Practical, safe and cost conscious, streetwise urban riders choose function over fashion. Their preflight checks run a little like this: helmet, tick; weather proof clothing, tick; lights, tick; panniers, tick.

Then they swing a leg over their folding hybrid. Practicality has a chic all of its own. Albeit one that’s a might tricky to explain to the uninitiated. Used day in, day out, commuter bikes and their riders acquire a grimy purposeful look that is, to the uninitiated, not all that appealing.

The image: Green, practical, economical, planet saver.

Bike: Mezzo, Dahon, Airnimal, if you can’t afford one consider the big name commuter hybrids.

Fashion: Tight fitting, man made materials with plenty of reflective strips.

Media: Daily newspapers, Practical Parenting and Grand Designs magazine.