Have I got a bike for you!

Me and my lovely new ride

For over two years now I have been happily riding throughout Vancouver on an upright, step-through bicycle, also known as a city bike, or a Dutch-style bike. Prior to this, I could be found on a heavy mountain bike, complete with twenty-one speeds, shocks and extremely straight handle bars. It was a good bike, and got the job done, but after spending years hunched forward and putting a lot of strain on my wrists, shoulders and back, riding my bike was becoming less and less enjoyable. So when I saw images of people riding upright on beautifully sleek bicycles on photo blogs like Vancouver Cycle Chic and the other Cycle Chic blogs, making the switch was a no brainer.

Living in a city where at least three-quarters of my fellow riders are on road bikes, hybrid commuters and the occasional mountain bike, when I'm out on my city bike I tend to stand out, even more so when I'm on a family ride, riding alongside my husband and daughter on their upright bikes. However, instead of feeling like an outsider, I feel more like I'm holding onto this big secret that has yet to be revealed to most people. That secret? Riding an upright bike is a pretty spectacular experience.

It happens almost every day I'm out riding that someone, a friend or complete stranger, will compliment me on my bike, most notably that on its beauty. This has only increased now that I'm the happy owner of a shiny new, red Papillionaire Sommer. I do enjoy the compliments, but I can't help wondering why more people don't choose to ride upright bicycles. With all the adulation, one would think that there would be an increase in the number of people out there on city bikes. Still, I'm one of the few people I know who chooses to ride upright. Perhaps it's just a lack of education of what it is upright bikes have to offer. So here it is, I'm going to share with you the joy of riding a city bike, and why it just may be the bike for you!

Riding upright I can see everything around
me, and people see me, too!

There really are many advantages to riding this classic style of bike, aside from being told that you look "like a photo" as you bike along (yes, this has happened to me). Most notably, for me, was the reduced strain I was placing on my body. As I mentioned, riding hunched on my mountain bike was doing a number on my back, shoulders and wrists due simply to my weight being heavily dispersed forward. Almost as soon as I switched to an upright, I noticed how my back and wrist pain nearly disappeared, and I could ride much longer distances and all that would really hurt was my bottom after spending hours in the saddle. Instead of riding my bike being a chore, I love heading out for a day of riding, whether for errands or just enjoy riding throughout my city. 

In addition to less bodily strain, I feel incredibly safe riding around on a city bike. Because the nature of the bike is to sit upright, I can see everything around me easily without having to crane my neck around to check blind spots for passing bikes and cars, or checking for oncoming traffic at intersections. And while I can see more clearly, sitting so straight means drivers see me more clearly as well. Because I'm not leaned forward, I'm not hidden by parked cars as I come to a traffic circle or intersection, and it's hugely comforting to know I'm that much more visible to those I share the road with. Along with being more visible, it's a natural tendency on an upright bike to ride at a slightly slower pace. Due in part to my body position, the materials used to make city bikes and that most max out around 7 speeds, it is unlikely that I'll be racing from point A to point B at high speeds. This means I have time to see the traffic around me and react quickly to the erratic and unpredictable behaviour from drivers, fellow cyclists and pedestrians.

Outside of all the practical reasons to choose a city bike, there's one really important reason why I choose to ride an upright bicycle. I ride the bike I do because when I'm out on a ride, I want to fully experience the world around me. I want to see everything I can, which isn't easy with a more leaned forward position on a bike. Just yesterday, I took an unexpected morning ride with my husband along the seawall, and the sights I was privy to were such a great part of my morning. From the tug boat pulling a barge into False Creek for a pick up (not an every day occurrence), to the beautiful skyline through the foggy clouds, and the still water in the Marinas, I was completely in awe of the beauty unfolding before me. I also had my day brightened by many complete strangers smiling at me as I passed, making eye contact and saying good morning as they went about their days. Riding my upright bike I feel so connected to the people and the places I pass, and I would be remiss to not have those moments because I was hunched over on a bike focused only on the road ahead of me.

When all's said and done, the best bike for you is one that makes you happy and eager to get back on it for a ride. What I hope, though, is that this post gives you a better understanding of why city bikes aren't just for show, and could quite possibly be the bike you've been searching for all along. While the simple bicycle has evolved so much over time to meet the needs of the racer or the mountain biker, there is something to be said for the early 20th century design. One meant for transportation, not just for recreation, and designed for civilized travel, dressed in even your Sunday best. I am personally very happy to see a resurgence of the city bike, and invite you to join me as I travel through my city and others at a leisurely pace, enjoying every aspect of my surroundings and the people I meet along the way!

