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Does anyone cycle to work? Does anyone in a Leadership position cycle to work?
I ride my bike to work - as much as I can. I would love to ride a cute beach cruiser and have on a cute office friendly outfit - but that's not reality. Reality is either:
1. Me riding a brompton (which admittedly looks like a clown bike but it's a great bike if you have to commute by train as well!), wearing workout clothes and lugging along a bike bag
2. Me riding a full sized bike with a Chrome Industries messenger bag strapped to my back
Then I get into the office and get changed as quickly as I can - hoping nobody sees me.
I love riding! It's so healthy...but it really doesn't "look professional".
Thoughts?
R.E. Gast
Engineer. Ultramarathon Runner. Volunteer.
424
07/14/19 at 1:07AM UTC
I bike to work, and one of the managers in my department occasionally bikes to work as well. We have a pretty casual dress code, though, so that helps a lot. I definitely wear longer workout bottoms when I'm commuting, but I'm proud to be bringing my bike helmet inside the office each morning! Other people are generally impressed and have only had positive comments.
Anonymous
07/12/19 at 8:03PM UTC
I used to ride my bike to work! I'd come in a bit sweaty and gross and used a backpack but it was fine. I think riding to work is great and gets your heart pumping/saves the environment a bit and is wonderful.
Jennie MontañoStrategic Influencer
108
07/12/19 at 7:27PM UTC
I work remotely now so not so applicable to me but for six years, I rode my bike into work 2-3 times a week. All our buildings have a locker room for commuters (or people to freshen up after running at lunch) so it was easy to change when I got into work.
I also led the Bike to Work Day groups a few years in a row which is a great networking and leadership opportunity.
Riding to work was a great way for me to get my workout in so I was a more productive employee. Morning exercise made me focused and energized.
Hope you can make this work for you
Carrie TopolskiEmpowering women and beyond!
2.34k
07/12/19 at 5:15PM UTC
I was questioning the Leadership position portion of the question. I don't think it matters either way. We have employees and leaders that bike to work. It shouldn't make a difference what position you're in.
Emma RogersLuxury hotel pro by day, crafter by night
124
07/12/19 at 3:36PM UTC
I'm curios as to why you feel it isn't professional? I cycle to work every day in bike clothes and change when I arrive, as do many others in my office. I do have the benefit of a locker room, but haven't ever felt like I was being unprofessional with my commute.
Anonymous
07/12/19 at 4:02PM UTC
Once I get in - I change - but I'm still left to lug my bike bag and helmet into my office (I store my bike in the bike room). Everyone else is walking in with their office bag and heels and I'm lugging a chrome messenger bag on my back with my gym shoes still on (I keep an entire shoe collection in my office so I change once I get in).
It's worse in the winter or rain when I've got to have extra gear...lights (I've got lights for my body, bike and tires...so I'm lit up like a christmas tree), rain poncho, etc. I keep as much with my bike as possible but I'm usually lugging something back to the office (gotta charge the lights, etc). When I'm charging lights - they are on my desk.
The worse the weather, the worse the situation. In the winter - I end up not having an "office appropriate" jacket on hand. Coworkers want to go to lunch? Let me toss on my Rapha cycling jacket with my suit....score! lol...It looks ridiculous!
I try not to keep an entire wardrobe in my office...but I have a shoe collection plus additional clothes (because once my coffee spilled all over my outfit). In the winter I need a jacket. It's like a double wardrobe...all so I can ride my bike.
I've been commuting by bike for several years so believe me - none of this stops me. But I'm curious how others handle this or think about it.
Carrie TopolskiEmpowering women and beyond!
2.34k
07/12/19 at 5:39PM UTC
I think finding the right essentials for your office wardrobe may help you. That way you have something that is versatile and be used for many outfits. Many ladies here keep a blazer and neutral color flats or heels in their office so if they need to dress up quickly they can just by changing a couple of items.
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