When I teach commuter bike workshops I say, “The most important thing about riding is that you look good on your bike!” I’m joking, but there is a kernel of truth in the statement.
It is nice to feel that you are dressed the way you want to be on your bike. Looking good makes it more likely that you will ride. Biking is great because you can go as low or high tech as you want. We have people showing up at the Winooski Bike Gang Ride wearing cut off jeans, t-shirts and sandals. We also have people with clip-less bike shoes and expensive matching bike shorts and jerseys. Some even coordinate their outfit, bike and bike accessories. All are welcome. While there are no fashion police at the bike gang, we do have riders who have an appreciation for bike fashion. They will mention when a rider is wearing something special.
When I ride into work in cold weather my look tends to be a high tech. I wear a warm pair of pants and a water and windproof jacket. My heated mittens have little red lights on them. I have two front and two back lights, a high visibility vest and a mirror on my helmet. When it is really cold I wear a balaclava with a plastic breathing device. A few years ago I was riding on Church Street in my coldest weather gear when someone said to me, “What are you Robo Biker?” I said, “Yes I am!” If I am riding recreationally I favor bike tights instead of pants. Often I wear a pair of shorts over the tights. Over the years I have gotten a few pairs of Smart Wool bike tights second hand. They are warm and comfortable and look smart too!
On November 26th this year I went to an EZ Breezy bike ride with Local Motion. Participants were asked to dress formally and there was a wide variety of styles from someone in a Black Watch plaid sports coat with a tie to those who were not formal at all. In my pedantic way I was pleased to be able to tell the person in plaid that it was Black Watch. There was also someone wearing a sparkly dress and heels. They said it was a bit of a challenge to ride in those shoes. I wore a double breasted blazer with a blue bacon and eggs pocket square. A traditional pocket square is supposed to be a bit stiff and stick up from the breast pocket of a suit. Mine was a bit droopy! Under the blazer I had on a form fitting quilted bike jacket that I ordered from France! I was trying to be both warm and stylish.
It is possible to be visible and fashionable. Especially in the winter, when it gets dark early, I wear a hi-visibility vest over my jacket. Most of my jackets are either black or yellow so I got a vest that was black with yellow stripes.
As with most outfits, shoes are a very important element. So many times I see a nice outfit ruined by a poor shoe choice! Whether you are biking, walking or even driving, don’t ever wear formal clothing with athletic shoes. It just looks bad. I recently got a pair of fi’zi:k winter bike shoes. They are purple and burgundy and very warm. I have received many compliments! A couple of weeks ago a man came up to me outside City Market and said, “You have all of the gear!” It turns out he was visiting from Cape Cod and he was an enthusiastic bike rider. We talked bout my bike shoes and discussed other bike gear as well. From time to time people ask me about my clothing or bike accessories and that usually leads to a pleasant conversation.
Looking good on your bike is important, but remember to also dress for the weather and stay safe!
About the Author: Peter Burns is a long-time bike enthusiast, and one of the original year-round bike riders in the greater Burlington area. In addition to writing about walking and biking, Peter teaches a variety of bike workshops. He also works at a group home for people with psychiatric disabilities, teaches classes for the Vermont Humanities Council, teaches swimming at the Burlington YMCA, and is a regular host of Storytelling