Commuting - Look like a "cyclist" or a "commuter"?

I ask this question based on a comment I received when I said I was going to commute to work. The comment was:
You will be fine if you look like a cyclist. If you look like a commuter, you'll get killed.

I thought this was an odd statement and I think just the opposite. I'm usually a little peeved when I see the cyclist "getting in their miles" during the peak traffic hours on the main streets. Before I get flamed for this, I will still make sure I safely pass the "cyclist", and never in their lane, but I do so while uttering under my breath that they should find a better time/place to train. I give nothing but positive karma to the commuters I encounter, although I still think they should find a route off the main/busy streets during rush hour.

Here is how I distinguish the cyclist/commuter look:

Cyclist:
Full-out cycling attire. The jersey, pants, shoes.
Riding high-end road bike.
Carrying next to nothing. No more than a small wedge for stuff.

Commuter:
Sometimes in full cycling attire or in work clothes, sometimes with bright vest.
Riding comfort/mtn, low end road or beater bike
Has more "stuff" and many times a backpack or a rack


Anybody have any comments as to which is better to "look" like?

*mutters under my breath about how you should find a better time/place to ride to work*

I don't really care what you wear. And in my experience, neither do drivers. You think drivers are annoyed by your clothing choices? They're annoyed because you're slower than them.

And with your attitude towards cyclists, I don't really feel like I want to share the road with you anyway, regardless of whether you're driving or riding your bike.

<snip> I'm usually a little peeved when I see the cyclist "getting in their miles" during the peak traffic hours on the main streets. Before I get flamed for this, I will still make sure I safely pass the "cyclist", and never in their lane, but I do so while uttering under my breath that they should find a better time/place to train. I give nothing but positive karma to the commuters I encounter, although I still think they should find a route off the main/busy streets during rush hour. <snip>
That's crazy talk.




Anybody have any comments as to which is better to "look" like?
I try to look like I'm having fun.

No one should care what you look like or what kind of bike you ride. But some things are important:

1. Following traffic laws/conventions and/or working with flow of traffic. (i.e. if you bend traffic laws at least do so in a flowing manner)
2. Wearing visible clothing if riding in traffic areas.

The rest doesn't matter. Some folks commute 35mi each way to work and have everything stored at work so they don't need a bag and wear full cycling attire as the are comfortable in it. They may look like they are out for a Tuesday rush hour recreational/training ride, but are in fact going to work. Other folks only ride 2mi to work and wear work clothes and ride a comfort bike and carry half their office with them each way. Then there is every possibility in between, no one way is right, nor should be expected.

Al

It seems to me that any cyclist "getting in his miles" during rush hour is likely a commuter. People dress in whatever is most practical for the mission at hand. If the trip is long and he is on a road bike, this may mean cycling gear.

Paul

I guess I don't see how someones decision on when to get their training miles in gets your panties in a wad. What is it to you?

Two days a week I ditch my pack in the bushes and log a 20 mile training loop in full cycling kit before my 10 mile commute to work. I have never even considered that I might be offending another biker by riding at that hour. And if the thought did ever cross my mind, I would simply dismiss it with the conclusion that the offended "real commuter" must have some real issues. When that person can pass me on their comfort bike, they can say anything they want, but I have yet to find one who can, so screw them and what they think.

In answer to your question, I really do find that motorists give me more room when I am in my cycling clothing. But maybe that is because I ride assertively like I know what I am doing.

Should we also stop all non-commuting use of roads during commuting hours. No one can leave for vacaction at those hours, no one should drive to a 5pm movie, no one should drive to breakfast?

Firstly its absurd to try and judge the reason for cyclist to be on a road during rush hour based on looks alone, second its none of your business. Finally there is no reason why someone should not ride recreationally during commute hours and many reasons why they may do so at those times on those roads.

Al

I don't know what to say about the animosity toward your fellow bikers. It does remind me of when we were kids. My buddies and I were on skateboards and we hated the BMX "jocks". They hated us too, but we all seemed to congregate in the same areas. Eventually, we outgrew our disdain for each other.

