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@Skülly
In the last CTC mag, in their regular For v Against column, two writers argued this point. The writer for had some pretty predictable points that news-worthy successes in cycling helped the lot of the average cyclist, since non-cyclists were more aware, appreciative or respectful of the needs of cyclists. The writer against made the point that sport-focussed awareness of cycling meant that utility, transport and general wellbeing ascpects of cycling could be sidelined, since sport might be seen as the only proper place for cycling, the world of lycra, helmets, competitiveness and fitness being the only image being projected positively into the mainstream. Could this sporty, physically demanding, structured kind of cycling might be said to discourage uptake of cycling for transport or utility, since it projects the idea that there is a 'proper' kind of cyclist, and a 'weirdo' kind of cycling?
It intrigued me. I have little interest in competitive cycling. I haven't really heard this discussion before. Did anyone else read it? What are your thoughts? Is competitive cycling good for the work of those who are trying to encourage a perception shift in transport terms? Does it matter?