Stylish cycling is everywhere! Stylish cycling is the hipster in black skinnies with a u-lock in his backpocket, the triathelete in bright lycra clipped into her pedals on a training ride, the dad in jeans and sneakers, towing his toddler in a trailer behind him. We all have different styles, but when cyclists pass each other on the road, we nod to each other, sharing the joy and freedom of being on a bike.

I cycle almost everyday and almost everywhere. When I cycle, I like to wear my regular clothes. Photos 1 and 2 show an outfit I wore this week to work, tucking jeans into boots to prevent them from being caught in the chain. Also shown is my fabulous pannier that holds my laptop and lunch, clips in seconds into my back rack, and clips off to transform into a shoulder bag when I get to work. A jacket with a zipper allows me to unzip as I get hot. On my bike you can see the cages for a water bottle and my coffee mug on my bike, a must for working! Photos 3 and 4 were taken this weekend when my husband and I biked out to dinner, wearing a silk blouse, skinny jeans and oxfords with my shoulder bag-pannier. (I am laughing because he was trying to take photos while cycling next to me while watching for traffic, not an easy feat!) The last photo was taken this winter and shows how I cycle in snow or rain, with a bright parka that snaps open when I get hot. I pop a beanie under my helmet to keep my head warm, and zip up into waterproof boots. On my bike rack is my work pannier, and also a second pannier that opens for a grocery bag.

I have not seen PUBLIC bikes in my city, but I see that PUBLIC bikes have features that are fantastic for urban biking. A steel frame (in snappy colors!) is wonderful for rough city roads, and cushions the ride. Racks on the bike allow one to carry the paraphernalia of daily life without the strain of a backpack. I am impressed that PUBLIC bikes are functional, equipped with color-coordinated chainguards and fenders to keep clothes grime-free. The bikes are beautiful.

My family of four has a herd of bicycles. Mine is a 4 yr old Surly LHT that is perfect for my urban ride, and for touring, although I wish it had a chainguard. My husband rides a 1988 steel Panasonic, and my teen daughter has inherited my 1983 Centurion steel-frame bike. We love our rides, but my teen son rides a 1992 mountain bike that is heavy and, well, boring. If I won the competition, my son would love to ride the PUBLIC bike. (EDIT: He may have competition from his sister though!) In addition to practical features, PUBLIC bikes have soul. I am delighted to see a vibrant company promoting a way of life that is my passion. Introducing these lovely bikes to cities can counter the isolation of people sequestered in fast-moving cars, bringing together disparate groups of people to share the dynamic experience of city life.

Thank you to Angie and Rob for this wonderful competition!