Especially new cyclists often wonder if it is embarrassing to ride a bike to work. While you have not much to worry about, there are some things you should keep in mind when bike commuting.
Is it embarrassing to ride a bike to work?
It is not embarrassing to ride a bike to work. In fact, it’s quite the opposite: You’re getting a workout, reducing emissions, AND saving money – all before 9am. You only have to make sure to avoid these common pitfalls before arriving at the office.
Why do people feel embarrassed to ride a bike to work?
People often assume that others will think less of them for riding a bike to work. They think they will be perceived as:
- Poor: Not owning a car or not able to afford gas and insurance rates.
- Marginalized: American cities are made for cars, not bicycles. So cyclists are worth less.
- Unprofessional: Arriving sweaty at work will look gross to coworkers.
- Dorky: Bicyles are for little girls, not for grown men.
- Dorky (Version 2): Being overweight will invite people to make mean jokes.
What will people really think of me when I ride a bike to work?
The answer is: Probably not a whole lot.
People generally think way less about us than we think they do.
Just take yourself for example:
- Do you really care if other people are vegan?
- Do you care if they are married or single?
- If they have kids or not?
- If they drive an electric car?
- What job they have?
- Or if they floss every night?
If you are anything like me, then you probably spend little time on questioning other peoples’ lifestyles. Yet we all sometimes obsess about What other people may think.
But here is the flip side:
Most people would probably think more highly of you if they knew you rode your bike to work every day.
What people would actually think about you if they knew – and cared – about your bike commute
This is how badass most people will see you as when you commute to work on a bike everyday. It amy even make you feel a little superior to poor drivers in their cars.
- You are getting a good excercise, reducing your carbon footprint, and saving A LOT of money on gas. All before even getting to work.
- And then again after everyone else packs up and drives home. You’re literally going the extra mile.
- You will get to the office much more awake than anybody else (no coffee needed).
- You’re proving that you are determined and tough – especially after riding through the rain or cold.
- You’re smart. Often times cycling is the fastest way to get from A to B in a city.
So don’t worry one bit about other people when riding a bicycle to work.
You’re doing great and just keep at it.
Just try to avoid some common pitfalls. Because in some cases you may look less than professional after a bike ride.
Here’s what not to do.
Things to avoid when riding a bike to work
While it’s probably the single coolest way to get to work, there are some pitfalls to avoid when bike commuting.
- Don’t go too fast. That’s when you start sweating. And sweating is the one big issue when riding a bike to work. You can find useful tips about freshening up after a sweaty commute here.
- Don’t arrive at the office out of breath or with a red face. Even if you’re on time, it will make you look like you are late.
- Comb your hair before you enter the office. Helmet hair is real. We can’t see ourselves after a bike ride but believe me: Your hair does not look like it did before you got on your bike.
- Wear layers of breathable clothes. Good weather requires thin, breathable clothes. Cold weather requires thin layers of breathable clothes. And wet weather requires (you guessed it) layers of breathable clothes that keep you dry. You can always shed a layer to get comfortable. But you may be in trouble if you ride in a thick winter coat and heat up (or sweat) too much.
- Avoid puddles and put mud guards on your bikes. Avoid that nasty greyish brown spray on your pant legs and back.
- Make sure you have a chain guard on your bike. Because chain oil on your right pant leg is very unprofessional.
This is a short list, and probably not complete.
It could also include special cases like “keep extra distance to puddles that a fast car is about to go through“.
But that would take it too far.
Because the truth is, things will go wrong at times.
And you’ll survive.
What should I do after a mud-storm has caught me off guard and i need to go through the office to get to the only washroom?
Great question. Glad you asked.
You will get wet at some point, you will get muddy, you may blow a tire and get to the office late.
But that’s life.
If you have commuted for a while without incidents, you probably don’t even have to worry about it.
Just own up to it, laugh about it, take care of it, and get to work.
That may be easier said than done.
But it’s only a big deal if you make it one.
Sure, it may be awkward the first time something happens. But how often is it realistically going to be? Two times a year, maybe three times?
That is still going to be around 240 days a year where everything goes well.
That’s pretty good if you ask me.
So there is no need to stress.
But what if you still feel uncomfortable?
If anything like that is still a big deal and makes you uncomfortable at work, then the sad truth might be: Maybe this is not the right place to work for you.
40 hours a week is a long time to not be able to be yourself and worry-free.
I’m not saying you should storm into your boss’ office tomorrow and hand in your resignation.
I’m just saying that maybe there is a better work environment out there where you wouldn’t even worry about small things like this.
Maybe a place with other cyclists or a safe environment of trust and respect.
Summary
So, is it embarrassing to ride a bike to work?
Don’t overthink it. It’s not emberrassing at all.
Most people don’t care how you got to the office this morning.
You don’t even have to let anyone know. Just park your bike 2 blocks away and walk the rest if necessary.
But really, any cyclist proves every morning that they are tougher, live healthier, and help the environment by riding to work every day.
They also save a significant amount of their paycheck every month. Especially when compared to car-driving coworkers with the same pay.
Just learn how to bike to work without getting sweaty, stay professional, and it’s not a big deal.
If it gets blown out of proportion by your coworker or your boss, then maybe it has nothing to do with cycling and it’s time to move on.
But most people are nice and respectful. They would probably think more highly of you if they knew about your commute.
Maybe you would inspire them to ride their bikes, too.
Or they might even like to join you on your daily commute.
