Comments on: Thoughts on Re-Imaging the Bicycle

By: Melanie Meyers

Melanie Meyers — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:35:07 +0000

Dan,

Indeed, sometimes all we need to do is stop thinking too hard and just ride our bikes. Good point! Thanks for the comment.

By: Dan Evans

Dan Evans — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:08:05 +0000

Rebranding might not be the answer.
I use my bikes for a lot of things.
Comuting, errands/ with a trailer when needed and just for fun and exercise.
It is a matter of choice on my part. Some times it is more conveient to drive, but there are many benifits. Health and ecological.
A lot of people I meet for the first time with in 5 mile of my home think that I do not have or am not allowed to drive.
One of the part time jobs I had didn’t know I had a car or license for almost 4 months.
When people ask why I ride? “Because I can and like to”
My riding is incorperated in to my daily routine. The special cycling clothes, lycra,cliples pedals, racing jerseys come out when I’m on club rides, road or mountain. Other wise except for the cycling helemet tucked under my arm I dress just a normal and any one else.
Like any other sport I have collected the neccessary clubs in my bag.
One bike can do for most people and I do not let them think that they have to have a fleet of them.
I started out riding just to get to work in about 1970 and now have, a go fast, a suv, a sedan, a jeep & and a truck (tandem) each a type of bike, all preped and ready to go.
Some, most bike shops seem to have people thinking that they need all the extra stuff. When all they really need is just to do it, ride. A simple bike, good helmet and a back pack can run a lot of errands and feel good to!
DanO Cincinnati OH.

By: Melanie Meyers

Melanie Meyers — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:19:43 +0000

Hi Christa,

Great point! Indeed, a Lance Armstrong of utility cycling would do a lot for cycling in North America in general. It has been really cool to see the family cycling movement grow on blogs and the Internet. The more family and urban cycling happens, the more possible it will be for new-comers to take it up as well.

And I also agree that the default role of an urban cyclist in North America cannot necessarily be the same as it is in Europe. Not only is the “urban” different here, so too is the urban cyclist.

Thanks again for the great comment.

By: Christa

Christa — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:17:36 +0000

I see a need for a genuine North American role model cyclist. We need a Lance Armstrong of urban cycling. Native.

While Mikael assumes the default role (and is doing wonderful work), maybe his narrative just doesn’t resonate with the average North American.

Some very passionate North American women/family cyclists are starting to increase awareness, creating community in their city and online. I imagine their stories are the future of cycling.

By: Melanie Meyers

Melanie Meyers — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:32:26 +0000

Hi Ron,

Yes, to a large degree, you are probably right. The cycling movement often does itself few favors. At the same time, I am optimistic that simply by existing, the cycling movement (be it of the utility, recreation, or sport variety) makes more cycling possible. People tend to participate in activities that they see other people doing, a snowball effect of sorts, which makes more cycling possible. Nonetheless, the “movement” itself could probably use some improvement or attitude adjustments in many regards.

Thanks for your comment!

By: Ron (Cozy Beehive)

Ron (Cozy Beehive) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:29:28 +0000

In other words, the cycling movement is in a way its own enemy. And then we sit and complain about why people don’t bike.

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