green is the new black

green is the new black: "

going green is classic...even more classic than the little black dress!"

posh pedaling tip o' the day: how to jazz up a bike helmet

After a few days of urban(e) cycling, I realized there is a short list of indispensable tips that simply must be conveyed to any would-be bicycling diva. I'm not talking about the same tips that were conveyed to me as I picked out my (glossy white Bern) helmet at the local cycle shop—things like "you should always signal when turning" or "you have to obey all the traffic rules pertinent to cars and trucks" or "a helmet is the only thing between your upstairs equipment and pavement, so wear it!" Don't get me wrong: those are all necessary things to consider if you're going to be a safe and courteous rider (as you should want to be). But what about the little details that I know are going to nag at you like they nagged at me: questions like "is there any way to jazz up my helmet?" "Can I wear dresses or skirts, or goodness golly, heels?" "What are some 'must have' bicycle accessories?" "Why don't more girls bike to work?" (I'm sure I'll be nagged by more questions that I simply must research or take to the test lane.)

But today, let's start small and talk about helmets. You should definitely wear one. They are not the most fashionable headgear, but according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, 95% of cyclist fatalities are correlated with not wearing a helmet. Scary. Unfortunately, helmets are still majorly eschewed by all manners of chic cyclists, with cute girls being some of the primary offenders (along with certain important political figures [I MEAN YOU, OBAMA!], as shown here.)

Check out Shelly of RidingPretty in her lovely covered helmet!!!

There are ways to remedy the ugly helmet conundrum. Most notably, lovely things called "bicycle helmet covers." Note: they seem to work best on rounded helmet styles (like Bern's Watt or Berkeley and Bell's Faction). If you're in the market for a simple, fashionable helmet, be sure to check out these multisport models.

• So, what's the way to jazz up my helmet?

Stylish girl, you are in luck with bicycle helmet covers! They come in a variety of fabrics (polyester, nylon, wool, and tweed) for a variety of purposes (staving off rain and snow, retaining head heat, and looking good.) Since a primary focus is staying safe while looking good, I highly recommend RidingPretty's spun mock-wool covers. They are very retro chic, come in a variety of colors, and are eco-friendly to boot (made from recycled plastic bottles!) Check them out here.

If you are into more streamlined, cap-style helmet covers, be sure to check out Danish designer Yakkay's covers. The striped canvas and multicolored tweed models are particularly cute. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like any US retailer has picked up the line yet, but you can order from Yakkay's website, or from 50 Cycles in the UK.

Painting helmets doesn't come highly recommended, unless you're hiring a professional to airbrush your helmet. Because bicycle helmets come in a variety of materials and finishes that may not be impervious to permanent paints, you don't want to start painting and have issues like paint not sticking, a gloopy, streaky effect, or somehow corrode or melt the helmet padding with whatever toxic sludge you're using.

• What about the much-dreaded 'helmet head' effect?

It's as simple as having hairspray, bobby pins, a ponytail holder, and a brush in your bag. Either gather your hair into a loose, low ponytail (so hot right now), twist and secure into a chignon after a vigorous brushing, or spray away and pin for a bohemian updo. In all of five minutes, you can look polished and professional (complete with that remarkable glow you get from a brisk ride.)

how it all began...

The last time I remember riding a bike (and really enjoying it) had to be at least a decade and a half ago. I remember barreling around my small hometown and zipping down the biggest hill I could find only to walk my Huffy back up to try it again (this time, no hand-braking!). I could circle a single building for hours, watching the light change and feeling the wind lash through my hair and tickle my neck. I was happy. And on that bike, I could fly.

Fast forward to 2009. I found myself in metro Boston, sans car, walking to work every day with my enormous handbag, gym bag, nylon grocery bag, Michael Kors coat and LL Bean duck boots to the tune of my cellphone ringing (which I was often unable to locate in my multiple carryables). A fateful day not too long ago, I decided that I had had enough of the sore back; that the 5-mile roundtrip was wreaking havoc on my shins and my sanity; and that stocking up at Trader Joe's was becoming more and more difficult. That day, I started shopping for a bike.

Disappointments abounded as perfectly pleasing bikes were sold from right under my nose-the vintage Schwinns and Raleighs that I stayed up to all hours researching and salivating over (between frequent visits to eBay) were always the first to go. And then-with a lot of finagling and a frenzied trip to Central Square with a roll of cash in pocket-I zipped away with a Raleigh 3 speed in cocoa, only to get nearly creamed on my first ride down Mass Ave during rush hour. My first ride was terrifying. And then I felt it. The wind lashing through my hair and tickling my neck. The sun beaming on me. And the feeling that with an open bike lane, I could fly.

So this blog is a bit about my foray into owning a bike again and a lot about melding style, functionality, and joie de vivre on the road. After all-as my mom might say if she were more fond of pithy aphorisms-nothing makes the world smile quite like a cute girl on a bicycle.