycling
10-14-10, 02:07 PM
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Lycra is Killing Urban Cycling
Cycling versus the cyclist: the perceptive barriers putting off Sydney cyclists
Popular perceptions of cyclists can make or break our decision to take up the sport, says a recent study by the University of Sydney's Dr Chris Rissel and Michelle Daley of the Sydney South West Area Health Service.
While cycling is generally perceived as a positive, environmentally friendly way of getting around, the actions of some cyclists were disliked, which influenced people's likelihood to take up the sport.
"Our respondents spoke differently about cycling, the activity, and cyclists," Dr Rissel says.
"Nearly everyone was very positive about cycling and the health and pleasure associated with it.
"However, the actions of some people riding bicycles were sometimes seen as negative, and the lycra-clad image of cyclists put some people off because they didn't identify with it or thought it a turn-off."
The study also identified a hierarchy of cycling status, with recreational cycling seen as acceptable by most people, followed by cycling for sport or exercise.
At the other end of the spectrum, cycling for 'serious business', i.e. sport-focused fitness riding and bicycle couriers, were seen as far less approachable.
"We can use this information to encourage more people to cycle. We need to improve the status of transport cycling," Dr Rissel says.
"A more mainstream image of everyday cycling might appeal to non-riders who can't see themselves wearing lycra or being fit enough to be a cycling athlete."
Dr Rissel believes that making cycling more mainstream is the key to increasing cycling in Sydney, which has the lowest rate of bike ownership in Australian capital cities.
"Cycling, and especially cycling for transport, is not yet seen as a mainstream activity in Sydney. Encouraging more people to ride bicycles for short trips wearing regular clothes, without the need for specialised clothing or equipment, will improve and normalise the image of cycling."
Popular perceptions of cyclists can make or break our decision to take up the sport, says a recent study by the University of Sydney's Dr Chris Rissel and Michelle Daley of the Sydney South West Area Health Service.
While cycling is generally perceived as a positive, environmentally friendly way of getting around, the actions of some cyclists were disliked, which influenced people's likelihood to take up the sport.
"Our respondents spoke differently about cycling, the activity, and cyclists," Dr Rissel says.
"Nearly everyone was very positive about cycling and the health and pleasure associated with it.
"However, the actions of some people riding bicycles were sometimes seen as negative, and the lycra-clad image of cyclists put some people off because they didn't identify with it or thought it a turn-off."
The study also identified a hierarchy of cycling status, with recreational cycling seen as acceptable by most people, followed by cycling for sport or exercise.
At the other end of the spectrum, cycling for 'serious business', i.e. sport-focused fitness riding and bicycle couriers, were seen as far less approachable.
"We can use this information to encourage more people to cycle. We need to improve the status of transport cycling," Dr Rissel says.
"A more mainstream image of everyday cycling might appeal to non-riders who can't see themselves wearing lycra or being fit enough to be a cycling athlete."
Dr Rissel believes that making cycling more mainstream is the key to increasing cycling in Sydney, which has the lowest rate of bike ownership in Australian capital cities.
"Cycling, and especially cycling for transport, is not yet seen as a mainstream activity in Sydney. Encouraging more people to ride bicycles for short trips wearing regular clothes, without the need for specialised clothing or equipment, will improve and normalise the image of cycling."
10-14-10, 02:12 PM
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That's nice, but I will continue to wear whatever clothes will make me the most comfortable for the distance and conditions I am riding in. It seems to me that we can't win either way. A cyclist in lycra is a Lance Armstrong wannabe with serious issues as to their sexual identity and a cyclist in normal clothes is either too poor to afford a car or is working off a DUI conviction.
10-14-10, 02:43 PM
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Lycra is kinda rootie tootie fresh and frutie.... They need a tougher, meaner cycling outfit.
10-14-10, 02:49 PM
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That's nice, but I will continue to wear whatever clothes will make me the most comfortable for the distance and conditions I am riding in. It seems to me that we can't win either way. A cyclist in lycra is a Lance Armstrong wannabe with serious issues as to their sexual identity and a cyclist in normal clothes is either too poor to afford a car or is working off a DUI conviction.
Now if it's a social event where appearance is important; I can dress properly for those occasions too, but that's not a daily concern.
10-14-10, 02:56 PM
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This is the way I think of it. I dress for the activity, the weather and what is comfortable for me; and don't really give a rodent's rear-end what other people think of my garb.
Now if it's a social event where appearance is important; I can dress properly for those occasions too, but that's not a daily concern.