As to what you wear. I don't know that the motorists I see would react any differently if I was in a full kit. Since I don't own one, I guess I won't find out either. I can tell you that when I had my huge "granny baskets" on the back of my bike, they tended to give me more room.

How could you have possibly imagined you wouldn't get a throrough and proper flaming for a statement like that? You've got some gaul taking that attitude with another cyclist simply because they don't dress like you... as if your use of the roadways during rush hour is somehow nobler than someone in full road gear. Well guess what? You're really no different than they are, and there's plenty of drivers muttering at you when you're out there. Can anyone say 'self-loathing'?

DanO

My commute is precisely 'getting my hours in.' I rarely ride in addition to my commute, but I sure do like to be comfortable. I wear the bibs, the jersey, the clipless shoes, helmet and clear glasses (I leave at 5:00 am). My bikes are beasts - road-worthy mountain bikes, but look nothing like a road bike. On the trip home I rarely come across other commuters, and have never been honked at or abused by cagers. I obey traffic laws and look like I belong on the road.

It's funny this comes up - just this morning I was on a desolate road en route to work, cranking away at 25 mph and ended up behind some dude on a cruiser in what looked like last night's partyin' clothes. I pulled up next to him, tipped my helmet, said 'mornin,' and pressed on.

It doesn't matter where you're coming from or where you're going, you're on a bike. That's what matters :beer:

yeah...mostly it doesn't matter what you wear because most drivers aren't gonna see you either way.

i had a friend -- who's been hit twice this year -- jokingly suggest that the only way that drivers were going to see him is if he didn't wear anything at all. maybe.

seriously...what you wear is what works for you. me...i don't like to wear bright colors generally. all of my commuting clothing (only the shoes and gloves being actual cycling gear) is black, grey, blue, or dark green.

but my helmet is bright yellow and I've got rather a lot of 3M relfective tape on various parts of my bike.

and i ride as if no one can or will see me. that's the key.

i for one see your point about going roadie during rush hour...

i mean i don't hold it against the guys but think it is rather dumb to be out exercising on the same roads as all those yahoos rushing home from work.

half the reason i ride a mtb for fun is because i hate riding with cars and smelling their exhaust when i don't have to. i only do it because it is a necessary evil that i need to do to get to work by bicycle.

as for dressing the part; wear what you feel like. it ain't a contest or a fashion show so just have fun with it and try not to get killed ;)

Honestly, I can't believe the amount of threads about people worrying about their looks on a bicycle. Just pedal and shuddup.

I suppose next you'll say I shouldn't ride at dusk/night because I have those upper class HID lights and stuff. Sound to me that you are a little classism in your statements. Just because some one has money spend on cycling doesn't make them better or worse the you. I commute in a full kit on me high priced road bike but this is the only time I know I will have to ride. I would also like to know why you think Bicycle are the ones impeding traffic there are a number of 25mph road that I take, I can keep of with traffic drafting off cars doing 25-35mph it seems to me your problem is one of perspective I hope you will come to realize the flaws in your arguments when you start to commute.

Commuting is not about the bike, It is not about the gear, it is about enjoying yourself, it is about reducing pollution.

Now go enjoy yourself out on the bike, learn to have respect for all and contempt for none.

... I'm usually a little peeved when I see the cyclist "getting in their miles" during the peak traffic hours on the main streets. Before I get flamed for this, I will still make sure I safely pass the "cyclist", and never in their lane, but I do so while uttering under my breath that they should find a better time/place to train...



When I commuted to work I usually dressed like:

Full-out cycling attire. The jersey, pants, shoes.
Riding high-end road bike.
Carrying next to nothing. No more than a small wedge for stuff.

I was a commuter during those periods, and I was training at the same time.

Just so you know... To me, I "DID" pick the "VERY BEST" time/place to train ... and that was during my daily 28 mile commute every day.

When I commuted to work I usually dressed like:

Full-out cycling attire. The jersey, pants, shoes.
Riding high-end road bike.


