Photo by thepostalservice via flickr
In response to our inquiry yesterday on bicycle harassment in DC, Amanda Hess from the Washington City Paper writes about her own experiences on being harassed while biking around DC and explores some of the reasons why bikers get harassed.
My experience biking in the city has been similar to Reed’s, though the harassment I’ve experienced has been less sartorially-motivated. Usually, just biking while female is enough. And I think I’ve figured out what it is about a woman on a bike that attracts such unwelcome attention.
It’s an easy in. When it comes to picking up women, pick-up artists will tell you that the initial contact is often the hardest part. When your female target is perched atop a big, mobile metal contraption, would-be harassers have an easy way to spark conversation—or harassment. I’d say half the harassers who have targeted me on my bike resort to variations the same line: “Wish I were that seat.” Simple, offensive, effective.
Bikers are a natural outlet for road rage. Bikers—whether preventing the driver’s ability to drift thoughtlessly into the bike lane, or turn right without looking at who they might swipe in the process—are a constant annoyance to drivers. I’ve experienced my share of non-sexual harassment while biking as well—but it’s a short leap from road rage to sexist verbal bashing. See: General outrage at “women drivers” of all vehicles.
