Remember back when one of our lovely interns posted about Bike Chic ? It got me thinking – can everyone on the planet ride a bike but me?
I know; it’s a little embarrassing. I’m 25 and I can’t really bike. Oddly, in a city where a 20-something without a driver’s license is fairly common, not being able to ride anything but the stationary in my gym feels shameful.
The last time I tried to ride something with two wheels I was about 14. Let’s just say it didn’t go well. I went careening diagonally across a parking lot (I only made it about 5 feet) until I tipped over. Then my friend spent the rest of the day making fun of me. It was a little scarring. Ever since then my excuse has been ”well I know how I just have terrible balance!”
But after two years in New York, seeing people fly by on bikes and feeling like a major tool because I couldn’t join in, I’ve decided to change that. I’m learning to ride. I’m going to sign up for one of Bike New York‘s Adult Learn to Ride classes, which I found out about through Googling. They’re filling up fast; it looks like I have to wait until June and go to an unfamiliar part of Queens for my lesson.
So for anyone else out there who was a clumsy child or had overprotective parents and was never allowed near a bicycle, you can still join in the trend.
There are some similar courses in other cities (Toronto and Boston both appear to have them); you could also just walk into your local bike shop and ask for a lesson. It might be embarrassing, but the point of this post is for us non-biking adults to get past the shame! Or maybe you have a friend (who is nicer than mine) that will patiently take you to an abandoned parking lot and get you started . Of course, if you choose this route, be sure and get a bike that’s right for your height and take all of the necessary safety precautions (wear a helmet!).
Then we can all be environmental and chic! Maybe the course will cover riding in a skirt and heels? -Liza
(Pictured: Sienna Miller; photo via crabbieshollywood.blogspot.com)
