Want to know why the S-Line Urban Greenway isn't as popular as some wished it would be?
QuoteNew data from the U.S. Census Bureau offers encouraging news for cyclists: Nationally, bicycle commuting increased 61 percent between the 2000 Census and a 2008-2012 survey. But there's considerable work to do before we bike ride into the sunset. Our research shows that in some places, the people who ride are mostly wealthy and white.
The three key findings:
1. Poor respondents spend more time commuting.
2. Most people, poor and non-poor alike, still want cars.
3. Cycling just isn't popular among the urban poor (yet).
Full in-depth article: http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/07/how-low-income-commuters-view-cycling/374390/
Not only do they not use it, but many seem to go out of their way to make sure no one else wants to by trashing it up quite nicely.
Quote3. Cycling just isn't popular among the urban poor (yet).
I don't know about that last one, the crack dealers seem to have a regular bike club going!
BTW, years ago when the streetcar project was first adopted by the DDA, it was suggested to me that routes on the F&J and 'S' line should be numbered '.357 and the 38-SPECL respectively.
I personally know quite a few of the poor who bike regularly to and from. You know they're not wearing the helmets, googles, and spandex. But I see probably 1/3 as many on bikes as in cars....and they're not all dealing.
Question about bicycle commuting:
How do you stay fresh and professional on the morning commute?
I'm about three miles from the office and have always thought it would be great to be able to commute via bike, but I feel like I'd show up to the office sweaty, with wind-blown helmet hair, looking like I'd just run a half marathon.
Do bicycle commuters change clothes when they get to the office, or freshen up, or shower?
The idea sounds great, but the logistics confuse me.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 16, 2014, 11:57:24 AM
Question about bicycle commuting:
How do you stay fresh and professional on the morning commute?
I'm about three miles from the office and have always thought it would be great to be able to commute via bike, but I feel like I'd show up to the office sweaty, with wind-blown helmet hair, looking like I'd just run a half marathon.
Do bicycle commuters change clothes when they get to the office, or freshen up, or shower?
The idea sounds great, but the logistics confuse me.
The universal tool for bike commuters is to use baby wipes to freshen up, but that doesn't cut it here from my experiences commuting on bike fairly frequently. Even in the cooler months I bike in running clothes and still arrive at work with that "not so fresh" feeling. Showering is ideal. I usually just take a whore bath in the sink....
A lot of it has to do with individual factors however. Does your bike require a lot of peddling effort? What type of pace are you trying to set for yourself to get to work? Do you sweat easily? Etc.
Racks are a must though if you're going to be carrying anything. A messenger or backpack always makes my back sweat worse than it would otherwise.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 16, 2014, 11:57:24 AM
Question about bicycle commuting:
How do you stay fresh and professional on the morning commute?
I'm about three miles from the office and have always thought it would be great to be able to commute via bike, but I feel like I'd show up to the office sweaty, with wind-blown helmet hair, looking like I'd just run a half marathon.
Do bicycle commuters change clothes when they get to the office, or freshen up, or shower?
The idea sounds great, but the logistics confuse me.
This isn't meant to be taken the wrong way, but if you're in the least bit of shape, a 3 mile commute shouldn't even be a question. Pack a clean t-shirt and a small hand-towel; keep some deodorant in your desk and you should be just fine. Remember that it's a commute and not a time-trial, and pace yourself as such. 3 miles should take about 20 minutes-ish.
Speaking of.... I'm a little more heat tolerant than most, but I can get around most of Riverside without sweating profusely. Sure, I'll have a patch on the chest and under the arms, but nothing much different than most who I know have walked around the block at lunchtime.
Quote from: KenFSU on July 16, 2014, 11:57:24 AM
Question about bicycle commuting:
How do you stay fresh and professional on the morning commute?
I'm about three miles from the office and have always thought it would be great to be able to commute via bike, but I feel like I'd show up to the office sweaty, with wind-blown helmet hair, looking like I'd just run a half marathon.
Do bicycle commuters change clothes when they get to the office, or freshen up, or shower?
The idea sounds great, but the logistics confuse me.
My commute is around 4 miles each way; riding takes me about 20 minutes. I dress down for the ride and use a pair of waterproof Ortlieb rear panniers to bring my office clothes along with a small towel, deodorant, etc. In the summer I definitely get drenched even when it's not raining so I just freshen up and change once I get to work. I heartily recommend at least trying it once or twice a week--it's a great way to start and end the work day plus you save on gas and gym membership.
When I built an office and manufacturing building on the Southside years ago, I insisted on including a large bathroom with a shower and lockers in it across from the employee break room. Several professional employees biked to work and more would use their lunch hour to jog and exercise.
Only problem was that the women said that the men left it a mess and the men complained that the women spent to long. Complaints stopped when I suggested that the only solution was for them to shower together.
Quote from: Dog Walker on July 16, 2014, 01:24:08 PM
When I built an office and manufacturing building on the Southside years ago, I insisted on including a large bathroom with a shower and lockers in it across from the employee break room. Several professional employees biked to work and more would use their lunch hour to jog and exercise.
Only problem was that the women said that the men left it a mess and the men complained that the women spent to long. Complaints stopped when I suggested that the only solution was for them to shower together.
Excellent.
^ Great tips guys, thanks!
Might give it a try later this week.