Thank god you were wearing that cycling jersey and not just a T-shirt or
a sweat shirt :rolleyes:

I commute in my team kit- have a shower and office at work for my gear... although I do ride a beater on my commute. I may look like I'm getting in my miles during rush hour... because I am. Screw you if it annoys you- I stop and wait for lights, follow the rules of the road... so there ;)

When I ride a path bike in street clothes- on the street- drivers treat me like I have a DWI.

Like it or not, drivers do judge us by how we dress. Heck, other roadies judge us... we judge each other.

i for one see your point about going roadie during rush hour...

i mean i don't hold it against the guys but think it is rather dumb to be out exercising on the same roads as all those yahoos rushing home from work.

half the reason i ride a mtb for fun is because i hate riding with cars and smelling their exhaust when i don't have to. i only do it because it is a necessary evil that i need to do to get to work by bicycle.

as for dressing the part; wear what you feel like. it ain't a contest or a fashion show so just have fun with it and try not to get killed ;)

just like the people i work with think it's dumb for me to bike every day even in the rain.

i came to a stop light with five other cyclists, commuters, roadies and a couple high school kids. rather have them around me than cars any day

I thought we were getting beyond all this junior high stuff. I guess I was wrong.

Camy, if you came to Sacramento and drove up behind me at 7:40am, you and your buddies might have a hard time deciding whether to mutter under your breath or send out positive karma. Somedays I ride my beater, somedays I ride my race bike. Somedays I'm in lycra, somedays I'm in Hugo Boss. Yesterday, I rode to work wearing a tie that cost more than the bike I was on.

I'm glad you pass safely when you come upon our DFW roadie/commuter/training/just riding around brethren. That's all we can really ask, I guess. But let me also suggest that you ride your bike to work. The extra miles will do you good. And ride whatever bike you like and wear whatever makes you comfortable.

How do I fit in?
Full cycling attire (although solid color without logos) on a fenderless fixed gear road bike with a messenger bag and helmet mirror.
Why would you have any animosity toward fellow cyclist as long as they are riding responsibility? I'm glad to see every full kit athlete, granny with a basket, mom with kid and every other responsible cyclist on the road. I get upset at those that blow through intersections, ride the wrong way or generally ignore traffic laws.
When a fellow cyclist has this attitude it scares me to think what most non-cyclist are thinking.
Craig

I'm usually a little peeved when I see the cyclist "getting in their miles" during the peak traffic hours on the main streets. Before I get flamed for this, I will still make sure I safely pass the "cyclist", and never in their lane, but I do so while uttering under my breath that they should find a better time/place to train. I give nothing but positive karma to the commuters I encounter, although I still think they should find a route off the main/busy streets during rush hour.


camy,

May I respectfully submit the following from the Nebraska Driver's Manual:

6B Bicyclists
♦ A person riding a bicycle has all the same rights and responsibilities as a driver
of a motor vehicle; bicyclists must obey traffic laws.
♦ Bicyclists may ride on paved shoulders, as far right in a lane as is practical and
when the lane can be safely shared by a bicycle and car, side by side.
♦ Bicyclists are not restricted to the right lane of traffic. A bicyclist may need to
change lanes to make left turns or to continue through an intersection. They follow
the same path any other vehicle would take traveling in the same direction.
♦ Motorists should merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right hand turn.
Avoid turning directly across a path of bicycle traveling in the same direction.
When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would
to oncoming motorists.
♦ Do not blast a vehicle’s horn when approaching a bicyclist.
♦ Look for bicycles before opening car doors.
♦ Always allow three feet to the left of the bicycle when passing. Reduce speed and
move into the next or oncoming lane to pass. If there is oncoming traffic, reduce
speed and follow the bicycle until oncoming traffic clears.
♦ At intersections, right of way rules apply equally to bicyclists and motor vehicles.


end quote

Also speed limits are just that, limits. Speed limits are not minimums. You have no right to drive but rather the privilege. The roads are obviously built with motor vehicles foremost in mind but cyclists have as much right to them as drivers. Frankly, as long as you are going to drive, you may as well thank every cyclist you see for doing their part in keeping your service stations stocked with gas and keeping gas prices from going up even more because their bicycle does not contribute to fossil fuel demand.

