The utility cycling 'image'
#152
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,067
Likes: 73
From: USA
Bikes: 84 Pinarello Trevisio, 86 Guerciotti SLX, 96 Specialized Stumpjumper, 2010 Surly Cross Check, 88 Centurion Prestige, 73 Raleigh Sports, GT Force, Bridgestone MB4
"Utility" cycling and "Utility" cyclist in North America for the last 100 yrs
have been largely the poor and the odd balls due to the vast number of
cars on the roads. In Europe and the rest of the world these same cyclist
are viewed as "ordinary folk's" traveling in a "normal" manner.
The car culture in North America will take a long time to kill but die it must
as the cost to support the infrastructure and fuel issues will make the car
to expensive for the masses. These same masses will need mass transport
in the form of rail and busses with the road infrastructure modified to accomodate
more cyclist than ever before.
There will be pain in this change over but it's North America's fault so grin and
bear it. For now it will be tough to be on the leading edge of this painful change
but it's always that way for folk's on the leading edge of any change.
have been largely the poor and the odd balls due to the vast number of
cars on the roads. In Europe and the rest of the world these same cyclist
are viewed as "ordinary folk's" traveling in a "normal" manner.
The car culture in North America will take a long time to kill but die it must
as the cost to support the infrastructure and fuel issues will make the car
to expensive for the masses. These same masses will need mass transport
in the form of rail and busses with the road infrastructure modified to accomodate
more cyclist than ever before.
There will be pain in this change over but it's North America's fault so grin and
bear it. For now it will be tough to be on the leading edge of this painful change
but it's always that way for folk's on the leading edge of any change.
LC
#153
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 50
From: Boston Burbs
Bikes: 1978(ish) Peugeot PRN10e, Specialized Tricross
In these parts, I have notice that it does not so much matter what I am wearing or what I am riding but WHERE I am riding. In the city center, if I am riding in the city center, the people in the expensive cars and SUVs buzz by me. "One of those poor people in my way" and the "poor folks" in the crummy cars give me enough room. Out in the countryside, the bondo-painted, windows down-because-we-cant afford-to-fix-the AC, whooptie crowd tries to run me off the road (stupid rich guy on his bicycle). BMWs wait in line behind me to try to pass safely (sine I am one of them, I guess).
__________________
2023 Salsa Journeyer
2023 Rad Rover 6
1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing) RIP
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix RIP
"I'm built like a marine mammal. I love the cold! "-Cosmoline
"MTBing is cheap compared to any motorsport I've done. It's very expensive compared to jogging."-ColinL
Rides:2023 Salsa Journeyer
2023 Rad Rover 6
1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing) RIP
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix RIP
#154
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,155
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Bikes: rockhopper, delta V, cannondale H300, Marin Mill Valley
It was a car seat, though why he hauled it around is a mystery.
I captured a couple of images of utility bikers recently, but failed to get their machines fully in the frame. Sorry.
A few days ago.

Today, preparing for the hurricane. Are there more sandbags below that shelf? Sangbags are heavy!
I captured a couple of images of utility bikers recently, but failed to get their machines fully in the frame. Sorry.
A few days ago.

Today, preparing for the hurricane. Are there more sandbags below that shelf? Sangbags are heavy!
#155
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
I don't usually post on threads like this, but feel I can contribute on this one.
I have noticed a slow trend here in my little town of 12,000. When I first got back on a bike here, I appeared to be the only one, at least for the first year or so. Now, 5 years later, I can't go anywhere without meeting or seeing another cyclist. Maybe I started a trend? The majority of them are adults, with only a few school aged youngsters.
For the most part, these other cyclists appear to be trim and fit, with the occasional "clydesdale" like me. The point being, that because they are seeing me out there every day, it is becoming more accepted to be seen on a bike.
While I cannot be sure, the slow increase in cyclists here appears to have brought some action from the city council. An ordinance has been passed requiring cagers to give at least 3' clearance when passing a bicycle.
It could have come about due to the high incidences of motorists passing me and other cyclists with only inches to spare, and being seen doing this by members of our council. So far, there doesn't seem to have been any reports of cyclists having gotten hit by anyone, but that may only be a matter of time.
I am primarily a utility rider, using the bike on my daily paper deliveries (see post in "what utility rides" thread). I prefer to use the bike for my trips to the hardware store etc. over using the car or truck. Gets me there and back in the same amount of time as it would using powered vehicles.
I have noticed a slow trend here in my little town of 12,000. When I first got back on a bike here, I appeared to be the only one, at least for the first year or so. Now, 5 years later, I can't go anywhere without meeting or seeing another cyclist. Maybe I started a trend? The majority of them are adults, with only a few school aged youngsters.
For the most part, these other cyclists appear to be trim and fit, with the occasional "clydesdale" like me. The point being, that because they are seeing me out there every day, it is becoming more accepted to be seen on a bike.
While I cannot be sure, the slow increase in cyclists here appears to have brought some action from the city council. An ordinance has been passed requiring cagers to give at least 3' clearance when passing a bicycle.
It could have come about due to the high incidences of motorists passing me and other cyclists with only inches to spare, and being seen doing this by members of our council. So far, there doesn't seem to have been any reports of cyclists having gotten hit by anyone, but that may only be a matter of time.
I am primarily a utility rider, using the bike on my daily paper deliveries (see post in "what utility rides" thread). I prefer to use the bike for my trips to the hardware store etc. over using the car or truck. Gets me there and back in the same amount of time as it would using powered vehicles.
#159
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
I think we should test ride a utility cycle (or any cycle) with a blindfold (if that were possible). Function is always what matters (to me). I'm sick to death of retailers who think that bikes are a fashion accessory. Having said that I don't want to look like a circus act .
Last edited by groceries; 09-18-11 at 08:37 PM.
#161
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 1
From: Boone NC USA
Bikes: Bianchi hybrid. Dunelt 3-sp. Raleigh basket case. Wanting a Roadster.
I have noticed a slow trend here in my little town of 12,000. When I first got back on a bike here, I appeared to be the only one, at least for the first year or so. Now, 5 years later, I can't go anywhere without meeting or seeing another cyclist. Maybe I started a trend? The majority of them are adults, with only a few school aged youngsters.
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