I’m on the fence with these informal Tweed Rides every city is having. I like that the organizers are trying to let the locals know that you can get out on a bike without wearing neon Lycra and a shirt covered in advertisements. I also like that they employ more of a law abiding attitude than the Critical Mass folks while still opening their arms to all facets of the cycling culture (as long as they’re willing to wear tweed). What I don’t like is that you’re supposed to wear tweed and use phrases like “foppish dandy” and “the local constabulary impounded my penny-farthing.” It likely gives non-cyclists the impression that bikers are more into World-of-Warcraft and playing dress-up than just normal people riding bikes.

Tags: boston, commute, critical mass, group ride, new york, tweed