You are missing the point. I don't have a problem with it, she had a problem with it! I don't care how many articles in how many newspapers and magazines show business women wearing heels when other shoes would better serve. The real women I see on the train platforms every day are dressed to the nines and wearing athletic shoes because that is what is practical for walking to their offices. I presume they have nice shoes in their bags or stashed under their desks at work. It is silly to wear awkward dress shoes while pedaling a bicycle and completely unnecessary. I increasingly see men on the trains doing the same thing and I certainly would myself except that my job is 100% compatible with sensible shoes so I have no need to do that.

The bike she picked (or was it picked for her?) may not have been the best choice. My wife's Fuji Saratoga is an upright, pedal forward, step through design with wide cushy tires and a wide "comfortable" seat (as much abuse as they get in articles like this a narrow seat is more comfortable if you are going any distance) and it is quite light. So there is no reason the desire to ride such a bike should be an impediment to bike commuting, there are good choices out there if you look for them. The Fuji does not have fenders, a rear rack, or a skirt guard but those could be added as needed.

Ken