Best Regards,
e.

You think drivers are annoyed by your clothing choices? They're annoyed because you're slower than them.

I disagree
I think they get annoyed when, over the course of a couple miles of stop-n-go traffic, you pass THEM several times
And they paid 50 bucks to fill the tank

i did have some anomosity towards the guy on one side of a 30 foot wide trail, with his dog on the other side attached to an extendo leash on the other.

biggest trail i know of (wash park denver) and this guys basically got a garroting trap strewn across it

whats the point of a leash if your dog is two blocks ahead of you anyway.

For perspective, I'm also from DFW and I'm just glad when I see another bike on the road with me. The more of us there are, the more drivers will think about us. "Team Kit Roadies" give me someone to catch up to, if I can, and street clothes commuters are someone else to swap road stories on the TRE.

complain to hikeee, he rode a scooter in his campaign ads

First, I appologize to any I may have offended, especially for the "getting in miles" comment.

My point to this post was to get opinions as to whether or not the attire/accessories affect how the cars treat you? I'm trying to get the most data that will make my future commutes as safe as possible.

Wheter you want to believe it or not, perception from drivers does impact how you are treated.

*I* don't care what you wear, how much money you have, or what kind of bike you ride. My comment about the cyclist during rush hour on a main road is a situation I see about once a week where there is a cyclist (although it doesn't matter if they are commuting, getting in their miles, on a motorcycle or in an auto) traveling on a 2 lane divided street where traffic is flowing at 50 mph and is practically bumper to bumper. Just behind the cyclist, many cars are panic braking when the car in front of them switches lanes revealing a vehicle (cyclist) going 20mph. This is not safe for anyone involved. Also, in this area, there are other smaller, much less busy parallel streets which could be used without adding much distance or time.

I ask this question based on a comment I received when I said I was going to commute to work. The comment was:
You will be fine if you look like a cyclist. If you look like a commuter, you'll get killed.

I thought this was an odd statement and I think just the opposite. I'm usually a little peeved when I see the cyclist "getting in their miles" during the peak traffic hours on the main streets. Before I get flamed for this, I will still make sure I safely pass the "cyclist", and never in their lane, but I do so while uttering under my breath that they should find a better time/place to train. I give nothing but positive karma to the commuters I encounter, although I still think they should find a route off the main/busy streets during rush hour.

Here is how I distinguish the cyclist/commuter look:

Cyclist:
Full-out cycling attire. The jersey, pants, shoes.
Riding high-end road bike.
Carrying next to nothing. No more than a small wedge for stuff.

Commuter:
Sometimes in full cycling attire or in work clothes, sometimes with bright vest.
Riding comfort/mtn, low end road or beater bike
Has more "stuff" and many times a backpack or a rack


Anybody have any comments as to which is better to "look" like?

well here i am again. ghetto bike girl with an opinion. it doesn't matter what you look like, at least to me. wear what you want! i know some people who get out in cycling attaire to go to work and change at work. i know people who get a work out and just go 3 miles to work on a beater bike with work clothes(but they are getting their morning work out in on the way to work). i think it doesn't matter what you wear. just so you like it and that could be for whatever reason you like it for. it could be the clothes are comfortable, cost effective, efficant, protects you from the weather, you like them, or you just think you look good in spandex or work trousers and leather work shoes.

i have chose for many years to just ride a bike and not put on bike gear so to speak. just roll my 5 to 16 miles to work with my work clothes on. why? for me it is a bother to change and i don't think i should have too. then again in the winter a sports jacket, mitten, hat, face mask is great to protect myself from the elements.

i say either is fine and in my very mind either of your options is fine and neither of them are better or worse.

