When you get on a bike, do you think about how others see you? Maybe you choose your clothing with comfort in mind, visibility to stay safe in traffic, or simply because it’s what you have on hand. But what if I told you that what you wear while pedalling could change the way others perceive you? That’s the finding of a recent study that has put the spotlight on the relationship between cyclists’ clothing and how they are perceived on the road.
What does the study say?
The responses of 563 people were analysed, and the results have fascinated the entire community. 30% of the people surveyed consider cyclists to be “less than fully human.” Wait, what? Yes, just as you read, and that’s not the worst thing, but the negative perception increases as cyclists used helmets or reflective vests. According to the researchers, this “dehumanization” is caused by safety elements (mostly helmets and sunglasses) because they block the vision of the hair and eyes of bikeusers.
What have social media users said?
Obviously, this study has been shared among a number of social media users, with many cyclists sharing their experiences which reinforce the result of this study and confirming that they too are treated differently depending on how they are dressed, as problems on the roads are something that cyclists face practically every day.
One cyclist commented: “I find that drivers respect me more when I wear normal clothes rather than the typical cycling gear.” Another user added: “Perhaps drivers see the cyclist in full gear as a Tour de France competitor, rather than a ‘normal citizen’.”
Humanising cycling?
The problem of the dehumanisation of cyclists is more serious than it seems. Often, this perception is linked to the lack of adequate infrastructure for bicycles in cities, but, already in countries such as Denmark (which has an impressive network of cycle paths) they demonstrate that when cycling is normalised, the way people perceive it also changes, encouraging greater respect and safety on the roads.
Are there proposals to improve this fact?
In a humorous but somewhat satirical way, there are those who have proposed wearing messages on clothing such as ‘father of two, be kind’, to show four-wheeled vehicles that, behind every cyclist there is a person with a story who also deserves to get home.
And you? Have you ever thought about how what you wear could influence the way others perceive you? Maybe it’s time to reflect on how our habits and attitudes can change the cycling landscape for the better and also make your journeys on the roads safer!