So, most of us bicycle riders know May as National Bike Month. If others are reading this and you didn’t know that, ‘Surprise!’
As most of you know, I’m very passionate about getting more women comfortable riding and navigating our city roads. I am also passionate about wearing every day clothing while riding your bike. One shouldn’t feel the need to wear one outfit while riding and then change into another when you’re finished. Bicycling should be as easy and 123. As we’ve been saying, ‘dress for your destination, not the journey.’
You look at other exploding bicycle cities like: D.C., San Fran, and Chicago and this is how they ride. This blog is about that as well. I snap photos of fellow bike riders wearing everyday clothes b/c we need to normalize it. It’s still funny to me when people point at me as I’m rolling down the streets pedaling in a skirt and heels.
Women. Women are a beautiful sight to see when dressed up and two-wheeling. They always put a smile on my face. I saw a gentleman the other day in a suit, biking to the courthouse. That’s how we began and that’s how it should be.
So, back to the project. For the month of May, I (or rather; neighbors, friends, and nice strangers) have been photographing myself and my outfits that I wear on my bicycle. I’m going to post half now and then the other half at the end of the month. Anything from my closest is wearable on my bicycle. People always mention ‘sweating.’ If you take it easy and ride your bike at a leisurely pace instead of 22mph then chances are you’ll roll into work and not be sweaty.
Enjoy the dozen outfits below. I’d also like to mention that beginning in June and once a month, I will be holding a ladies only – leisure bicycle ride. It’s called ’2 Wheels & Heels.’ My friend in Cleveland began it up there and it was a smashing success. I told her I would take it on here and not only is it beginning here in Columbus this summer, it is also happening in: Chicago, Austin, and Minneapolis. We will all ride on the same day each month. We are working to move this group across the Nation to empower more women to ride their bikes. We need to move that gender needle and soften our streets. If you’re interested in the ’2 Wheels & Heels’ rides, search it on Facebook at: ’2 Wheels & Heels.’
Enjoy and keep riding!
