Simon Druker at News1130 ... uses Laura Jones of the CFIB as his sole source to argue the case that everyone who rides a bike needs special support like showers and so on (ya know, because they stink — see the comments). One source, one opinion, no breadth and contrary to the experience of many people who ride bikes.
Here’s my comment: “What drivel, not surprising since the source of the opinion is Laura Jones of the ever-angry CFIB. It is easy to ride to work, or anywhere else, and arrive in great condition. No one needs to behave like a championship athlete in order to get somewhere on their bike. In addition, people who ride bikes to work are in better condition, healthier, more energetic and happier. Just what you want in an employee.
“This sort of clueless negativity really reveals a larger agenda, since it clearly focuses on only the most negative possible fantasies about people who ride bikes.”
How realistic is it to take part in Bike to Work Week for small business employees?
Despite the weather, it is Bike to Work Week in Metro Vancouver.
While it may seem as simple as strapping on your helmet and a reflective waterproof jacket, it’s not all that easy.
Laura Jones with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says the goal of cycling all five days is not always an attainable one for employees of small and medium businesses.
“It’s a really nice idea and it’s great that it’s optional because for many people, it won’t be super realistic. Of course, you’ve got to be presentable when you come in to work. Not all offices have showers and things that you might need to make that workable in our rainy climate.”
Bigger business and larger office buildings often have more incentives to offer employees to entice them to cycle. Jones says they often have shower and changing facilities along with other amenities that make it a little easier.
The fact school is back in session is also a factor.
“It’s not going to be practical for everyone and it’s certainly not going to be practical for those with kids that they’re dropping off at daycare and that kind of thing,” says Jones.
But she adds if you’re willing to try, most bosses will try their best to accommodate your commute. “Small businesses do try to be flexible. When they have employees who want to do this kind of thing, often they are very supportive of trying to make that work.”
Funny that things I enjoy doing every day should be described as impossible! Apparently I have super powers …
What I wear for cycling depends on the length of the ride, the purpose of the trip and the facilities at the far end. For short trips I do nothing special at all. For longer trips I’ve found that wearing things designed for exercise just makes sense. Some of it is close fitting, some loose fitting, some stretchy and some not at all. I mix and match layers to suit the conditions. My particular combination of body chemistry, fitness level, pace and length of commute demands shower facilities at work. If they weren’t available I’d go back to riding the bus.
But that’s just me. Others get around town all day by bike without needing a shower.
This reminds me of when carnivores speculate on what vegetarians might eat. They go on and on developing all sorts of theories, and getting it all wrong instead of just consulting an actual vegetarian.