I'm wearing pants!
Of course they're wide legged. And as you can see, light coloured. When you have a chain guard, bike grease all over your precious clothes isn't an issue (unless your chain guard is covered with dirt).
Don and I went to check out a few plays at the Edmonton Fringe Festival the other night. The days are still lovely and warm but the evenings are cold. Single digit cold. I had to bring a jacket out with me for the ride home.
Here I am on the phone with my mom getting a baby update before we set out.
Still on the phone, but getting ready to go. Don't worry, I wasn't chatting on my cell phone while I was riding all over the city! If you're one of those people who loves to point out all the things I don't do perfectly, I would like to go on record saying that I do not intentionally try to endanger my life or the lives of others while riding, nor do I try to blacken the name of bicycle commuting with my cavalier ways. I sometimes get flack for not wearing a helmet or not coming to a full stop at a 4-way stop (somebody noted that I blasted through a 4-way in my biking video). Sigh... I was riding behind a car with somebody filming... they stopped at the 4-way and there were no cars, I shoulder checked! No, it wasn't entirely perfect. Yes, it was entirely safe that specific time. No, it might not always be safe at that intersection at all times.
I do think it's necessary that we all endeavor to follow traffic rules. However, I don't think cycling is going to be attractive if those of us who are more experienced with the nuances of bicycle commuting criticize in a manner that can be perceived as patronizing, negative, and alienating. I'm sure all the criticism I get is issued with the best of intensions. I really want people to see that cycling can be joyful and healthy. No, I don't think that means I should be careless and hazardous. I think we're all on the same team here. What I want is for more people to start biking and for nobody to get run over by cars. Apologies for any unintended slights to the cause! I guess you can say that I don't get particularly worked up about the details and don't necessarily see everything in black and white.
I try to lead by example, and although I'm not perfect or ideal in any way, I will continue to promote cycling as positively and safely as I can.
Video rentals in my basket, to drop off on the way to the fringe grounds.
Coasting and chillin' on a lovely evening out.
Continued happy riding to all! Enjoy these last days of summer...
9 comments:
Two words: "Idaho Stop"
I LOVE your helmet! Where oh where did you get it??
I never stop a four-way stop unless there is a car, bike or pedestrian that I must yield for. Chicago is littered with four-way stops for the sole purpose of calming car traffic. There is no safety reason for a bike to stop at a four-way stop when no one is around.
Back to the fun stuff. Those pants look great! I would definitely have to wipe down my chain case before wearing something like that :)
My husband said your blog may be a bad influence :) As I'm test riding a Pashley hopefully Saturday if Red Bikes get their shipment in:)
If I do hopefully I will pass you someday while you are on yours so I can thank you in person:)
Fiona
girlcanbike.com
Nice trousers! I normally wear almost exclusively skirts and dresses as well, but this summer I found a marvelous pair of (gasp) long black shorts and I've been wearing them on the Pashley with abandon.
I can't believe that you get critical remarks; it amazes me that people feel it necessary to do this. I do not have a single picture on my blog where I am wearing a helmet, and there is a reason for that. Yet I would never presume to lecture to others on the topic. Let's just cycle and let others be, shall we!
All you have to do is ride a bike in a city one time to realize that the traffic laws are designed for car traffic and sometimes don't make any logical sense at all for cyclists. It sounds like I'm some kamakazie cyclist when I say that but I'm actually a chicken cyclist who is quite nervous about getting hit by cars - so if I'm noticing how many silly laws there are being applied to cyclists....
I follow the laws because I don't want to give cyclists a bad name (or get a ticket). I just wish everyone in my city had to go and ride their bike around for one day. I'm pretty sure the laws would change quickly (i.e. Idaho stop)
I ditto the nice pants! I dont think I have worn pants in centuries!! but always love your style and pants are no exception :) and who cares what people point out you dont do perfect ;) he heee. baby update awwww. cute mommy on the go
xo/meli
Ah, don't listen to others...we aren't all perfect anyways. I think that's why I'd be scared to post a blog like this.
I know I don't stop at a 4 way if there are no vehicles...even if there are cars I slow down, but don't completely stop if I don't have to. I just check for oncoming cars to make sure it's clear to continue.
I've been to the Fringe, it's pretty cool! One day I'll have to return, used to volunteer there.
Nice pics.
Hey Girls,
Thanks for the support! It's good to know I'm not alone. Although I don't condone breaking the law and no, I don't consider myself a libertarian... sometimes you've just got to use your judgment and all is safe.
Miss Eliza Sea, I talk about my helmet here:
http://girlsandbicycles.blogspot.com/2009/07/faq-baskets-and-stuff.html
Fiona, I say hell with it and we should just meet up for coffee with the Pashleys one of these days!
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