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.”
