10 June 2010

Men On Bikes Are Sexy

Green Streets Initiative Flyer
Oh yes, they're good role models too, and all that. Still this flyer for the Green Streets Initiative leaves that extremely important aspect out of their call to action.

Whatever reason you ultimately choose, men we'd like to see you riding your bikes.

13 comments:

Vertigo said...

but why target only one gender?

Velouria said...

Interesting with the emphasis on men - I wonder whether that's due to Father's Day.

margonaute said...

Even better than men on bikes?

Men in suits on bikes! Swoon!

Charlotte said...

I took this photo a little while ago (digging deep here!) so I think it's less to do with Father's Day and more to do with perceptions of machismo and power associated with cars. But I could be wrong!

Margonaute, you're so right. Sigh.

Dottie said...

Ummmm...don't like that at all.

Dottie said...

That is, I don't like that the poster targets MEN only, especially since the majority of people on bikes are already men. Just seems icky to me.

Steve R said...

That little black & white biker image on the poster looks... old. Old and sad. The poster won't win awards, I'm sorry to say. Good sentiments, but... a swing & a miss. Who but who actually aspires to be a role model? I mean, we all say we want to be role models, but...

How about:

{Picture of leering fat slob in t-shirt driving a Porsche.}
Any fat slob can drive. Get your butt in shape. Bike to work.
{Picture of fit man in bespoke suit astride a Batavus.}

Steve R said...

Hey, look, men on bikes! (and Charlotte): http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/06/13/cyclists_forgoing_bike_clothes_to_commute_in_heels_and_suits/

A Parisian Cyclist said...

Not only men, not only men, Charlotte! But it's true that as all the body is exposed while riding a bicycle, which is not the case with a car, we, as cyclist, really have to take care of our dress code.

Charlotte M. said...

Interesting! What does wear green bike green get rewarded mean? Can I get rewarded for wearing green while I bike?

p.s. check out my new blog about cool longer distance bike rides to do around boston!

http://bostonbicycle.blogspot.com/

Charlotte said...

Hey Dottie,
I think it is targeting men because men don't commute to work on a bike - they race the carbon fiber rocketship around in lycra (sporty!!!) and then drive a fancy car to work.
There is something humble to using a bike for utility, and perhaps women are better at that. Perhaps my perceptions are wrong?

She Rides a Bike said...

I think the ad is meant to challenge the notion of a man's worth being tied to status symbols like cars. I like the thought behind the ad but agree the image is uninteresting. More subtle text and an eye-catching image would improve the ad.

Charlotte said...

Charlotte M,
I wonder if you've been doing some organized rides around Boston? There is a Charlotte M with whom I was recently confused, it would be funny if that's you.
:)