Stylish cycling to me means being able to express my evolving style while I commute but never compromising safety. I try to ride my bike to work every day because it combines many of the things I am passionate about – fun, fitness, and a commitment to improving the environment. My ride isn’t too long, so for 8-9 months of the year I bike to work in my everyday clothes and shoes (except that I can’t bike in pencil skirts, which I switch out with bike shorts for the ride).

To be safe, I always wear a helmet (I’ve been hit by a car twice, even though I live in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US) and use lights at dusk and in the dark. And because I try to ride for most of the winter here in Minnesota (until the temps get down to about -10 F), I need to dress properly. As the temperatures drop, I add layers – first, gloves and a headband, then windpants and a hat, and on really cold days, I’m decked out in fleece pants, windpants, fleece mittens, overmits, puffer coat, headband, balaclava, and clear glasses to protect my eyes and skin from the cold. All of this goes over my regular clothes. I keep my shoes and boots in my office and bike in snow boots. There’s nothing stylish about me when I bike in the winter, but I’m safe and warm!

I love the Public bikes because they are so commuter-friendly – my old mountain bike has a crossbar which makes it hard to mount and dismount in a dress or skirt, and no chain guard or fenders, so I have to worry about chain grease and grit and water when it rains. I love the idea of European bikes that are designed for all kinds of cyclists – young, old, fit, not fit, dressy, casual. It’s great to see a company promoting that culture in the US!