I disagree
I think they get annoyed when, over the course of a couple miles of stop-n-go traffic, you pass THEM several times


I believe that will make them possibly wonder a bit about biking, but just a little bit. In a couple of miles of stop-n-go traffic, what REALLY annoys them is that they know they WON"T be passing you again. ;)

Also, in this area, there are other smaller, much less busy parallel streets which could be used without adding much distance or time.

If this is true for the cyclist then it is also true for the drivers. Why don't some of the drivers re-route?

Best,
e.

First, I appologize to any I may have offended, especially for the "getting in miles" comment.

My point to this post was to get opinions as to whether or not the attire/accessories affect how the cars treat you? I'm trying to get the most data that will make my future commutes as safe as possible.

Wheter you want to believe it or not, perception from drivers does impact how you are treated.

*I* don't care what you wear, how much money you have, or what kind of bike you ride. My comment about the cyclist during rush hour on a main road is a situation I see about once a week where there is a cyclist (although it doesn't matter if they are commuting, getting in their miles, on a motorcycle or in an auto) traveling on a 2 lane divided street where traffic is flowing at 50 mph and is practically bumper to bumper. Just behind the cyclist, many cars are panic braking when the car in front of them switches lanes revealing a vehicle (cyclist) going 20mph. This is not safe for anyone involved. Also, in this area, there are other smaller, much less busy parallel streets which could be used without adding much distance or time.

It has nothing to do with attire and everything to do with attitude and skill. As far as staying on the side roads you are just wrong. Please do everyone a favor and do a search on Vehicular Cycling. You need a to worry a little more about educating yourself and a little less about the fashion sense.

I disagree
I think they get annoyed when, over the course of a couple miles of stop-n-go traffic, you pass THEM several times
And they paid 50 bucks to fill the tank
Bwuahah. I do that alot when Im chasing down towards Helotes. This one lady in the passenger kept looking back to see how long it would take me to pass them while they were waiting for the light to change and traffic to start moving :D Can be great motivation :p

It has nothing to do with attire and everything to do with attitude and skill.

Totally agree. Further, you criticizing someone else for when they choose to ride is also wrong. Have you ever thought that maybe that is the person's only time they have available to ride? Why not be positive and think, "hey, more power to that guy for cycling."?

Anyways, for your study I wear cycling attire. I don't sport a "full team kit" but I wear lycra shorts and a Jersey (given to my by my LBS). I also carry a backpack and ride a decent road bike. I wear the clothes for comfort and change at work. I ride my road bike because it's all I have at this time (although I am thinking about building a fixie).

Like the post above stated I think one's attitude, or believing that one belong's on the road and skill has the biggest impression on how motorists react to a cyclist. I'd think that dressing in cycling attire may give a motorist the impression that the cyclist is more serious or familiar with cycling. I know that really isn't true but we're dealing with people who's nature is to make broad generalizations.

It has nothing to do with attire and everything to do with attitude and skill. As far as staying on the side roads you are just wrong. Please do everyone a favor and do a search on Vehicular Cycling. You need a to worry a little more about educating yourself and a little less about the fashion sense.

Interesting, I did a Google on "Vehicular Cycling" and it pointed me to:
Vehicular Cycling (http://www.tomswenson.com/vehicular.htm)
From here, I see a link referenced to "learn more": How To Ride In Traffic (http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/traffic/traffic.htm) (This is the only link I looked at as the title seemed most relevant).
Looking there:



My Safety Rules

Riding safely in traffic involves more than just obeying the traffic laws. I have five sets of rules that I follow when riding a bike:

1. Obey the traffic laws.
2. Keep alert at all times.
3. Be visible day and night.
4. Take the least traveled way.
5. Keep the bike in good repair.


and



Take the Least Traveled Road
As the number of vehicles increase on a road, the chance of an accident increases. The more traffic on a narrow two-lane road, the more likely that vehicles will pass the cyclists in both directions at once. On four-lane roads, as the traffic gets heavier, the motorists cease to pay attention or fail to scan for cyclists and pedestrians, instead they focus all their attention on the other motor vehicles. When the drivers are undergoing strain from closely following vehicles, they are less likely to slow down when passing. ...



