Does wearing pink get you more space?

[DCLane]

Odd question I know, but bear with me ...

I've got a pink and grey winter jersey which I use for commuting, along with full-length shorts. En route I've noticed in the 4-5 times that I've worn it I am always given more space by car drivers.

Occasionally I've clearly been ogled, the driver thinking I'm female - they get a shock when they get round to the front .

Is it the pink shirt, with the driver thinking I'm female so they give me more space?

Note, before I get flamed - I don't think female cyclists are dangerous. There's one two desks away from me and she's perfectly safe.

Has anyone else found this?

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Odd question I know, but bear with me ...

I've got a pink and grey winter jersey which I use for commuting, along with full-length shorts. En route I've noticed in the 4-5 times that I've worn it I am always given more space by car drivers.

Occasionally I've clearly been ogled, the driver thinking I'm female - they get a shock when they get round to the front .

Is it the pink shirt, with the driver thinking I'm female so they give me more space?

Note, before I get flamed - I don't think female cyclists are dangerous. There's one two desks away from me and she's perfectly safe.

Has anyone else found this?

There was a recent study on this and it was found to be the case, that drivers give more room to cyclists they perceive to be female. However, I have found this is not always the case.

I am quite clearly female (long hair, pastel coloured clothes, these things stuck on my front side), but I don't always get more room - especially from women drivers.

 

[funnymummy]

I have 3 bikes, when on 2 of them I wear full cycling kit, none of which is pink (well maybe my socks).
The other is a Giant ladies tradtional style stepthrough frame & i've occasionlay been known to wear a skirt on it!

I would say that I definatly get less aggro when on my Giant, than on the Spesh or GT. This maybe down to the fcat i'm obviously female, or it may be down to the way & where I ride.
On my Giant i'd be leisurely toodling at around 6/7mph on local roads, on the others i'd be belting along, especially on the Spesh at over 20mph along main roads/double laned traffic etc

 

[numbnuts]

I have some red Lycra tights and I'm all most sure car drivers give me more space than when I'm wearing my black ones, well they do say wear bright clothes to get you noticed.

 

[Moodyman]

Does pink get more space? Probably.

But it seems to bring a lot of unwanted attention too from young lads and tradesmen type. I think Baggy of this forum has been opushed off her bike.

 

[Pikey]

I think there is something in this you know...

Bearing in mind that i only have about 8 weeks of recent experience to draw on, I stepped out yesterday for my first lycra clad ride having built up the courage, previously having worn baggy shorts etc...

Previously never had a problem with drivers on any of my rides, but yesterday some twelk of a discovery driver tried to overtake me at a pinch point by a traffic island, failed and then practically knocked me off he was so close at the subsequent r'about junction, again failing to overtake.

This was rounded off by him slowing alongside me on the subsequent A road shouting quite profane abuse and waving but not with all of his fingers.

My first lycra rage incident???? Knew i should have bought the pink shorts...



I did ask him politely to discuss it like an adult with me at the next traffic lights.

 

[biggs682]

i dont think it makes much differance at all , but then i dont wear pink so cant comment from experiance

 

[gaz]

On the few occasions that I have gone cycling in high heels and a blond wig, i have indeed got more space from drivers.
** what has been said above may not be based on fact. **

 

[apollo179]

Yes i can credit that you might get more courtresy space from motorists if you represent yourself as a pink female but i cant decide if it amounts to dishonest tactics or wholly fair play. You could argue that it could undermine motorists sympathetic tendencies towards female cyclists thereby acting to the detriment of genuine female cyclists. I would advise against it unlkess you can 100% pass as a genuine woman/girl to a passing motorist.

 

[DCLane]

Yes i can credit that you might get more courtresy space from motorists if you represent yourself as a pink female but i cant decide if it amounts to dishonest tactics or wholly fair play.

Hey! I don't - the shirt's pink and grey just 'cos it's the only winter shirt I've currently got. It's an old T-mobile one.

Don't think I go cross-dressing on my commutes just for the attention!

 

[Mozzy]

I have some red Lycra tights and I'm all most sure car drivers give me more space than when I'm wearing my black ones, well they do say wear bright clothes to get you noticed.

Got any pics? I'd like to see that

 

[ian turner]

Don't think I go cross-dressing on my commutes just for the attention!

Because it fits better and matches your hair ?

 

[coffeejo]

It doesn't matter what colour top I wear, I've only ever noticed motorists giving me more space when I've got my rear lights on just before it gets dark/gloomy and/or or when I'm wearing my hi viz jacket.

However, when I wear my purpley/pinky cycling top, I've noticed that I get far too much attention from (some) male cyclists and pedestrians. Lorries thundering past me on the main road - no problem. Being gawked at - creepy, threatening and horrible.

 

[numbnuts]

Got any pics? I'd like to see that

here, but that is NOT me wearing them

 

[apollo179]

Hey! I don't - the shirt's pink and grey just 'cos it's the only winter shirt I've currently got. It's an old T-mobile one.

Don't think I go cross-dressing on my commutes just for the attention!

I wasnt meaning to critiscise the crossdressing aspect per se - just the morality of accruing benefits of gender under false pretences and the possible ramifications.
What you do in you own time is up to you.