Jeremy Vine tells cyclists to "cycle in anything you like" — wants media portrayal of cyclists to move away from Lycra and race bikes

Getting rid of the tribalistic mentality that prevails would help. It doesn't have to be one or the other, cyclist or driver, especially outside of the blinkered London mentality Vine has. Outside of London it does sadly still makes sense to have a car in many places, but can also makes sense to use a bike for many journeys. I am probably cycling more miles that I drive these days, but with woeful public transport still own a car. Promoting cycles and cycle accessories that allow using a bike more would also help, as well as a certain type of cyclist just STFU about using mudguards being stupid or making you "not a proper cyclist". Both mudgaurds and a pannier rack are a permanent fixture on my bike and its that which means if I need to pop to town for a couple of things I will choose the bike over the car.

As well as this, absolutely wear what you like but also lets get past the idea that cycle specific clothing is the preserve of the peloton. My nuts thank me every time I go for a long ride that I started not caring what I look like if I am on long ride. Jeans are fine for my commute of around 10 miles but beyond that lycra can be better.

Well, just remember that your work suit is not available in hi Viz, so I'm not sure how wearing ordinary clothes will work with the "But cyclists..." brigade.

I remember my commute in the 80s from Kingstanding to Aldridge, assisted by many a tow from those fine gents at WM Travel, my cycling outfit was a pair of cycle clips, and some waterproof trousers that were as suitable for walking as riding.

In my view 4,300 miles a year is a lot. It would take dedication and be more than just daily commuting.

Also, assuming you work 5 days a week, commute by bike every working day, get 4 weeks annual leave, plus another 10 days off for public holidays then you're really looking at a daily commute of over 9 miles each way. That's a long commute and one that's certainly pushing into the sport rider territory.

The article says "there is no reason why a cyclist who does not identify as a sport rider could rack up the necessary eight-mile-long daily commute to hit the 4,300-mile number" - please check your maths! If your daily commute is 8 miles it would take 537 days to cycle which is longer than a year. Giving the benefit of the doubt that he meant 8 miles each way then that's a long commute! And even with a 16 mile round trip it would take 54 weeks to complete assuming you only work 5 days a week.

What's my take

Cycling isn't yet part of the culture in the UK and so there is no folk wisdom on what makes a sensible bike. Far too many people buy cheap heavy mountain bikes with derailleur gears and disc brakes. For most people, their bike should look like this:

700cx32 tyres
Between 3 and 7 hub gears.
Rim brakes, preferably coaster brake on the rear.
Straight handlebars
Full mudguards
Rear rack.
Lights
£500 new

This very standard bike is pretty much the default across the continent, yet here in the UK is seldom seen. When Halfords sells this bike, and it is their most popular model, then we'll know we've arrived.

The only cycling specific clothing I've worn in the 45-ish years since I learnt to ride are gloves although I started wearing a helmet about 5 years ago and bought a reflective cycling jacket 3 years ago.

Other than them it's street or work clothes. I have bought multiple brightly coloured Nike Dry Fit T shirts which are fantastic for summer rides so maybe they could count too.

I can't imagine what business it is of anyone else's whether you want to ride in lycra, a suit or a dressing gown and slippers? Better to be on a bike and realise you may choose different clothing next time than not to cycle at all.

"In short, wear whatever you like while riding your bike..."

It's all about functionality and purpose. I prefer some kind of activewear - be it lycra, synthetic MTB jerseys or some kind of sweat-wicking, comfy material - when riding almost everywhere, primarily because I rarely ever need to ride a bike for short distances when 'street' clothes would not get too sweaty, uncomfortable or inefficient (think riding up shirt, belt digging into my waist). For such short journeys, walking or taking public transport I find to be more effective. On the odd occasion that I do ride in my street clothes, it's to the shops or short errands where such clothing is perfectly fine.

I would argue that for the very specific case that JV points to i.e. getting beginners into cycling as a utility thing, then it pays to not be fussy about clothing. However, almost inevitably most people will make the choice to wear something apart from their regular clothes to improve their comfort on the bike.

In terms of persuading non-cyclists to have a go I think Vine has a point. However, in terms of ending the bigotry against cyclists I don't think it will make any difference - it will just be one step along the way to cyclists being accepted once they are, in all respects, the same as non-cyclists - i.e. they've discarded the bicycle along with the lycra.

Quote:

there is no reason why a cyclist who does not identify as a sport rider could rack up the necessary eight-mile-long daily commute

Are we missing another "not" in there?

You could argue the same about running at one point. People out in their short shorts, skin tight tops and fancy running shoes, but (in my opinion) ParkRun has done wonders to open up running to everyone. My local ParkRun has the 17 minute runners right along with the 57 minute runners.

I am a runner, so over the years I have aquired running lycra and simply used those when I started cycling. I have been trying to convince other people from work to cycle for 18 months now - not a single one of them has made the "I can't cycle because I don't want to wear lycra" excuse. Cold/ wet/ hilly/ take too long/ don't feel safe - but never "people might see my bits" (by the way - I am yet to convince anyone else to cycle)

on the media picking bad photos to illustrate cycling stories, absolutely. The article I shared last week about Suffolk county council getting 7.9million pounds to invest in active travel improvements was illustrated with a picture from one of the Womens road races from 2016 held in Suffolk, regardless of which race it was, a bunch of Elite/Cat1 riders racing on Suffolk roads does not illustrate building a mini holland.

but tbh when you start digging into most topics the media cover, they always have a knack of picking completely the wrong type of photo, cycling is not unique in that regard.

so I dont think thats the problem, its just alot of people seem to get hung up by the "lycra thing". I mean I could wear some yoga leggings, tank top and a hoodie to ride a bike, all made of lycra yet those would be considered "normal/street casual" clothes, but my cycling jersey/shorts combo made with the same material, even can be made by the same clothing company, in the same colours if I want, somehow isnt ?  thats just the person reacting to it as an issue problem, not mine.