Four Films, Four Unique People, One Common Thread...The Perfectly Simple Bicycle

On June 1st, Vancouver Cycle Chic premiered their four debut Cycle Chic Films at Whoa! Nellie Bikes. Throughout the month of June, they have since released one film a week to the public, receiving much acclaim for displaying such individualistic perspectives of people that choose to ride a bike to get around Vancouver. I am so proud of my husband and the rest of the Vancouver Cycle Chic crew for working together to volunteer their time in making these fantastic films, and I am inspired by each of their four bike riding stars. 

As I have said previously, these films and the people they feature help to show the human aspect of cycling. They show everyday people riding uncomplicated bikes to do what they do every day, living carefree on two (and sometimes 3) wheels. Featured below are each of these four films. If you haven't yet watched them, take 8 minutes from your day and sit back and relax while you view people just like you making the simple bicycle an extension of their extraordinary lives.

Film 1 - Simon "Inspiration"

Film 2 - Cecily "Heart and Soul"

Film 3 - BIKES "Musical Spectrum"

Film 4 - Camille "The Whole Story"

Girls, Bikes, Fear and How We Need to Change

We're alike in so many ways, I just hope I pass on my
passion for riding to her in the years to come

We all love our daughters. We want them to grow up to be strong, independent women, capable of meeting every challenge head on. Not to be scared, not to doubt themselves and never to think there's something they just can't do. Mother's are particularly aware of this, knowing first hand what challenges await their girls as they go from being adorable little princesses and rough and tumble tomboys to awkward teenagers, to young women trying to figure out what it is they want from their lives, and possibly even becoming mothers themselves. So why is it, when we want all these positive things for our girls, that we keep going on about all the things they need to be afraid of?

There are certainly veritable dangers out there that all kids need to be mindful of, like talking to strangers, walking through dark alleys and so on. But as I watch my daughter and her friends grow, I have become aware that there is a lot of other so-called dangers that perhaps we need to take a step back from and realize that if we give them credit, our girls will prove that they are capable of taking responsibility for their own safety.

Let's take cycling for example, just because that's what my family is, a bicycle family. My daughter has now been riding solo for almost two years, and doing so on the road for well over a year. Each time we ride, I take the opportunity to teach her how to ride defensively, to be aware of the cars and pedestrians around her, and to always follow the rules of the road. While I have had my moments of panic, I have tried my hardest to not make riding a bike a terrifying experience for her. Because it isn't. Yes, cars are dangerous two-tonne weapons, but if I tell her that every time she sees a car it could mean she's going to get hit, she would never get on a bike. I want her to enjoy riding, not be afraid that every time she gets on her bike there is a high probability of injury or death.

Just last weekend, while out for a ride, my husband and I passed a family that was so stressed about their kids being on the road that they kept manically telling their kids to stay to the side, watch what they doing, keep control, hurry up to get through an intersection when they had plenty of time and so on. Don't get me wrong, these are all valid concerns when you're riding with children, especially young ones still finding their legs. However, if, as an adult, you had someone constantly spouting dangers at you while you tried to do something confidently, would you not be prone to think, "Why the heck and I attempting to do something so dangerous?! Clearly, I should stop trying."

Let's face facts. It has been discussed time and again that women are generally more averse to taking risks. As a result, the ridership numbers for women are drastically lower than men. I also recently read a report from bikeportland.org discussing how by the age of thirteen to fourteen, many young girls are likely to stop riding their bikes. One of the reasons they stop is because they are afraid of getting hurt while doing something physical. The thing they seem to forget is that riding a bike is so easy, and the chances that you will get hurt just riding to and from school or to meet a friend are very slim. But then, maybe they've spent their childhood being told it is dangerous, and when you're a thirteen year old girl, the most important things to you are that you fit it, you feel good about your body, and that nothing will stop you from getting together with your friends. Thinking that sitting down on a bike may result in a broken limb or worse, making it harder to achieve this, gives them all the reason in the world not to ride.

It's about time we start talking less about the dangers of riding a bike with our girls, and more about how great it is! Learning to ride a bike is the first step to gaining independence, and the act of riding a bike is the ultimate in freedom, creating so much joy for nearly every rider I know, young and old alike. For a child, they no longer have to hold their parent's hand while they're riding a bike, and only they can steer, slow down or stop their bike. If you think about it, that is a huge sense of responsibility for a child, and I'm sure it makes them feel so proud that they are able to accomplish all this on their own. 

