In all the discussion of bicycle facilities, the focus is often on how do we get people commuting by car to switch to cycling as an option. Often forgotten in the discussion is the so called “Invisible Cyclists.” This a common reference to the working class, mostly black and brown riders who use a bicycle not out of choice, but out of economic necessity. For these riders, car based transportation would cost over 1/4 of their income and is not a viable option. They are invisible because they do not wear all the equipment such as helmets and vests of the over geared commuter professional, because they often ride slowly on sidewalks, and because they are of a socioeconomic class that some would just as soon ignore.
Good bicycle facilities are not just about reducing traffic congestion, economic security in time of peak oil, and better air quality. It is also about a just society where access to work, entertainment, and vital community services is not limited to those who can afford a car. We need to make safe places for these invisible cyclists to ride so that they can enjoy the benefits of a great city and break the cycle of poverty.
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 9:15 am
This is an excellent reminder for those of us interested in bike infrastructure that we need to look at the entire picture.
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 9:27 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Austin On Two Wheels, Ding Ding Let's Ride and The Green Mamba, atxhipsters. atxhipsters said: via @austinon2wheels The Invisible Cyclists: In all the discussion of bicycle facilities, the focus is often on … http://bit.ly/hnbLyX [...]
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 11:47 am
I have a smile-and-nod relationship with an “invisible cyclist” with whom I share my commuting route. He’s an middle-aged Hispanic gentleman who works on the overnight cleaning crew and doggedly sticks to the sidewalks. We cross paths in the evening, either on the road and adjoining sidewalk or in the locker room when I’m working late. It is quite a contrast: I’m doing it with a modest array of gear (helmet, lights, horn, panniers, etc.), for my health; he rides his worn but stock mountain bike out of necessity.
I do wonder, though, what will happen as cycling becomes a more mainstream form of transportation. Will those casual sidewalk riders take to the bike lane, or even the main lanes? Will increased police scrutiny fall disproportionately on their heads?
Oh, and I think the idiom you’re looking for is “just as soon ignore”.
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
RT @austinon2wheels: There are a lot more cyclists on the road than you think http://bit.ly/ii74Be The Invisible Cyclists
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
RT @austinon2wheels: There are a lot more cyclists on the road than you think http://bit.ly/ii74Be The Invisible Cyclists
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
@austinon2wheels There are a lot more cyclists on the road than you think http://bit.ly/ii74Be The Invisible Cyclists.