The Slow Bike Movement
LOS ANGELES – There is a backlash movement afoot (by a group of well-meaning people who ride bikes) which states, in effect, that one should not concern his or herself with acquiring the latest technical riding gear, or even a serious road bicycle in order to experience the basic joy of riding a bike for transport. A great notion in itself. Their “come as you are” mindset is right on, at least to a point. The backlash is against the “Lance Armstrong-types”, their language meant not to heap praise on road riders but instead to castigate them for their delusional pretensions.
But the lengths to which the more rabid factions of this concern, or as it’s come to be known, The Slow Bike Movement, are willing to go are downright draconian. There are some in the movement who frown on lycra (or any technical fabric), clipless pedals and specialty shoes, and in some cases, even helmets. These edicts could potentially have adverse affects in certain cases. I have ridden helmet-less in Amsterdam, and felt perfectly safe doing so. The US biking situation is not there yet. The Slow B.M. (yes, the cow in the illustration is having one), at its best, will get more people on bikes. At its worst, it risks rolling back any and all advances made in bicycle commuting in the past 30 years
Since this is my first post about cycling, indulge me for a moment or two as I give my basic bicycle modus operandi.
I live car-free in Los Angeles. That’s like living bike-free in Amsterdam. I’ve lived similarly in New York City and Washington, DC. After a few false starts, my bicycle commuting began in earnest about 25 years ago. I rode comfortably and naively in the 80s without a helmet, traveling long distances wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt, and (much as I hate to admit it) sometimes at night without a light. Today, I am the product of many years of lessons hard-earned, lessons I hope to pass on today and in future posts. I ride for the love of riding; the green and healthful aspects are a bonus. I am at once a “Lance Armstrong-type” and an everyday cyclist.
Like many bicycle enthusiasts (at least the hoarders among us), I have a small fleet of bicycles (including what may be described by some as slow bikes). My reason for choosing one over another for a particular outing is usually broken down into two major categories: over five miles and under five miles. This same five mile rule usually governs my choice of clothing.
Under five miles means I can ride flat pedals (no clips) and street clothing (but always a helmet). I lock up my bike at Trader Joe’s or the 99 Cents Only Store and shop while giving only the slightest hint to those inside that I am there on my bike. A sub-category within this under five miles group is what I and others have been calling a movie bike – a beater so homely that it can be left locked with little worry outside a movie theater for two or more hours.
The over five miles category is where The Slow Bike Movement and I part ways. When commuting to a job or other important meeting that is over five miles, it is important not to arrive with a large sweat patch on your back and underarms, a sweaty and/or irritated crotch, or tardy.
Tardy? Yes. In an urban situation (at least here in the US), it is often advantageous to ride as fast as possible. By keeping up your pace, you lower the speed differential between you and other traffic. You are in car drivers’ fields of view for a longer amount of time, because you are traveling at or near their speed. As a result, they have more time to decide how to react to you. They can see that your actions are predictable (you are riding predictably, aren’t you?). Also, I can report that people are less likely to mess with you if you are fast. In an urban situation especially, one in which you are meeting up with the same cars at stoplights along the way (yes, I stop at all but the most lonesome, isolated ones or if I feel vulnerable at night especially), most car drivers will show more respect if they know you can retaliate at the next light. I have purely anecdotal evidence from friends who are also longtime commuters which backs me up on this.
Over five miles usually means a geared road bike, clipless pedals and shoes, and proper cycling wear (sweat-wicking technical fabric jersey, seam-free and padded shorts). Also, there is an advantage to wearing a flashy jersey instead of, say, urban camo. Why would you want to blend in? You need to be seen. How flashy to go is a matter of personal choice, and there’s plenty of room for individuality, even subtlety. Just don’t disappear.
The technical jersey means that as I sweat on my ride, it is wicked to the surface of the jersey (and away from my skin), where it evaporates rapidly. Clipless pedals allow for the occasional bunny-hop over a pothole. Padded cycling shorts help keep my nether regions all comfy and chafe-free. In addition to the safety benefits, a fast bike can cut my personal commute by 1/3.
I change into street clothes once at my destination, put them up to dry somewhere, then make the quick change again in the evening for the ride home. Admittedly, this takes a little planning. Plus, you have to haul a pack of clothing along with you. And what about a shower?
If you have a regular gig at a permanent location, you could drop off a week’s worth of clothing at your office, as a part of your car driving routine on the weekend. I know at least two people who regularly do this. While I don’t regard it as cheating, it does run counter to a car-free aesthetic. And then there are the shower facilities (or lack thereof).
When I’m freelancing at a location far away, I shower and shave at home before donning my clean cycling clothes. That’s if there are no shower facilities at my destination, which is usually the case. A generous swabbing of rubbing alcohol under my arms is a good odor-neutralizer and a fairly benign substitute for commercial deodorant or anti-perspirant (thanks, O.D.), many of which contain aluminum. I put on clean clothes once at my destination and I am bicycle commuter incognito.
