// Bicycle Advocacy is Simple
Posted on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
Bicycle Advocacy.
These two words are used a lot, usually by groups like the East Bay Bicycle Coalition, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, Bicycle Friendly Berkeley, and the like. And I fully support this thing called “bicycle advocacy.” I would even call myself a bicycle advocate. And as it’s Bike to Work Month, and there’s lots of talk of advocacy, I feel it’s a good time to discuss what it means to be a bike advocate.
I confess I don’t have a lot of time to donate to volunteering at events put on by advocacy groups. Occasionally I donate my time, and sometimes I donate some money. There are people out there who do a lot more with organizations than I do, yet I still consider myself to be a bike advocate. In fact, I have a great sense of pride about the particular type of bicycle advocacy I engage in. I think it’s the kind of bicycle advocacy that Gandhi would have been into.
My bicycle advocacy is simple. It is non-confrontational. It is peaceful, quiet, and not ostentatious. I simply ride my bike. I ride it as a means of transportation. I take it to the grocery store, to cafes, to the homes of friends and family. I ride my bike to the BART station, to doctor’s appointments, and to farmer’s markets. But my advocacy is only partly about the fact that I actually ride my bike. The other major part of my advocacy is how I ride my bike.
I always stop (or at least seriously slow down) for stop signs. I always stop for red lights. I ride on the right side of the road, and in the bike lane if there is one. I never yell at motorists, I never spit on their cars or bang on their windows (I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not very nice).
In general, I believe that a calm, rational approach to cycling is called for. I know there are angry, militant cyclists out there who passionately hate motorists. I know they break the rules, and I understand that the rebellion feels right because as cyclists we believe we are doing the right thing for our bodies and our planet. But I think progress is made when cyclists respect motorists, and in turn, motorists respect cyclists. We have come a long way–let’s not undo the progress we have made.
Besides, the most important thing about being a cyclist in a world full of cars is remembering to stay safe. Until we live in some kind of utopia that is car free, where everyone moves at slow, non-lethal speeds, we need to look out for ourselves. Following the rules of the road and respecting motorists is one way to make sure you don’t end up smeared on the pavement.
Take care out there, and if you’re commuting, don’t forget to log miles at Clif’s 2 Mile Challenge site. Go Team Gold!
Your efforts are noted. I do the same when I can. One of the best things that I read, was that when just doing short commutes and errands to wear your regular cloths, instead of cycling gear. That way the public sees us in more of a light, “like them on a bike”, than some spandex wearing freak.
Keep up the good work.
-B
Good call on wearing regular clothes. My favorite thing to do is throw some spandex (with the thinnest chamois I own to avoid the diaper look) on underneath a skirt, especially when it’s warm out. I get to look a little more normal, without worrying about putting on a show. And I still get a cozy chamois to keep my butt happy!
I also read that wearing regular clothes causes drivers to think you’re a less practiced cyclist, and they tend to then give you more room when passing you. Studies also show that not wearing a helmet and being a girl also get more room from drivers. Although I personally think you should still wear a helmet. And though I’m thankful I’m already a girl, I know if I weren’t, I wouldn’t resort to a sex change just to get more room from cars!
Happy Commuting!