I spotted this Fashionisto on the lawns of Voorhees Mall; he sat on the grass, leaning against a tree trunk, reading a book. Next to him stood a quirky bike, complete with a wooden basket and a small blue banner featuring a yellow equal sign for the Human Rights Campaign. He wore a camel jacket over a vest and red plaid shirt, cuffed blue jeans, stripped socks and brown oxfords.
After I shyly approached him to take his photo (I hate interrupting those studying) he nicely asked if I wanted to have the bike featured behind him as an accessory. I hadn't even considered the possibility that bikes could be “accessories.” Why not though? Bikes often reflect their owners personalities and can easily serve as (useful) complements to someone's outfit.
At Rutgers, bikers constitute a relatively small but noticeable population. When walking around campus (I am bike-less) I've seen a variety of bikers with a variety of bikes, slender and light to bulky and geared. The most interesting bikes I've spotted usually reside in the bike stands outside Murray Hall, the regaled home of English department.
For those looking for a bike on campus, consider buying a bike online or renting a bike through our university's pilot bike rental program; currently, bikes cost $10 per month or $25 per semester. Once you have your bike, consider adding accessories to your wheeled accessory. Etsy sells “bikeburritos” that let you carry bike essentials (ex. repair tools) in a neatly wrapped cloth burrito that you can attach to your bike. And don't forget about all the other bells and whistles you can add.
A few extra suggestions: when riding your bike, use bike lanes whenever possible, make use of reflectors at night and try not to run into pedestrians. Stay fashionable, confident and safe as you cycle on.
Spotted: Bikes on the runway for London's 2012 Fashion Week.
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