Now if it's a social event where appearance is important; I can dress properly for those occasions too, but that's not a daily concern.
10-14-10, 02:59 PM
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so we're all supposed to change to mountain biking shorts to get more people on bikes? It's just an excuse, they'd rather be sedentary in front of their tv. If exercise equipment industry could only sell to the people that were going to use their products, there would be no exercise equipment industry
I got it, we can all wear cycling jerseys that have an ad for mountain biking shorts on them. "yes, you are too fat to wear shorts like mine, but you don't have to look like me"
I got it, we can all wear cycling jerseys that have an ad for mountain biking shorts on them. "yes, you are too fat to wear shorts like mine, but you don't have to look like me"
10-14-10, 03:08 PM
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All they need ot do is go to the local Rugby clubs and convince the tight 5 that cycling is good training and it won't be long until no one dares say bad things about lycra.
10-14-10, 03:38 PM
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As long as lycra keeps my "sac (sic)" off the saddle, I'm good, although when my sports specific clothing is associated with my sexuality, I'll need to cash it in. I would have to resign from my church if I "looked gay," certainly and merely because I don't suffer from homophobia and most church members do, having said that, I would not want to be a part of any homophobic group of people or membership. Sorry. Excuse me.
Last edited by thompsonpost; 10-15-10 at 06:45 AM. Reason: Clarification.
10-14-10, 03:52 PM
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I had a guy hassling me and making wild assumptions about my sexuality because I was in lycra riding. I told the nice gent "We'll see who's more manly ok tough guy? We'll both get up to 40kph (in town speed limit), and you toss yourself from the open door of your car onto the roadway and I'll crash my bike, and we'll see who gets up first. Weird ... he declined. Seems these tough types aren't willing to shed any skin, kittens.
10-14-10, 04:00 PM
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The problem isn't that people are too fat for lycra. The problem is that they think they are. Go to a road ride and you'll often notice quite a few overweight guys (generally not huge, but many are medically overweight and you'll see a few who are obese).
Do they take much notice? No. Do all those guys feel uncomfortable and exposed? Not really.
It doesn't matter what you wear, I can tell how fat you are.
Do they take much notice? No. Do all those guys feel uncomfortable and exposed? Not really.
It doesn't matter what you wear, I can tell how fat you are.
10-14-10, 04:02 PM
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Which is so odd considering what many many folks who are overweight are wearing day in and day out.
10-14-10, 04:13 PM
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10-14-10, 04:35 PM
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We should all remember, as Entusiast cyclists of all stripes, that it is not the responsibility of us as individuals to "improve and normalize the image of cycling" when we are out riding on our bikes. wear whatever you want for whatever length trip you are taking: we are already cyclists and you know what works for us.
I am all for the promotion of populist utility and transportation cycling that does not require lycra or other "special equipment". I engage in this type of cycling on a daily basis. I fail to see a good reason to disparage lycra or the cyclists that wear it though, as it will only alienate large numbers of cyclists and widen the divisions that allready exist between different cliques of cyclists- a step backwards for bicycle advocacy
I am all for the promotion of populist utility and transportation cycling that does not require lycra or other "special equipment". I engage in this type of cycling on a daily basis. I fail to see a good reason to disparage lycra or the cyclists that wear it though, as it will only alienate large numbers of cyclists and widen the divisions that allready exist between different cliques of cyclists- a step backwards for bicycle advocacy
10-14-10, 05:34 PM
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This reminds me of last night's episode of the sitcom "Modern Family." One of the characters started exercising again and wore spandex "biking shorts" (they were really spandex exercise shorts rather than real cycling shorts, but whatever). His boyfriend was trying to figure out how to tell him that, and I quote, "Nobody looks good in biking shorts."
Personally I don't think most people care whether or not you're riding your bicycle in bicycle shorts, nor should you necessarily care what they think. I don't think they are terribly immodest. Yoga pants and those running shorts from the 70s and 80s are less modest in my opinion. But spandex cycling shorts are the most recognizable piece of the cyclist's "uniform" and I think the issue most people have is this idea that you must suit up like a pro racer in order to ride a bicycle.
I used to race and I wore spandex and all. Even shaved my legs. These days I don't race, never shave my legs, and I rarely wear spandex. I will wear it if I am going for a 3+ hour ride, or even shorter rides if my only purpose is to get some exercise. Most days I commute to work by bicycle, and I often extend my commute home. I don't bother wearing cycling specific clothing or shoes every day. Sometimes I ride for two hours in jeans, normal shoes, and a button-down shirt as long as it isn't too hot (which it rarely is around here). I prefer a merino wool sweater to most synthetic shells, unless it's really cold. When it's hot I love riding in a lightweight casual shorts and a cotton tshirt or linen shirt. If it's really humid I'll wear a synthetic shirt and maybe switch to bike shorts. But most of the time I can be seen riding in normal clothing.