Slow biking is the baseline of cycling activity. If you have a long errand or commute, it might take a little more involvement and commitment. It is not an insurmountable obstacle, though, and is entirely worthwhile. Not currently commuting by bike and wish to get started? Of course, start off in the slow bike mindset. You may want or need to upgrade at some point. While I don’t consider this post a “backlash against a backlash”, it is a warning. That there is a Slow Bike Movement at all is disappointing. Does the world really need it? I am reminded of a satirical line of fake ad copy from an episode of the great Dr. Katz: Professional Therapist cartoon: “Air. Breathe It In.” Some things just don’t need advertising. “Bikes. Get on and ride.”
As a bald guy I like to wear helmet liners. They are little thin caps. They absorb sweat and block any sun that makes it through helmet vents. They also keep out dirt and helmet impressions on your skin so you can look normal when you get to work and your helmet is off. I do not leave my helmet on all day at work.
I use a clean helmet liner each time I ride. If I ride to and from work (not often) I use the same one. For really hot days I wear white ones, for everything else, black.
I have a bunch if them (10?), the brand I like is Headsweats. Not the kind with the crazy tails that look like what Pantini used to wear.
Old-school types may wear a bike cap with visor flipped up under their helmets. Just be sure to wear a clean one every time you ride. Like the helmet liners, they get stinky fast.
For colder days I wear thicker caps that cover my ears. Covering your ears can be a hassle because it’s harder to keep your glasses on.
I’ve started wearing bike-specific knickers over my bike shorts. That way I don’t feel like too much of a fool wandering around the office after I’ve ridden in and before I’ve changed.
A tip for folks that change in office bathrooms: I usually use the handicapped stall due to it’s size and I bring a newspaper. I put a few unfolded sheets on the floor as a base. Then I can stand on the paper, put my stuff down, and change. When finished I fold the newspaper up and dump it in the recycling bin. On a few occasions, which changing, I’ve noticed an article that I want to read so I usually take it with me to read. If it was on the bathroom floor so be it. I wash my hands later. Unless it’s really wet and nasty, then I do not pick up the paper at all. If I remember I try to find the article online.
Mr. D.:
Thank you for your comment.
I heartily endorse everything you said here. I especially like the helmet liners idea. It is amazing how smelly a helmet (and gloves, too!) can get after just a couple of rides.
Unfortunately, my helmet is too snug to allow a liner. It gets hot here in LA some days and I am a hot head (physically at least). I can press the helmet against my head after some rides and get a stream of sweat pouring out. Like making fresh-squeezed orange juice. I spray the inside of my helmet with a generous amount of Lysol Kitchen Antibacterial cleaner, run it under hot water for a minute or two, give it one more quick spray, then leave it upside down (helmet liner facing up) in my bathtub. It really works and is the next best thing to a liner.
The bicycle knicker pants are a great idea too, for a couple of reasons. While hardcore types don’t mind walking around in bike shorts, some in an office would rather not see that sight the first thing in the morning. I understand.
You are a hardcore commuter. I look forward to your future insights.
Michael B — you are who first made the suggestion to me to wash my gloves often. Twenty years later I still do. I also recall your idea for a replaceable helmet liner — not a cap but the actual pads that attach to the interior of the helmet. Why hasn’t Giro or Bell done this? And if Shimano has custom mass-market shoes why can’t a rider purchase a custom-fitted helmet?
The word “helmet” reminds me of J.D. (Dad) who once spelled it “helmut” when he was writing me a note to remind me to wear my helmet. I was living with him at the time (in DC), many years ago, and I’d ride to work from our apartment. He was a smart fellow and a misspelling was uncharacteristic so I could not resist teasing him. For years we referred to helmets as German Chancellors because at the time of the misspelling, Helmut Kohl was the Chancellor of West Germany.
An example, if he was in the bathroom and I was heading out, “Hey Dad, I’m heading off to work. See you this evening. Don’t worry, I have my German Chancellor on.”
And I got a kick out of your note about charity activity and the push for funds. What a hassle!
It was apropos because recently I received a letter from someone I know, but not that well, which asked me, for the sake of a noble cause (cancer fighting research) to fund her activity. It should have said, “please fund my fun activity.” And you also know the person who sent the letter. Perhaps you received one as well.
There was a self-addressed, stamped letter included (to send a check) and I wondered if it would be ethical to take the stamp and use it for something else, like pay a bill. I have not decided. The letter is on my desk at work. I have a lot of time to ponder this dilemma because the stamp is a forever stamp.
I can see J.D. saying “helmut”. I’ll get into the charity activities more later on. It’s certainly not a black and white issue – I’ve heard good points on all sides of the issue, and I have a lot to say about it. Later. Thank you for your comment!