SavageHoutkop
Veteran
- Location
- South Manchester-ish
Well, I was pedalling off to collect something at lunchtime; and when almost there I think someone leaned out of a panel van and yelled something at me (or, at least, I think at me).
Now, I'm a fairly small woman, but in cycling gear I am in high-viz top, with helmet on; and I have short hair so you can't see any (especially in winter with the cold, usually wearing a skullcap or beanie and - although not today - a buff).
I'm wondering if I'd get the same level of general 'yelling' directed at me (there have been several incidents lately; and I don't ride through the dodgiest parts of town either) if I was either clearly a woman (even in high-viz) - think long hair from behind helmet; or alternately if I was riding a proper 'ladies' bike (Dutch style, pref with the basket on the front?). I ride a Brompton; is the fact that it looks odd perhaps contributing? (comments yelled at me in passing are hard to distinguish but are generally not 'nice bike' - although I have had that at least once in the distant past....).
Of course, once it's noted that you're a woman, you might still get yelled at but in a different context?
Anyone else got some experiences to share?
Now, I'm a fairly small woman, but in cycling gear I am in high-viz top, with helmet on; and I have short hair so you can't see any (especially in winter with the cold, usually wearing a skullcap or beanie and - although not today - a buff).
I'm wondering if I'd get the same level of general 'yelling' directed at me (there have been several incidents lately; and I don't ride through the dodgiest parts of town either) if I was either clearly a woman (even in high-viz) - think long hair from behind helmet; or alternately if I was riding a proper 'ladies' bike (Dutch style, pref with the basket on the front?). I ride a Brompton; is the fact that it looks odd perhaps contributing? (comments yelled at me in passing are hard to distinguish but are generally not 'nice bike' - although I have had that at least once in the distant past....).
Of course, once it's noted that you're a woman, you might still get yelled at but in a different context?
Anyone else got some experiences to share?