One of the things that has always bothered me about bicycling as a commute option is the
perception that you need a lot of gear to pull it off. A helmet is required, of course, but in Roanoke, at least, it has been the case that you don't see many people riding without the full lycra-costume, including those inappropriately tight pants. For my brief overseas visits to England and China, it was not uncommon to see someone in a business suit riding down the street on an old Schwinn; that's just not something you see often around here, and its a shame. The point of a bike, I would think, is the childlike simplicity of being able to hop on and
just go.
Some bicycle manufacturers are responding to this by making bicycles that encourage casual, dress-down riding. I've got a cheapie little coasting bike from Wal-Mart, for example, upon which I would look absolutely silly if I was dressed in full speed-riding regalia. It's a bike made for shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. Expanding on this idea, a company called Shimano has created a family of
Coasting bikes that are geared towards the casual, even commute, rider, with nice fat tires, springy seats, fenders, and chain-guards so you don't get your work pants all greast. My favorite is the
Raleigh coasting bike, and not just because its got a six-pack suitable rack on the front with a built-in bottle opener.
This is on my wish list.
Remember, folks: This week September 22 through 25, is the statewide
Try
Transit Week. Please consider using any of our fine local transit
systems for at least one trip this week - whether for your work
commute, a shopping trip, or just to give it a shot. If you
take the pledge you get a chance to win a one-year transit pass on the system of your chouce.
If you've got a
Facebook account, I've
set up an event through the
RIDE Solutions group (of which you should also be a member) you can use to invite your friends and networks to attend.
Questions about where your closest bus can be found or what
time to catch the bus? Contact the appropriate agency below:
Blacksburg Transit: (540) 961-1185
Valley Metro: (540) 982-2222
SmartWay Bus: (800) 388-7005