14 Cycling Myths Uncovered

Questions and comments we get asked on a regular basis revolve around imaginary and real barriers to cycling.

We also understand that these barriers to cycling may stop people from giving it a try. We want to see more people out and about riding their bikes more often, with the hope that our Cycling Myths Uncovered will shed some new light on ways to get our on your bike. Did we miss any? I'm sure we did; share your top cycling myths with us, we'd love to hear them!

Quick list: 

• Cycling Myth #1 | You can't wear a suit while cycling
• Cycling Myth #2 | Cycling and high heels don't mix
• Cycling Myth #3 | Cycling isn't for everyone
• Cycling Myth #4 | You must ride everywhere like a speed demon while on bike
• Cycling Myth #5 | You must wear unflattering rain wear while riding your bicycle
• Cycling Myth #6 | Cycling requires a special bike
• Cycling Myth #7 | Cycling with young children is just too hard
• Cycling Myth #8 | People on bikes must use cycle tracks and cycle lanes
• Cycling Myth #9 | People on bikes should ride as close to the right side of the road as possible
• Cycling Myth #10 | Cycling: People on bikes are reckless hooligans who jump red lights and break rules.
• Cycling Myth #11 | Riding a bike is a hipster thing
• Cycling Myth #12 | Mandatory helmet use will increase safety and encourage new riders
• Cycling Myth #13 | Cycling : I must wear safety vests while on bike..
• Cycling Myth #14 | Lights - Back lights can be white

Full details below

Cycling Myth #1 | You can't wear a suit while cycling: A while back we were asked what's a guy supposed to do about his clothes when he rides around to work? The answer is simple: Just do it! It is possible to travel this distance in a suit. The Dutch know this very well. The trick is to keep a moderate pace but not too fast to make yourself overheat. Slow your pace and allow extra time to get to your destination. And enjoy the ride. 

Pro Tip: You can also remove your suit jacket, turn it inside out and fold one shoulder into the other, then fold the jacket in half (at this point the jacket should still be inside out so the inner liner is showing) and slide it into your pannier. This will avoid wrinkles in your jacket. 

Cycling Myth #2 | Cycling and high heels don't mix: We're dreaming of warmer days and open-toed shoes. Did you know that it's easier to cycle in heels then walk in heels? Riding my bicycle to the office, wearing my favourite high heels, saves my feet and makes the difference between wearing them for the day or the morning.

Photo credit: Amsterdam Cycle Chic

Cycling Myth #3 | Cycling isn't for everyone: Cycling is a normal activity that millions of people partake in every single day. Life's too short to wear spandex for a simple ride to work, a coffee date or dropping the kids off at school. Dress for your destination, ride your way and enjoy the ride.

Cycling Myth #4 | You must ride everywhere like a speed demon while on bike: Ride your way! Simple right. We see so many riders in our city that wear spandex every single time they get on their bike, no matter the destination or the weather. We want to bring sexy back to cycling in Victoria. Spread the word, slow down, enjoy the ride and dress how you like. No need to follow the masses, just be yourself. 

Cycling Myth #5 | You must wear unflattering rain wear while riding your bicycle: No spandex, no utilitarian rain gear necessary; just a brilliant fashionable and functional rain cape will get you through your day.

Interesting fact | Did you know that in Amsterdam you will not find people wearing spandex and utilitarian rain gear while on their bikes unless they are out on a training ride. Let's ride like the pros and look brilliant while on your bike.

Cycling Myth #6 | Cycling requires a special bike: Ride what suits you. | Ride what you like. | Just ride!

Cycling Myth #7 | Cycling with young children is just too hard: Choose a proper set up that works for you and see how you connect with your kids and the world around you. Take it from the Dutch who have been doing this for a very, very long time. Another side benefit is legs for days. 



Photo credit: Amsterdam Cycle Chic

Cycling Myth #8 | People on bikes must use cycle tracks and cycle lanes: So cycle tracks are separated bicycle lanes from traffic and cycle lanes are painted lines on the road. People on bikes are not obliged to use either. Some cycle lanes are not suitable - too narrow. Same goes for cycle tracks. They need to be built with cycling in mind and ease of use. If it's not practicable then people on bikes will not use it.

Cycling Myth #9 | People on bikes should ride as close to the right side of the road as possible: CLAIM YOUR SPACE on the road and keep yourself safe!

Cycling Myth #10 | Cycling: People on bikes are reckless hooligans who jump red lights and break rules. ( we'll talk more about rule breakers in a future post) | need we say more?

Cycling Myth #11 | Riding a bike is a hipster thing: Cycling is for everyone and all ages and abilities. My husbands parents live in the Netherlands, they are in the mid 70's/80's and they ride their bikes everyday. In fact, they also tour cycle and carry their own gear while traveling. There's nothing like a good map, good company and the open road.

Cycling Myth #12 | Mandatory helmet use will increase safety and encourage new riders: Cycling is a product of culture, proper infrastructure, and fair distribution of city space. 

Cycling Myth #13 | Cycling : I must wear safety vests while on bike.. Being seen isn't about what you're wearing - it's about being aware of your surroundings, looking over your shoulder, proper positioning on the road and making eye contact with people in cars and people on bikes...

Cycling Myth #14 | Lights - Back lights can be white: Yes, it's important to be seen at night, there's no question about that. Here's the thing... The other night I saw someone on a bike, he had a white flashing strobe light on the back of his bicycle. 

THE EFFECT: Like a moth to the light, go the eyes of people driving cars, directly to the flashing strobe and they drive closer to the light. 

In our opinion, white strobe lights should not be used in back of bikes (the front for that matter either), not only can it cause blind spots for people driving cars but also to the person cycling behind you. It's just a bad situation for everyone involved. Being aware of your surroundings and how your actions affect others is paramount to safe cycling.

Share your cycling myths: We want to see more people out and about riding their bikes more often, with the hope that our Cycling Myths Uncovered will shed some new light on ways to get our on your bike. Did we miss any? I'm sure we did; share your top cycling myths with us, we'd love to hear them!