To me it's all about the purpose and whatever makes you comfortable. If you're cycling for sport or fitness (or if you commute epic distances), why ruin perfectly good street clothes when you'll be more comfortable in clothing designed for the activity? If you're bicycling for transportation over moderate distances...or just pedaling around for some relaxing fun, why wear something special if you are comfortable wearing your street clothes? I think it's just hard to get through to American culture that bicycling doesn't have to mean racing, and it doesn't have to mean you purchase special outfits and gear. People are learning, and today they have many more options. In the early 90s you had to choose between racing bicycles and mountain bikes. Hybrids were okay for the general public, but often designed to look too much like their more aggressive cousins...so they were neither fast nor comfortable. Today there are all kinds of excellent options that blend comfort and speed with an ability to haul whatever you want.
Personally I don't think most people care whether or not you're riding your bicycle in bicycle shorts, nor should you necessarily care what they think. I don't think they are terribly immodest. Yoga pants and those running shorts from the 70s and 80s are less modest in my opinion. But spandex cycling shorts are the most recognizable piece of the cyclist's "uniform" and I think the issue most people have is this idea that you must suit up like a pro racer in order to ride a bicycle.
I used to race and I wore spandex and all. Even shaved my legs. These days I don't race, never shave my legs, and I rarely wear spandex. I will wear it if I am going for a 3+ hour ride, or even shorter rides if my only purpose is to get some exercise. Most days I commute to work by bicycle, and I often extend my commute home. I don't bother wearing cycling specific clothing or shoes every day. Sometimes I ride for two hours in jeans, normal shoes, and a button-down shirt as long as it isn't too hot (which it rarely is around here). I prefer a merino wool sweater to most synthetic shells, unless it's really cold. When it's hot I love riding in a lightweight casual shorts and a cotton tshirt or linen shirt. If it's really humid I'll wear a synthetic shirt and maybe switch to bike shorts. But most of the time I can be seen riding in normal clothing.
To me it's all about the purpose and whatever makes you comfortable. If you're cycling for sport or fitness (or if you commute epic distances), why ruin perfectly good street clothes when you'll be more comfortable in clothing designed for the activity? If you're bicycling for transportation over moderate distances...or just pedaling around for some relaxing fun, why wear something special if you are comfortable wearing your street clothes? I think it's just hard to get through to American culture that bicycling doesn't have to mean racing, and it doesn't have to mean you purchase special outfits and gear. People are learning, and today they have many more options. In the early 90s you had to choose between racing bicycles and mountain bikes. Hybrids were okay for the general public, but often designed to look too much like their more aggressive cousins...so they were neither fast nor comfortable. Today there are all kinds of excellent options that blend comfort and speed with an ability to haul whatever you want.
10-14-10, 06:49 PM
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We, like, totally need a make-over.
Once we're done removing any trace of unique identity we will become one. It will be good, yes.
Once we're done removing any trace of unique identity we will become one. It will be good, yes.
10-14-10, 06:53 PM
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This is the way I think of it. I dress for the activity, the weather and what is comfortable for me; and don't really give a rodent's rear-end what other people think of my garb.
Now if it's a social event where appearance is important; I can dress properly for those occasions too, but that's not a daily concern.
Now if it's a social event where appearance is important; I can dress properly for those occasions too, but that's not a daily concern.
10-14-10, 07:01 PM
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Tight clothes on a man here in america...seems taboo...any thing tight enough to show your package is frowned upon. We judge people by their appearance...sad but true.
10-14-10, 07:22 PM
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10-14-10, 07:25 PM
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10-14-10, 07:27 PM
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10-14-10, 07:28 PM
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10-14-10, 07:53 PM
#24
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Its really easy to be comfortable on a bike, even for very long journeys, without looking like a spandex super hero.
Basketball shorts are very comfortable and dry quickly but don't cling to your balls and make you look like an idiot.
Cotton T shirts are fine for even long rides but can be replaced by normal looking synthetics that if you want.
Problem solved, lets move on.
Basketball shorts are very comfortable and dry quickly but don't cling to your balls and make you look like an idiot.
Cotton T shirts are fine for even long rides but can be replaced by normal looking synthetics that if you want.
Problem solved, lets move on.
10-14-10, 08:21 PM
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