Not from yesterday, but my daughter having
FUN on her bike

In fact, I know it does. Just yesterday, I let go and gave my daughter one of the ultimate milestones in independence for a child. I let her bike home from school...on her own. I know, GASP! After having to run an emergency errand by car right after school, we had to figure out how to get her bike home that she had ridden that morning. Being that I also had my son with me, and dinner to make, going home, dropping off the Zipcar, getting my bike and trailer and going back to the school seemed so time consuming and unnecessary. So, after speaking to her about being responsible, walking across our dreaded crosswalk, and obeying all the rules of the road we had talked about before, I dropped her off at her school and watched as she got on her bike and headed home...solo. When I saw her again, safe and sound at home, the grin on her face after succeeding to take such a big step into independence made me so happy for her. She felt STRONG, INDEPENDENT and most of all, NOT AFRAID to do it again.

Ladies out there, we all know we're strong enough to do just about anything. It's about time we start passing on that confidence to our little girls. We need to stop teaching our girls that danger is waiting for them around every corner. All we're doing is raising our daughters to doubt themselves and their abilities. We need to teach them to be safe, but in a way that is preparing them to be independent. For those with daughter's that ride, we need to maintain that joy they feel as children all through their growing up, so that when they reach their teens, they keep riding because they know it's no more dangerous than walking to meet their friends, and in fact, a lot quicker and good for their health. The best way to start fostering that, keep riding with them, give them moments of independence, and share your joy on two wheels with them every chance you get!

A little video of my daughter mastering yet another bike related skill...the graceful Dutch dismount. (Video c/o @cbruntlett)

Straight girls like bikes, too!

Ok, so the title of this blog seems a bit silly. Lots of people like bikes, regardless of their sexual preference, but let me explain where this phrase came from. We are happy to be hosting our friend, Brenna, again while she is in transition between the West Coast and Central Canada (see: A Girl, a bike and a dream... and Beeyond A Bike). Whenever we get together with Brenna, inevitably we talk a lot about bikes, and yesterday, while discussing Brenna's plans to volunteer with a community bike shop, it came up that because she's a woman, her opportunities are seemingly endless. I then recalled having been to many a bike shops, and noticing that my gender is incredibly under-represented, and I have even been made to feel like I was under-educated about bikes. So I blurted out in our conversation, "What's up with that? Straight girls like bikes, too!"

I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I am more than capable when it comes to servicing my bicycle. I can clean and oil my chain and cassette, as well as patch up or change a flat tire, and can make small adjustments to my brakes and rear derailer. In fact, some Spring, I'm usually the family bike mechanic, and I'm proud to do it, because I love being handy. However, earlier this year I applied to a bike shop for a sales position, hoping to use the opportunity to learn even more about bikes, and was told that I didn't have enough knowledge about bikes, particular road and racing bikes. I'm not sure if my gender and presumed ignorance about bikes played a role, but I can say that there were no women on site when I went for that interview, and showing up in heels and professional attire likely didn't help.

On those rare occasions that I do see women in bike shops, many times they fit a certain stereotype: t-shirt, baggy pants, short hair cut, tomboyish appearance. I am by no means saying that these women aren't good at what they do, and the certainly deserve respect for being a small minority in the bike shop/maintenance world. Still, why can't you dress in pretty clothes, like to ride bikes AND fix them up, too?

This brings me to a bigger point. There are lots of women on bikes, but there could be more, and I think one of the ways of doing this is making bike look more accessible and appealing for the ladies. Safe infrastructure is definitely an asset for that, but I've already spoken to that a few times, so I won't go on about separated lanes being awesome. I think that goes without saying! It also takes getting the word out, and celebrating women on bikes. I like to think I play a part in that by showing my family and I doing every day things by bike, dressed in our every clothing. Here's a few other groups that try to empower women to get out on their bikes, straight or otherwise, and celebrate our beauty:

Vancouver Cycle Chic (And the worldwide Cycle Chic community)
Let's Go Ride A Bike
Vancouver Velo Vixens
Bicycle Babes

From group rides, charitable events, and general tips on staying fashionable on two wheels,  these groups, and many others, celebrate beautiful people enjoying bicycles and the beautiful act of riding them. Without intending to, they humanize riding a bike, taking it away from the notion that it's an extreme sport, not for the faint of heart. That all you need is a bike and a desire to use it, and an acceptance that you CAN use it without changing the way you look and act. 

