Slow Down! And Four Other Ways to Make People Love Cyclists

TDM TAKEAWAY

As cycling becomes more mainstream, the image of cyclists is changing as well. We need to promote this new and better image.

Just as there are two Americas, there are two types of cyclists.

First, there are the Cyclists with a capital “C,” clad in Lycra and obsessed with speed. These cyclists probably spent upwards of $1,000 on a bike, are often male, and everything about them signals that cycling is not for mere mortals. These adrenaline junkies consider traffic laws mere “suggestions.”

Then there are the casual cyclists, also known as “The Rest of Us.” This group is more diverse and civil. They seldom wear Spandex, and can be seen cycling while smartly dressed in pedestrian or business attire. Fairly cautious and often inexperienced, this group of people consider cycling less a lifestyle choice than simply a mobility option.

Chris Bruntlett

It is this second group of cyclists, says Modacity, a progressive communications firm operating out of Vancouver, that we must pay attention to and reach in order to create a cycling culture that matters. Modacity wants to mainstream and normalize cycling as a mobility option.

In other words, dad bods of the world unite, because cycling is for you, too.

Chris and Melissa Bruntlett, the creators of Modacity, have advocated for pro-bike policies and the normalization of cycling since 2010. In that year, the Bruntletts sold their family car and made the conscious decision to rely on public transit and cycling for their mobility needs. Chris and Melissa also have two small children accompanying them on their endeavor.

They are not a family of militant, extreme-sports cyclists – and that’s the point.

Just recently, BikeArlington – which educates Arlington, Virginia residents and visitors about the area’s many bike amenities – discovered Modacity through its award-winning series of videos for Copenhagen’s Cycle Chic brand. (Modacity is partnering with BikeArlington on a project that you’ll hear more about later in the summer.)

Modacity’s recommendations for mainstreaming bicycling

Melissa Bruntlett

Over the past several years, the Bruntletts have watched (and helped to realize) Vancouver’s transformation. Their recommendations are as applicable in the U.S. as they are Canada.

On the policy and infrastructure side, the Bruntletts advocate for more and better bike infrastructure, especially protected bike lanes, lower automobile speed limits, more bikeshare systems, and elimination of helmet laws.

Cyclists have to do their part as well – not just advocating for better policies, but thinking about the role they play in the public perception of cyclists. By adhering to laws, slowing down, and giving thought to these other ideas, we’ll create a more inclusive, more successful, landscape for all cyclists:

1. Enjoy the Journey. First and foremost, this means slowing down and being present in your environment. Bicycling is often the most-efficient means of travel, and slowing down to be a bit more safe and careful probably isn’t going to change that – and is certainly more comforting and civil to those around you.
2. Try a Cruiser Bike. Upright riding lends itself to a more relaxed, slower ride, and more importantly, allows you to interact with your environment and neighbors. A cruiser (or Dutch-style) bike may not be fancy or win the Tour de France, but it may make your commute more pleasant, so why not try one out. Plus, says Melissa Bruntlett, “everyone needs n+1 number of bikes, where n is the number of bikes you already own.” (There are also a lot of options such as regular shorts or pants that hide the Lycra underneath.)
3. Dress for the Destination. Specialized bicycle clothing is a signaling device. It communicates that cycling is for experts, not for everyone. Think about whether Lycra is for practical reasons or to gratify your own ego. When at all possible, dress for the destination. It won’t always be possible in hot climates or bad weather, but it may be more practical than you realize. 
4. Helmets Optional. This is a controversial subject, and one the Bruntletts try to stay away from, but they believe helmets are part of the specialized gear signaling that cycling is for the experts. Plus, helmets keep people off bikes, and the most important way to keep cyclists safe is get more people bicycling. There’s safety in numbers. Also, as Chris Bruntlett says, “Helmet laws make bikeshare systems unworkable.”
5. Be a Creative, Vocal, Leader. Local government leadership already embedded that supports bicycling is terrific, but this is something we have little control over. Rather, be a leader among your community, and be outspoken. During a recent visit to Arlington, Chris Bruntlett was blunt in his assessment of Columbia Pike. “It’s an absolute disaster for cyclists,” he said. Be persistent in your efforts, and don’t be afraid to be wrong. Every single bike-infrastructure project in Vancouver, Chris points out, encountered opposition. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be worthwhile.

What do you want your cycling community to look like? How do you think cyclists should play a part in this transformation?

Photos courtesy of Modacity