hi i used to commute a decent distance and have specialized clothing for biking in cold weather. but now my commute is 1km (YAY!) and i think wearing tights is totally ludicrous but i dont want cold legs.

I dont like wearing long underwear becuase if i dont take it im superheated all day.
I have had success with pull over pants but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a quick on/off warm solution which ideally takes up less space or comes on and off quicker than a 2nd pair of pants.

thanks!

If the problem is wind chill, then get some pertex wind pants. My Montane pertex windshirt is as breathable as a T cotton, blocks 40mph winds, and scrunches up to the size of a small apple. They do pants to match.

for 1km a pair of wind/water resistant pants like these will do you just fine.

https://www.rei.com/product/791477

Have to say, I would probably walk 1K... (that's like 6/10ths of a mile, right? )

How about arm and/or leg warmers. I had a pair of Pearl Izumi leg warmers that did pretty well staying up and were easy off when needed.

Walk?
Put up with cold legs for 4 minutes or less.

I used to have a really short commute. As a gift I got a really nice pair of light weight long underwear (base layer) for skiing and running that breathed well. I ended up using them for commuting too. Having never worn long underwear all day at work I figured I'd take them off when I got there but it turns out they didn't make me overheat at all.

Under Armor sells good base layers in 3 different weights. I know you said that you didn't want to wear long underwear at work but you might be pleasantly surprised. It was nice to have my lower half all set to go when it was time to go home.

+1 What is that, like 5 or 6 blocks?

I walk 1 mile just to the light rail station.

Rainlegs are to keep water off the top of your legs, not sure if they would serve in the cold. I use pertex overpants over normal everyday stuff in cold, dry conditions.
My min distance in winter is about 400m, its quicker to walk this.

walk.... ewww i would still want to wear warmer pants if i was walking so the point is moot.
also im a student now.. i used to work now im back at university so im back and forth to my house a lot. walking time adds up and campus is too large to walk across too

im thinking some tear-aways might do the trick if they are semi wind proof. breathability doesnt really phase me for my quick commute.

I just purchased rainmates https://www.rainmates.us/home.jsp recently, I have used them twice now as a windbreaker for my legs. The temps. I have used them in have been in the low 20's. I am pleased with them in that role.

I got the idea of using the rainmates as windpants from looking at the design of them. I thought the fabric would cut the wind nicely. They are easier to put on than long underwear.