Appearances Matter

You may also like...

12 Responses

  1. Steve G says:

    I agree with all of your points, and would add that, having invested in a high specced ebike, it has got me back on the road again – i stopped cycling 10 years ago due to age, being chubby, and moving to a hilly area. However, i am wary of leaving it locked, in areas that i would have happily have left my old conventional cycle in. I love cycle lockers, but they are few & far between.

  2. Rachel edwards says:

    Great article! There’s also cycle schemes to help spread the cost of buying a bike and save a bit of tax on it if your employer offers that. I have built up over the years a collection of waterproofs and thin layers to help me cycle in all weathers, having started as a fair weather cyclist. I really feel the cold so I often wear waterproofs just to keep the wind out even when it’s not raining and I have a couple of waterproof peaked hats which I can tuck my hair into and which keep rain out of my face (but good waterproof mascara is also a must).. I have to carry shoes with me as I only cycle in trainers (though plenty of people manage to cycle perfectly well in other shoes), I think it is just because I don’t have great balance and I don’t feel safe otherwise. I eventually invested in good quality waterproof panniers. In the summer I cycle in a work dress, trainers and a pair of cycle shorts underneath (so I don’t have to worry about my dress flying up when cycling), with a pair of mules or or sandals in my pannier. It does mean a bit more planning but I’ve developed a sort of system over the years and (as long as I check the weather forecast daily) manage my cycle (five miles – or two miles, as I work in two different locations- each way across central London, which is reasonably flat) daily and actually really enjoy it, without arriving looking too scruffy, I’d say the only downside is having to carry shoes and waterproofs, whist the upsides are freedom to go anywhere, save time and money, keep fit, not causing congestion or pollution. ❤️

  3. lynsey says:

    I wear a buff over all my hair any time I’m on the bike. Keeps it all neat & clean. I have very long hair so because it’s all tucked up it doesn’t catch the spray from the wheels.

  4. carolyn dyson says:

    As well as making commuting easier, e-bikes are great for keeping people cycling as they get older. I have two friends who would have virtually stopped cycling but an e-bike has enabled then to keep going and enjoying the assisted exercise and social aspect of group rides.

  5. Pete says:

    I was a regular cyclist until 2 years ago when I was hit with a rare disease that meant having my adrenal glands removed, followed by a diagnosis of a rare incurable cancer, needing a couple of operations and now careful management. I tried hard to get back to cycling but struggled to even ride 20 miles….it stopped being fun. I tried an e bike and BAM the fun was back. After a short test ride I went back to the shop and bought one. I can once again cycle with a smile on my face. I get as much of a workout as I feel I can manage. Cost wise I estimate that the money saved in petrol costs will mean that the bike will pay for itself in two years. I love the open air and the chance to once again join friends for fun, social cycle rides.

  1. June 3, 2018

    […] do not want to ride. I think that there are practical constraints around women cycling, such as concerns about appearance, transporting children, and a lack of segregated cycle paths. I believe that for many women, a lot […]

  2. June 17, 2018

    […] whenever I had to go to the city centre. But then I learnt the better routes and I discovered that cycling is the quickest way from the centre of the city to my house. I rarely use the bus anymore. If I do, there is usually a […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: