In a world where ‘athleisure wear’ is a thing and the sneaker is the biggest selling shoe, in a town that is home to Lulu Lemon and MEC, it’s not news that we signal through our clothing that we are active, outdoor-loving people. I was contemplating that when taking a crowded Seabus the other day and noticed this:
By far the majority of people had backpacks or bags slung over their shoulders. They’re a very practical way, of course, to carry all our daily needs – or go for a day hike. Which in a way is what we’re doing more and more as we switch from mode to mode in our daily journeys, and walk between them.
It’s well-correlated common sense that transit users get more physical activity. Now with more frequent transit (and even car share, which often requires a short walk), we’re walking (and measuring our walks) more often. Even with cycling and bike-share, a backpack makes the most sense. Not surprising, then, that we choose our clothing to match our active-transport needs, and make a fashion statement about our lifestyle as we do.
But remember to take off the backpack and hold by your side during the trip so you don’t take up as much space or sideswipe another passenger.
https://www.translink.ca/Rider-Guide/Etiquette-on-Transit.aspx
https://www.translink.ca/-/media/Images/content/rider_guide/etiquette/ECEtiquette-BackpacksOff.png?la=en&hash=F31D5BA3A805CC5A205C0E149AC18A4EE8C6553A
http://blog.chooseyourwaybellevue.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/big-bag-1020×510.jpg