Thanks for the search tip. I am trying to educate myself and have learned a ton from reading and searching posts here.

The philosophy I'm trying to go by is that I'll select my roads and time such that I will not impede the normal flow of traffic.

Again, my qustion about the attire is not my low self esteem worrying what everyone else thinks about me, it's about whether or not an auto driver's perception of me (and how they in turn treat me) changes based on my attire. It is purely from a safety standpoint.



edit: I found that my local library has "Effective Cycling" by John Forester. Would this be a good read?

Man, you people are being pretty harsh today. Struck a nerve, did he? :rolleyes:

In Chris' defense, his title is still "newbie", and he did begin by saying that this line of thought was instigated by a comment someone else made to him. So can't we tone down the defensiveness?

Although the replies here have mostly focussed on Chris' biases, the original question was about whether these are the motorists' biases, as well as those of the other person who made the comment to Chris. I guess these comments could be construed as answers to that person's questions, if Chris can survive being shot for being the messenger.

BTW, Chris: Effective Cycling is another big Can O' Worms here. Search for that in the topic threads in Advocacy & Safety for lots of discussion of it. I haven't read the book (although I plan to at some point), but my impression from the comments I've read is that there is a lot of good advice in there, along with some allegedly outdated or just plain opinionated statements, stated with a fair amount of attitude. But the same people will sometimes admit that it's a good read for the good parts, and ignore the rest, so it's probably worth a look. Especially since it is considered the book that started the Vehicular Cycling school (so I've heard).

Good luck and ride safely!

As to whether clothing makes a difference: no. I've ridden in baggy shorts and t-shirt, lycra, and long pants and collared shirt: The treatment I've gotten is usual and random - some good, some bad, no connection to clothing.

As to riding on a busy street: sure, if I need to. I'll usually make a different choice if there is a better bike-riding street, but I won't do it for the car driver's sakes. If the alternative street is less crowded but not good for bike riding, I'll almost always take the busier, better biking street.

An example. In Phoenix, the main street is Central Ave: three lanes each direction, with a center turn lane. Running parallel to it is the Sonoran Bikeway, a badly planned patchwork of a bike route that goes along two-lane roads. The bikeway is a pain: lights are slow to change because it is a secondary route; there are no lights at some crossings; it isn't continuous in places. Going up Central avoids all these problems, though it means I must inconvenience some drivers. My choice? Central, every time, and I would almost always suggest it over the bikeway to any rider.

So, cut those riders some slack. You live in sprawl, and this one of the consequences of that sprawl.

edit: I found that my local library has "Effective Cycling" by John Forester. Would this be a good read?

That would be a great start. You can also look up threads by a forum member named, "Helmet Head".

I see where you are coming from with avoiding heavy traffic lanes and what to wear. The most important thing would be to be visible and comfortable.

Good Luck.

I usually get a lot of room from drivers and everything. I'm usually wearing shorts, neon jersey, and my neon orange bag.
But if I'm on my mtb, regular shorts, t-shirt, I get almost no room...

I'm starting to notice that, if I wear something obviously planned to increase visibility, I actually get a little more room on the road. They may SEE me, when I'm riding in dirt colored clothes, but when I'm wearing a blaze orange reflective triangle on my backpack, it reminds them that they might need to do something out of the ordinary, in the next few moments.

I don't care what someone's riding - I love the variety I see on my commute. More power to anyone who's on any type of HPV (human powered vehicle).

An example. In Phoenix, the main street is Central Ave: three lanes each direction, with a center turn lane. Running parallel to it is the Sonoran Bikeway, a badly planned patchwork of a bike route that goes along two-lane roads. The bikeway is a pain: lights are slow to change because it is a secondary route; there are no lights at some crossings; it isn't continuous in places. Going up Central avoids all these problems, though it means I must inconvenience some drivers. My choice? Central, every time, and I would almost always suggest it over the bikeway to any rider.

