Originally Posted by
genec
You took it wrong... those colorful cyclists (and I am one from time to time) tend to define the public's view of cycling, yet in reality represent a small portion of cycling overall. There are really more utility (read: sidewalk) cyclists out there daily going from A to B, but these cyclists are viewed as "poor," "alcoholic," "student" or "damaged" in some way.
Trying to normalize cycling as something any and all of us citizens can do is difficult, due to the colorful, vocal few.
Personally I fit all the categories from time to time... colorful club cyclist, fred, even poor looking "damaged" cyclist, and more... all depending on which bike and what I happen to be wearing at the moment. I really am an avid cyclist, but I defy definition. (and I am amazed at the reactions that I as a "person on a bike" get depending on the public role I happen to fit at any moment.)
Being a truly avid cyclist, I also see the advantages for encouraging cycling by nearly any and all cycling facilities... especially in our very very motorist centric society.
Seems to me you see plenty of 'uncolorful' utility cyclists about town all the time.. So, I sort of disagree with the premise of the discussion.. My problem with utility cycling, the addiction.. I think I am just going to go about town for errands. But, I end up 25 miles away because I'd prefer to go to store X and it's too nice a day to not do the 25 miles.... Without the colorful clothes , i find my ass hurts too much.. My solution, when I enter the store far away, I put on knee length nylon shorts and who knows the difference..