Rider’s manual

Photograph: Ben Norman

DO: Ride a trike
“I need a bike that can carry me, my son and my dog. On a trike, I have lots of storage and I’m able to wear heels and wedges because I don’t need to balance myself when I’m stopped at a red light.”

DON’T: Wear wide-leg pants
“Once, I was wearing a pair of wide-leg pants and they got caught in the spokes. Finally a guy came along and had to cut me out! I was on my way to work, too!”

DO: Wear dresses
“Dresses and skirts are the easiest to ride in because your legs are free. Even in the winter, just throw on a pair of thick tights and you’re all set. Just sit on the extra fabric so it doesn’t get caught in the wheel.”

DON’T: Wear fitted dresses
“The only time wearing a dress presents a problem is when it’s a really fitted dress. Then I’ll lift it up around my waist and put on leggings. But I’ll have to stop a block away from the office to duck behind a trash can and take them off.”

DO: Have a “whatever” attitude
“I’m sure I’ve flashed people and I don’t really care. It’s happened if my dress isn’t quite long enough. But it’s New York City, am I ever going to see those people again? Probably not. Whatever, you can’t be bothered with worrying about it.”

DON’T: Wear biker gear
“Stay away from spandex! I’ve never understood why you’d wear more athletic-looking clothing just because you’re on a bike. I’m a commuter, not a hard-core biker.”

DON’T: Ride near a car from New Jersey
“Every time I’ve almost been run off the road, it’s been by a car with Jersey plates.”