So, cut those riders some slack. You live in sprawl, and this one of the consequences of that sprawl.
This is exactly my experience in riding in phx-chandler-mesa-tempe metro area. If ya want to get anywhere you gotta ride on the busy multilane arterial roads. The mish-mash of 'bike-ways and routes' that go within each mile block are a joke for a transportational cyclists (come to think of it for recreational riders who go for more that 2mi also)

More detail... In fact these mid block streets are intentionally designed to be a pain for vehicles to drive thru and between to minimize thru traffic, this means by design that if a road leaves a residential block to cross an arterial, there is not a road on the other side, so you gotta ride down the aterial and make turn, navigate the next set of residential streets (which curve, have dead ends, T's, and lots of stop signs, but not single straight thru way- you can get lost in them). I too can ride home 80% of the way on residential streets, but it adds about 25 intersections, involves lots of tid-bits of riding on aterials for a few hundred yards at a time and takes about 10min longer over a 9mi route. I actually find all the intersections, etc. to be more of a hazard than the fast arterial traffic.

Al

Wear what you need to be seen, but other than that, ride however you are most comfortable. If that means full Team Discovery gear, fine. If that means blue jeans and a sweatshirt, fine.

Thank god you were wearing that cycling jersey and not just a T-shirt or
a sweat shirt :rolleyes:

I have no problems with a T-Shirt or swear shirt, except that they have no pockets. My jerseys do, and I use them for my wallet, banana and power bar. :rolleyes:

Again, when I commuted I tried to map out a route that maximized all the side roads. In doing this it made much of my ride more enjoyable and at the same time added some extra distance to it. That was a good thing in my opinion.

By all means I recommend doing the same thing with your commute.

...<snip> Anybody have any comments as to which is better to "look" like?

The only comment i have is that this is the most dimwitted post I've seen in the commuting forum for a very long time.

Try looking like yourself.... sheesh :rolleyes:

I gotta admit, I'm the only one that agrees with this guy.
I commute daily and ride a lot on weekends. I get 10x more respect and less honking on the road if I'm wearing my neon orange jersey, neon orange messenger bag, have my NR tail light plus my helmet blinker going. I get a bit of crap if I'm wearing my baggy stuff (honestly I've tried to remember these things) and if I'm out on my mtb tooling around, cars are honking at me and brushing me aside left and right.

Of course I live in NYC, out the the suburbs, they probably don't give a damn what you're riding or what you look like, you're gonna get run over as long as you have 2 wheels.

Apparently you are a thin-skinned lot.

I thought the OP and the other ones were very courteous and sensible.

Going by my own experience, wearing the brightest duds gets the maximum room. Except for the dickhead this morning who would have actually struck me had I not glanced back at that moment and seen this guy hugging the kerb, so I took evasive action.

The only comment i have is that this is the most dimwitted post I've seen in the commuting forum for a very long time.

Try looking like yourself.... sheesh :rolleyes:

Well, look it at this way: it's a nice break from the shaving threads.

Wait, so should I shave for my commute or not?

Only if you'll get more room from cagers.

I think you'll get less room. Big hairy legs might look like they need more room.

I commute in full lycra (plain, no team logos) on a fairly high-end road bike, with my Chrome messenger bag (mmm Chrome). I try to carry as light a load as possible, but I'm almost always carrying a laptop and some clothes.

I'm commuting. I'm training. I'm pushing myself. I'm getting my miles in. I'm saving the planet. I'm enjoying not having to sit in traffic. I'm having fun. All at the same time.

I don't so much ask for respect from motorists; I demand it. If I want a lane, I take it (with proper signalling, of course). I would act the same way in any clothing on any bike, but my clothing and bike help greatly. I can accelerate nearly as fast as cars in city traffic, and I can hit 30 mph for short periods when traffic demands it. I would not be nearly as agile on another kind of bike, or even in different clothing.

Hopefully my messenger bag will identify me as a "commuter:" I sure would hate for someone to confuse me for a cyclist or, worse, a fellow human being. :shudder:

- Warren