Cycle Chic Guide #4 - DIY Skirtguards for the People

A propos the discussions on our Cycle Chic Guide #3 - Cycling in Skirts and Dresses about how skirtguards are hard to find in North America we thought we'd be creative. Or at least tell other people to be creative.

Initially, I considered rallying the Cycle Chic troops for a Skirtguard Activism Event. Getting everyone who reads this blog in countries where skirtguards and other basic bicycle equipment are scarce to show up at their local bicycle shop and ask if they have skirtguards. All over the world at the same time of day, bicycle shop assistants would be bewildered about requests for this alien accessory. They would chat about it on their forums and Google's most searched for word would be "skirtguard"... or "skirtguard + paris hilton sex video" - at least for a few hours.

But hey. Skirtguards aren't that hard to make. If you have a fender you could easily attach a home-made version. The photo at the top was taken in Riga, Latvia at the Dreams on Wheels exhibition. It's an old Soviet bicycle with a crocheted skirtguard fitted by drilling holes in the fender and attaching them to a thingy down by the middle of the wheel.


Here's a modern version on a new Viva bike. Looks rather simple. You can use whatever colour you like. Be creative. Many bicycles have a little eyelet on the back forks which is perfect for attaching stuff.

These two examples show the way most skirtguards looked for decades.


Here's an alternative if you're good with scissors and crap with a drill. Get a piece of fabric of some sort and cut it out so that it drapes over the fender.

The hand-written text reads, from left: Fingerprint reader, Theft Secured, GPS Survelliance, Neighbourhood Watch. :-)


Here's another inspirational example of the 'drape-over-fender-version'

A screen that clips onto the fenders is one of the most popular versions here in Denmark. Perhaps they're not THAT practical since I seen them lying around the streets quite often. Maybe you just need to secure a bit better.

The cool thing is you can customise them as you please, painting on them or stickering them. See the now defunct Jollybike for more inspiration.


Alternatively, you can merely place a large object - in this case your girlfriend - on the back rack and your coattails will be just fine.

There is a tutorial out there about making your own with fabric and plastic strips. Practical but not that Cycle Chic.

Any bright ideas out there, darling readers? Do share. Do share.