Switching Gears: More Commuters Bike to Work Link to story and audio report on NPR's Morning Edition: http://www.npr.org/2010/11/23/131539669/switching-gears-more-commuters-bike-to-work
Thanks. Not to be an ingrate for positive coverage, but heck, I'll just say it: I wish the photos had been of riders other than lycra-clad recreational-looking cyclists (even if they also ride for transportation as the story says). Pictures of people riding in street clothes help to broaden cycling's appeal, especially as a method of transportation.
The guy in back is wearing running sneakers and baggy shorts. That's awfully close to street clothes in DC when the grass is green. Also, neither one is wearing bike gloves or sunglasses so they can't be real roadies.
The money quote: "It's almost like a snowball effect," says researcher John Pucher of Rutgers University. "People see other people cycling and they say, 'Wow!' "
This is where the link to that TED talk with the crazy dancing guy should go.
The people in the picture I think were out for a "lunchtime bike ride," not necessarily commuting. Hence the lack of any commuting necessities, IE panniers, book bag, nothing!
DC commuters are sometimes referred to as
"pathletes"... apparently it is common to commute
in full spandex on a 5k road bike.
i never bike commuted in DC cause i lived in the city and traffic was horrifying... at the time. now i live in pittsburgh and i know it can be even worse