The next generation of beautiful ladies on bikes...and I'm proud
to be her mom

So back to the title of this post. Clearly, lots of "straight" girls like bikes. We know which type of bike suits us best, how to fix them, and love riding them in our regular clothes. It's time that the bike community catches up a bit, and there are bike shops who are starting to accept it. Shops like Vancouver's Whoa Nellie don't reinforce the road warrior stereotype, catering more to the average city cyclist who is simply using a bike as a means of mobility. As a woman, I don't walk in shops like these and feel out of place, instead I feel welcome and respected. The North American cycling community is changing, albeit slowly, but I'm happy to be an active part of its renaissance.

Get the Lady a Bike!

No fashionistas here. Just a mom and her little girl,
riding their bikes, making it looks simple and easy.

Last week, my husband wrote a piece for Hush Magazine titled: Towards a Slower, Simpler, More Civilized Bicycle Culture. In it, he discusses the Cycle Chic movement and the concept of dressing for the destination, which I have written about before. Unfortunately, I think the message was lost for a few people, referring to this style of cycling as shallow, or limited to fashionistas, among other comments. I then read a post from Momentum Magazine; How to Sell the Cycling Lifestyle to American Women. In this article, they talk a lot about how current marketing, merchandising and visuals of the cycling culture in North America is focused on men, speeding along, sometimes in highly dangerous situations, and I can't help but think these two articles compliment each other in challenging our pre-existing concept of what "normal" cycling is.

You may have heard it before, that if you want to sell something to the masses, you first have to sell it to women. An article about selling to women, available here, notes that women are responsible for at least 85% of consumer purchases in their household. So it seemingly goes without saying that if you want to increase the modal share in North American cities, like Vancouver, you need to make riding a bike look accessible, affordable and, most of all, safe to women.

Women are visual creatures, much more so then men, so when we're out and about in the city, we're taking everything in, and that includes people on bikes. Just yesterday, while out on our group ride, I recall myself noticing nearly every person we passed on a bike, and you want to know which ones stood out for me? The ones dressed in their everyday clothes, smiling and enjoying a ride along the seawall. Ok, so maybe I'm a bit biased, because I'm noticing people that look like me. But isn't that just the point? 

When I'm out riding my bike, or doing anything for that matter, I don't want to feel like the only one at the party. As a woman riding a bike in my everyday clothes, I see every strange look I get from passersby dressed in cycling specific clothing. I know that a lot of what my family and I do makes us part of a smaller group. From the food we eat, to the way we commute and much more, so it makes me very happy to see people like me on a bike. 

So, back to the point made that Cycle Chic promotes a shallow ideal. What's important is to look past the initial image and understand the idea behind it. No one, not even members of the Cycle Chic worldwide community, wants to stop people that already ride bikes from doing it. What the intention is is to show the average person who maybe only rides occasionally along a waterfront, or has never thought of a bicycle as a viable means of transportation, that all they need is a bike that doesn't have to cost a fortune, and the clothes in their closet. 

Further to that, women, who currently make up a dismal 24% of all cyclists in the US (couldn't find Canadian stats), need some positive imagery to make them consider cycling as a safe, accessible and viable option for commuting. In my opinion, I feel that showing men, women, children and families riding bikes in their everyday attire is one of the best ways to achieve that. There is a huge lack of that in marketing materials, but it is growing, slowly but surely. Until bike and bike accessory companies catch on, though, the best form of advertising is seeing people in your city doing it; people just like you. 

Which was the point my husband was trying to make. We're not telling people to do away with their gear if they don't want to, or to ride slower. Ride however you want in whatever you want. BUT, if you do want to make a quick jaunt to the corner store, maybe leave the bright yellow coat at home. Or, if a female (or male) friend is considering trying out riding a bike to work, try not to intimidate them by telling them they have to buy a sporty, lightweight hybrid or a drop hundreds of dollars on gear at bike shops to do it. It is just as acceptable for them to go buy a used or vintage bike for less, and ride in what they would wear to walk, take transit or drive.

In the end, we all want more people on bikes, no matter what we wear or ride; for health, the environment, or just for the sheer pleasure of doing it. If you want to wear all the specialized gear, buy a lightweight bike, and ride fast, then by all means, do it. Just understand what we're trying to do, too. It's not shallow, and we're not all fashionistas. We're just a family that would rather ride our bikes, and want to encourage more people, especially a cautiously curious lady, to do it, too!